A US survey shows that more than half of women avoid gym for fear of being judged on their weight, how they look and how they exercise.
The survey of 1,000 women by a prominent fitness company found that:
- 65% of respondents avoided gym for a fear of being judged on their weight.
- 58% percent feared being judged for not using equipment properly, 51% for not doing exercises correctly.
- 55% felt judged for “not looking fit enough,” while 49% felt judged on their clothing.
Don’t be a statistic this Women’s Month
Against this backdrop and as part of Women’s Month this August, prominent local nutritional expert Vanessa Ascencao has urged women to overcome the fears that hold them back from reaching their potential and to review and renew their physical, mental and nutritional regimes.
“If gym is not an option, commit to exercising at home for 30 minutes daily. Devise a workout plan, get a training buddy, set weight-loss goals and get active at home or outdoors. Consider joining a walking, running, hiking or swimming club once you feel confident.”
Vanessa also suggests that you manage stress with relaxation and breathing techniques such as yoga and meditation. “Live and eat mindfully and get at least eight hours of good quality sleep every night,” she adds.
Enhance your nutritional status
“Eat a whole-food, plant-based diet, remove processed or refined foods and sugar, and keep it simple and as close to nature as possible. Additionally, eat lots of healthy fats such as raw nuts, seeds, avos, pure olive oil and fatty fish. Augment your diet with scientifically-proven supplements such as the potent South African green tea extract, Origine 8, for overall health and ethically sourced Purest Omega 3.
“If you suffer from inflammation, choose Bio-Curcumin with highly bio-available BCM-95, and if you’re deficient in vitamins, try BetterYou DLux vitamin D oral spray for a healthy immune system, or BetterYou B12 Boost oral spray for improved brain and nervous system function.”
If you require professional assistance, Vanessa advises that you consult an integrative practitioner or a health and wellness expert to help draft a holistic health and wellness plan.
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.
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