Breaking Down the Barriers: Promoting Physical Activity for African American Women

Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of health and wellness, preventing a myriad of health issues. However, 50% of Americans do not meet the recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity despite the apparent benefits. The situation is particularly dire for African American women, with only a third meeting these guidelines, which is concerning due to their higher susceptibility to health problems associated with low physical activity levels, such as obesity, Type II diabetes, heart disease, and colon cancer.

Awareness of the importance of physical activity exists among African American women, yet many interventions designed to increase participation have failed to be effective or sustainable. For interventions to successfully enhance physical activity levels in this demographic, they must address the barriers preventing these women from engaging in regular exercise. It is crucial that these interventions understand and integrate the cultural context, values, beliefs, and racial and ethnic identities of African American women. Barriers to physical activity, while common across all women, are particularly pronounced for African American women, who often face more obstacles than their peers.