4147.4.55.001 - Culture and Recreation News, Mar 2007

PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS AND PHYSICAL RECREATION

Information from an ABS survey of participation in sports and physical recreation was released recently in Participation in Sports and Physical Recreation, Australia, 2005–06 (cat. no. 4177.0).

The survey found that almost two-thirds (66%) of people aged 15 years and over participated in sports or recreational physical activities at least once in the previous 12 months. Under a third (29%) participated on a regular basis of twice a week or more. More females (2.6 million or 32%) than males (2.1 million or 27%) reported participating at least twice weekly.

The most popular activities undertaken were

walking for exercise (4.0 million or 25%)
aerobics (2.0 million or 13%)
swimming (1.4 million or 9%)
cycling (1.0 million or 6%).

For 38% of people, their participation was in non-organised activities only, while 16% participated in both non-organised and organised activities, and 12% participated only in organised activities.

The survey also asked about the reasons for participating. More than half (54%) of the people who participated 13 times or more indicated that health/fitness was the main reason, while a further 22% indicated that it was enjoyment.

Insufficient time due to work/study was the main reason for not participating more frequently which was most commonly given (22%) by persons who participated 12 times of less. A further 19% indicated a lack of interest as their main reason.

This page last updated 25 September 2007

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Contents A Note from the Director Children's Participation in Cultural and Leisure Activities Sports Attendance Participation in Sports and Physical Recreation Music in Australia Cultural Funding by Government Attendance at Cultural Venues and Events Cultural Participation by Persons with a Disability and Older Persons The Priorities for Arts and Cultural Heritage Research and Statistics - revisited again NCCRS Contact Points About this Release	PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS AND PHYSICAL RECREATION Information from an ABS survey of participation in sports and physical recreation was released recently in Participation in Sports and Physical Recreation, Australia, 2005–06 (cat. no. 4177.0). The survey found that almost two-thirds (66%) of people aged 15 years and over participated in sports or recreational physical activities at least once in the previous 12 months. Under a third (29%) participated on a regular basis of twice a week or more. More females (2.6 million or 32%) than males (2.1 million or 27%) reported participating at least twice weekly. The most popular activities undertaken were walking for exercise (4.0 million or 25%) aerobics (2.0 million or 13%) swimming (1.4 million or 9%) cycling (1.0 million or 6%). For 38% of people, their participation was in non-organised activities only, while 16% participated in both non-organised and organised activities, and 12% participated only in organised activities. The survey also asked about the reasons for participating. More than half (54%) of the people who participated 13 times or more indicated that health/fitness was the main reason, while a further 22% indicated that it was enjoyment. Insufficient time due to work/study was the main reason for not participating more frequently which was most commonly given (22%) by persons who participated 12 times of less. A further 19% indicated a lack of interest as their main reason. Back to Top Document Selection These documents will be presented in a new window. This page last updated 25 September 2007

Australian Bureau of StatisticsCelebrating the International Year of Statistics 2013

Australian Bureau of Statistics
Celebrating the International Year of Statistics 2013