'Plus-size' women avoid exercise because of dissatisfaction with 'plus-size' activewear

‘Plus-size’ women avoid exercise because of dissatisfaction with ‘plus-size’ activewear

Posted by author September 27, 2024 Fitness

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For women who wear ‘plus-size’ workout clothing, the motivation to work out is directly affected by their apparel and what they’re wearing, with dissatisfaction in the ‘plus-size’ activewear currently available leading to avoiding exercise altogether, a new study shows.

Researchers spoke to 130 women who wore a US size 14 (UK size 16) or larger – most wore sizes 1X to 3X (UK 14/16 – 24) and who worked out at least two days a week. Participants were primarily white (89.2%) and 40.5 years old, on average.

Among other assessment factors, the team asked eight questions looking at the availability of options, cost, sizing, fashionability and functionality of activewear both in store and online, on a five-point scale. Participants reported how their clothing affected their emotions during exercise both positively and negatively, reporting on their discomfort in certain settings and their tendency not to exercise due to body-image concerns.

The women also completed a questionnaire that examined the extent to which they focused on their body’s appearance rather than function during physical activity, and measured their social physique anxiety, or the fear of how others perceive one’s body.

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The results

Women who expressed satisfaction with their clothing reported higher levels of body confidence and more positive emotional experiences while exercising. They felt comfortable, happy, and proud when their clothing fit well and performed effectively while working out.

By contrast, women who were dissatisfied with their clothes felt more self-conscious and anxious about how others perceived them, while experiencing higher levels of body surveillance, a self-objectifying behaviour where they constantly thought about how they looked and how others might judge them visually.

They said that poorly fitting, unfashionable or uncomfortable clothing led to negative feelings like frustration and embarrassment while exercising, making participants feel out of place in fitness environments. ‘When it fits wrong, I’m so self-conscious I want to die!’, the study authors quoted.

Dissatisfaction with ‘plus-size’ clothing also strongly predicted exercise avoidance and the likelihood that women were more likely to steer clear of public exercise spaces, such as gyms or outdoor settings.

Need some ‘plus-size’ gymwear inspo? We’re big fans of Tala, Asos Curve, Adidas, Fabletics or Nike or you can shop some of our favourite pieces from top brands below.