Neighborhood and physical activity outcomes in women: regional comparisons

The environment a person lives in can play a large role in determining whether they exercise. This study examined the physical activity level of women living in either a northern or a southern region of the United States. Sedentary women were recruited to be part of a program designed to increase walking. Women were measured on the time it took to walk 1 mile, lung capacity, BMI, percent body fat, and mood. We found significant regional differences at baseline and change on outcomes over time. Awareness of the relationship between community/neighborhood and physical activity can be useful for designing fitness programs that are sensitive to environmental differences in women's lives.