photo credit: avv.samoano via photopin cc
I often come across clients who state that they don’t like to exercise in public because they feel self-conscious about how they look. They have taken steps to move more by doing activities like working out to an exercise DVD, using an app on their smartphone to provide structure or they may have a treadmill in their home. These are all terrific ways to add activity into your life and it works for them.
From what we understand about exercise behavior, however, is that to remain engaged with consistent activity and to prevent boredom, there may come a time when the idea of “going out” to exercise becomes attractive. Sport England, part of the English Sports Council, states that in England, two million fewer women than men are active; and that 75 percent of these women actually want to be more active. They researched the reasons why women were not as active as men and found that, on the whole, there is a fear of not being good enough. Not fit enough, not coordinated enough, or a fear of judgment when it came to participating in physical activities. Sport England came up with a campaign called, “This Girl Can,” showcasing normal women around the country that were actively participating in physical activity. No models, no photoshop, no bull. With slogans including, “I jiggle therefore I am,” and “Sweating like a pig, feeling like a fox,” and my favorite, “Damn right I look hot,” this campaign is taking the country by storm. Check it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN7lt0CYwHg
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 17% of women participated in a sport, exercise and other active leisure activities compared to 21.7% of men. The CDC reports that men (52.1%) are more likely than women (42.6%) to meet the 20008 Physical Activity Guideline for aerobic activity. Clearly, in the US, there are more active men than women. Although we have yet to have a cool campaign for women in this country, if you find yourself feeling intimidated about moving more, here are some tips to get you “out there” with others just like you:
- Check out your local recreation department. They offer a variety of programs that cater to a diverse population. And you don’t have to sign any silly contract.
- Look for programs which promote a fun upbeat approach to activity.
- Check out your local Meet Up site. If you can’t find one that works for you, try starting your own group be it walking, cycling or any other activity.
If you feel intimidated to exercise, you are not alone. Take action now. Download the song, “Get Your Freak On,” by Missy Elliott, crank it up and sweat like a jiggling pig. Foxy lady!