Dr. Cavallini Presents Seminar On Benefits Of Day-To-Day Physical Activity

Limestone College Professor of Physical Education Dr. Felicia Cavallini recently presented research during a seminar as part of the Society of Behavioral Medicine Conference in Washington, DC.

Cavallini’s 150-minute seminar earlier this month was entitled How Do We Motivate Adults to Meet Recommended Physical Activity Guidelines? Hint: It's not with Traditional Exercise!

“It was so exciting to address the medical community because they are often in a position to help patients improve their physical activity levels,” Cavallini said. “Like so many people, health professionals are deluged with the more traditional images and promotional strategies of planned, structured, and regimented exercises. This seminar gave them a platform to truly learn and understand the importance of lifestyle activity which research has significantly linked to a higher quality of living and better health.”

The hands-on seminar provided evidence-based best practices and skills to participants, along with creative and innovative intervention strategies, to improve physical activity levels among adults. Methods included learning and sharing discussions, breakout groups, clear directives for each activity, lifestyle physical activity within the seminar, and informal presentations. Cavallini also provided a strategy to market, motivate, and educate all Americans and Canadians to improve their physical activity levels.

Attendees were introduced to a series of Cavallini’s physical activity graphics including “MyHouse,” “MyWork,” “MyWalking,” and “MyResistance.”

“A brief overview of my research highlighted that although most adults appreciate the benefits of traditional exercise, there is a preference for day-to-day physical activity,” Cavallini explained. “The evidence collected from the study clearly indicates that most people are not as interested in ‘working out’ in a gym or engaging in the traditional forms of exercising such as jogging, lifting weights, using the elliptical or other exercise machines. Rather, the results indicate a strong preference for making physical activity part of a daily lifestyle.”

Cavallini was awarded the prestigious, internationally distinguished Fulbright U.S. Scholar Grant for 2014-2015 as a Visiting Research Chair in the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences Department at the University of Guelph. Cavallini taught and conducted research in collaboration with the faculty and serves as an ambassador to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Canada.

ACCOMPANYING PHOTO:  Dr. Felicia Cavallini inside the Cannon Building during her recent time in Washington, DC.