According to new data fitness is the most popular physical activity in the world, with 20% of respondents indicating that they participate in fitness in a normal week. The second and third most popular sports are running (19%) and cycling (13%). These are the findings of an Ipsos online survey conducted between 25 June and 9 July 2021.

On the other hand the study also found that 38% of respondents indicated that they did not participate in any sport or exercise. These figures demonstrate the massive societal challenge in terms of inactivity levels, as well as the central and crucial role of the fitness and physical activity sector in tackling the inactivity problem.

Fortunately, as new numbers showed, there are positive signs in terms of the recovery of the fitness and physical activity from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many operators have reported strong new joiner numbers and increasing membership, as well as stronger usage in comparison with pre-covid.