Sixth-grade boys' perceived benefits of and barriers to physical activity and suggestions for increasing physical activity.

Interventions are needed to reduce the high overweight prevalence noted among boys in early high school. Because decreased physical activity (PA) is a factor for weight gain and a decline in boys' PA occurs across the middle school years, a need exists to intervene, as soon as boys reach middle school, to help them get adequate PA. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, enjoyment or activity preferences, and situational or environmental influences related to PA among sixth-grade boys (N = 40). Each boy participated in one of seven focus groups. Having an average weight was the most important benefit. The most prominent personal barrier focused on being unmotivated. Environmental barriers included lacking equipment and places for PA. Suggestions for increasing boys' PA were identified. Findings have implications for nurses interested in designing interventions to assist boys of this age in achieving PA recommendations.