New Ways to Promote Fitness for Urban Girls

Access is another theme that emerged from Thompson's study. She [Wanda Thompson, an assistant professor at the Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden] says, "In urban areas or low economic neighborhoods where there is little to no access to gyms, recreation centers, or parks, children are less likely to get the physical activity they need. You have to start looking at access and providing a safe, supportive environment where children could go and get their exercise," she notes.

Thompson suggests one way to provide access could be through churches. She is currently seeking funding to help establish organized exercise activities at churches so she can research the effect they have on obese adolescents in urban areas.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131219162946.htm