Resistance to Exercise: A Social Analysis of Inactivity

Resistance to Exercise: A Social Analysis of Inactivity is an in-depth exploration of the social forces that perpetuate a sedentary lifestyle. Author 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 I 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 II discusses the role of changing families and the impact of school, work environments, and the health care system on exercise.

Part III analyzes how the social institutions discussed in part II as well as the community at large affect attitudes toward physical activity.

Resistance to Exercise: A Social Analysis of Inactivity broadens and expands current notions about individual responsibility for lifestyle changes. This book will help health and fitness program administrators to better understand the social forces that influence people's resistance to participation in activity programs. In addition, it will motivate physical activity professionals to continue their promotion of physical activity as a major health benefit.

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.