1. Perceived obstacles to being physically active include both access and financial barriers, and a lack of physically active peer-support networks (buddy systems). Participants born abroad mentioned the impact of post- migratory experiences in their negative life styles (working long hours, having no access to parks, and dealing with high levels of stress) along with the downside aspects of acculturation. Acculturation was exemplified in changes in dietary habits once they migrated to the US, and in having sedentary habits (i.e., using mass transportation instead of walking, watching TV). Physically active women report additional incentives that help them overcome most barriers by committing themselves to a certain routine: a walking group, dancing, friends, or a gym where they can exercise more regularly. MAJOR THEMES From Outdoor Gals to Indoor Couch Potatoes: Latina Women's Barriers to Physical Activity From Outdoor Gals to Indoor Couch Potatoes: Latina Women's Barriers to Physical Activity Anahí Viladrich, PhD a,b ; Nancy Bruning, MPH a ; Ming-Chin Yeh, PhD a,b ; and Rachael Weiss, MPH(c) a,b a The Immigration and Health Initiative, Hunter College, CUNY; b Urban Public Health, Hunter College, CUNY BACKGROUND METHODS RESULTS CONCLUSIONS Physical activity has been shown to reduce the health risks (heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc.) associated with overweight and obesity. Latina women face a disproportionate burden from obesity and overweight than do their white counterparts. Prior research has demonstrated that Latinas are less likely to be physically active than white women. Some challenges to engaging in physical activity include: Sociocultural and acculturation concepts: gender roles, language difficulties, and peer pressure. Access barriers: transportation problems, lack of facilities or programs, personal or neighborhood safety concerns, and cost impact. This study sought to address the barriers to physical activity among non-physically active Latina women in New York City. Although personal factors play a role in Latina women’s ability to engage in regular physical activity, structural issues (i.e., lack of time, money, and neighborhood environment) form the biggest challenge to exercising. Women propose having incentives at work (such as babysitting, time off, insurance reimbursements, and exercising facilities in their job premises) to help them engage in physical activity. This project was partially supported by PSC-CUNY grant #68747-00 37 and # 68770-00 37. For more information, please visit the Immigration and Health Initiative website at: http://www.immigrationandhealthinitiative.org/ Six focus groups of physically active and non-active Latina women were conducted in New York City (n=45). The study followed a multi-method data collection process including: Individual questionnaires to evaluate participants’ sociodemographic status and a self-assessment of weight, body satisfaction, and level of physical activity. Group responses to focus group guidelines on body image, weight, and perceived barriers to maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. “I’m from El Salvador, when I come back here I feel like the food is heavier…And we’re more active; I mean over there we have to walk. There’s no bus, and “If you’re undocumented here and your husband is the only one who works and you’re home with three kids, you cannot pay membership. You cannot pay $80 for a membership.... even Yoga, it used to be $10 and now it’s $14 per class.” “Married women cannot go to the gym because their husbands will not allow them, because they would be exposed to the view of other men.” “The location is a factor and then also when you do have a gym that’s close to you it’s constantly packed...I went after work, okay, I figure six to seven I could work out, run home, 7:30 to 8 o’clock probably make dinner, call it a night. It Wasn’t working. I was running there. I was waiting to get on a machine. Waiting for a machine was like 45 minutes, the hour is basically done. I was walking out of the gym at 9 o’clock at night. After a while I got tired of it.” there’s no train. You’re more active and there’s more a sense of community. You go to the neighbor’s house, you do this, you do that, and you’re more active. Here you just go to work and whatever your routine is.” In-active Women Lack of time/scheduling conflicts Cost Location of facilities Self-motivation/discipline Acculturation Machismo Sexual harassment at gyms Active Women Lack of time/scheduling conflicts Cost Location of gyms/parks Sexual harassment at gyms