New research has found that for many women the thought of fronting up to a gym full of svelte and lycra-clad health devotees is rather demotivating.

According to the latest VicHealth survey inactive women often find formal fitness facilities overwhelming.

“About 70 per cent of mums feel daunted or intimated to engage in physical activity,” Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos told 9News.com

Ms Mikakos said many females, particularly cash-strapped mums, also find they are priced out of attending regular classes.

“We have found that cost has been found to be a significant barrier aswell for women and girls,” she said.

Annual gym memberships can range between $700 a year to more than $1,800 – with joining fees costing extra.

Yoga and pilates can range from as low as $10 a class to $85 for private coaching, while CrossFit memberships can be as expensive as $3,000 a year.

Di Terrill-Wynne from Melbourne says she felt “completed intimated” by the notion of a gym for most of her life.

“Intimidated by not only the equipment and not knowing how to do things but not feeling fit enough to be in there,” Ms Terrill-Wynne told 9News.com

“And being judged - mostly by women.”

But by age 59 she finally found a facility that felt welcoming and plucked up the courage to sign up.

In just three months of regular attendance she shed 14 kilograms and gained strength, confidence and improved her arthritis symptoms.

“I'm feeling so much prouder of myself in every way – getting fit has made a massive difference to my life,” she said.

Now the State Government and VicHealth are offering fitness and sports organisations grant of $150,000 to help make their facilities more inviting for women, girls, mums and grandmothers.