Barriers for Women
So, what are the common barriers to physical activity for women?
Research suggests that women commonly identify the following barriers:
- Lack of time
- Lack of money
- Being overweight or out of shape
- Feeling down or a mental health issue
- Responsibility for the care of others
- Too tired
- Worried about appearances whilst exercising
- Urinary continence (leaking urine) or other pelvic floor disorders (This is the most common barrier to physical activity for women who leak urine)
- Exercise is not a priority
- Musculoskeletal pain or injury. For example, back pain
- Health issues
- Lack of family or friends to exercise with
- Concerns about personal security whilst exercising
- Lack of knowledge or skill about exercise
Resources
- Physical Activity: General Overview (Video)
- Barriers to Exercise (Video)
- Aerobic Cardiovascular Activity (Video)
- Strength Training (Video)
- Reducing Sedentary Behaviour (Video)
- Pelvic Floor (Video)
- Take Home Messages (Video)
- Fact Sheet: Physically Active Recreational Pursuits That You Do Alone (PDF)
- Fact Sheet: Physically Active Recreational Pursuits That You Do With Others (PDF)
Program Modules
-   About the Program
- 1 The Journey of Mothers
- 2 Health & Research Findings
- 3 What Mothers Say About Stress
- 4 Healthy Mind, Healthy Mother
- 5 Active Healthy Mother
- 6 Healthy Eating
- 7 Bringing Support Around You and Your Family
- 8 Managing Healthy Home Routines and Having Fun in the Community
- 9 Time-for-Me Planning
- 10 Finding Balance & Staying Strong