Perceived Benefits of Women's Participation in Exercise Classes.

In Australia, women are 20 percent less likely than men to achieve âsufficientâ levels of physical activity, placing them at increased risk of developing chronic disease. The purpose of my study was to explore perceived benefits associated with exercise class participation. Forty-nine women completed a written questionnaire on their perceived benefits of exercise class participation. The participants included 4 age groups spread across the lifespan, with the most common age group 60+ years. The main reasons given by participants included âde-stressingâ for women aged 18 years and under, âfun/enjoymentâ for those aged 25â49 years, âfeeling good and enjoymentâ for 50â59 years and âsocialâ reasons in the 60+ years age group. Women tend to desire enjoyment and âfeel goodâ aspects from their exercise class participation. To be more successful in attracting women to physical activity, we may promote enjoyment aspects and not just emphasise the general âintensityâ aspects of exercise programs