We are sick of the ‘fitness isn’t for everybody’ myth, so what are we going to do about it?

hen thinking of a traditional gym goer, a certain profile of person can immediately spring to mind. These people are the ones who already have a high level of fitness, partake

in a lot of physical activity and are typically easier to engage. An obese person, an ante or post natal women, or the elderly, are not exactly synonymous with fitness.

Smashing the myth W

fitness requirements. A one size fits all approach doesn’t work when it comes to exercise. Everyone has different targets and goals that they are working towards, whether they want to be able to run 10 metres or 10 miles, each target should be considered just as significant.

It is a common myth that fitness is not for everybody, casting your mind back to school PE lessons is enough to show that some people enjoy exercise more than others. Regular exercise is arguably most important for those not typically associated with being fit, and these are often the groups who cannot be engaged by traditional methods.

Fitness professionals must offer as much attention to these underrepresented groups, finding the most appropriate ways of engaging with them, thus ensuring that they begin or continue to lead healthy and active lives.

People come in all shapes and sizes, and with their own specific 14

Exercise doesn’t necessarily have to be done at the gym or involve breaking a sweat. For people who are on the go, it is more beneficial to exercise the mind and body through something like yoga, or gentle exercise. For post natal women, incorporating more movement into their daily routines has a positive impact on building energy for the day.

Understanding the requirements of each individual and what type of exercise is appropriate for them is important in the quest of getting more people to lead active lives. The average turn out for a Pilates class may consist of very different individuals to an intensive Body PumpTM session, for example. Giving people the knowledge of what is available and appropriate for them will help

The REPs Journal 2014;29(January):14-15