The Healthy People 2020 physical activity goals are evidence-based, grounded in science that shows that exercise benefits physical and mental health. Unfortunately, the vast majority (80%) of adults in the United States does not receive enough aerobic or muscle-strengthening exercise opportunities (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2018). As a public health initiative, the Healthy People 2020 addresses the structural, sociological, and political factors that impact physical activity. I appreciate the fact that the government recognizes that environmental factors are just as important, if not more so, than individual motivation to exercise and therefore fully support these initiatives.
Exercise compliance is certainly not easy with my patient population, which reflects the majority of Americans who do not get enough exercise. I have tried to introduce my clients to wearable technologies and similar tools that can provide regular feedback and allow for the evolution of a personalized exercise plan. Some clients are more receptive than others. I also use Fitbit and similar technologies for stress management, to help clients recognize that their emotional and cognitive states are linked to heart rate and other physiological responses. I have also tried to teach my clients how to breathe and incorporate meditation into their lifestyle.
Stressors differ for different patient populations, and between individuals. Some are stressed by financial issues. In fact, a large number of my clients have expressed fears related to money and long-term financial security. Existential stressors, such as a lack of purpose or self-fulfillment in life, are also issues that cause stress for clients. Meditation techniques and exercise are strongly recommended for helping these clients cope with stress and redirecting their mental and physical energies towards activities that are personally fulfilling. I have found that each person needs to choose an exercise activity that they enjoy, because only pleasurable activities will become ingrained habits.
References
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (2018). Physical activity. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/physical-activity
