Women in Strength (WISH Study): Interview with Women Participating in Muscle-Strengthening Exercises – How Are They Doing It?

Background: While the benefits of muscle-strengthening activities are well established, national surveillance reported that women did fewer muscle-strengthening activities than men. The current study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators among women who are currently meeting the muscle-strengthening activities guidelines and identify ways to improve participation for women. Methods: 24 women, aged 18 to 64, from the United Kingdom who participated in muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days per week were invited to an online or in-person interview. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to the challenges and facilitators of participation, as well as potential improvements. Results: Qualitative findings revealed four overarching themes 14 subthemes: (1) reason for participating in muscle-strengthening exercises (health concerns and sports performance), (2) challenges to muscle-strengthening exercise participation (perceived time constraint, low motivation, cultural stigma and societal perceptions, confidence in ability and accessibility), (3) facilitators to participating in muscle-strengthening exercises (resources or information, accountability, social support, ability to choose and positive changes) and (4) suggestions for improvement (what an individual can do and what others can do). The themes reflect the complex interaction of personal, social, and environmental factors that influence women’s participation in muscle-strengthening exercises. Conclusion: This study further enhances the understanding of women’s engagement in muscle-strengthening activities by highlighting not only the persistent barriers but also practical strategies to overcome them. Incorporating lived experience strategies, such as scheduling, goal setting, and social support, alongside broader structural changes, such as creating an inclusive gym environment and providing credible online resources, would offer valuable guidance for more tailored interventions and policies to increase participation among women and promote equitable opportunities for women’s health throughout their lives.