Lesson 4: Barriers to Physical Activity

Time Frame: Week 4 Session 1

Content Standard:

Demonstrates understanding of fitness and exercise in optimizing one’s health as a habit; as requisite
for physical activity assessment performance,
and as a career opportunity
Performance Standard: Leads fitness events with proficiency and confidence resulting in independent pursuit
and in influencing others positively.
Learning Competencies:
The learner:
1. identify barriers to physical activity
2. self-assess own ways to overcome barriers to physical activity.

LESSON CONTENT

UNIT 2
Lesson 1: Barriers to Physical Activity

What I Need to Know

Nowadays, the major cause of numerous health issues in our society is the sedentary lifestyle because
many technological advances and conveniences have made our lives easier and lead us to become less active.
People really need to engage in physical activity to prevent these health problems and maintain a normal and
healthy life. These physical activities have multiple benefits therefore, any activity that gets you moving, gets
your heart rate up, and gives you enough pleasure to do it regularly is good for you in almost every way. So
have fun, be healthy and feel good!

What is it?

In the previous lesson, we discussed the components of health related fitness and undergo the different types of
HR fitness test in which those test are considered as the starting point to design appropriate exercise program
that has a long term benefit. With that activity, you were able to identify your strength and weaknesses and the
areas which you need to improve. A person stays happier when he-/ she is fit and healthy that is why we need to
engage ourselves in any physical activity to reduce the risk of having diseases and illnesses. However, some
people do not engage themselves in any physical activity and now you might be wondering why.
Today in our next lesson, we will determine the different barriers to physical activity and how to
overcome those barriers. Changing habits is not easy but once you start to feel better, you will see the benefits
and the changes you`ve made.
 What’s More

The role of physical activity in our day to day lives has changed over the centuries because of modern
technological advancement that have made people less active due to certain barriers to participation.
Understanding common barriers to physical activity and creating strategies to overcome them may help make
physical activity part of daily life. The following are some common reasons why people remain inactive.
Personal Barriers
1. Lack of interest 6. Lack of encouragement
2. Joint Pain 7. Worries about looks
3. Dislike of going out alone 8. Lack of time
4. Not belonging to a group 9. Discomfort after exercise
5. Lack of energy 10. Social influence

Environmental Barriers
The major environmental barriers are Time, Place, Space, Climate and Noise. The environment which we live
plays a major role on our level of physical activity. Factors such as Poor street lighting at night and a lack of
convenient places to do Physical Activity, traffic, crime and pollution may also have an effect. Where we live,
learn, work and play appear to have a great deal to do with how active we are. Creating activity-friendly
environment is one way to help people become inactive such as buildings, streets, and communities that
encourage walking and biking.

ACTIVITY

Activity 4: What’s More

Direction: List down suggestions or ways in overcoming the given barriers below. Write your answer on the
space provided.
Barriers to Physical Activity Suggestions in Overcoming Barriers
Lack of Time

Weather Condition

Fear of injury

Lack of resources

SUBJECT: PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

PREPARED BY: P.E. DEPARTMENT
 Social Influence

SUBJECT: PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

PREPARED BY: P.E. DEPARTMENT