MOST WOMEN NEED TO EXERCISE MORE, KSU EXPERT SAYS

MANHATTAN -- An overwhelming number of women are not getting the exercise they need to live healthy lives.

That's the view of Mary McElroy, professor of kinesiology at Kansas State University.

"Only 20 percent of all women get the minimum amount of exercise they need, and 25 percent of women don't exercise at all," McElroy said. "That sets up a really compelling problem."

She said women use many excuses to avoid exercise. "Women always say, 'I don't have time to exercise.' Although we all lead busy lives, it's not a time factor, it's a priority factor," McElroy said. "One must learn to structure exercise into daily life."

Another problem is society's constant messages to women to be thin. McElroy said many women will watch infomercials or exercise videos and expect to experience immediate results. If they don't see instant weight loss, they lose interest in exercising and quit altogether.

"Women should adopt physical activity for health-related reasons," McElroy said. "Women see the reason to exercise as to lose pounds, lose inches or drop dress sizes. I call this cosmetic exercise. It's a side benefit. It's not the main point."

McElroy has suggestions for women who would like to start exercising. "Pace yourself and start out slowly. Also, if you identify some kind of buddy system, that's important.

"I'm an advocate of the fact that people should exercise whenever possible outside of the home," McElroy said. "Get out and meet your neighbors and involve yourselves in community-related physical activity programs."

She explained that if women buy exercise equipment and put it in their basements, many times they won't be motivated to use it. Exercising outside the home, but not a far distance away, is a nice compromise and is an effective way to establish a regular routine.

McElroy observes benefits of exercise, besides physical health, for women. "Exercising gives women a sense of accomplishment, which is related to self-esteem. It can have a powerful effect on self-image. I would take the benefits of exercise beyond health," McElroy said. "Exercise is an important component of one's quality of life."

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For more information, contact Mary McElroy, 785-532-0711.

October 1998