According to the latest LeisureTRAK®* report, 48 percent of Americans say computer activities have cut into the time they spend outdoors. Thirty-eight percent say television and videos have cut into the time they spend outdoors. Only 46 percent of Gen Y believes we should be connected with nature, and it is of little surprise that they say computer activities have cut into the time they spend outdoors.

Do we still have time for the outdoors?

• Sixty-six percent of all Americans believe we should be connected with nature.
• Over half of the population has taken steps to eat better and increase their activities in the past year.
• Fifty-five percent of parents say their children play outside on a daily basis.
• Sports participants are more likely to encourage outside play and to spend more time outside after having children.
• Leisure walking is the number one activity engaged in by Americans, and we average almost two walks a week.

Business Lessons?
Awareness of the benefits of better diet combined with exercise, especially in the outdoors, is beginning to be translated into action. This is not a movement – it is a direction – and Americans need a push. Provide easy ways to introduce people to your outdoor activity but avoid guilt-based messages.

Americans connect nature and being in the outdoors with being healthier, especially if they have children. Parents are encouraging an active, outdoor lifestyle and trying to set a good example – make sure your outdoor activity is on their radar.

The competition for attention is known: computers, TV and fast food and junk food companies. Your message needs to be prevention (and positive). Consumers are receptive to health messages and understand they play a pivotal role in their own health. Remind them that a walk outside is like an apple a day.

Given the number of people who currently walk, along with the number of Americans who are increasing their physical activity over last year and the ease with which walking fits into hectic schedules, making customers aware of the appropriate clothing, footwear and equipment makes good business sense.

What is needed is a coalition of health food and leisure time companies to keep the grass roots momentum going in the right direction. Invite children to play in the leaves and adults to walk in the wilderness.

*About LeisureTRAK® - For the past eighteen years, Leisure Trends Group (LTG) has conducted the LeisureTRAK®, a quarterly study that is viewed as the definitive guide to what Americans do and love to do in their free time, as well as their leisure attitudes and motivators. LTG defines leisure time as the free time Americans have when they are not working, sleeping or doing things they "have" to do. LeisureTRAK® research is available through individual reports and annual subscriptions, proprietary questions and custom analysis, as well as database access to 76,000 plus interviews since 1989.

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