Global Exercise Rates Flatlining
Despite the hype around HIIT and home workouts, global exercise rates are staying flat [https://wcbe.org/2026-03-12/exercise-rates-are-still-a-non-moving-target]. Experts say it's key to find sustainable routines and build movement into your day, not just chase viral trends [https://wcbe.org/2026-03-12/exercise-rates-are-still-a-non-moving-target].
Global physical inactivity is a growing concern, with nearly one-third (31%) of adults worldwide, or 1.8 billion people, not meeting recommended exercise levels in 2022. This is a marked increase from 23.4% in 2000, and projections estimate that inactivity could rise to 35% by 2030. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week for adults. Several factors contribute to this flatlining, including increasingly sedentary lifestyles, technological advancements, and a surge in desk-bound jobs. In wealthier countries, sedentary occupations and motorized transport contribute to higher inactivity, while lower-income countries see more activity through work and transport. Moreover, a significant gap exists in "active leisure" between wealthy men in high-income countries and socioeconomically disadvantaged women in low-income countries. To combat this trend, experts emphasize making small, sustainable changes to daily routines and prioritizing physical activity. They also suggest integrating physical activity into urban planning to create communities where people want to live and move more. Without intervention, the global target of a 10% relative reduction in insufficient physical activity by 2025, and 15% by 2030, is unlikely to be met.
