Mark Fenton adds the important distinction between exercise and routine activity to the urban design and physical activity debate, and offers helpful strategies and resources for planners and designers.
Mark Fenton, host of the PBS TV Series "America's Walking," argues that promoting more exercise alone is futile in the fight against expanding waistlines in the U.S. He writes: "Given that it is unlikely that Americans are ready to forego automatic garage door openers and washers and dryers, and that there is no evidence were inclined to increase our more structured exercise, it looks like we would do well to build more routine walking and bicycling into our daily lives." He is optimistic, however, as he reports that a growing number of planners and other professionals are shifting their practices to foster healthier, active cities. Strategies and resources are included in the article.
Thanks to Connie Chung
Read the full story: Engineering Physical Activity Back Into Americans’ Lives
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority