Physical exercise in Portugal: Comparison with the rest of the world

Physical exercise is an essential component of well-being and health. However, the percentage of active people varies significantly from country to country, depending on cultural, socioeconomic and even climatic factors. In this article, we analyze the percentage of the active population that exercises in Portugal and compare this data with other regions of the world.

Exercise Practice in Portugal

According to the latest Eurobarometer report on Sport and Physical Activity, only around 36% of Portuguese people say they practice physical exercise or sport with any regularity, while 64% say they are not very active or not at all . This figure puts Portugal below the European Union average, where around 46% of the population practices physical exercise at least once a week.

Factors that Influence Habits in Portugal

1. Long Working Hours : Many Portuguese people have long working hours, making it difficult to fit exercise into their daily routine.
2. Lack of Infrastructure : Despite some improvements, many regions of the country still lack accessible spaces for practicing physical activity.
3. Culture and Education : Sport is not always seen as a priority in education or adult life, which influences the habits of younger generations.

Comparison with the Rest of the World

Northern Europe: The Leaders in Physical Activity

Countries such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark have the highest percentages of working-age populations in Europe, with figures exceeding 70% . The presence of a strong sports culture, government incentives and accessible infrastructure are key factors.

North America

In the United States and Canada, about 50% of the adult population exercises regularly. Despite this, physical inactivity is a growing problem due to modern lifestyles and long hours of sedentary work.

Asia

In countries such as Japan and South Korea, physical activity is often integrated into daily life, mainly through walking and commuting. Around 40-50% of the population maintains moderate levels of physical exercise.

Africa and Latin America

In these continents, physical activity rates vary significantly. While in some African countries people maintain high levels of activity due to physical work, in large cities, sedentarism is increasing. In Latin America, countries such as Brazil have around 35% of active people , similar to Portugal.

Portugal vs. the World: Where Do We Need to Improve?

Compared to the most active countries, Portugal has several areas for improvement:

• Physical Education in Schools : Reinforce the importance of physical activity from childhood.
• Accessibility to Sports Activities : Create more public and accessible infrastructure.
• Government Incentives : Promote national campaigns that encourage the population to adopt an active lifestyle.
• Awareness of the Benefits of Exercise : Invest in education about the importance of sport in preventing diseases and improving quality of life.

How to Motivate More People to Exercise?

1. Promote Exercise at Home : For those with tight schedules, online workouts are an excellent solution.
2. Incorporate Exercise into Your Daily Life : Walking to work, using the stairs, and taking active breaks at work are simple ways to keep your body moving.
3. Offer Accessible Solutions : Creating more parks and outdoor workout areas can motivate people to be more active.
4. Supporting Older People : Tailoring physical activity programs to the needs of older adults, an often neglected segment.

Conclusion

Portugal still has a long way to go to become one of the most active countries in the world. However, with individual and collective initiatives, it is possible to create a healthier and more active society.

Explore our articles to start your fitness journey at home:

• 10 Tips for Creating a Workout Routine at Home​
• Benefits of Physical Exercise for Mental Health​
• Physical exercise in Portugal: Comparison with the rest of the world
• The Evolution of Physical Exercise Practice in Portugal (2000-2024)

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