Exercise survey shows gap in fitness habits between social groups
A study by Flemish sports agency Sport Vlaanderen indicates that more than eight in 10 people in the region exercise at least once a week. Based on 2023 data, the figure remains consistent with the previous data from 2020. However, significant disparities in exercise habits are evident between social groups.
Only 67.4 per cent of people living below the poverty threshold report engaging in weekly exercise. Education level also plays a role, with highly educated people much more likely to exercise regularly compared to those with lower education levels.
While the overall exercise rates have remained stable, there has been a decline in recreational walking and cycling compared to 2020.
Sport Vlaanderen attributes this change to a surge in outdoor activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, which skewed exercise trends. Despite this drop, walking and cycling remain popular. When these activities are excluded, there is a noticeable decrease in the number of people who exercise at least once a week compared to 2020.
One notable change is the rise in participation in organised sports. The proportion of people engaging in sports through clubs or associations increased from 48.2 per cent in 2020 to 60.6 per cent in 2023.
“It is nice to see that more people indicate that they do sports or exercise at least once a week and that athletes have found their way back to organised sports after the pandemic," said Philippe Paquay, administrator-general of Sport Vlaanderen.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO BELPRESS
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