Exercising in the outdoors: A win-win for communities and individuals

Regular PA is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle, and time spent outdoors provides additional mental and physical health benefits. The EIMmovement has laid a solid foundation for bringing together researchers, health care providers, community programmers, and public health professionals to address negative health trends. Expanding that model to incorporate open spaces will unite the public health and outdoor industries, while also enhancing parks and public spaces, in an effort to increase quality of life for all citizens. Despite challenges due to the lack of programuniformity, outdoor prescriptions can be a powerful tool for public health professionals. Clients that demonstrate a lack of motivation for fitness training may respond positively to paddle boarding instruction, a family biking excursion, or a relaxing walk through their local park. This may not only enhance participation and enjoyment, but positions public health professionals as connectors to local assets rather than our physiological conscience.