Reflections on inaction: how might we reverse continuing trends in physical inactivity

Physical activity (PA) participation has the potential to support people in living more fulfilling lives. However, recent statistics show that our efforts to increase PA around the world are not working, and global health targets will likely be missed. In this Critical Commentary, we provide reflections on the status quo of policy interventions and consider why inaction may be so omnipresent, and the kinds of radical reconceptualisations that may be required to help shift the dial on this wicked policy issue. Our recommendations include reflecting on: first, concepts around the hyper-medicalisation of PA discourse and then dominant policy ideas; and second, on the need to engage with the complexities of PA and policy processes to lay foundations for more radical policy actions (e.g. reallocation of time and redistribution of wealth), while addressing pervasive forms of quantification of people’s PA and movement experiences. We invite others to join us in an open conceptual space, where we encourage people to think differently about PA promotion and help realise its potential as one part of a healthier world.