Physical activity counselling by exercise professionals. A public health strategy to increase physical activity in specific target groups

Although sports clubs, associations and health insurance companies offer a wide range of exercise programs, several target groups, such as groups with low socioeconomic status struggle to overcome barriers for participation. The aim of this paper is to show the need for, as well as the prospects of structured physical activity counselling for specific target groups provided by exercise specialists. This successful approach to promote physical activity is described detailed in the group of long-term unemployed persons over 50 years in a job centre setting. A close cooperation with established local exercise programs is intended. Deficits and requirements of physical activity counselling in primary health care settings are adopted and transferred into the theory-based public health strategy. This approach has the potential to create a new field of work for exercise and health professionals in the field of primary prevention.