The benefits of regular physical activity in preventing chronic conditions and improving overall health have been well-documented by health practitioners and fitness enthusiasts. However, a large number of adults in the United States fail to meet the recommended guidelines for exercise. Studies have shown that outdoor spaces, such as parks and trails, are effective settings for physical activity, offering both physical and mental health benefits. Little is known about the potential additive benefits of exercising in natural settings and how to encourage more people to engage in physical activity outdoors.
To address these questions, Jay Maddock and Howard Frumkin from Texas A&M University’s School of Public Health conducted a study to assess the current scientific evidence regarding physical activity in natural settings. Their research, published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, identified factors that influence people’s visits to parks, their engagement in physical activities while there, and the benefits they derive from these activities. The study found that natural settings could be more beneficial for promoting physical activity compared to indoor settings, with factors such as community centers, playgrounds, and well-maintained natural features contributing to the attractiveness of these venues.
Access to parks and greenspaces varies significantly by geography, with rural areas often having less access to natural spaces due to more privately held land. Demographic disparities were also observed in the use of parks for physical activity, with men more likely than women to utilize these spaces. Black adults were found to be less likely than white adults to engage in physical activity in parks, while English-speaking Latinos and Asian/Pacific Islanders were more likely. Historical discrimination, lack of access to high-quality parks, and challenges faced by certain populations in navigating natural spaces highlight the importance of ensuring that these areas are safe and easy to navigate.
In light of these complexities, Maddock and Frumkin proposed four options for health care professionals to promote the use of parks and natural settings by their patients. These options include prescribing nature contact to patients, modeling this behavior themselves, engaging in community efforts that promote outdoor spaces, and supporting the creation and maintenance of parks and greenspaces through various funding sources. By encouraging patients to spend more time in natural settings, health professionals can potentially promote healthy behaviors and improve overall well-being, especially for individuals who do not get enough exercise or spend enough time outdoors.
Overall, the use of parks and natural settings for physical activities has the potential to be a powerful tool for promoting health behaviors and improving public health outcomes. By recognizing the benefits of exercising outdoors and implementing strategies to increase access to these spaces, health professionals can play a crucial role in encouraging more people to engage in physical activity and reap the numerous benefits of nature-based exercise.
