Term+2+Barriers+to+Recreation

=Barriers to Leisure =  

As a leader it is sometimes frustrating to plan events that are poorly attended. However, there various reasons as to why this may happen. Here are some of the barriers to participation in recreational activities:

Cost and Location:
the actual cost of the activity and/or necessary equipment may cost too much. Also, some sporting activities require you to travel to compete and this becomes very costly (i.e. hockey). For many families this is a luxury they can't afford. A bonus to today's society is that the government will offer parents a certain amount of money towards sports and recreation for their kids. Also, many cities are beginning to offer free recreational/fitness programs to their communities as well as outdoor trails for people to use.

Lack of Confidence and Poor body image:
Some people feel that they aren't skilled enough to participate or that they aren't in good enough shape. Others lack self-confidence and have a poor body image of themselves preventing them from participating in any kind of fitness recreational activity. Once people come out and realize how much fun recreational activities can be, they will get past the lack of confidence and poor body image. They will realize it is an opportunity to meet people, make friends and get healthy.

Lack of Motivation:
Some people may feel tired or lazy and would just rather stay home. As long as these people come out and give fitness recreation activities a try, they will begin to notice the positive benefits of fitness (improved health, more energy, improved confidence, and better sleep at night).

Time:
a). Activities may not be held at a convenient time. A solution to this is to call other recreational facilities in the area and see if they offer programs at a time convenient to you. b). People are so busy these days with family, school, jobs that they don’t have time for leisure activities. When something is important to someone, they can always make time for it. People need to find an activity they enjoy and schedule time for it.

Misconceptions about the activity or the facility:
may think tai chi is just for old people or that you have to be able to swim in order to do aquafit. Also, one may not want to join a club because they think everyone there is a snob. People have to experience the activity or facility themselves before they listen to what others say. Everyone has their own preferences and interests and one shouldn't base their decision on something they have heard from someone else.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Previous experience:
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">One might have had a bad experience with an activity and they are not willing to try it again (Trying a kick boxing class and ended up in an advanced class instead of the beginner one). People shouldn't base one experience on their decision to keep with an activity or not. They need to try it a few times before they decide whether or not the activity is for them.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Work and Family Commitments:
<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Often people use the excuse that they don't have time to exercise because they have to get home to their family. However, it is possible to balance work, family and recreation. Exercising over the lunch hour may be an option or how about doing something active as a family such as hiking or playing frisbee. Also, many work places are recognizing the benefits of a physically active workforce (more productive), and are building fitness centers within the workplace. Exercise is becoming more convenient.

= = = Case Studies: Barriers to Leisure =

Case Study 1: Mandy
Mandy is visually impaired and attends the local high school. She does not take phys. ed. By the time she gets home from school and watches "The Young and the Restless" it's dinner time. After helping with the dishes, she does her homework and finishes off the night either listening to music or or talking on the phone with friends. she has noticed her clothes are fitting a little tighter but she has no desire to exercise.

A) What are 2 of the biggest barriers to Mandy's lack of leisure activity?

B) Come up with 3 possible solutions.

Case Study 2: John
John is a 25 year old college student. It is the start of the new year (Happy 2013!) and John has made a new years resolution to join a gym - to get healthy, shed some extra pounds and possibly to meet some new people. Being a student, John is on a tight budget, he does not have a car and his class schedule is very busy. He is also a little nervous - the last time he did anything physical was grade 10 gym and he doesn't want to feel foolish next to all of the "buff" gym-regulars.

A) What are some of the major barriers John is facing to his leisure activity?

B) Do you think joining a gym is a good idea for John? Why or Why not? What are some other possibilities?

Case Study 3: New Years Resolutions
Statistics say that in 2012, 45% of North Americans made New Years resolutions. The most popular resolutions were to lose weight, stay fit and healthy and to live life to the fullest - all of these are recreation and leisure oriented. However, only 8% of people last year were successful in keeping their resolutions.

A) Why do you think so few people achieve their resolutions?

B) Did you make a resolution? If so, what was it. If not, why didn't you? Have you made one in the past? What was it and were you successful? Why or why not?