The Evolution of Physical Exercise Practice in Portugal (2000-2024)
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Over the past 24 years, the practice of physical exercise in Portugal has been changing significantly. Since the beginning of the century, the Portuguese population's habits regarding physical activity have been influenced by cultural changes, public policies, technological advances and a growing awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
In this article, we explore the trends, milestones and challenges that have marked the evolution of physical exercise practice in Portugal from 2000 to the present day.
The Context in 2000: A Beginning of Change
In the early 2000s, Portugal still had low levels of physical exercise compared to other European countries. Only around 20% of the population exercised regularly, with a sedentary lifestyle prevalent, especially among adults.
Main characteristics of the period:
- Low supply of gyms and sports facilities : Exercise was limited, with few accessible options outside large urban centers.
- Physical Education in Schools : Although present, the subject was still seen as secondary.
- Lack of awareness : The impact of physical exercise on health was not widely publicized.
The 2000-2010 Decade: The Awakening to Health and Fitness
The first decade of the 21st century brought significant changes, driven by:
- Growth of Gyms : Gyms began to proliferate, especially in urban areas. The entry of large chains such as Holmes Place increased accessibility and attracted new audiences.
- Large-Scale Sporting Events : The hosting of Euro 2004 in Portugal highlighted the importance of sport and inspired many to adopt more active lifestyles.
- Awareness Campaigns : The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) and other entities have begun to actively promote the benefits of physical activity.
- Popularization of Running : Running began to gain followers, especially in large cities, with the emergence of popular events such as the Lisbon and Porto Half Marathons.
Statistics for this period :
The practice of regular physical exercise has increased to around 30% of the population , with greater adherence among young people.
2010-2020: The Fitness and Technology Revolution
The 2010s brought a true revolution in the way Portuguese people practiced physical exercise:
1. Explosion of Low-Cost Gyms
With the arrival of chains like Fitness Hut and Solinca, access to the gym has become more democratic. Low-cost plans have allowed more people to include exercise in their routine.
2. Growth of Outdoor Training
Urban parks began to be equipped with exercise machines and maintenance circuits, encouraging free and accessible workouts.
3. Apps and Wearable Technology
The launch of apps like Strava and MyFitnessPal, coupled with the popularity of devices like smartwatches, has motivated many to track their physical activity and set goals.
4. Popularization of CrossFit and Functional Modalities
Since 2015, CrossFit has gained prominence, attracting a growing community. Modalities such as functional training and bootcamps have become trends.
Impact of the decade:
The percentage of Portuguese people who practiced physical exercise rose to around 40% , with an increase in the age group over 40 years old.
2020-2024: Pandemic and the Consolidation of Home Training
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, brought challenges but also new opportunities for exercise:
1. Massive Adoption of Online Training
With gyms closed, millions of Portuguese people have resorted to online training. Platforms such as Zoom and YouTube have become essential for maintaining physical activity.
2. Valuing Mental Health
The link between exercise and mental health has become clear, motivating more people to adopt active routines to combat stress and anxiety.
3. Growth of Outdoor Spaces
After the pandemic, outdoor activities became more popular, with parks and trails becoming favorite places for activities such as running and cycling.
4. Focus on Personalization
The Portuguese have come to value training adapted to their individual needs, using personal trainers and personalized plans.
Recent data:
Currently, around 45% of the Portuguese population practices physical exercise regularly, approaching the European average.
The Challenges and the Future
Despite the progress, Portugal still faces challenges:
- Sedentary Lifestyle in Rural Regions : Exercise is much lower outside of large cities.
- Population Aging : There is a growing need to encourage practice among the elderly.
- Consistent Physical Education : Reinforcing the importance of physical activity from an early age is crucial to creating lasting habits.
In the future, digitalization, greater accessibility to infrastructure and increased health awareness are expected to continue to drive physical exercise.
Conclusion
The practice of physical exercise in Portugal has evolved significantly since 2000, going from a marginal activity to an increasingly integrated component of the population's lifestyle. Despite the progress, there is still a long way to go to reach levels of practice comparable to the most active countries in Europe.
The future looks bright, with digitalisation, increasing accessibility and a greater awareness of the benefits of exercise playing a key role. To continue this positive development, it is essential to invest in education, create more inclusive infrastructure and develop programmes that encourage all age groups to adopt healthier lifestyles.
The most important thing is that each person finds their own way to stay active, whether at home, outdoors or at the gym. After all, exercise is not just about the body, but also about the mind and general well-being. 💪
