Canadians Receive Low Grades on Physical Activity Report Card

Each year, the organization ParticipACTION evaluates the physical activity levels of Canadians, and the latest findings reveal a concerning trend. In its annual report card, only 46% of Canadian adults meet the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, resulting in a disappointing grade of C-minus. This report is considered the most comprehensive assessment of sports, physical activity, and recreation in Canada, analyzing a range of factors through extensive research and surveys.

The report highlights that Canadians have not shown significant improvement in their activity levels over recent years. Despite the known health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer, many adults are opting for sedentary pastimes instead of regular physical activity. According to the report, sedentary Canadians incur $3.9 billion annually in avoidable health costs, a figure that could potentially decrease by $629 million if just 10% more individuals engaged in the recommended activity levels.

Persistent Challenges in Physical Activity

The ParticipACTION report card indicates that many Canadians struggle to incorporate sufficient movement into their daily routines. For instance, only 32% of adults take at least 7,500 steps each day, a critical threshold linked to lower risks of various health issues. Additionally, Canadians received low grades in key areas such as strength training, sports participation, and balance exercises, with grades of D or D+ in those categories. Only 35% of adults engage in strength training at least twice weekly, while 27% participated in sports over the past year.

Conversely, there is a silver lining in the report. Canadians scored a solid B in sleep, with 70% of adults reporting they get between 7-9 hours of rest each night. This suggests that while Canadians may be struggling with physical activity, they are prioritizing adequate sleep.

Taking Steps Towards Improvement

To improve these grades, the report emphasizes a collective effort among governments, communities, and individuals. The development group for the report notes, “Increasing physical activity in Canada is like pushing a boulder uphill; slow, full of setbacks and far too heavy for any one person, organization or sector to do alone.”

The report card encourages Canadians to commit to their health by setting aside 30 minutes each day for movement. Activities do not need to be strenuous; simple actions such as brisk walking, skiing, or playing recreational sports all contribute to daily activity goals. For those who find it challenging to meet the 7,500 steps target, starting with an additional 1,000 steps daily can lead to significant health benefits.

As the year progresses, Canadians have the opportunity to turn this C-minus into a higher grade on next year’s report card. By prioritizing daily activity and making conscious choices to move more, the potential for improved health outcomes is within reach. The challenge ahead is clear, and the focus now shifts to execution and commitment in daily routines.