Strategies to Increase Physical Activity

If 27 million Americans become more physically active, we will double the Healthy People 2020 goal and reduce the risk of at least 20 chronic diseases. To reach this goal, communities can implement evidence-based strategies to increase physical activity across sectors and settings. Providing equitable and inclusive access is foundational to each strategy.

Click on the individual signposts and base to find more information about each strategy.

Additional Resources

Tools for ActionEveryone can be involved in Active People, Healthy Nation. See ideas on what you can do.
Delivering Physical Activity Strategies That Work: Active People, Healthy NationLearn more about the strategies to increase physical activity and factors to consider when selecting these strategies to match community needs.
Public Health Action StepsCreating an Active America, Together
Physical Activity Guidelines, second edition, Chapter 8Taking Action: Increasing Physical Activity Levels of Americans

Strategies

Following are strategies that work to increase physical activity.

Activity-Friendly Routes to Everyday Destinations

Community Design for Physical Activity

Access to Places for Physical Activity

School and Youth Programs

Community-Wide Campaigns

Social Supports

Individual Supports

Prompts to Encourage Physical Activity

Equitable and Inclusive Access

Additional Resources

What’s Your Role? Strategies by SectorView evidence-based strategies to increase physical activity for individual community sectors, including real-world examples and resources for Government, Education, Healthcare, and Faith-Based settings.
Delivering Physical Activity Strategies That Work: Active People, Healthy NationLearn more about the strategies to increase physical activity and factors to consider when selecting these strategies to match community needs.
Public Health Action StepsCreating an Active America, Together
Physical Activity Guidelines, second edition, Chapter 8Taking Action: Increasing Physical Activity Levels of Americans

Action Steps for Public Health

Maximizing Active Living Strategies to Advance Health Equity

Connect with Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity