Utemiljö för motion

Abstract: New technology and urban sprawl have resulted in almost half of the population in Sweden being insufficiently physically active. The sedentary lifestyle causes heart- and vascular diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, stress etc. in the population. One of the biggest priorities in the society is to promote more physical activity. Through literature studies and a questionnaire this paper will examine how we can design the built environment in order to promote physical exercise and if we can change the sedentary lifestyle with a outdoor environment that invite physical exercise. There are both internal and external factors that have importance for people's physical activity. Examples of internal factors are age, physical capacity and motivation while the external factors are tied to the physical and social environment. As well the internal and external factors can stimulate, be neutral or counteract a decision to be physical active. Probably can the external factors also influence the internal factors and research results indicate that it can be a connection between the built environment and physical activity. The design of the built environment can be a big opportunity to facilitate and encourage people to physical exercise when only information based measures does not succeed to change the individual's behavior. Short distance between the private residence and working places, good conditions for walk- and bike traffic, good access to parks and green areas, aesthetic attractive design and that areas feel safe and secure are examples of factors in the built environment that encourage people to physical exercise. However, there is no simple strategy in order to get more people physically active. Despite all positive research results the built environment is not the only factor that can change the sedentary lifestyle. Since both internal and external factors have importance for a person's choice to be physically active, it depends a lot on the person and his or hers requirements on himself and the environment. But we can with the design of the built environment give good conditions for the inhabitants to changes their sedentary lifestyle.