The Experiences of Young Adult-Aged Women From South Asian Countries Attempting to Participate in Physical Activity in the United States

This study aimed to broaden the understanding of young South Asian women’s experiences and relationship with participation in leisure physical activity (PA) at universities in the United States. Using a phenomenological design, semistructured interviews were conducted with five South Asian women aged 18–25 from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who were non-U.S. citizens attending a university in the United States and were engaged or were attempting to engage in leisure PAs. Findings showed one broader theme of “Nazar Andaz” (in Urdu for ignorance), representing cultural negligence or awareness within American society. Two subthemes interpret how or why certain cultural factors may have had such an influence on participants. The first subtheme, Ijtimaiyat (pulled apart or stretched), considers how many individuals from South Asian communities mostly participate in PA among their friends, families, or within their cultural group. The second subtheme, Infradiat pasandi (independent, lone wolf), represents the separation many of the participants may have experienced by being so far physically removed from their home country. Overall, participants generally perceived the United States as a “safer” place with excellent infrastructure, ample opportunities to engage in PA, and convenient access to gyms, which encourage them (women) to remain active. However, most participants expressed hesitancy to participate in PA because of the system’s cultural nonresponsiveness. To promote the better involvement of South Asians in PA, it is necessary to discuss the societal factors and cultural considerations that may be different within and across cultures.