The Importance of Perceived Body-Inclusiveness among Physically Active Women in Larger Bodies

Despite the many benefits of physical activity, women participate less frequently than men do, and this is particularly the case among women in larger bodies. The purpose of the present study was to examine one factor that might influence this pattern: the presence of perceived body-inclusive physical activity spaces. The authors collected data from 253 U.S. women, all of whom were active in some form of physical activity over the past year. Results show that as perceived body-inclusiveness increased, so too did women’s identification with the physical activity. Further analyses showed the relationship was significant among women who were in larger bodies, but not for women who were average weight. The authors discuss implications for the delivery and management of physical activity programming.