2018
DOI: 10.12691/jpar-3-1-6
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Formative Evaluation of a Pilot Study of a University Exercise Class for Female Muslims

Abstract: Young adult Muslim women in western societies encounter barriers to exercise participation due in part to a lack of gyms offering women-only classes. Among university students, exercise might be further compromised by competing demands on time due to academics/work. We piloted a women-only exercise program (Sisters Exercising Together) for Muslims at one university in the southwest United States during the 2016-2017 academic year. We used attendance rosters (n = 6 participants), and focus group interview (n = … Show more

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Cited by 5 publications
(5 citation statements)
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“…These aspects of the intervention were generally favoured by the participants as indicated in the process evaluation, which have been similarly reported in previous pilot physical activity interventions targeting Muslim women. For example, gender-exclusive settings were an important facilitator for participation and provided women with a sense of comfort [ 59 , 60 ]. Additionally, engaging in programs with other members of the community was also reportedly a facilitator [ 59 ].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…These aspects of the intervention were generally favoured by the participants as indicated in the process evaluation, which have been similarly reported in previous pilot physical activity interventions targeting Muslim women. For example, gender-exclusive settings were an important facilitator for participation and provided women with a sense of comfort [ 59 , 60 ]. Additionally, engaging in programs with other members of the community was also reportedly a facilitator [ 59 ].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The fitness class setting was the only one for which postings of single-sex classes for women outnumbered those for men (i.e., 2 to 1), yet twice as many men vs. women taught fitness classes. It is important to consider the sex of class relative to overcoming barriers to participation—particularly for women [ 22 ]. Over 90% of listed instructors were Muslim, which may attract participants as well as offer co-religionist modelling of and motivation for a physically active lifestyle.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Most U.S. mosques are not considered women-friendly; thus, it is important moving forward that women are purposely included in decisions related to governance and development of women’s and family PA programs [ 48 ]. To the degree required by a local Islamic community in general, and particularly its women, individual centers should strive to offer conditions that facilitate women’s unfettered involvement in PA programs such as providing women-only classes, female instructors, and discrete spaces for PA [ 22 , 23 ].…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
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“…I was particularly interested in summarizing how Muslim females living in Western societies experience barriers to and facilitators of physical activity. Published physical activity interventions delivered to Muslim females have tapped into multiple layers of the socioecological model to redress intrapersonal (e.g., lack of self-efficacy, motivation, and knowledge), interpersonal (lack of social support), and environmental (i.e., lack of low-cost venues that comply with cultural/religious beliefs about women's participation relative to modest dress and intermingling of the sexes) barriers [17][18][19]. Yet, to date, no synthesis of barriers to and facilitators of physical activity among this subpopulation has been published.…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%