Emphasis on Cardiovascular Fitness as a Barrier toward Mobilizing the Sedentary Individual

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the view that in efforts to mobilize the sedentary individual too much emphasis has been placed on developing and maintaining cardiovascular fitness. Instead, encouraging low level physical activity may be the first step in mobilizing the sedentary individual as well as favorably altering their heart disease risk factor profile. Second, the view that the major barriers in adapting physical activity of any intensity are partly a result of the beliefs held toward cardiovascular fitness is presented. Finally, suggestions on how these beliefs may be altered as well as suggestions for future research are proposed.