Lack of exercise among college students For most people, it is well known that maintaining an active lifestyle and exercising daily is essential for a healthy life, research shows that approximately fifty percent of all college students experience a decrease in regular physical activity after graduating from high school (Kilapatrick 2005). The decline in regular exercise is a problem at more than a few universities; the correlation between increased sedentary lifestyle and decreased physical activity is a national issue across colleges and universities. Scientific data shows a decline in the level of physical activity in students from high school to college. Approximately 38% of college students regularly participate in vigorous physical activity and 20% in moderate activity. On the other hand, 68% of high school students participate in vigorous physical activity and approximately 26% participate in moderate physical activity (Kilapatrick 2005). The data demonstrates a dramatic change in the amount of exercise over a one to two year period. According to the Behavioral Risk Surveillance System, the highest correlation between obesity, weight gain and lack of exercise falls in the 18 to 29 age range. “The latest findings suggest that the transition between adolescence and adulthood, a common age for college attendance, is often accompanied by dramatic and inappropriate weight gain” (Weight Changes, Exercise). An evaluation by National College Health reported that 57% of male and 61% female college students did not participate in any vigorous or moderate exercise 3 days per week (Buckworth 2004). The decrease in physical activity does not result from a lack of desire, however...... middle of paper ......lege students. Journal of Activity Physiology, 11(5), Retrieved from Ebben, William and Laura Brudzynski. Kilpatrick, M., Hebert, E., & Bartholomew, J. (2005). College student motivation for physical activity: Differentiating men's and women's motivations for sport participation and exercise. Journal of American College Health, 54(2), Retrieved from http://www.edb.utexas.edu/education/assets/files/KHE/Bartholomew Publicatoins/College StudentPhysical Activity for All: Overcoming Barriers to Physical Activity. (2011, February 14). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/getactive/barriers.htmlChanges in weight, exercise, and dietary patterns during freshman and sophomore years of college Susan B Racette, Susan S Deusinger, Michael J Strube, Gabrielle R Highstein , Robert H Deusinger Journal of American College Health vol. 53, Iss. 6, 2005