Chapter 1

The development of active leisure and recreation

Learning outcomes:• know and understand the four basic requirements for

physical activity• define the concepts of leisure and recreation• know the current trends in terms of active leisure and

recreation and factors that affect them• know the initiatives designed by the various governing

and sporting bodies to increase grass roots mass participation

• know the main contemporary concerns

Requirements for participation:

• fitness• ability• resources• time

Definitions:• Leisure is defined as a period of time spent out of work

and essential domestic activity.• Recreation is defined as the use of time in a manner

designed for therapeutic refreshment of one’s body or mind.

• While leisure is more like a form of entertainment or rest, recreation is active (in a refreshing and diverting manner).

Contemporary concerns:

• obesity• coronary heart disease• high blood pressure• metabolic syndrome• sedentary lifestyles (activity patterns)

• ageing population