Barriers to participation in regular exercise and ways to overcome barriers

Physical activity: an activity that increases energy expenditure above resting level

Exercise: physical activity that is structured and undertaken usually for fitness gains

Barrier to exercise: a factor which makes it less likely that a person will undertake exercise

Cost involved in sport and exercise activites can include:

• buying suitable clothing,footwear and equipment
• transport to activity
• entry/membership fees

Why is this a problem?

• Some more 'engaging/enticing' sport can be expensive e.g. wall climbing
• Some gyms are expensive or charge a joining fee
• Some gyms tie people into a contract for up to 12 months
• Difficult for low income families/those with limited disposable income
• Can de-motivate people

How can the barrier of cost be overcome?

• Some sports are free e.g. jogging or walking and only cost will be intial purchase of fitness clothing
• Fitness DVDs can be done at home
• Local Authority sports facilities are cheaper than commercial gyms, and usually no joining fee, and often pay per session
• Costs can be shared if commencing exercise with someone else - reduction on membership rates/transport costs (and helps to motivate people)

Why is this a problem?

Fitness Level

• People with poor fitness level often have poor body image
• Exercise often requires exposing body e.g. shorts/swimming costume and can be embarrassed about exciess body fat
• Older people can find other people are younger and fitter
• People with some medical conditions avoid exercising due to anxiety or discomfort e.g. angina sufferers

Skill Level

• Less rewarding for those skills as activities and tasks will be less varied - bordeom
• More likely to lose in competitive games
• Embarrassment e.g. always dropping the ball (negative experiences often start at school)

How can this barrier be overcome?

Fitness Level

• Use beginner classes as will be with like-minded people and sessions will be aimed at supporting those who are unfit
• Start with small, light, regular exercise and increase in intensity and frequency
• Exercise with a friend for moral support

Skill Level

• Choose activities carefully - ones which do not involve competition
• Activities like walking  or beginners aerobics will help fitness and skill level (coordination)

This encompasses a negative view towrads exercise for a number of reasons

Why is this a problem?

People believe:

• they will not enjoy it
• it is a waste of money and time
• friends or family will not approve of it
• they dont know anyone else who takes exercise

These views come from social infuence, our peers, cultural approaches towards exercise (this includes religious observance, beliefs and dress) and our environment.

How can this barrier be overcome?

• Changes of social environment e.g. young people going to university or people starting work where people have a wider range of attitudes
• Separate gym classes for those that are embarrassed or require it due to religious reasons
• Exercise in the privacy of your own home 
• Join exercise classes with peers

Why are these problems?

• Work commitments generally increase as people age and juggling work/home life can be difficult. Exercise is the first thing to go
• Childcare arrangements in the evening are difficult and if people work in the day exercise may not be possible
• Some exercise interests may require travelling e.g. hill walking and not always possible with a young family

How can the barrier be overcome?

• Find an alternative exercise that can be done locally or from home e.g. fitness DVD 
• Some gyms have family membership/facilities
• Find activities that can be done with the family e.g. walking or cycling
• Exercise with work colleagues during lunch breaks
• Use exercise as your mode of transport getting to and from work

Why are these problems?

• People who live a long way away from amenities can have difficulty getting to facilities
• Good sporting facilities are usually located in cities or large towns
• Many facilities are now being closed down due to government cut-backs e.g. swimming pools
• People who like doing outdoor activities such as canoeing or sailing can struggle to do these if they live in urban areas
• High crime rate areas can restrict people from accessing 'free' exercise like running to the street

How can these be overcome?

• Exercise within the confines of your home e.g. fitness DVD/resistance training
• Housework can be 'physical activity'
• Walk locally as access to exercise