Public Opinion and Weight Action About Diet Nutrition and Physical Activity - Are Americans Getting Enough Exercise?

In "Personal Health Issues" (Gallup Poll, July 20, 2005) almost half of Americans (48%) surveyed reported that they did not participate in vigorous sports or physical activities for at least twenty minutes in a typical week. Participation in moderate sports or recreational activities—pursuits that cause slight increases in breathing or heart rate, such as walking, gardening, or similar activities—was greater. Although 14% of respondents said they did not participate in moderate sports or recreational activities, 28% reported moderate activity one to two times per week, and 24% engaged in moderate activity three to four times per week. Just 17% said they participated in moderate physical activity five to six times per week, and 15% claimed they were active seven days a week.

Still, the total exercise index, which calculates the level of physical activity obtained, designated 29% of adults as high, 21% as medium, 22% as low, and more than one-quarter (28%) as sedentary. Like the proportions of Americans consuming healthy diets, the percentage of Americans exercising vigorously, moderately, at a low level, or not at all has remained essentially unchanged since 2001.