Exercise interactions with green and blue spaces offer low-cost, non-invasive solutions to public health challenges-particularly around mental health and obesity-and issues around environmental sustainability. Physical Activity in Natural Settings brings together multi-disciplinary, international research on physical activity, health and the natural environment, offering evidence-based guidance on implementing nature-based solutions at individual, patient and population levels.


Divided over four sections, the book assesses the current research landscape, explores the underlying psychological and physiological mechanisms of the benefits of green exercise, details applied examples of physical activity in natural settings, and suggests future directions for research and practice. It features contributions from experts from around the world and covers topics including:








Self-determination, nature and wellbeing







Visual cognition and multisensory stimuli







Nature's role in growing resilience







Physical education and nature







Mindfulness and green exercise







Positive psychology and pro-environmental behaviour





Timely and prescient, and showcasing real-life examples of green exercise prescription, Physical Activity in Natural Settings is fascinating and important reading for any students or researchers in the psychology or physiology of physical activity and health, physical education or outdoor studies, and policy-makers and health professionals.