The implementation and strengthening of initiatives on physical activity and health are needed to guide and propose body practice in a conscious and autonomous way. Given the relevance of the investigation of places to the practice of physical activity in the development of public policies and practices of intervention, it is necessary knowledge about where and how this activity is developed, and the characteristics of the people interested. The objective of this study was characterize practitioners of physical activity in the Campus of Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS); identifying ways and reasons that led these people to seek for that space and the importance of vocational guidance for the practice. Data was collected by observation and interview with 75 people in November 2006. The results indicated that most were men, adults, practiced mostly to walk without professional guidance. It is hoped that studies is encouraging the development of projects in recognition of where and how physical activity is developed and characteristics of who the search. This information can collaborate to interpretations based, interventions and initiatives in public policy, as they may drive development of programs to encourage physical activity, such as municipal Atlas of Sports, in operation.
Physical activity; Health; Life quality; Atlas of the sport
