For the first time since 2007, the number of inactive Americans has surpassed the 80 million mark at 80.4 million, or 28% of the U.S. population, according to the latest participation study released by the Physical Activity Council, a consortium of six major sports, fitness, and leisure trade groups. On a more positive note, the same study found that 94.8 million Americans ages 6 and up, or 33% of the U.S. population, are active to a healthy level.
The PAC annual Participation Report measures overall levels of activity and identifies trends in 110 specific sports, fitness, and recreation activities. PAC defines the “active to healthy level” statistic as the number of Americans who take part in a high calorie-burning activity three times or more every week. It also examines spending habits, the effect of physical education, and participation interests among non-participants based on an annual online survey of more than 42,000 ages 6 and older by Sports Marketing Surveys USA.
Among report highlights
- Participation is highest in fitness sports (61.1%), outdoor sports (49.4%), and individual sports (36.7%) followed by team sports (21.6%), racquet sports (12.8%), and water sports (12.5%).
- Inactivity rates have increased in nearly all age groups, from the 18- to 24-year old set (26.4%) to time-crunched Baby Boomers from 45-54 (29.3%) and 55-64 (33.9%).
- Outdoor sports are most popular among Gen Z (63.1%) and Gen Y/Millenial (58.6%).
- States with the lowest percentage of residents showing an “active to healthy” lifestyle include: OH, WV, KY, MO, AR, OK, MS, AL.
Written by Nicolas Yang