Investment in local parks and recreation sites increases the amount of time that people spend exercising in their gym clothing, a study has suggested.

Researchers from Penn State University found that decent facilities of this kind create healthier and fitter people.

"There is a strong relationship between how much money is spent to provide such services and the amount of physical activity that people take part in. You get what you pay for," explained Geof Godbey, professor emeritus of leisure studies.

The researchers found that spending an extra $10 (£6.25) per person on park and recreational facilities caused girls to take part in more vigorous exercise and both sexes to take part in more strength training.

Also, they found that the closer parks are to where people live, the more they are used and the more physically active locals are.

Last year, the journal BMC Public Health reviewed 25 studies comparing the benefits of exercising outdoors with fitness sessions indoors.

It found that exercising in a natural setting made people feel happier than working up a sweat in the gym.

Posted by Tina Wilson ADNFCR-2569-ID-800399801-ADNFCR

Sport & Fitness Clothing News - Latest Stories

Danger of exercise to hypertensive people 'blocked'

Posted on 06-Apr-11

Scientists have found a way of preventing a greater increase in the blood pressure of women with hypertension when they exercise in their ladies running clothing.

Sport for all initiative hailed a success

Posted on 06-Apr-11

People of all ages, abilities and walks of life donned their gym clothing recently to take part in free sports sessions at the University of Nottingham.

Exercise 'keeps the heart young'

Posted on 05-Apr-11

Women who exercise regularly throughout their lives have stronger, healthier hearts than those who do not don their ladies fitness clothing often, a study has suggested.

Using own body mass 'is helpful in resistance exercise'

Posted on 04-Apr-11

Older women can benefit from donning their gym clothing and taking part in resistance exercises that include using their own body weight.

Progressive resistance training 'is good for seniors'

Posted on 01-Apr-11

Progressive resistance training can help elderly women to improve their strength in their ladies fitness clothing.