A study found that middle-aged women exercise more than their daughters.
A study of 6,000 women found those in their 40s and 50s are most likely to be active most days, as many women prioritize healthy aging after menopause. did.
Women in their 20s were also more likely than older women to say they didn’t exercise because they feared being judged about their bodies or because of mental health issues.
Overall, research by Vitality UK shows that women are less active than men at all stages of life, with only one in four meeting the recommended minimum physical activity guidelines. It was done.
Experts said the findings showed the importance of “rebranding” exercise from a weight loss tool. Efforts such as providing childcare centers in gyms should be encouraged to “remove barriers” to staying active.
The study surveyed 1,000 women from their 20s to their 70s about how often they engage in physical activity, such as walking, gym class, and team sports. About 27% of 40- to 59-year-olds said they exercised at least five times a week, compared to 19% of 20- to 29-year-olds.
• Women benefit twice as much from exercise compared to men
Meanwhile, 78% of women in their 20s said body image concerns prevent them from participating in sports, compared to 62% of women aged 40 to 59 and less than half of those over 60. Additionally, 70% of women in their 20s said they stopped exercising due to deteriorating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
While older women tend to exercise more frequently, the number of women who never exercise increased with age, from 4% in their 20s to 15% in their 70s.
As women got older, their motivations for exercise changed. Almost half of women aged 20 to 50 said weight management was the main reason they exercised. However, only one in three women in their 60s and 70s say they are focused on managing their weight, and older women are more likely to be motivated to prevent heart disease and maintain muscle mass. expensive.
Young women said they felt unable to exercise every day due to body confidence and mental health issues
Across all age groups, middle-class women were more active. People from the poorest social classes were twice as likely to be completely inactive compared to wealthier women.
said Neville Kupowitz, CEO of Vitality. “Consistent barriers exist to women’s physical activity. Across all age groups, we find that the majority of women do not reach recommended weekly activity levels.” report being the most active despite their schedules and responsibilities.
“What’s interesting about this age group is that we’re starting to see a shift in how women think about exercise. Women are starting to prioritize broader health and longevity benefits, such as maintaining muscle mass and cardiovascular health. ” It is clear that shifting the focus from weight to health requires a broader shift in women’s perceptions of exercise. ”
Overall, only 23 percent of women exercised for 30 minutes a day or completed 7,000 steps five or more times a week. Men are more active than women at every stage of life, with the biggest difference between men and women in their 30s, reflecting the burden of childcare responsibilities on women, the researchers said.
Women’s health experts called for action to “remove barriers” to participation, including childcare in leisure centres, safer outdoor spaces, free fitness plans and flexible working arrangements. The report says workplaces should play a bigger role in promoting women’s fitness by encouraging “exercise snacking” throughout the day, such as lunchtime yoga or walking meetings.
Meanwhile, the NHS has been urged to prescribe exercise classes to women and to ensure they are not given “outdated guidance” that prevents them from exercising at certain stages, such as during pregnancy.
Olympic gold medalist Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill said: ‘This report paints a worrying picture of the current state of women’s physical activity and its impact on women’s health and wellbeing. It highlights how for too long women’s physical activity has been hindered by social barriers such as insufficient support and cultural norms that prioritize caregiving over self-care.”
Research shows that 65% of women say a free fitness program would encourage them to exercise more.
Stephanie Hilborn, CEO of Women in Sport, said: “Given the joy, camaraderie and sense of belonging that sport and physical activity bring, sport and physical activity are particularly important for reducing osteoporosis and mental health. “This is an essential part of addressing health disparities in the world.” However, outdated systems, stereotypes and a lack of provision tailored to their needs hold women back. We urgently need to redesign the way our healthcare systems, workplaces and sports industries support women across all life stages. ”
Dr Emma Ross, chief scientific officer at The Well HQ, which supports female athletes, said: Child care assistance, customized instruction on activities, and a holistic understanding of their situation are the supports women need to make exercise part of their daily routine and incorporate physical activity into their lives in a way that truly works for them. can be provided. ”
