“Girls Aren’t Meant to Exercise”: Perceived Influences on Physical Activity among Adolescent Girls—The HERizon Project

Background. Adolescent girls are less active than boys, with approximately 10% of in Ireland and the United Kingdom meeting minimum recommended daily physical activity (PA) guidelines. This study investigated factors perceived to influence PA among adolescent from low socioeconomic areas order inform design a future intervention (The HERizon Project). Methods. A total 48 (13–18 years) participated focus groups (n = 8), explore perspectives gender within this. Focus were thematically analyzed interpreted socioecological framework. Results. Most enjoyed aware its benefits. They identified both barriers facilitators at intrapersonal (fear judgement changing priorities WITH age), interpersonal (changing social pressures support others) organizational (delivery PE) levels. Gender inequality was multilevel factor, crossing all Conclusion. Although many enjoy PA, their experiences appear be limited by fear an overarching sense inequality. Future interventions, such as Project, should address influences intrapersonal, levels promote positive for girls.