Leisure physical activity and barriers perceived by homosexual men in a mid-sized city in Southeast Brazil

Objective: To investigate the level of leisure-time physical activity, the types and places where it is practiced, the perceived barriers and the homophobia reported by homosexual men. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out using an online form. Results: The final sample consisted of 62 homosexual men (27.8 ± 6.0 years old) living in the municipality of Uberaba, Minas Gerais. The prevalence of physically active men was high (62.9%). The level of physical activity was not associated with demographic variables or perceived health. The most practiced types of physical activity were walking (46.8%) and resistance training (46.8%), while the most cited locations were private gyms (56.5%) and public roads (40.3%). The most perceived barriers were long working hours (62.9%), household chores (40.3%) and lack of energy (35%), the first two being associated with level of physical activity and age (p < 0.05). Among the participants, 37% reported having suffered prejudice in places where they practiced physical activity, mainly on the street and in private gyms. Conclusion: It was found that despite the barriers (long working hours, household chores and lack of energy) perceived by homosexual men, the prevalence of physical activity is high, with the majority practicing walking and/or resistance training. Prejudice is still present in different places where physical activity is practiced.