Public health, physical exercise and non-representational theory – a mixed method study of recreational running in Sofia, Bulgaria

Non-representational approaches hold promise for critical theory in public health. At the same time, they also hold promise for practitioners looking to develop practical dimensions for interventions. This article examines physical activity in Sofia, Bulgaria, a country with low levels of physical activity participation, to draw attention to the potential of non-representational theory for public health. In doing so, this article explores recreational running clubs and runners in Sofia. The role of affect, objects and movement in running routines is used to think through the techniques and technologies of participation. The article concludes by outlining how embracing on openness to bodily movement in public health theory could be beneficial in attempts to improve participation rates in physical exercise.