What Is the Right Environment That Encourages Physical Activity?
Healthful Vitality | 03/19/2023 | What Is the Right Environment That Encourages Physical Activity?
Living a sedentary lifestyle has become a common problem today, and it can negatively affect our physical and mental health. Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind, but finding the motivation to exercise regularly can be challenging. One key factor influencing our willingness to be physically active is our environment. The right environment can encourage and support physical activity, while the wrong environment can make it difficult to stay active. In this context, “What Is the Right Environment That Encourages Physical Activity?” becomes a crucial question to explore. It is essential to examine what constitutes an environment that promotes physical activity and how we can create and maintain such an environment. This article will discuss the critical elements of an environment that encourages physical activity and highlight strategies individuals and communities can use to foster a more active lifestyle.
Why does the right environment that encourages physical activity matter?
The desire to engage in physical activity is often not sufficient. In addition, the environment in some places is not conducive to engaging in physical activities. For example, some areas lack enough green spaces, gyms, etc.
Here it is vital to understand that when we talk about physical activity, we are not just talking about exercise. It means staying active at home, and work, engaging in recreational activities, and much more. It also means walking or cycling to work.
Four categories of right environment that encourages physical activity
The right kind of environment that promotes physical activity can be broadly divided into four categories; recreational, land use characteristics, neighborhood, and community environment.
#1: Recreational resources
It is one of the most important environmental factors promoting physical activity. It means biking trails, parks, large open spaces, public swimming pools, stadiums, and more. As one can see that most of these things are features of the built environment.
Of course, nature and weather conditions also influence physical activity. For example, some cities are near mountains, with smaller populations and less severe weather. Thus, people can go hiking in those cities, spend time in nature, and stay physically active. Similarly, those living near beaches are also more likely to be physically active.
However, humans can also improve the environment they live in. Just take the example of cities like Amsterdam or Copenhagen; they are among the most vibrant cities due to better access to various recreational activities.
#2: Land use characteristics
It means how well cities and living spaces are planned. It includes factors like population density, use of land, way streets are connected, the proximity of shops, working place, and more. For example, in some areas, it is easier to go for an evening walk or go to work by cycle. However, other cities require using electric trains and the metro. Thus, how cities are built plays a vital role in how active people stay during the day.
#3: Neighborhood characteristics
Even if the city is well built and has many recreational resources or a perfect beachside location, it does not mean that everyone has access to these things. The neighborhood in which one lives plays an important role in physical activity level.
Thus, a person may live in a city near a beach or mountains, with many parks and open spaces. However, a person cannot stay active if the person is living far from those places and in some congested neighborhoods without sidewalks and streetlights.
On the contrary, some people living in wealthy neighborhoods may have easy access to green spaces even in highly congested cities.
#4: Community environment
Finally, the community in which one stays also plays a role in physical activity level. For example, if there is a lot of crime in a given area, people are less likely to go for evening walks or jogging. It also depends on other factors like cleanliness, community support, and more. For example, there are free group yoga lessons held at community centers or nearby parks, which may promote better physical health.
Final Thoughts
In final thoughts, “What Is the Right Environment That Encourages Physical Activity?” is a critical question to explore as creating an environment that promotes physical activity is crucial for improving public health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The four key elements that can influence physical activity levels are recreational resources, land use characteristics, neighborhood characteristics, and community environment. Indeed, the desire to stay physically active is not enough. It is vital for people to create a living environment that promotes physical activity.
Related Article: Top 10 Most Shocking Risks of Physical Inactivity