Why the time is now for the fitness industry to make sure all are included

Less women are working out, despite a huge year for women in sport. As the Lionesses make it to the final for the first time ever, we ask: what more needs to change to level the playing field?

You'll likely have caught the Lionesses' 4-0 win against Sweden last night, with a whopper of a goal from Alessia Russo, who managed to score with a back kick without even looking at the goal in the 68th minute.

While there's no doubt that sexism in sport is becoming less prominent - for the first time ever, the BBC ten o'clock news was delayed to stream the Lionesses extra time and the first Tour de Femmes has launched - there's still a long way to go.

Why? Because despite all of this, new stats have shown that far fewer women are exercising now than pre-pandemic.

The newly released Healthier Nation Index from Nuffield Health, which questioned over 8,000 women, reveals that just under 50% of women haven't done any vigorous weekly exercise in the last year. One in seven women say that they’ve “stopped exercising completely”.

Keen to read how we fix the problem? Keep scrolling. Don't miss our guides to mindful movement, fitness trends for 2022, and London's best gym classes, while you're here.

Inclusivity in the fitness industry: why less women are working out than ever

This is because of a range of factors - the study cites lockdown as the catalyst. Another is the fact that, often, the fitness industry just isn't inclusive.

Take the Euro's, as an example - many of the female footballers competing are juggling jobs alongside training just to make ends meet (the men certainly don't have to do this at this level). The UK is facing the worst cost of living crisis ever recorded, and certain gym memberships cost upwards of £250 a month. And that's before you even look at the percentage of BAME individuals given the same opportunities within the industry as their white counterparts.

Team sports, fitness and well-being can bring a plethora of positives - from providing a sense of community, boosting both confidence and endorphins, and aiding mental health. But those things can't be exclusively for those who can afford to pay for the gym memberships or replace their kit every six months.

It's time to shake up the narrative around fitness and tackle the importance of inclusivity in the industry head-on.

So what's being done to change this? Speaking exclusively to Marie Claire UK, president of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Chief Science Officer Cedric X. Bryant shares that over the past few years, equity, diversity and inclusion have become a more prominent focus in all segments of society. "As COVID-19 makes existing health disparities more apparent and societal shifts bring more attention to systemic problems related to race, gender and other types of diversity, the world seems poised to address previously unseen or ignored issues and move in a more positive direction," he explains.

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) - one of the biggest educators of personal trainers globally - is starting to make sure that their Disabilities Act guidelines are actually incorporated into their training materials, while Bryant maintains that the ACE and other like-minded organisations are working hard to build a better industry "with a recognition that seeing and defining a problem is the first step toward addressing it."

Next step? Teaching trainers and businesses that small things, like using gender-neutral language and promoting inclusive signage in studios, can make a huge difference to the lives of the individuals visiting said gyms.

Not only that, but further encouraging an open, honest dialogue is essential, he continues.

So yes, there is undoubtedly a long way to go - but similarly, more steps are being made than ever before. Every time you see a gym, studio or company modify its hiring practices or add gender-neutral signage to its lockers rooms, every media outlet you see praise the benefits of exercise while featuring a plus-size model, and every time an exercise professional displays empathy or cultural competency is an important victory, shares Bryant.

Next step? To encourage everyone - both working and merely spectating in the fitness industry - to continue to advocate for a more even playing field empowers everyone, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, body size, or ability. Everyone should be able to enjoy the many benefits of exercising in a welcoming space full of friendly and excited faces, and it's our job to make that space happen.

What are your thoughts?

Ally is Marie Claire UK's Senior Health and Sustainability Editor, a well-regarded wellness expert, ten-time marathoner, and Boston Qualifying runner.

Utilising her impressive skillset and exceptional quality of writing, she pens investigative, review and first-person pieces that consistently demonstrate flair and originality.

Ally manages a team of freelancers, oversees all commissioning and strategy for her pillars, and spearheads the brand's annual Women in Sport covers, interviewing and shooting the likes of Mary Earps, Millie Bright, and Ilona Maher. Shortlisted for three BSMEs and winning one in 2022, Ally lives and breathes her verticals: her eye for a story and connections within the wellness sphere are unrivalled. Follow Ally on Instagram for more.