CDC numbers show 30 percent of Louisianans are considered “inactive”, twice the national average. LSU AgCenter nutrition specialist Denise Holston says inactivity is defined by not meeting the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity and can be the result of a number of impediments.
“Our climate sometimes is not as conducive to being physically active, and just like everyone across the nation there are a lot of scheduling conflicts with parents who may work and those who can not find time to fit it into their schedule,” says Holston.
Louisiana also sports one of the highest obesity rates in the nation at 35 percent.
Holston says states with low inactivity rates like Colorado have made an aggressive statewide push to make cities more inviting for physical activity, but those population-dense states have an advantage.
“Here in large parts of Louisiana, especially in our rural population, it is not really feasible to walk everywhere so people spend a lot of time in their cars,” says Holston.
She adds Baton Rouge, in particular, has done a good job of beginning to emulate the more walk and bike-friendly city planning of more active states.
If you are one of those inactive adults, Holston recommends starting slow if you’re first getting into exercise and find little ways to work it into your busy schedule.
“For example, at one of the bigger bargain stores, you park way out there, especially if it is safe. That gives you more steps if you are going to walk into the grocery store than if you ride around for ten minutes looking for the perfect parking spot,” says Holston.
