More than half of mothers feel guilty for taking the time to exercise. Th at was the depressing result of a survey conducted by Sport England as part of its Th is Girl Can campaign.
Depressing because it makes you want to rage at the families of these women for contributing to that guilt and not supporting them to do the exercise they love – the exercise that makes them happier and stronger, and that enables them to live better.
Depressing because it makes you want to rage at society for enabling that guilt in the first place – how it manipulates minds into thinking that women should be all things to all people.
Depressing because it makes you want to rage at these women: why do you feel guilty for doing something that benefits everyone so much? On a small scale, physically and mentally, we are infinitely better off. Our family, friends and children watch us exercise and are inspired to exercise too. And our world around us benefits from our reduced visits to the GP and longer, healthier lives.