This article uncovers the 10 Most Physically Active Countries in the World. For a detailed overview of the top 25 countries with insights into the fitness industry and trends, read 25 Most Physically Active Countries in the World.
10. Turkey
Average weekly exercise hours: 5.8
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 30.5%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 32.1%
The Ipsos report indicates that Turkish men spend an average of 6.5 hours every week doing some sort of physical activity, while the number for Turkish women stands at 5.2 hours in a typical week. Turkey also shows a significant prevalence of adequate physical activity, with around 78% of Turkish adult men and 61% of women being active.
9. Hungary
Average weekly exercise hours: 8.8
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 38%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 26.4%
Hungary stood fourth on Ipsos physical activity report, with Hungarians dedicating around 8.8 hours a week to physical activity, which is above the global country average of 6.1 hours. At the same time, around 80% of adolescents aged 11-17 and 38% of adults in the country are physically inactive.
8. Spain
Average weekly exercise hours: 5.2
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 27%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 23.8%
From Flamenco dancing to football, Spain’s sunny weather promotes outdoor activities. The Ipsos report indicates that in response to whether they’d like to participate more in sports, 59% of Spaniards expressed interest. Around 77% of Spanish males and 69% of females are physically active.
7. India
Average weekly exercise hours: 7.9
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 34.5%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 3.9%
Yoga’s birthplace, India has several gyms and fitness centers in metropolises like Mumbai and Delhi. It also promotes fitness in the workplace and through walking and cycling, among other initiatives. The Ipsos report reveals that Indian participants spend around 7.9 hours weekly doing physical activity, with 28% practicing running and 31% cycling, among other exercises.
6. Sweden
Average weekly exercise hours: 5.3
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 23.5%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 20.6%
Known for its love for outdoor activities, from skiing to ice skating, Sweden promotes an active lifestyle throughout the year. About 76% of adult males and 63.5% of adult females are physically active in the country, meeting WHO-recommended guidelines.
5. Romania
Average weekly exercise hours: 11.0
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 35%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 22.5%
The Ipsos survey ranked Romania as the third most physically active country in the world, with participants averaging around 11 hours of exercise weekly. Both Romanian men and women showed higher levels of activity, dedicating around 11.5 hours and 10.5 hours each week, respectively, to various sports, including cycling, running, and soccer.
4. Canada
Average weekly exercise hours: 6.6
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 28.5%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 29.4%
From ice hockey in Toronto to mountain biking in British Columbia, Canada’s diverse climate contributes to its rich fitness activities. 71.5% of Canadian adults and 57% of those aged 70+ meet sufficient physical activity levels. Canadian men are more active than women, dedicating around 7.2 hours to exercise every week as compared to women who dedicate about 5.9 hours.
3. China
Average weekly exercise hours: 6.4
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 14%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 6.2%
China has the highest prevalence of adequate physical activity among all countries on our list. Approximately 84% of Chinese men and an even higher 88% of women take part in regular exercise, indicating that women in China are more active than their male counterparts. This commitment to activity extends to the senior population, with about 76.5% of those aged 70 and above remaining active.
2. Netherlands
Average weekly exercise hours: 12.8
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 27%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 20.4%
Renowned for its cycling culture, especially in cities like Amsterdam, the Netherlands emphasizes an eco-friendly approach to fitness. Among 29 countries in the Ipsos survey, the Netherlands ranks first in average weekly exercise hours at 12.8, placing it among the top 10 fittest countries in the world. Around 75% of adult men and 71% of women in the Netherlands meet WHO-recommended physical activity guidelines.
1. Russia
Average weekly exercise hours: 9.2
Prevalence of physical inactivity among adults: 17.5%
Prevalence of obesity among adults: 23.1%
From Moscow to Siberia, activities in Russia range from gym workouts to ice swimming. Popular sports like ice hockey also promote fitness in the country. Russia ranks fourth on the Ipsos physical activity report, averaging around 10.6 hours of weekly activity among Russian men and 7.4 among women. According to the WHO, Russia also has a higher prevalence rate of sufficient physical activity, which is around 82.5%.
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