Have you ever been at a point in your life where you just don’t feel motivated to move? And when we get out of the way of exercise it’s just easier to not do it. We’ve all been there, and it’s more common than you think.
Data from the Nuffield Health Charity suggests that almost half of British women have done no vigorous exercise in the past 12 months.
So what is it that prevents women from exercising? Journalist, Nell Frizzell points out that lack of exercise among women is more than a lack of motivation. She blames Britain’s “unaffordable childcare system” for disproportionately restricting the “earning, health, careers and freedom of women.”
Therefore, encouraging women back into sport appears to be more of a deep-rooted societal issue.
The unequal sharing of domestic responsibility that is still prevalent renders women "time poor." Sadly change won't happen over night but there are some things that can be done to encourage more women into sport and exercise.
It starts at school. A Women in Sport report stated that at age 13-16 only 10% of girls achieve the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended levels of 60 mins of physical activity every day, compared to 16% of boys. The report identified that when girls are going through puberty, "there is a distinct lack of support and advice, particularly in relation to sport and exercise and girls often feel unprepared and vulnerable."
It is therefore important that more support and advice is available for girls going through puberty because happy, active girls become happy, active women.
We’ve all heard how exercise is so beneficial not only for your physical health, but also for your mental health. But did you know that it can actually reduce the risk of major illnesses?
Data from the NHS explained that exercise can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.
Dr Sam Wild (GP) and Karen O'Hara (Physiotherapist) discussed the benefits of exercise, specifically strength training for women after the menopause. This is because after the menopause, there's a higher chance of being affected by osteoporosis. So keeping active can help keep your bones healthy, reducing the chance of them breaking.
Menopause is a subject that still needs a lot more attention. We were lucky enough to have the Dr Explains come in store to host an event. They discussed the effect that the perimenopause can have on your body and mind. They gave various examples of beneficial exercises such as walking, jogging, light weights and even internal training. A variety of movement not only ensures you don't get bored, but it will also help to motivate you.
Exercise really is the magic medicine that no doctor can prescribe.
At Mardy Bum Active Club we really want to encourage movement, so thought we would share a few different ideas and ways to exercise:
Dance Base Edinburgh offer all sorts of levels for dance class but this one is open to all
Retro Dance Party
Beach fitness with Abby (modelling MBAC clothing).
What about Netball? Take yourself back to school sports and enjoy the run around.
We'd love to hear your stories about your experiences of sport at School and your experiences of it later on in life!
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