Variables associated with leisure-time physical inactivity and main barriers to exercise among industrial workers in Southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to identify the main perceived barriers to leisure-time physical activity and factors associated with physical inactivity among industrial workers in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A cross-sectional study with analysis of secondary data included 2,265 workers. Thirteen barriers were investigated: fatigue, weather, overwork, lack of will, study obligations, family obligations, distance to the facility/setting, affordability, lack of motor skills, poor physical conditioning, lack of facilities, lack of money, security, and others. Prevalence of physical inactivity among workers was 45.4%, and the most common barriers were fatigue (15.1%), overwork (12.7%), and family obligations (9.2%). Fatigue, overwork, family obligations, lack of will, affordability, study obligations, and weather were associated with leisure-time physical inactivity. Government policies focused on overarching interventions could help these workers overcome such barriers and adopt an active lifestyle.