Compares the individual approach to the community/public health approach in physical activity promotion in terms of goals, levels of intervention, theories, professional stance, methods, and time frame. Evidence from the last decade has increasingly argued for a shift away from a uniform exercise prescription to one that encourages increased levels of general energy expenditure throughout a person's day. From a public health perspective, this includes increasing routine activity, increasing transportation-related activity, and facilitating more convenient forms of leisure-time activity. Broadening public health interventions by targeting subgroups at risk (e.g., smokers and overweight persons) and various environments and organizations is addressed. Public health strategies may also involve the mass media, legislative and regulatory policies, and professional training. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)