Barriers to physical activity
HEAVY PERIOD
Internal barriers are factors within the persons themselves hindering them from being physically active. The The total amount of things to do and the energy one uses is not always enough for both work, family, and me. The things that most often are deprioritized are those related to me. It is very wrong, then you have less to give to everyone else also. But that is what happens, and partly still do. When you have done everything else that day, and there is no time for me, there is nothing (energy) left (ID 5).Several external barriers for PA were pointed out, one of them being the pandemic situation with isolation, quarantine and training centers closed for several weeks or months. Lack of space or gear to exercise at home was named as a barrier, although most participants preferred to be outside for PA. Others did not have access to training centers due to long distances, living in rural areas or the cost of a membership was perceived as too high. Poor weather conditions, especiallyin winter, affected some participants, hindering people to be outside and be active for parts of the season. The period with no sun (the dark period) in Northern Norway lasting from November to January was a common barrier for some.Now we have recently had the dark period. It is often a heavy period up here. It makes me more passive. It has been colder as usual, so I have not done so much winter activities as usual. But now the sun is back, it is getting a bit warmer and easier (ID 5).Some experienced their work situation, characterized by responsibility, traveling or long working hours, as a barrier to perform as much PA as they wanted and needed.