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Table 6 Key themes from interviews (n = 47)

From: Why some do but most don't. Barriers and enablers to engaging low-income groups in physical activity programmes: a mixed methods study

 

Interviews with session leaders/initiators

Interviews with local residents

Attitudes

 

Good awareness of benefits of exercise

  

Attitudes largely positive but some negative and some feelings of exercise being irrelevant

Motivations

weight issues and physical health particularly in older adults

weight issues, physical and mental health, fitness

 

socialising and enjoyment

 

Barriers

lack of confidence

lack of confidence

 

fear of stepping into an activity session alone

reluctance to attend alone

 

perceived lack of competence

perceived lack of competence

 

Cost

Cost

  

requirement for and concerns regarding childcare

  

low priority, issues of time and work patterns

Enablers

fun, friendship and socialising

attending with a friend

 

integration of sessions into the community

self confidence

  

Low cost, good availability

Awareness

 

good awareness of benefits of exercise

  

patchy awareness of available sessions

 

power of networking and personal contact as recruitment tool

power of word-of-mouth as a communications channel