Move in nature, get strong with smart sports: physical activity habits and health-related psychological factors among adults exercising in green and smart sports environments.

Inactivity associated with modern lifestyles has become one of the most serious public health challenges of the contemporary era. Digitalization, urbanization, and technology-driven sedentary routines have reduced daily movement and negatively affected both physical and mental health (). A sedentary lifestyle leads to chronic health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as psychological consequences such as stress, anxiety, and low life satisfaction (). In this context, new solutions are needed to guide individuals toward sustainable health behaviors. Green, nature-integrated, and digitally supported sports facilities have emerged as promising contexts for promoting physical activity and supporting well-being. In Türkiye, the increasing prevalence of large-scale urban green projects and public open spaces that include walking–cycling routes and sport areas makes the “green facility” approach highly relevant in practice; moreover, some sites have begun to incorporate technology-supported features such as smart bicycle systems and other digital exercise support tools, indicating a growing “smart facility” dimension. The World Health Organization () emphasizes that at least 150 min of moderate physical activity per week is a fundamental health behavior for preventing chronic diseases and improving quality of life. Recent studies have shown that regular physical activity has positive effects not only on physical health but also on psychological resilience and stress coping skills (). A meta-analysis conducted by White et al. () revealed that physical activity contributes to mental health through mediators such as self-efficacy, psychological resilience, and social support. Recent evidence has also reported a significant positive relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life among adults, further emphasizing the role of active lifestyles in sustainable health promotion (). Therefore, physical activity is indispensable for the sustainability of both individual health and societal well-being in modern societies. For the purposes of this study, exercise was defined in accordance with WHO guidelines as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), encompassing activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, and vigorous sport engagement that substantially raise the heart rate and increase breathing rate. Psychological resilience is defined as an individual’s capacity to cope with and adapt to stressful life events and the challenges of modern life. Research indicates that regular physical activity enhances individuals’ quality of life by increasing this capacity (). A recent study, particularly among university students, found that physical activity levels are positively correlated with psychological resilience and well-being (). These findings demonstrate the critical role of physical activity in strengthening individual stress-coping mechanisms and sustaining quality of life.