Community-based social support for physical activity

Program basics

Combines physical activity opportunities and social support to build, strengthen, and maintain social networks that encourage positive behavior changes
Can include education, group or individual counseling, or plans tailored to individual needs
Examples include walking groups, exercise buddy systems, making contracts, setting goals, or planning physical activities with others

Community-wide

Not available

Not available

Increased physical activity and physical fitness among adults
Provides physical health benefits such as reduced cardiovascular risk, weight loss, diabetes, and general functioning
Provides mental health benefits such as reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms

Note: This content is under review
Programs that encourage social support, especially by including family members and friends, are more likely to foster participation
Partnerships with local groups such as recreational centers, community centers, and religious organizations can enhance the social support component of the program and can also improve participant recruitment and retention
Partnerships with physical health practitioners such as fitness instructors and physiotherapists can facilitate collaboration on program design and increase trust in the program
Barriers to participation can include lack of apparel such as shoes and workout clothing, especially in low-income communities, and time constraints for working mothers and other similar groups