Objective

To characterize risk and physical activity level of the participants in a program of healthy habits and lifestyles in the city of Popayán during the first semester of 2015.

Methods

Cross-sectional study on the adult population participating in a health promotion program developed by the Cauca Governor's Office with 500 users. Information was collected through the IPAQ questionnaire and risk for physical exercise was classified using the PAR-Q questionnaire.

Results

The results show a prevalence of 18.3 % for moderate and vigorous physical activity. The population group with the highest percentage of physical activity was found in young adults (aged 18-35 years), while 64 % of the population are at high risk regarding practicing physical exercise.

Conclusions

The results obtained show that most of the population is at high risk regarding physical activity and also confirm low levels of moderate and vigorous physical activity. However, they also show signs of the importance of making evaluations prior to developing physical activity programs, such as security measures and control and monitoring of health status of the users.