Understanding women’s perceptions towards engaging in resistance training

Women can reap health benefits from engaging in resistance training, specifically, reducing the risk of developing diseases such as osteoporosis which is prevalent among women. Women are more inclined to be doing cardio than resistance training despite the health benefits of resistance training. The aim of this study is to understand women’s perception towards engaging in resistance training. This study also aims to identify the primary motivators and constraints that influence or deter women to participate in resistance training. 40 female participants age range between 21 and 40 years old were recruited to complete a questionnaire about their perception of women engaging in resistance training. Out of 40 participants, 3 females that participate in resistance training and 3 females that do not undergo a follow up individual interview session. The quantitative analysis of the questionnaire responses identified women’s primary motivators or constraints to engage in resistance training while the qualitative analysis provided underlying reasons for such a phenomenon. Structural constraints (convenience and less crowded facility) and inter-personal constraint (participating with peers) had the greatest influence on women that do not engage in resistance training while intrinsic motivation (health) and structural constraint (convenience and more female participating in general) had the greatest influence on women that engage in resistance training. Structural and interpersonal constraints were the key constraints that determine resistance training participation. The underlying reasons why structural and inter-personal constraints had such a significant impact on participation can be attributed to misconceptions and the lack of self-confidence.Bachelor of Science (Sport Science and Management