Physical Activity/Exercise

Abstract

Long‐term engagement in physical activity is associated with positive health outcomes. Physical activity can take many forms and range in intensity. Multiple communication campaigns and interventions have attempted to motivate and incentivize physical activity among a variety of target audiences. Encouraging individuals to maintain an active lifestyle can be difficult due to a range of behavioral and structural factors. Health communication scholars have applied multiple theories and frameworks to enhance the persuasiveness, relevance, and appeal of messages aimed at promoting physical activity. Increased access and reduced costs have placed technological innovations like fitness apps, wearables, exergames, and chatbots at the center of these interventions. Future work in this area should consider how communication can be used to target messaging at a broader level (e.g., policy reform) and advocate for resources for underserved and understudied populations.