1.5 Barriers to Physical Activity
In this context, a barrier refers to anything that prevents or makes it more difficult for a person to engage in regular physical activity. Barriers can be external (environmental, cultural) or internal (personal, psychological) and often interact to influence behaviour.
Barriers to Physical Activity
Click on each icon to learn more about the types of barriers that can prevent physical activity.
Text Description
Environmental Barriers
- External, physical factors in a person’s surroundings make it harder to engage in activity. These barriers limit access to safe, convenient, or appealing spaces for movement.
- Lack of safe walking paths, parks, or recreational spaces
- Unsafe neighbourhoods or high crime rates
- Poor urban design (e.g., car-dependent communities)
- Seasonal challenges like extreme heat, cold, or snow
- Limited access to gyms or facilities, especially in rural areas
Socioeconomic Barriers
- Obstacles related to a person’s financial situation, work demands, or access to resources that affect their ability to be physically active.
- Cost of gym memberships, equipment, or sports programs
- Limited access to transportation
- Working multiple jobs or long hours
- Lack of affordable childcare
- Financial insecurity leads to prioritizing basic needs over exercise
Personal Barriers
- Individual-level challenges that stem from a person’s mindset, physical condition, knowledge, or motivation discourage participation in the activity.
- Low motivation or lack of enjoyment
- Poor self-confidence or fear of failure
- Body image concerns
- Physical limitations or chronic pain
- Lack of knowledge about how to exercise safely
Fatigue or low energy, especially in populations with demanding schedules or health conditions
- Cultural and Social Barriers
- Beliefs, customs, social norms, or expectations within a person’s community or culture that discourage or limit physical activity.
- Gender norms or expectations restricting participation
- Cultural beliefs that discourage certain types of activity
- Lack of family or social support
- Language barriers in accessing programs
- Religious practices influencing activity choices or clothing restrictions
Psychological and Emotional Barriers
- Mental health challenges, emotional states, or cognitive patterns that reduce motivation, increase avoidance, or make activity seem overwhelming.
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges reduce motivation
- Stress, leading people to prioritize other tasks over the activity
- Fear of injury or exacerbating a health condition
Summary of Terms
| Type of Barrier | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental | Physical surroundings that limit safe, accessible, or appealing activity | Lack of parks, unsafe streets, harsh weather, and no sidewalks |
| Socioeconomic | Financial or resource-related challenges affecting participation | High cost of gyms, no transportation, and long work hours |
| Personal | Individual challenges related to mindset, ability, or knowledge | Low confidence, lack of energy, physical limitations, and inexperience |
| Cultural and Social | Beliefs, norms, or social influences that discourage activity | Gender expectations, religious restrictions, and lack of support |
| Psychological and Emotional | Mental health or emotional factors that reduce motivation or increase avoidance | Depression, anxiety, fear of failure, stress, and fear of injury |
