Leisure, Physical Activity and Health Promotion: A Case for Integration

This commentary argues that an integrated study of leisure, physical activity and health is necessary for preparing professionals for diverse careers in the broad field known as health promotion. Contemporary perspectives of health and leisure share many common features (Wankel, 1994). It is impossible to study leisure in any comprehensive way without addressing the nature of health and well-being. Conversely, given a contemporary health determinants perspective of health and health promotion, leisure and lifestyle constitute a major health determinant. In developing this integrated perspective, I will address the following questions: why a health emphasis within leisure studies? why has health been largely ignored in leisure studies programs? how do administrative structure(s) impact the study of leisure and health? what types of information/courses should be included in leisure studies programs for a health emphasis?