The behavioral determinants of exercise: Implications for physical activity interventions

In light of the well-documented health benefits of physical activity and th e fact that the majority of adult men and women are inactive, promoting reg ular physical activity is a public health priority. This chapter reviews cu rrent research findings regarding the determinants of exercise behavior. It also discusses the implications of this knowledge for individual and publi c health recommendations and intervention strategies for promoting physical activity. The discussion is predicated on the belief that physical activit y is a complex, dynamic process. During their lives, individuals typically move through various phases of exercise participation that are determined b y diverse factors. This chapter discusses physical activity determinants in two broad categories: individual characteristics, including motivations, s elf-efficacy, exercise history, skills, and other health behaviors; and env ironmental characteristics such as access, cost, and time barriers and soci al and cultural supports.