In addition, injury has been identified as a barrier for physical activity. Some groups of people, such as women and the elderly, do not engage in physical activity because they fear pain and injury. However, there are many types of activity that have low risks of injury. Educating the general public and promoting safe physical activity may help improve participation in the appropriate amounts of activity.

Among persons who have previously engaged in physical activity and exercise, injury has been identified as one factor that is associated with relapse from an exercise regime. Public education needs to focus on the appropriate management of injuries and injury prevention programs targeted to physically active adults need to be developed and tested.