Abstract

Author(s)

Bonnie Ratcliff

Introduction

The established idea of exercise and physical activity as something that we ‘should’ do is associated with feelings of shame or guilt around any inaction towards set goals and guidelines. What if physical activity could be reframed as an experience that is fluid, accessible and part of daily life?

Method

A literature review that applies an integrative methodology, folding in consumer and stakeholder expertise, to generate critical perspectives.

Results and Findings

This literature review shifts the focus away from prescriptive physical activity, and towards a concept of movement that sees people doing what feels good and is meaningful. Moving around the home, getting out in nature, spending time with others; these are whole-of-person and whole-of-life experiences that involve movement, but are often overlooked by the medical and individualised model of exercise. Grounded by the Social and Emotional Wellbeing framework, these movements are not only connected to physical and mental wellbeing, but also to the social, emotional, cultural, spiritual aspects of the individual and collective self.

Discussion

This research challenges how organisations develop and implement physical activity programs. It presents an alternative vision for future practice and research.