A study indicating why British women don’t workout as much as they’d prefer surely reflects the sentiments of American women, says celebrity trainer Holly Perkins.
The research revealed what women want in a workout: 75 percent of women in the United Kingdom want to exercise more, but they’re discouraged for fear of being judged by others. The women surveyed worried about how they would look while exercising in front of others, their inexperience in personal fitness, and the idea that they’re putting themselves first, ahead of their children.
“Whether she’s a stay-at-home mom, a busy executive or somewhere in the middle, these are concerns most women have about fitness,” Perkins says. “I believe this reflects their self-image, and it’s a shame that so many women live their lives short-changing themselves.”
Even today, most fitness programs women come across neglect important parts of the average woman’s mindset, she says. Many gyms have spinning and other classes targeting women, but they lack the comprehensive aspect so many women are searching for, she says.
“There are plenty of women who frequent gyms, but I think the culture of most of those places are framed by a male-dominated attitude, which is more comfortable blocking out ‘gym time’ in their schedule,” says Perkins. “I believe a woman’s attitude craves a more holistic approach, one in which overall well-being is factored into a how-to lifestyle program.”
Perkins describes what women want in a workout.
Fun
“No pain, no gain” is definitely a man’s attitude. Women are not afraid of a healthy muscle burn, sweating, and commitment -– they’re designed to carry babies for nine months and then deliver them, after all. However, they are much more relationship-oriented, and they thrive in positive feelings. The way to a woman’s heart in fitness is fun.
Purpose
For men who workout, the activity is almost a purpose in itself. There is a sense of accomplishment in lifting heavy weights and “gettin’ it done.” Women want to shine; they want to look and feel like they never felt possible. They want to be in touch with who they are, and fitness synergized with overall well-being can do that.
Steps
It’s good for anyone starting a fitness program to have a blueprint for what they’d like to achieve, and steps for improvement along the way. For those who are inexperienced, an introduction and detailed plan enables time for the mind to ease into the process. Confusion or uncertainty is a waste of energy, and implementing new workout phases allows women to maximize our effort.
Synergy
If you think women don’t need weights, think again. Resistance band training increases your power and revs your body’s fat-burning engine. Women also want to be lithe, supple and physically elegant. Yoga helps reshape trouble zones, and something Perkins calls “flow” optimizes flexibility and beautifies posture. And when we are done, we can enjoy a calm that reinforces our motive for inner and outer beauty, leaving us with an energizing relaxation.
Holly Perkins is a national fitness expert and developer of baladea, a customizable fitness and wellness system for women. She holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She believes that making fitness a fun lifestyle is the best way to achieve true change. She has been featured in numerous magazines, newspapers and on national TV shows.
