BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY NEW 2/6/06 Environmental Barriers Social environments such as school, work, family and friends can significantly influence an individual's level of physical activity. However, characteristics of our communities such as the accessibility and location of parks, trails, sidewalks, and recreational centers as well as street design, density of housing, and availability of public transit may play and even greater role in promoting or discouraging an individual or family's level of physical activity. There are also significant environmental barriers from water and air pollution to crime and dangerous automobile traffic. To address this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has initiated the ACES: Active Community Environments Initiative project to promote and support the awareness and development of places where people of all ages and abilities can easily enjoy walking, bicycling, and other forms of recreation. There are many opportunities within our environment that support physical activities from parks, trails, and sidewalks to recreation and fitness centers. Even malls provide opportunities for fitness walking. Understanding environmental opportunities and barriers that we face in our pursuit for a healthy lifestyle may provide some of the knowledge necessary to promote healthy living. This information may also provide ideas for advocacy and civic participation. For more information on the Active Community Environments Initiative and how you can support a positive environment for physical activity in your community, please visit ACES: Active Community Environments Initiative. Personal Barriers Aside from the many technological advances and conveniences that have made our lives easier and less active, many personal variables, including physiological, behavioral, and psychological factors, may affect our plans to become more physically active. In fact, the 10 most common reasons adults cite for not adopting more physically active lifestyles are (Sallis and Hovell, 1990; Sallis et al., 1992) Do not have enough time to exercise Find it inconvenient to exercise Lack self-motivation Do not find exercise enjoyable Find exercise boring Lack confidence in their ability to be physically active (low self-efficacy) Fear being injured or have been injured recently Lack self-management skills, such as the ability to set personal goals, monitor progress, or reward progress toward such goals Lack encouragement, support, or companionship from family and friends, and Do not have parks, sidewalks, bicycle trails, or safe and pleasant walking paths convenient to their homes or offices.