Increasing Access to Physical Activity Opportunities for Patients: A Review

Abstract

Physical activity has been shown to improve health outcomes, decrease risk of medical comorbidities, and improve longevity. Despite these known benefits, most individuals do not meet the recommended national exercise guidelines for physical activity. This paper identifies individual and community-level factors impacting engagement in physical activity, thus focusing on solutions to address common barriers to exercise and optimize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for physical activity. Afterward, several cases within one large academic institution and its affiliates illustrate recent endeavors to improve access to physical activity and highlight future opportunities for growth in all communities.