Exercise

Hitting the Gym or the Great Outdoors?

How do Americans work out? While hitting the gym is something that around a third of those who practice sports do at least occasionally, the Great Outdoors is also a major pull for people looking for some (light) physical exercise. According to a survey by Statista Consumer Insights, hiking is the most popular form of exercise in America, with 35 percent of those who do sports engaging in it at least from time to time. Other popular outdoorsy pursuits are hunting and fishing (26 percent of sporty Americans do this) and cycling (25 percent). Running is slightly less popular at just 21 percent of respondents naming it as an exercise of choice.

At 29 percent, basketball is the most popular ball game or team sport on the list, followed by (flag) football (25 percent) and baseball/softball (20 percent). Another quarter of the survey's respondents said they liked to get a workout in by boogieing down on the dancefloor (or maybe just in their living room). Responses picked less frequently include soccer (13 percent), cricket (11 percent), table tennis (10 percent) and rugby (6 percent).

However, 64 percent of Americans do not work out at all according to the survey.

Description

Share of U.S. respondents who engage in exercise by sports activity carried out at least occasionally (2023).

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