Mind & Body

New research released by the non-for-profit organisation, Central YMCA has revealed over almost three quarters (74%) of people aged 55 -64 find gyms, and the people who use them, intimidating.

82% of those questioned in the new survey commissioned by the Central YMCA also said that gyms need to do more to attract a wider range of body shapes and sizes. Almost half (49%) said they would be more likely to go to the gym if the instructors reflected their age and physique.

The UK’s leading health and education charity – commissioned the research as part of its national ‘Body Confidence’ campaign to highlight how people of all ages can ‘fall victim’ to society’s obsession with appearance, rather than accepting and embracing positive body diversity and body confidence.

Today's Image Obsessed Society

Rosi Prescott, Chief Executive of Central YMCA, comments: “Unfortunately these findings provide a true reflection of today’s image-obsessed society, showing that it’s not just the young and supposedly, most impressionable, who are feeling the pressure to conform.

We are all, more than ever, being constantly bombarded with unrealistic and unrepresentative images of what society dictates is the ‘perfect’ body - whether on TV, in advertising campaigns or on the front covers of newspapers and magazines. This can result in negative body anxiety and increase the appeal of ‘quick fixes’ such as fad diets, surgery and the unnecessary consumption of pills and supplements.

“We hope our campaign will encourage everyone – including those approaching their senior years - to place greater importance on being fit and healthy, over and above simply looking good. It really is never too late to start exercising. Physical activity is good not just for your body, but your mind as well – and helps improve self-esteem, wellbeing and ultimately body confidence. So, this summer, we want to encourage people of all ages to put any body anxieties they may have to one side and, instead, get out there and get active.”

A Call for the Media to Use a Broader Range of Models

Interestingly, the survey also revealed how a staggering 94% of those questionned think the media and advertising industry should do use a much broader range of models.

What Andra Thinks

Andra is one of our case studies. He joined Central YMCA after suffering a heart attack and was referred by his hospital to a heart rehab and friendship group the YMCA run. He joined with his partner Christine and he says it keeps them fit, mobile and they've made lots of friends.

So why not give it a try?

For more information about the campaign,

or to access a free guide to ‘Quick Fixes’, please visit: www.ymca.co.uk/bodyconfidence

Central YMCA is a leading health and education charity and the world’s first YMCA, established in 1844.