Exercise trends

[1] This has been accompanied by increasing use of mechanized transportation, automobile dependency, a greater prevalence of labor saving technology in the home, and less active recreational pursuits.

As more of the population moves to cities, population over-crowding, increased poverty, increased levels of crime, high-volumes of car traffic, low air quality and lack of parks, sidewalks and recreational sports facilities leads to a less active lifestyle.

[2] Physical inactivity is increasing or high among many groups in the population including: young people,[8] women,[9] and the elderly.

[10] A 2005 population study in south Brazil showed physical inactivity during leisure time to be more prevalent among females and those living with a partner; with a positive correlation associated with age and number of cigarettes smoked, and a negative correlation (decreased levels of physical inactivity) associated with years of formal education, body mass index, and increasing socioeconomic status.

[11] Studies in children and adults have found an association between the number of hours of television watched and the prevalence of obesity.

[3] Noncommunicable diseases, partly due to a lack of exercise, are currently the greatest public health problem in most countries around the world.

[20] National data indicates that only 10% of Canadian youth are meeting the guideline for screen time of less than 2 hours per day.

[23] Among Asian children between 1917 and 2003 little change has been seen in power and speed however endurance has decreased substantially in the last 10–15 years.

Obstacle courses can include running, climbing, jumping, crawling, swimming, and balancing elements with the aim of testing speed and endurance.

Over 60% of the population of Brazil, Chile, and Peru do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity needed to maintain health.

This has been attributed to increased time spent commuting, leading to less exercise and less meal preparation at home.

In the USA the proportion of children who walk or bike to school declined between 1969 (42%) and 2001 (16%) resulting in less exercise.