Barrier
Physical damage to the body, such as a sprain, fracture, or muscle strain, that may limit movement or make exercise painful.
Injury
The desire, energy, or reason a person has to start and continue being active.
Motivation
Conditions such as rain, heat, cold, wind, or poor air quality that can make outdoor activity difficult or unsafe.
Weather
A physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental-health condition that may affect how a person participates in activities; barriers often come from unsuitable environments or lack of support.
Disability
A physical or mental health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, anxiety, or a cold, that can reduce a person’s ability or willingness to be active.
Illness
The surroundings where activity happens, including whether they are safe, accessible, clean, suitable, and welcoming.
Environment
A person’s present strength, endurance, flexibility, and ability to perform physical activity, which may make some activities feel too difficult.
Current Fitness Level
A person’s body weight, which may affect comfort, mobility, confidence, or the suitability of certain activities.
Weight
Feeling self-conscious or ashamed, often because of appearance, ability, or fear of being judged.
Embarrassment
Worry that something bad may happen, such as getting injured, failing, being judged, or feeling unsafe.
Fear
Losing interest because an activity feels repetitive, dull, or unchallenging.
Boredom
Not having access to programs, teams, classes, events, or chances to participate.
Lack of opportunities
Not finding an activity fun, interesting, or rewarding.
Lack of enjoyment
Not having encouragement or help from family, friends, coaches, teachers, or community members.
Lack of support
Not having nearby places or equipment to be active, such as parks, gyms, pools, courts, or accessible paths.
Lack of facilities
The expense of fees, memberships, equipment, uniforms, transport, or lessons that may make participation unaffordable.
Cost
A person’s opinions and personal ideas about exercise, sport, health, or what activities are appropriate for them.
Attitudes, values & Beliefs
Religious beliefs or practices that may affect clothing, timing, mixed-gender participation, food, or the types of activities a person can join.
Religion
Having too many commitments, such as school, work, caring responsibilities, or travel, leaving little time for activity.
A past negative event, such as being bullied, injured, embarrassed, or excluded, that makes someone avoid similar activities.
Previous bad experience
Not having a reliable, affordable, or accessible way to travel to a venue or activity.
Inadequate transportation
Believing an area or activity is unsafe, even if the actual risk may vary; this can stop people from walking, cycling, or exercising outdoors.
Percieved ack of safety
Not knowing how to do an activity safely, where to participate, what equipment is needed, or why physical activity is beneficial.
Lack of knowledge/eduaction
Low belief in one’s own ability to take part successfully in an activity.
Poor self-confidence
Activities that focus heavily on winning, which can make some people feel pressured, excluded, or discouraged.
Too competitive