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Supportive classes to encourage group exercise

6th December 2021

We’ve teamed up with EMD UK to create sessions that are low intensity, fun and great for all fitness levels.

Although many of us enjoy and attend group exercise classes on a regular basis, some of us find the idea of going along a daunting prospect. 

That’s why we’ve teamed up with EMD UK – the national governing body for group exercise – to offer lower intensity, fun and supportive sessions for those who might not feel comfortable attending group exercise classes otherwise. 

Each week, a variety of different workouts and activities are offered, including dance fitness, boxing, and yoga-inspired stretch, so that all of us - regardless of fitness levels or prior experience - feel empowered to take part and to choose the type of exercise that suits us best. 

Women enjoying working out together at a This Girl Can fitness class

Class instructors are trained to create a warm, fun and non-judgemental environment and build confidence to help those taking part move onto other classes when they feel ready - with everyone encouraged to “Come and do your worst”. 

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England chief executive, said the concept was a fantastic opportunity to encourage more women to build physical activity into their lives. 

“Despite the enormous progress we have made with supporting more women to get active in recent years, the gender gap for activity stubbornly persists,” he explained.  

“It’s never been more important; getting active boosts mental and physical health, helps manage anxiety and stress and creates social ties – but millions of women are missing out on these benefits. 

“Providers were approaching Sport England to say that they felt that This Girl Can – with its ethos of fun and freedom from judgement, regardless of ability – was the ideal brand and campaign to appeal to less active women who need their confidence built up. 

“It’s an exciting moment for us and the fitness and physical activity sector, and we will support EMD UK to roll out This Girl Can classes all over the country by early next year.” 

However, research by EMD UK reveals that less active women often express fears of being judged in gym classes, of looking “stupid”, of not being able to keep up, fear of what others will think and being out of their depth in a group exercise setting. 

Providers were approaching Sport England to say that they felt that This Girl Can – with its ethos of fun and freedom from judgement, regardless of ability – was the ideal brand and campaign to appeal to less active women who need their confidence built up."

Our own survey of more than 1,000 women earlier this year found that more than a third (38%) of us worry about not being fit enough, 28% worry about showing their body and almost a quarter (24%) worry that they aren’t good enough. 

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has also made it more difficult for us to be active, with Sport England’s latest Active Lives Adult Survey highlighting  that women have been slower to return to activities since restrictions started to ease. 

Shelley Meyern, head of operations and projects at EMD UK, says this has been a brilliant project to work on due to the enthusiasm and appetite from operators, instructors and the women that the classes have been designed for. 

“From the physical and mental benefits that being active can bring, to the social connections we can make, every woman deserves to feel the benefits of getting active. 

“At a This Girl Can class you can be reassured that there are no wrong moves, and everyone can take it at their own pace. We want women to come and do their worst.” 

Huw Edwards, chief executive of ukactive, says his organisation is looking forward to working with the campaign in 2022.  

 “We know how popular group exercise classes are among women and girls, acting as a driving force for female participation in physical activity," he said. 

"As the UK’s membership body for gyms, pools and leisure centres, we want to help our sector to reach even more women and reduce the barriers they face. Following our collaboration with This Girl Can on a new guide for gyms and leisure facilities to improve their services for women, we are looking forward to working with the campaign and our partners on this exciting programme of This Girl Can classes in 2022.” 

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