Research Consortium Scholar Lecture: Off the Couch and Into the Gym—Women and Physical Activity

Researchers have made progress identifying women’s physical activity participation levels and preferences. However, we have a long way to go to develop programs that stimulate women’s long-term participation in physical activity. The primary focus of Dr. Lynda Ransdell’s 2010 Research Consortium Scholar Lecture is to trace key recommendations for increasing physical activity in women across the age spectrum. In addition, she will compare and contrast the experiences of sedentary women with active and athletic women. Specifically, this presentation will examine sedentary, active, and athletic females across the developmental spectrum (from the adolescent to the older adult) and discuss strategies for designing intervention programs that will help women pursue physical activity on a long-term basis. Topics covered are: (a) a description of several successful physical activity interventions for girls and women (including DAMET and GET FIT), (b) a summary of strategies for increasing physical activity participation in previously sedentary adolescents, adults, and older women, (c) a summary of strategies for improving athletic performance and participation experiences in adolescents, adults, and older women, (d) a discussion of differences in the sport and physical activity experience based on gender and past participation in physical activity, and (e) recommendations for future research.