Physical Activity

Physical activity improves respiratory, cardiovascular and overall health, and promotes strong muscles and bones. 80% of Americans are not getting enough exercise for optimal health. There are many barriers that people face when it comes to physical activity. The top reported barriers to physical activity include lack of time, interest, and enjoyment, as well as social and self-esteem factors. Those who live in low socioeconomic areas are more likely to face barriers to physical activity.


People in low socioeconomic areas are more likely to have poor health and life expectancy than people who live in high socioeconomic areas. Urban planning, financial constraint, work-life integration, community engagement, social support, and psychological factors lead to the barriers that those who live in low socioeconomic areas face when it comes to physical activity. Barriers to physical exercise include lack of time, social influence, lack of energy, fear of injury and lack of resources. More research about physical activity among adults with low socioeconomic status is needed,  especially in industrialized countries. Increased physical activity among those with low socioeconomic status  has potential to increase health and well-being of people, yet unfortunately increasing physical activity is an often-overlooked strategy.


Increasing access to physical activity can improve the quality of life and health of Americans of all ages. The CDC guide to strategies to increase physical activity in the community provides guidance for program managers, policy makers, and others on how to select strategies to increase physical activity in the community. In order to increase physical activity at a community-based level, environmental change and policy-related activity needs to take place to promote the benefits of physical activity.


Resources & Tools


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Loch Haven Park Improvement Plan
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by East Central Florida Regional Planning Council
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Eagle Pathways and Trails Plan
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Vitruvian Planning
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Fort McPherson Interim Zoning
Resource - Assessment
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South Billings Master Plan
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 04/30/2012
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King Street Station Multimodal Hub
Resource - Assessment
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California Senate Bill 622: Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 01/03/2013
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South Lincoln Homes
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 12/31/2008
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Pinal Creek Trail
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 08/01/2015
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Michigan Street Corridor Plan: A Health Impact Assessment
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by City of Grand Rapids
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Quequechan River Rail Trail Phase 2
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Metropolitan Area Planning Council
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Fresno County Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategies
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 04/30/2014
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Atlanta Regional Plan 2040
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Georgia Institute of Technology School of Architecture
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Tice Community Connectivity and Redevelopment
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Florida Department of Health in Lee County
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National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Integrated Activity Plan
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 12/31/2011
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Buford Highway and NE Plaza Redevelopment
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by University of California Los Angeles
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South Los Angeles Fast Food Restaurant Density
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 06/15/2017
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State Route 520 Bridge
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 12/31/2007
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Oasis on Ballou Mixed-Use Development
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by HRIA
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Community Climate Choices
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Oregon Health Authority Division of Public Health
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Farm to School Coordinator in Arkansas
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 09/30/2017
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Bown Crossing Branch Library
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 12/31/2015
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Humboldt County General Plan Update
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 02/29/2008
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Baltimore City's Comprehensive Zoning Code Rewrite
Resource - Assessment
Brought to you by Health Impact Project
Published on 01/02/2010

 Related Topics


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Cardiovascular Diseases

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Active Transportation

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Hypertension