The pandemic has made this worse, with disruptions and the closure of schools meaning 62% of teenage girls were doing less activity during the pandemic than before.
So, with only 34% of girls in Years 9-11 strongly agreeing that they enjoy taking part in PE, compared to 56% of boys the same age, the non-traditional and non-competitive aspects of Studio You are designed to combat this.
“The class was really fun, and it made me feel like I was doing well and keeping fit; it was really good,” said one Year 9 pupil who participated in a Studio You pilot class at her school.
The platform was trialled in a group of 20 schools across the country during its development, and it wasn’t just the pupils who felt its benefits.
“We’ve all been so impressed with the platform and the research that has gone into producing it,” said a PE teacher from one of the 20 schools.
“The Studio You resources and videos are potential game-changers for some of our girls. We will be implementing these into our curriculum.”
Radio and TV presenter Vick Hope is championing Studio You and wishes it had been around while she was at school.
“I sometimes enjoyed sport at school, but I felt insecure that I wasn’t as good as other girls,” she said. “I lacked confidence and worried about my body and being judged.
“But as an adult, I learned how important exercise is for my mental and physical wellbeing and wish I had known that earlier in life.
“I’m delighted to back Studio You to help girls to discover the joys of getting active; the pressures of being a teenager today means they need the positive boost and resilience that exercise gives more than ever.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re not the best or how you look – it’s all about having fun.”
