"I Do" or Don't:

Abstract

Although the health and social benefits of physical activity have been well documented, a majority of females at every life stage are insufficiently active to acquire those benefits. Explanations for this lack of commitment to physical activity have not been found. Marriage, as a social role and life circumstance, has been neglected as a possible explanation for the inactive lie patterns of women. This paper highlights the available scientific evidence on the relationships of marital status and spousal influence with the leisure-time physical activity of women throughout the lifespan. Research showed that women's leisure-time physical activity decreased upon marriage. The major factor in the maintenance of healthy levels of exercise for married women at all ages appeared to be a physically active and supportive spouse.