Fitness
Over 50 per cent women ditch exercise because of low self-confidence, data shows
MORE than half of women ‘drop out’ of exercise – because of a lack of time, low self-confidence, not feeling sporty enough and the cost of gyms.
A worldwide study which spoke to over 1,000 UK adults found 61 per cent of the mothers polled cited their parenting responsibilities as a reason for not being as physically active as they would like.
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But just 34 per cent of men perceived a lack of time as a barrier to exercise for women, compared to 80 per cent of women reporting this.
Instead, men thought body insecurities were the leading problem – with 58 per cent citing this as the main obstacle.
The research was conducted by ASICS as part of its study on the gender exercise gap, which saw the sportswear brand survey nearly 25,000 people in 40 countries and conduct 26 focus groups.
Dr Dee Dlugonski, the assistant professor for the Sports Medicine Research Institute at the University of Kentucky, which led the research, said: “Our study showed that the gender exercise gap is a complex challenge which did not develop overnight.
“Given it has no sole cause, it will not be solved with one single solution.
“But when asked what could help, women noted that making movement more accessible, inclusive, and recognised in all forms, while challenging society’s gendered expectations, would support them in moving more.
“This includes making exercise centred around women and their needs.
“From providing childcare and catering for all activity levels, to fitting around work, being fun, affordable, safe, welcoming, and judgement-free.
“All these solutions, while small, can have a significant impact and through this study we identified thousands of individuals and organisations around the world who are already driving change.”
It also emerged that with 56 per cent of UK women unhappy with their exercise levels, it places them 22nd out of 26 countries in terms of satisfaction – meaning they’re some of the most unhappy across the world.
However, of the women who are regularly exercising, 80 per cent feel less frustrated and 67 per cent aren’t as stressed.
While 52 per cent are happier because they are working out, 50 per cent are more energised, and as a result, 48 per cent are more confident.
The study also uncovered the impact of organisations and individuals in supporting them to move – and one is Karen Guttridge, 62, a trainer and coach from Hampshire.
After discovering there were limited opportunities for women her age to exercise, Karen established ‘Sole Sisters’, a local running group specifically for women aged 45 and above.
How much exercise should you do and when?
There are guidelines issued by the NHS and the Government regarding how much exercise people should do each day.
People should be active daily, and avoid sitting for long periods of time.
The NHS recommends an adult – those aged 19 to 64 – should aim for 150 minutes of “moderate intensity activity” a week.
This works out to 21 minutes a day, or 30 minutes five days a week.
Or, they could do 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, which could be less than 11 minutes per day or 25 minutes three days a week.
Adults should also aim to do strength exercises twice a week, at least.
Examples of moderate intensity activities include brisk walking, water aerobics, riding a bike, dancing, doubles tennis, pushing a lawn mower, hiking or rollerblading.
Examples of vigorous activities include running, swimming, riding a bike fast or on hills, walking up the stairs, sports, like football, rugby, netball and hockey, skipping, aerobics, gymnastics or martial arts.
Things like lifting heavy weights, sprinting up hills, spin classes or circuit training are considered very vigorous.
What time should you exercise?
Getting exercise into your day, no matter what time, is a good idea.
But you may want to be more selective depending on your goal.
A 2023 US study on 5,285 middle-aged adults showed exercising between 7 and 9am was the best time if you’re looking to lose weight.
Researchers found that early-bird gym goers had a lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than those working out later.
A 2022 study led by Prof Paul J Arciero, Skidmore College, New York, found that the optimal time of day to get your kit on might actually differ according to your gender.
Prof Arciero said women wanting to lose fat around their belly and hips would do better to hit the gym in the morning, but those seeking to gain upper body strength or to simply improve their mood might see more results from evening exercise.
The results were opposite for men.
If you struggle to get to sleep, it’s been found that exercise in the morning may help, but exercise in the evening may help you to stay asleep.
Exercise, generally, can improve sleep quality.
Expecting five ladies to join the first session, Karen was overwhelmed when over seventy like-minded women signed up – showing the demand for this type of community.
She said: “Breaking down barriers for everyone is about representation, education, and community.
“As a woman over the age of 50, I faced challenges such as embarrassment, a lack of representation in media, and concerns about engaging in certain vigorous activities.
“By spotlighting women over 50, providing accurate information on aging and fitness, and creating niche-specific groups, we can empower women to confidently and inclusively embrace exercise.”
As a result, ASICS is launching its new online platform ‘Move Her Mind’ which invites users to submit what they are doing to help women move and includes resources so more women can be supported and inspired.
Gary Raucher, executive vice president at the sportwear company, said: “While our study found that many women are not happy with their exercise levels, it also uncovered the tremendous impact that individuals and grassroots organisations are having in helping women to move.
“By launching Move Her Mind, we hope to give these remarkable people a platform to connect and inspire others, so everyone can achieve a sound mind in a sound body.
“It’s time more women and girls experience the positive physical and mental benefits of exercise.”