Clinical inquiries. What's the best way to motivate patients to exercise?

There is no single best strategy for motivating patients to exercise, given the lack of data from rigorous comparison studies. There are, however, several interventions for adults that are effective. They include: writing a patient-specific behavioral health "green" prescription, encouraging patients to join forces with accountability partners or support groups, and recommending the use of pedometers. In children and adolescents, multicomponent strategies that include school-based interventions combined with either family or community involvement increase physical activity.