It just doesn't speak to me: mid-aged men's reactions to ‘10,000 Steps a Day’

Issue addressed The evaluation of an earlier 10,000 Steps community-based intervention program indicated that men were less likely than women to have used a pedometer or increased their physical activity (PA). This study aimed to explore men's reactions to the 10,000 Steps a Day message, the use of pedometers, and other strategies for increasing PA. Method Five focus groups were conducted with 39 men aged 45–65 years. Results Although many were familiar with the 10,000 Steps message, the majority of men did not like it. Pedometers were seen as useful for assessing PA in the short term, but not for ongoing use. Participants were generally aware of PA recommendations. Walking was considered a good option for this age group, but there was varying interest in this type of activity. Weight and stress management were commonly identified benefits of PA. Common barriers to PA were lack of time and motivation, health and weight restrictions, cost, and disinterest. Suggestions of how to promote PA to mid-aged men included workplace initiatives, making PA “fun”, and creating opportunities for men to do PA with their family or same-aged peers. Conclusions PA promotion using the 10,000 Steps message, walking, and pedometers may not appeal to midaged men. So what? Promotional strategies could instead focus on time-based PA recommendations, workplace initiatives, agespecific PA opportunities with social interactions for family and peers, and activities other than walking such as cycling, golf, swimming, tennis, gym exercises and team sports.