Participation in physical activity: An empirical study of working women’s perceptions

As more women enter the work place and advance through the hierarchy in organisations, taking on new responsibilities and facing increased work demands, the need to balance their career, family and participation in physical activity arises. This has a direct bearing on their physical and mental well being, as well as their career performance and success. The current study empirically investigated the perceptions of working women regarding participation in physical activity and made recommendations on the findings. A quantitative research method was adopted and 350 questionnaires were administered to a purposive sample of working women. Using exploratory factor analysis seven factors, namely coping and productivity, self-esteem, mental well-being, socialising, scheduling and relaxation were extracted. It was concluded that the predicament of balancing their time between their multiple roles such as their jobs, family commitments as well as participating in physical activity proved to be an impediment to working women. Recommendations were made to address these challenges.Key words: Physical activity, perceptions, working women, factor analysis