Resistance to Exercise: A Social Analysis of Inactivity - Hardcover

McElroy, Mary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0880118806 ISBN 13: 9780880118804

Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers, 2001

Synopsis

This is an in-depth exploration of the social forces that perpetuate a sedentary lifestyle. Mary McElroy provides an insightful analysis of the social problems associated with physical inactivity and recommends solutions for re-engineering environmental and social institutions to increase physical activity. Part 1 describes the scope of the sedentary living problem in contemporary society and offers a history of physical activity and health throughout the 20th century. Part 2 discusses the role of changing families and the impact of school, work environments and the health care system on exercise. Part 3 analyzes how the social institutions discussed in part 2 and the community at large affect attitudes toward physical activity. The text aims to broaden and expand current notions about individual responsibility for lifestyle changes. This book should help health and fitness programme administrators to better understand the social forces that influence people's resistance to participation in physical activity. In addition, it should motivate physical activity professionals to continue their promotion of the major health benefits associated with an active lifestyle.

About this title

About the Author

Mary McElroy, PhD, is currently a professor of kinesiology and the kinesiology curriculum coordinator at Kansas State University. At the university she has also served as assistant department head and coordinator of graduate studies and research. In addition, she is the current President of the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport.

McElroy has written extensively on sociology of sport. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to 14 books and has been published in numerous journals including the International Journal of Sport History, the Journal of Sport and Social Issues, and the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.

A lifetime member of AAHPERD, McElroy holds a PhD in the sociology of sport and physical activity from the University of Maryland and is well known nationally and internationally for her distinguished work over the past 20 years. In her free time she likes to play golf and jog.

Edition details

• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0880118806
• ISBN 13: 9780880118804
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 360