The benefits of physical activity for girls

In fact, 3 out of 10 girls give up a sport they played as a child before the end of adolescence. Far more girls than boys fail to see themselves as sporty, and engage in less physical activity during their teen years. 

Yet all teenagers, boys and girls alike, benefit from discovering sports, physical activities, and outdoor pursuits they enjoy, considering the benefits they bring. 

That's why it's essential to support them, especially girls, so they too can discover how physical activity is a simple and accessible tool for well-being.

Reasons why girls are less physically active

Here are some factors, as identified by young women themselves, that prevent them from engaging in physical activity with consistency and joy:

1.    Competition and performance-related stress 

2.    Judgments of others

3.    Lack of confidence in their abilities

4.    Offer that does not take into account their needs and preferences

5.    Concerns and limits imposed by parents

6.    Inappropriate language, bullying, and mockery 

7.    Lack of time to change or freshen up after the activity

8.    Weight and/or body image concerns

9.    Lack of women role models

10.    Presence of boys

The benefits of physical activity

This lack of interest in physical activity in girls comes at a very bad time. Regular physical activity has a number of benefits, particularly during the teenage years when girls are undergoing major transformations

Here are some of these benefits:

•    Improved mood

•    Increased psychological well-being

•    Increased self-esteem

•    Decreased stress and anxiety

•    Decreased symptoms of depression

Programs that encourage girls to get active

Some programs, such as FitSpirit's, have shown that the sport-based approach has made a real difference in the lives of teenage girls. 

This makes it possible to offer young people safe and rewarding physical activity experiences, transforming their lifestyle habits and leading to shifts - sometimes subtle, sometimes more significant - in the way physical activity is presented. 

Here are some of the positive outcomes that school leaders have observed among Fillactive program participants:

•    Improved self-confidence/skills

•    Improved physical skills

•    Attitude plus positive

•    Improved participation

•    Improved self-perception/body image

•    Improved ability to overcome past negative experiences related to physical activity

•    Decreased fear of being judged

•    Increased sense of belonging at school

•    Better teacher/student relationships

What is FitSpirit?

Fillactive is an extracurricular activity designed specifically for girls aged 12 to 17. It is a high school non-competitive multi-sport team for girls. Fillactive activities, which always put friends and fun first, enable teenage girls to discover physical activity, sports, and the outdoors in a non-judgmental, non-competitive and non-timed environment.

The FitSpirit program is offered in more than 13 schools in Laval. Discover the complete list of high schools registered here.

How can I bring FitSpirit to my daughter's school?

1.    Send this document to a member of the school staff (e.g., principal, recreation technician, physical education teacher, or other subject teacher).

2.    If the school seems interested, write to us at info@fillactive.ca and we’ll take it from there!    

En savoir plus

Référence(in french)

Fillactive, Résultats de la recherche sur l’impact de l’approche Fillactive