MOTIVATORS AND BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT: Students learn to: Access to facilities Describe their own exercise preferences by considering: Convenience of use Their motivation for exercising Cost The influences acting on their choice of exercise for exercise Feelings about fitness and exercise Exercise as a priority Their feelings about establishing a training partner Influence of other responsibilities, eg family, work Barriers that they need to overcome

MOTIVATORS AND BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION For some – regular exercise is a difficult task The major barriers to participation among inactive people are: Lack of time Lack of interest Injury or disability Beliefs about being too old for exercise Question – what are your barriers to participation in physical activity?

ACCESS TO FACILITIES Availability of access impacts on participation. Physical isolation and financial circumstances can limit access to facilities For those living in isolated communities, the facilities available are limited or even non-existent

CONVENIENCE OF USE Time can affect people’s ability to exercise More likely to exercise, join a team/gym if it is convenient Eg – close to home/way home from work Accessible by public transport for adolescents

COST Cost is a major barrier to physical activity – can restrict the range and type of activities available Financial commitment can place a strain on the individual/family Choices left are often not appealing, so regular participation in exercise decreases

FEELINGS ABOUT FITNESS AND EXERCISE The exercise experience people have when they are young can affect their attitudes to exercise Unpleasant, negative feelings can form a barrier Important that exercise is fun and not intimidating to young people

EXERCISE AS A PRIORITY As people’s lives become busier – exercise is not a priority Work has deadlines and long hours People don’t recognise the benefits of regular exercise Challenge is to educate people about the benefits and introduce them to enjoyable activities

INFLUENCE OF OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES For many parents – raising children can be a barrier Lack of personal time when caring for small children – too tired by the end of the day Parents can become more active: Get involved with the child’s sport Walk to the shops Increase household chores Sharing responsibility between parents (if applicable)