Eurobarometer: Europeans are doing more physical activity
Ahead of the 2026 European Week of Sport, the European Commission published the sixth Eurobarometer on sport and physical activity. Compared with 2022, those exercising several times a week rose to 38% (up 6 points), almost daily to 9% (up 3 points), and those who never exercise fell from 45% to 39%. Main motivations are improving or maintaining physical health (44%) and relaxing (39%), with 26% citing mental health. Parks and outdoor spaces remain most popular (47%), fitness facilities rose from 33% to 39%, and active commuting rose from 24% to 37%, the largest increase.
Impact and considerations
The survey shows changing European exercise habits and venue preferences, with active commuting posting the largest increase, potentially reflecting urban mobility and healthy-lifestyle trends relevant to employers tracking workforce health, commuting and travel benefits in Europe.
Key points
- Compared with 2022, those exercising several times a week rose to 38% (up 6 points), almost daily to 9% (up 3 points), and those who never exercise fell from 45% to 39%.
- Main motivations are improving or maintaining physical health (44%) and relaxing (39%), with 26% citing mental health; counting relaxation as mental-health support, 65% see it as the most important motivation.
- Parks and outdoor spaces remain the most popular setting (47%, stable from 2022), fitness facilities rose from 33% to 39%, and active commuting rose from 24% to 37%, the largest increase across categories.
- Younger, more educated and less financially constrained respondents report higher participation; older and retired people participate less frequently; gender differences are generally modest.
- The 2026 European Week of Sport runs from 23 to 30 September, with the official opening in Dublin, Ireland.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- European Commission
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 22 Sept 2026, 15:39
- Page published
- 22 Sept 2026, 18:26
- Last updated
- 22 Sept 2026, 15:39
- Original links
- European Commission Press Corner：Europeans are doing more physical activity, new Eurobarometer shows (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 22 Sept 2026, 15:39