Motivating People to Be Physically Active in Green Spaces

Studies have found that the two main constraints to outdoor physical activity are reported to be ‘lack of time’ and ‘lack of information’. Constraints may be specific to particular target groups on the basis of gender, ethnicity/race, age group, ability and socio-economic status. Strategies aimed at promoting physical activity should aim at removing or mitigating as many target group related constraints as possible. Successful promotional messages need to be tailored to the specific group being targeted. Sustainable programs involve stakeholders in the decision-making process. The examples of physical activity programs from Europe featured in this chapter encompass a mix of good practice factors which include: good organization and structure (Walking the Way to Health, England); innovation and added-value information (Calorie maps, Wales); focus outside the physical exercise (Kjenmann Stjordal, Norway); socialization, play and fun (Children’s Trekking Club, Norway).