Introduction

This chapter aims to detail the health benefits of exercise and physical activity (PA) in the community and provide some examples of successful public health and community interventions to increase PA and exercise programmes in the community. PA and exercise lead to improvements in a range of health outcomes. Although there are varying degrees of individual responsiveness, the benefits of PA and exercise include: reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders, and some cancers; improving functional ability through strengthening muscle and bones; and improving psychological mood and well-being. Regardless of body mass index (BMI) and body weight, PA and exercise can improve fitness, which leads to healthy outcomes, regardless of weight loss. Skeletal muscle is important for maintaining functional ability, and is also an important metabolic tissue using glucose, fat and amino acids for energy production. Having muscle mass is important for strength as well as controlling blood glucose levels. As well as physiological health benefits, PA and exercise can provide social interactions, social support and reduced social isolation.

Health and exercise in the community

PA continues to be at the top of the government and health agendas throughout the world. Active lifestyles are important for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as well as for healthy ageing (Ding et al, 2016). Regular exercise improves physical and mental health, cognition, and general academic performance, reduces anxiety and depression, and adds to quality of life (Lee et al, 2012). Despite the known potential of PA to prevent NCDs and improve quality of life and mental well-being, public health campaigns have struggled to implement successful interventions on a large scale (Reis et al, 2016). It is essential to provide opportunities for PA and better health for all, not just those who can afford it. To successfully and sustainably address these pressing issues requires a coalition of policymakers and researchers, and involves social groups, the environment and policy to enable the maintenance and sustainability of health benefits (Reis et al, 2016).

Physical activity

Promoting PA for health is a high priority for government and other agencies as the prevalence of physical inactivity (PIA) continues to be a global concern for both children and adults.