An innovative solution and call to action for the physical inactivity pandemic

• Main Authors: Christopher Reyes, Joshua Carlos, Tony Guerra, Jenny Vo, Steven F. Loy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine 2021-05-01
• Series: Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine
• Subjects: physical activity; community-based; sustainable; kinesiology; university
• Online Access: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jpfsm/10/3/10_165/_pdf/-char/en

It is tragic and ironic, as we speak of the pandemic of physical inactivity, that we already know the cure for physical inactivity, the 4th leading risk factor for mortality costing billions of dollars in medically related costs and losses in productivity. The solution is simple. People must move more often. And of exceptional relevance, physical activity can prevent diseases which increase the population’s susceptibility to the new coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19. Creating innovative programs which encourage movement is a beginning, but these programs must be sustainable and accessible to a country’s vulnerable populations. 3 WINS Fitness is a free scalable and innovative community-based exercise program serving over 300 participants requiring no external funding for daily operations due to its implementation by university kinesiology students. If we apply our knowledge and work together in significant collaborations, millions of lives can be saved. Population physical activity has not increased since the late 1990’s. We must take a fresh look at identifying new or unique collaboratives and re-inventing current systems. At the core is the education system of university kinesiology/exercise science programs, teaching students the complete landscape of what is required for increases in population physical activity. The Call to Action (CTA) is kinesiology/exercise science departments around the world vigorously taking on the challenge and owning the responsibility for increasing population physical activity. The students of today can control the health destiny of millions of people around the world. The first steps to these departments taking the lead must begin today.