Fact Sheet on European Countries Physical Activity Level

 FACT SHEET – UNITED KINGDOM
46 % Brits say they play sport regularly or with some regularity. 54 % never play sport or do so less than once a month.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in United Kingdom
 10% of the respondents in United Kingdom engage in voluntary work that supports s porting activities . It’s an
increase of 4 percentage points since 2010
 21% of the respondents in UK indentify illness or disability as the main reasons for not doing exercise. This is
high compared to Greece (9%), Spain (9%), Malta (9%) and Italy (4%)
 65% of the respondents in UK engage in sport or physical activities to improve their health. Compared to
Bulgaria (34%), Hungary (39%) and Romania (47%).
 4% of the respondents in UK engage in sport or physical activity at school or university. It is a bit less than
average in the EU and only half of what we see in Latvia (8%) and Lithuania (8%)
 69% of the respondents in UK are not members of a club where they participate in sport or recreational physical
activities, a drop of 5 percentage points in contrast to 2010. Compared to Sweden (47%) and The Netherlands
(54%).
 FACT SHEET – HUNGARY
38% of Hungarians play sport regularly or with some regularity. 44% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Hungary
 6% of the respondents in Hungary engage in voluntary work that supports sporting activities. Same percent as
in 2009.
 The lack of time for Hungarians is the biggest issue 43%, the country leading in this department being Malta
with 56%. Other Variables (Lack of motivation: 18%; disability/Illness 17%; it is too expensive 13%).
 In Hungary to improve health is an important motivator (39%); to have fun 9%, to improve physical performance
27% and 8% to control weight.
 Physical activity at home is popular in Eastern European Hungary being on the 6th place (2013: 51%). In parks
and outdoors (2013: 16%, 2009: 36%) and at a health or fitness centre (2013: 6%).
 Hungarians are the second-least likely to be members of a sports club (5%) (Romanians are the least likely:
1%) and (the Dutch are the most likely: 27%).
 FACT SHEET – CZECH REPUBLIC
36% of Czech Republic respondents play sport regularly or with some regularity. 35% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Czech Republic

 10% of the respondents in Czech Republic engage in voluntary work that supports sporting activities. A slight
difference compared with 7% in 2009.
 The lack of time for the population in Czech Republic is the biggest barrier 52%, the country leading in this
department being Malta with 56%. Other Variables (Lack of motivation: 23%; disability/Illness: 15%; it is too
expensive 14%).
 Motivators for Czech Republic are to improve health 50%; to have fun 39%, to improve physical performance
14%; 20% to control weight.
 Engaging in physical activity at the work place is high in Eastern Europe, with Czech Republic 19% active,
being third after Latvia (26%) and Estonia (20%). In parks and outdoors (2013: 42%) and at a health or fitness
center (2013: 17%).
 11% of the Czech Republic population is likely to be members of a sports club.
 FACT SHEET – SLOVAKIA
34% of Slovakians play sport regularly or with some regularity. 41% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Slovakia
 For Slovakia, volunteering in sport was the 2nd biggest decrease since 2009 (10%) and in 2013 with 6%.
 Respondents in Slovakia (10%) and the Czech Republic (9%) are most likely to say that they are afraid of the
risk of injuries. One of the biggest barriers for Slovakians is lack of time at 48% and lack of motivation (23%).
 The fun factor is the least motivating among Slovakians, at the same level with Poland (16%). The health factor
is one of the most important for Slovakia at 52%.
 Engaging in sport or physical activity on the way between home and school, work or shops is popular in
Slovakia (36%) and Malta (36%). (2013: park and outdoors 36%.
 Slovakians are 7% likely to be members of a sports club, (Romanians are the least likely: 1%), (the Dutch are
the most likely: 27%); and one of the least likely to be a member of a fitness centre or gym (9%), the least likely
being Lithuania at 1%, and the most likely the Dutch (33%).
 FACT SHEET – SLOVENIA
51% of Slovenians play sport regularly or with some regularity. 22% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Slovenia
 Volunteering in sport (2013: 12%; 2009: 14%).
 Slovenians are the least likely to see lack of time as a barrier at (14%) together with Ireland (11%), Romania
(13%) and UK (14%). One of the biggest barriers for Slovenians is lack of time at 45%.

 Slovenia is the second most likely to have health considerations as a motivator (76%) topped by Sweden (81%)
and followed by Denmark (76%), (lowest, 2nd is Hungary: 39% and 3rd is Romania: 47%). Spending time with
friends is relatively common for Slovenia, the 2nd highest (32%, topped by Austria (35%) and followed by
Denmark (31%).
 Engaging in sport or physical activity in a park and outdoors is particularly high in Slovenia (60%), as well as in
Sweden (55%) and Austria (54%). Slovenia is the third most likely country to do sports at home, with 54%.
 Slovenians are 12% likely to be members of a sports club. And one of the least likely to be a member of a
fitness centre or gym (5%), the least likely being Lithuania at 1% and the most likely the Dutch (33%).
 FACT SHEET – ITALY
30% of Italians play sport regularly or with some regularity. 60% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Italy
 Volunteering in sport (2013: 3%; 2009: 3%) (Equal 2nd lowest).
 Dislike of competitive activities is the most common barrier in Italy (2013: 13%), Malta (2013: 12%) and Hungary
(2013: 10%) Lack of time and motivation is a strong barrier for Italy at (40%).
 A s trong motivator for Italy is improving one’s phys ical appearance, the s ame in Latvia and Malta (2013: 33% in
each case). The most common motivator is to improve health (2013: 55%) and to relax (2013: 44%).
 Low figures in Italy for those who exercise at home (2013: 13%), or at work 4%). 35% of the respondents prefer
the outdoors, and the country with the highest percentage is Finland (2013: 72%).
 Membership at a health or fitness centre has decreased the most in Italy (2013: 6%; 2009: 14%), with the
largest increases in Sweden (2013: 33%; 2009: 21%), Luxembourg (2013: 13%; 2009: 6%), Spain (2013: 10%;
2009: 4%) and the Czech Republic (2013: 12%; 2009: 6%).
 FACT SHEET – SPAIN
46% of the Spanish play sport regularly or with some regularity. 44% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Spain
 Spanish people volunteered in sport in 2013: 4%, a decrease from 2009: 5%.
 The biggest barrier for Spain is lack of time (2013: 45%), followed by lack motivation at (24%).
 Spain is the forth likely to do sport to improve health with 73%, the highest Sweden (81%). The second most
important motivator for Spain is to relax, 35%.
 Low figures in Spain for those who exercise at work (6%). Park and outdoors setting is particularly high, 51%,
the highest percentage in Finland (2013: 72%).
 Membership at a health or fitness centre in Spain are at 10% and members of a club sport, are in 7%.

 FACT SHEET – BELGIUM
47% of the Belgians play sport regularly or with some regularity. 31% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Belgium
 Belgians volunteered in sport in 2013: 9%, an increase from 2009: 8%.
 The biggest barrier for Belgium is lack of time 39%, followed by lack motivation, 19%.
 Belgium is the forth likely to do sport to improve health and relax with 53%, the highest Sweden (81%), and to
improve fitness with 45%.
 Most of the Belgians exercise from home with 38%, and on the second place are parks and outdoors, 32%, the
highest percentage in Finland (2013: 72%).
 Membership at a health or fitness centre in Belgium are at 11% and members of a club sport, are in 16%.
 FACT SHEET – GREECE
31% of the Greeks play sport regularly or with some regularity. 59% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Greece
 Greece respondents volunteered in sport in 2013: 3%, an increase from 2009: 2%.
 Greece has a big barrier in regards to performing sports and physical activity, and that is the lack of time 46%
and disability or illness is only 9%.
 Greece is motivated by improving the health and fitness with 56% (highest Sweden 81%) and 49%, and 19%
are willing to exercise to control their weight.
 Greeks prefer to exercise on the way between home and school, work or shops, with 41%, and a close
percentage between those that exercise outdoors and at home, 33% and 31%.
 Memberships to a sport club or fitness centre are very low in Greece, with 5%, respectively 11%.
 FACT SHEET – NETHERLANDS
The Duch are quite active as 58% of them play sport regularly or with some regularity. 29 % never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in the Netherlands
 The Netherlands ’ respondents volunteered in sport in 2013: 18%, an increase from 2009: 16%.
 33% of the Duch claim that they are already doing sports regularly (spontaneous) and 29% state that they do
not have time.
 The Netherlands is the most likely to do sport to have fun, followed by Sweden with 44%. A high percentage of
the respondents, 61%, claimed that they do it for improving health, and for fitness with 54%.
 The Dutch lead with engaging in sport or physical activity at a spor t club, with 23%. Otherwise they prefer the
outdoors, 37%, and exercising at home, 35%.

 As mentioned before, the Dutch are the most likely to be part of a sport club, with 27% and 19% members of a
health or fitness centre.
 FACT SHEET – LITHUANIA
37% of Lithuanians are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 46% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Lithuania
 Lithuanians volunteered in sport in 2013: 5%, a decrease from 2009: 7%.
 Lithuanians are some of the most likely to have lack of time as a barrier, 42%. The next impediment for them is
the lack of motivation or interest, with 20%.Lithuania ranks 3rd in stating that doing sport is too expensive, as a
barrier (17%).
 What motivates Lithuania when engaging in sport of physical activity is primarily the health improvement.
Another important motivator is to have fun and 42% of the respondents have agreed on this and Lithuania is on
the third place with this percentage, together with Denmark.
 Lithuanians are leading with 63%, exercising at home, followed by Slovakia and Slovenia with 54% and on the
third place Romania with 53%. On the way between home, school, work or shops is 29% and outdoors 28%.
 Respondents in Lithuania are the least likely to be part of a health fitness of centre, with 1%, and only 8% are
members of a sport club.
 FACT SHEET – ESTONIA
39% of Estonians are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 36% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Estonia
 Estonians volunteered in sport in 2013: 12%, an increase from 2009: 11%.
 For Estonia, the lack of time is one of the main barriers when it comes to exercising, with 48% and on the
second place for Lithuania, is having an illness or disability (17%).
 What motivates Estonians the most is engaging in sport of physical activity for improving the health (55%),
followed by improving fitness (41%).
 Two settings Estonians prefer the most, in a park or outdoors (47%) and exercising from home (41%), with a
significant percentage of 34% of those that are active on the way between home and school, work or shops.
 With 12%, Estonia’s res pondents likely to be part of a club sport, with the Netherlands ranking with 27%. The
least likely to be members of sport clubs are Romanians with 1%.
 FACT SHEET – LUXEMBOURG
54% of Luxembourg’s respondents are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 29% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Luxembourg
 In Luxembourg, the respondents volunteered in sport in 2013: 13%, a Decrease from 2009: 14%.

 For Luxembourgers , as for most of the countries, the lack of time is one of the main barriers when it comes to
exercising, ranking 4th with 50%, on the same level Sweden. Lack of Motivation for Luxembourg is 23%.
 What motivates Luxembourgers the most is engaging in sport of physical activity for improving the health, with a
high percentage of 66%, followed by improving fitness by 49%. A significant part of the respondents, 32% chose
weight control as one of the motivators.
 Respondents in Luxembourg prefer to exercise, in a park or outdoors (36%) and exercising from home (35%).
 With 21%, Luxembourg classifies among the countries that are likely to be part of a club sport (5th place), with
the Netherlands ranking with 27%. The least likely to be members of sport clubs are Romanians with 1%.
 FACT SHEET – AUSTRIA
45% of Austrians are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 27% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Austria
 Austrians volunteered in sport in 2013: 12%, a decrease from 2009: 15%.
 In Aus tria, the percentage allocated to the bigges t barriers , s uch as lack of time and lack of motivation, aren’t
staggering, with 31%, respectively 26%.
 For Austrians, when doing sports, motivating is health improvement, with a significant percentage of 63%,
followed by improving fitness, 40%, and having fun with 39%. Austria is also ranking first with 35% when it
comes to engage in sport and physical activity to be with friends, the last one being Poland with 9%.
 Austrians are third with 54% exercising outdoor, Finland being the one leading with 72% and on the second
place, Slovenia with 60%. At home, 43% of Austrians prefer to exercise and at a fitness centre 19%.
 Respondents in Austria are part of sport club with 13%, less than they are members of a health or fitness
centre, with 16%, on the 5th place.
 FACT SHEET –BULGARIA
A shocking low percentage of11 % of Bulgarians say that they play sport regularly or with some regularity. 87% never
play sport or do so less than once a month.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Bulgaria
 A very low percent, 3%, of the respondents in Bulgaria were engaged in voluntary work that supported sporting
activities in 2013 and is the same percent as in 2009.
 Bulgarians ’ main reason for not living an active life is that 39% of them do not have time and 26% lack
motivation and interest.
 A surprisingly low proportion of respondents cite improving fitness as their motivation in Bulgaria (12%),
Romania (12%) and Portugal (14%). To improve their health, Bulgaria (34%), Hungary (39%) and Romania
(47%).
 Most of the respondents in Bulgaria prefer exercising at home, 52%. And the rest in parks and outdoors (25%)
or between home and school, work or shops (21%).

 94% of Bulgarians are not part of any sport club and for those that are, the percentage is 2%, the same as
those that are members of a health or fitness centre. They are on the second place from the bottom, Romania
being the one with the smallest percentage of respondents that are members of a sport club (1%).
 FACT SHEET –DENMARK
A very high percentage (68 %) of Danish say that they play sport regularly or with some regularity. 14% never play sport
or do so less than once a month.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Denmark
 18% of the respondents in Denmark were engaged in voluntary work that supported sporting activities in 2013,
higher than in 2009 when it was 15%.
 If Danes don’t engage in phys ical activities it is becaus e they lack motivation (29%) and they are leading i n this
regards. Another reason is of course lack of time (48%).
 In Denmark, improving one’s s elf-esteem is a fairly common motivating factor (29%), as well as controlling one’s
weight (43%), the same as Sweden.
 The proportion engaging in sport or physical activity in a park and outdoors is particularly high in Denmark
(50%) and the highest in Finland (47%). 22% of the respondents go to a sports club in Denmark.
 In Denmark, it is fairly common to be part of a socio-cultural club that includes sport in its activities with 9%, but
the highest numbers are for those who join a sport club and health or fitness centre (25%).
 FACT SHEET –POLAND
Only 28 % of Polish say that they play sport regularly or with some regularity. 52% never play sport or do so less than
once a month.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Poland
 3% of the respondents in Poland were engaged in voluntary work that supported sporting activities in 2013,
higher than in 2009 when it was 2%.
 In Poland, people don’t practice s port becaus e they lack time 46%, but also interest (14%).
 In Poland it is common to relax by doing sports (16%) and the strongest motivation is to improve the health with
59%.
 The proportion engaging in sport or physical activity at home is the highest for Poland when talking about
settings with 37%, followed by park and outdoors with 35%. The highest is in Finland (47%).
 The percentages in Poland are pretty low when it comes to memberships, with only 3% going for sport clubs
and 6% for health or fitness centre.
 FACT SHEET –PORTUGAL
Only 28 % of the Portuguese play sport regularly or with some regularity and 64 % never play sport or do so less than
once a month.

5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Portugal
 2% of the respondents in Portugal were engaged in voluntary work that supported sporting activities in 2013,
the same as in 2009.
 Portugal has the highest percentage among the European countries, when it comes to the price barrier when
practicing sport regularly (it is too expensive), with 19%. Moreover, the main one is the lack of time, with 33%
and lack of motivation with 26%.
 In Portugal, the highest figure when it comes to motivators, is improving the health, with 67%, followed by the
desire to relax (32%).
 The Portuguese prefer to go out and exercise in parks or other outdoors settings with 44%, as well as on the
way to school, home, work or shops (25%).
 Most of the respondents in Portugal would be part of a health or fitness centre in proportion of 6% and
memberships at the club are only 4%.
 FACT SHEET – CROATIA
35 % of the Croatians play sport regularly or with some regularity and only 29 % never play sport or do so less than once
a month.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Croatia
 8% of the respondents in Croatia were engaged in voluntary work that supported sporting activities in 2013.
 In Croatia 8% of the people see a lack of suitable or accessible sport infrastructure as a problem.
 With 58 % of the population thinking that the local authorities does not do enough for its citizens in relation to
physical activity Croatia are the most unsatisfied in the European Union.
 Croatians prefer to go out and exercise on the way to school, home, work or shops with 44%, as well as in
parks or other outdoors settings (30%)
 Most of the respondents in Croatia would be part of a health or fitness centre in proportion of 7% and
memberships at the club are 10%.
 FACT SHEET – FRANCE
With 56% France is among the European countries with the highest proportions of the population who do vigorous
physical activity for more than an hour only, second only to Estonia (58%).
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in France
 A mere 5% of the French do their sport or physical activity in a health- or fitness centre
 French people’s main reason for not living an active life is that 42% of them do not have time and 24% lack
motivation and interest.
 What motivates the French most is engaging in sport of physical activity for improving the health (55%), closely
followed by improving fitness (54%).

 Respondents in France prefer to exercise, in a park or outdoors (42%) and exercising at home (27%).
 With 16%, France’s active res pondents are most likely to be part of a s ports club, with the Netherlands ranking
one with 27%. The least likely to be members of sport clubs are Romanians with 1%.
 FACT SHEET – LATVIA
31% of Latvians are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 39% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Latvia
 Latvians volunteered in sport in 2013: 8%, a decrease from 2009: 13%.
 Latvians are some of the most likely to have lack of time as a barrier, 47%. The next impediment for them is the
lack of motivation or interest, with 19%.Latvia ranks 12th along with the UK in stating that doing sport is too
expensive, as a barrier (11%).
 What motivates Latvians when engaging in sport of physical activity is primarily the health improvement (62%).
Another important motivator is to improve fitness with 38% of the respondents have agreed on this ..
 With 26% Latvians are leading respondents exercising at work, followed by Estonia with 20% and on the shared
third place Lithuania and the Czech Republic with 19%.
 Respondents in Latvia are the 2nd least likely to be members of any club along with Hungary (89%). Only
Bulgaria has fewer club members with 94% not being members of any club.
 FACT SHEET – CYPRUS
36% of Cypriots are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 54% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Cyprus
 Cypriots volunteered in sport in 2013: 5%, a small increase from 2009 where it was 4%.
 Cypriots are some of the most likely to have lack of time as a barrier for physical activity, 49%. The next
impediment for them is the lack of motivation or interest, with 20%. Cyprus ranks 2nd, only surpassed by
Portugal, in stating that doing sport is too expensive, as a barrier (18%).
 What motivates Cypriots when engaging in sport of physical activity is primarily the health improvement (73%).
Another important motivator is to improve fitness with 48% of the respondents have agreed on this .
 Respondents in Cyprus prefer to exercise at home (36%) and to exercise in a park or outdoors (33%)
 The percentages in Cyprus are pretty low when it comes to memberships, with only 6% going for sport clubs
and 9% for health or fitness centre.
 FACT SHEET – GERMANY
48% of Germans are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 29% never play sport.

5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Germany
 Germans volunteered in sport in 2013: 10%, a small increase from 2009 where it was 9%.
 Germans are most likely to have lack of time as a barrier of doing sports or physical activity, 38%. The next
impediment for them is the lack of motivation or interest, with 23%.
 What motivates Germans when engaging in sport of physical activity is primarily the health improvement (71%).
 Respondents in Germany prefer to exercise at home (46%) and to exercise in a park or outdoors (42%)
 Respondents in Germany are ranked 3rd in being likely to be members of any club (24 %). Only Holland and
Denmark have more members with 27 % and 25 % respectively.
***
 FACT SHEET – IRELAND
52% of the Irish are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 34% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Ireland
 The Irish volunteered in sport in 2013: 15%, a small increase from 2009 where it was 14%.
 Irishmen are most likely to have lack of time as a barrier of doing sports or physical activity, 44%. The next
impediment for them is the lack of motivation or interest and having a disability or illness, both with 11%.
 What motivates the Irish when engaging in sport of physical activity is primarily the health improvement (71%).
Another important motivator is to improve fitness with 47% of the respondents have agreed on this.
 Respondents in Ireland prefer to exercise in a park or outdoors (44%) and secondly to exercise at home (27%)
 19% of the Irish population is likely to be members of a sports club and 15 % of a health- or fitness centre.
 FACT SHEET – MALTA
19% of the Maltese are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 75% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Malta
 The Maltese volunteered in sport in 2013: 4%, a massive decrease from 2009: 8%.
 People in Malta are most likely to have lack of time as a barrier of doing sports or physical activity, 56%. The
next impediment for them is the lack of motivation or interest, with 28%.
 What motivates the Maltese when engaging in sport of physical activity is primarily the health improvement
(70%). Another important motivator is both to relax and to control their weight with 43%.

 Respondents in Malta prefer to exercise on the way between home and school, work or shops (36%) and to
exercise in a park or outdoors (29%).
 Only 6% of the Maltese population is likely to be members of a sports club while 7 % would be member of a
health- or fitness centre.
 FACT SHEET – ROMANIA
21% of the Irish are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 60% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Romania
 Romanians volunteered in sport in 2013: 3%, a small decrease from 2009 where it was 4%.
 People in Romania are most likely to have lack of time as a barrier of doing sports or physical activity, 53%. The
next impediment for them is the lack of motivation or interest, with 13%.
 What motivates Romanians when engaging in sport of physical activity is primarily the health improvement
(47%). Another important motivator is to relax with 24% of the respondents have agreed on this .
 Respondents in Romania prefer to exercise at home (53%) and secondly to exercise on the way between home
and school, work or shops (24%)
 With only 1% respondents in Romania are least likely to be members of a sports club.
 FACT SHEET – FINLAND
66% of the Finns are active and play sport regularly or with some regularity. 15% never play sport.
5 Key Facts from the Eurobarometer on trends in Finland
 Finns volunteered in sport in 2013: 13%, a massive decrease from 2009: 18%.
 The Finnish are most likely to have lack of time as a barrier of doing sports or physical activity, 32%. The next
impediment for them is having a disability or illness, with 24%.
 What motivates Finns when engaging in sport of physical activity is primarily the health improvement (69%).
 Respondents in Finland prefer to exercise in a park or outdoors (72%) and to exercise on the way between
home and school, work or shops (47%)
 Only 12% of the Finnish population is likely to be members of a sports club while 13 % would be member of a
health- or fitness centre.

Fact Sheet on European Countries Physical Activity Level

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