Promoting physical activity in women: the new challenges.

INTRODUCTION: Participation in physical activity has important implications for the physical and psychological well-being of women. Although researchers and educators have previously focused chiefly on the promotion of vigorous activity, exercise experts have focused recently on recommendations promoting moderate activity in American adults that may have important ramifications for women. OBJECTIVES: We discuss the prevalence of activity levels among women, the barriers women encounter in becoming active, and implications for the adoption and maintenance of moderate activity. INTERVENTIONS: We present the lessons learned from theory-based intervention studies, for these findings could serve as a basis to accomplish the new objectives. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, we outline the research and policy issues that should be addressed for researchers and health educators interested in preventive health care in women.