Over 50% Of Women Stop Exercising As They Grow Older, Study Reveals
The more we move, the better we feel- agree? Well, exercise has a whole lot of benefits- mentally and physically, and that is exactly what a new study reveals. A global study by ASICS has unveiled compelling findings that highlight the significant correlation between regular exercise and enhanced mental wellbeing among women. The research, which spans diverse regions including the UAE, indicates that women who maintain consistent exercise routines report feeling 52% happier, 50% more energised, 48% more confident, 67% less stressed, and 80% less frustrated.
However, the study also sheds light on a concerning trend: over half of the women surveyed are discontinuing or completely stopping their exercise routines due to various barriers encountered throughout their lives. Among these obstacles are time constraints, which 74% of women identified as a significant challenge, followed by low self-confidence (35%), intimidating environments (44%), and a lack of identification with being sporty (42%).
Leading the research were esteemed academics Dr. Dee Dlugonski and Professor Brendon Stubbs. Their findings not only underscore the positive impact of exercise on women's mental health but also reveal that 61% of mothers globally cite motherhood as a reason for reducing their physical activity. This underscores the effect of caregiving responsibilities on women's ability to engage in regular exercise or sports.
The disparity between men's perceptions and the actual challenges faced by women is notable, with only 34% of men recognizing time as a barrier for women, despite the high percentage of women citing this issue. Regionally, the influence of female friends as primary exercise motivators is significant, with 48% of women in Saudi Arabia and 47% in the UAE pointing to this factor, highlighting the importance of communal exercise.
In response, ASICS is taking significant steps to support and motivate women to engage in regular physical activity. The brand has highlighted the inspiring efforts of individuals and grassroots organisations that are creating more inclusive and supportive environments for women in sports. Among these trailblazers are Dr. Jowhara Al-Qahtani from Qatar and Lulwah Ghalib from Saudi Arabia, who serve as the faces of ASICS's global campaign.
Dr. Al-Qahtani, a surgeon, has initiated Run The World, a running group aimed at providing a non-judgmental space for women of various backgrounds and fitness levels. Lulwah Ghalib, an athlete and the first Saudi woman to join the Athletics Masters Federation, is leveraging her platform to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity in sports within Saudi Arabia.
"Creating a more inclusive exercise culture requires both societal mindset shifts and individual self-awareness. As a running coach, I work to break down these barriers by fostering a supportive and judgement-free environment for womenof all sizes and fitness levels," she added.
Ana Seixas, Head of Marketing at ASICS, emphasised the brand's foundational belief in the symbiotic benefits of exercise for both body and mind. Through the "Move Her Mind" initiative, ASICS aims to delve into the factors contributing to the decline in exercise among women in the region, providing a platform for connection, inspiration, and the promotion of a sustainable fitness culture.
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