Damning new statistics have revealed more than 50 per cent of women in the UK are dropping out of exercising regularly.
What’s more, a study discovered that women across the country are experiencing barriers to exercise, from time pressures (80%) and low self-confidence (55%) to cost of gyms (65%) and not feeling sporty enough (58%).
Almost two-thirds (61%) of mothers cited parenting as the primary reason they dropped out of regular exercise or sport altogether, showing the impact that caregiving responsibilities are having on women’s activity levels.
Participants frequently described how societal expectations about gender roles, including that women bear the bulk of family caregiving and household responsibilities, played a major part in them stopping exercise.
The groundbreaking study, commissioned by ASICS and led by renowned academics Dr Dee Dlugonski and Professor Brendon Stubbs, found that over half of women (54.5%) in the UK are dropping out or stopping exercise completely, which is negatively impacting their state of mind.
More than 50 percent say they are also unhappy with their exercise levels, placing them twenty-second out of twenty-six countries in terms of satisfaction levels, meaning they’re some of the most unhappy across the world.
Dr Dlugonski said: “Our study showed that the gender exercise gap is a complex challenge which did not develop overnight.
“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.”
Ahead of International Women’s Day, ASICS is launching their Move Her Mind platform to recognise the incredible impact of remarkable organisations and individuals, who are actively dismantling barriers for women in exercise and sport. They’re also inviting people to submit what they’re doing to help women move, as well as sharing their own resources, so more women can be supported and inspired.
ASICS’ Gary Raucher 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.”
Visit the Move Her Mind platform and get involved here
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