Skrylleområdet - naturupplevelse som motivation till motion?
Our lives in urban areas are becoming more and more inactive with negative effects on our
mental and physical health. Natural environments and physical activity have the power to
both prevent and reduce mental fatigue. Meanwhile we engage ourselves with physical
activity, the nature fascinates us with its complexity.
In April 2006, some of the visitors to the recreational area of Skrylle were asked to fill in a questionnaire which included questions about their habits within physical activity and the experience of nature. The questionnaires were then divided into two groups: those filled out by persons who exercise on regular basis (i.e. three or several times/week) and those who rarely exercise. The aim of this study is to find out whether a natural environment can be an inspiration to physical activity. The main reason for visiting Skrylle was physical exercise and the participants estimated walking/running as their most frequent physical activity during a year. The nature at Skrylle was categorized into following predominant characteristics; serene, the pleasure garden,
festive and space. This study shows that the experience of nature is an inspiration to physical activity for both those who exercise often and those who rarely exercise.