Strength, conditioning, and aerobic activities. Those types of fitness pursuits are inspiring millions of Americans to perspire these days. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Associations (SGMA) Sports & Fitness Participation Report (2008 edition), there are two factors driving this trend: (1) increases in health/fitness club memberships and (2) strong interest in home gyms. In 1990, just over 20 million Americans were members of health clubs and now that number is well over 40 million. As for home gyms, more than 25 million Americans use home gyms and millions more work out on individual fitness machines located in their homes.
“The news of this ever-growing interest in the fitness category is encouraging, but there are still millions more Americans who need to get up and get active on a regular basis. Despite the fact the fitness category is on the rise, too many Americans are inactive which is leading to an obesity problem in the U.S.,” SGMA President/CEO Tom Cove. “For those who may not be attracted to a gym-like environment, theres a cornucopia of choices when it comes to selecting a sport, athletic outlet, or recreational pursuit.”
While the fitness category is gaining in strength, its not the only popular sports category as Americans remain very interested in all athletic and recreational endeavors:
- Team Sports: Besides the Big Three of football, basketball and baseball, team sports like lacrosse, rugby, field hockey, and cheerleading are on the rise.
- Racquet Sports: Badminton, racquetball, squash, table tennis, and tennis are all showing recent gains in participation.
- Outdoor Sports: Freshwater fishing, bicycling (road/paved surface), camping, and day hiking are the key attractions in this category.
- Water Sports: Canoeing and snorkeling rank one-two.
- Individual Sports: Since 2000, the top three growth sports are bowling, roller skating, and martial arts.
- Winter Sports. Alpine skiing remains number one in popularity though snowboarding is a strong number two.
According to SGMA, the sports and activities with the highest levels of interest among core participants in 2007 are listed below. Not surprisingly, fitness is the dominant theme as fitness activities account for nine out of the top 15 athletic pursuits.
Most Popular Sports and Fitness Activities Based on Core Participation
(age 6 and above; U.S. residents; source: SGMA)
Rank/Sport 2007 Participation Core Level of Frequency
1. Walking for Fitness 76,837,000 50+ Days/Year
2. Treadmill 29,182,000 50+ Days/Year
3. Stretching 28,318,000 50+ Days/Year
4. Hand Weights 28,186,000 50+ Days/Year
5. Weight/Resistance Machines 24,735,000 50+ Days/Year
6. Running/Jogging 24,240,000 50+ Days/Year
7. Freshwater Fishing 23,714,000 8+ Days/Year
8. Dumbells 21,574,000 50+ Days/Year
9. Bicycling (Road/Paved Surface) 21,151,000 25+ Days/Year
10. Billiards/Pool 20,294,000 13+ Days/Year
11. Basketball 18,005,000 13+ Days/Year
12. Barbells 17,318,000 50+ Days/Year
13. Home Gym Exercise 16,246,000 50+ Days/Year
14. Bowling 15,422,000 13+ Days/Year
15. Low Impact Aerobics 13,056,000 50+ Days/Year
Of the top ten sports and athletic activities showcasing the highest statistical growth in participation since 2000, seven of the top ten growth categories are under the fitness banner. Again, thats a reflection of the increased level of interest in health clubs and the availability of home exercise machines.
Sports and Fitness Activities with the Highest Growth Rates Since 2000
(age 6 and above; U.S. residents; source: SGMA)
Rank/Sport 2007 Participation Growth Rate Since 2000
1. Pilates Training 9,192,000 490.9%
2. Elliptical Motion Trainer 23,586,000 220.0%
3. Yoga/Tai Chi 14,072,000 125.2%
4. Lacrosse 1,058.000 104.2%
5. Paintball 5,476,000 51.5%
6. Stretching 36,181,000 47.0%
7. Treadmill 50,073,000 34.3%
8. Spinning 6,314,000 34.1%
9. Running/Jogging 41,064,000 30.8%
10. Tennis 16,940,000 30.6%
Within the fitness category, its not surprising to discover that the two most popular pursuits involve your ability to put one foot in front of the other walking! Walking for fitness and using a treadmill rank one-two in the fitness category.
“If you can walk and can maintain your balance, you can walk your way into shape or you can start using a treadmill,” commented Cove.
Leading Fitness Activities Based on Core and Total Participation
(age 6 and above; 2007 participants; U.S. residents; source: SGMA)
Rank/Sport Core Participants Total Participants % of Core Participants
Walking for Fitness 76,837,000 (50+ days) 108,781,000 70.6%
Treadmill 29,182,000 (50+ days) 50,100,000 58.2%
Stretching 28,318,000 (50+ days) 36,260,000 78.1%
Hand Weights 28,186,000 (50+ days) 43,734,000 64.4%
Running/Jogging 24,240,000 (50+ days) 40,966,000 59.2%
While fitness is the industrys leading overall participation category, many Americans first get introduced to the athletic arena through team sports.
Leading Team Sports Based on Core Participants
(age 6 and above; 2007 participants; U.S. residents; source: SGMA)
Rank/Sport Core Participants Total Participants % of Core Participants
1. Basketball 18,005,000 (13+ days) 26,019,000 69.2%
2. Baseball 11,565,000 (13+ days) 16,054,000 72.0%
3. Touch Football 6,445,000 (13+ days) 13,009,000 49.5%
4. Outdoor Soccer 6,366,000 (13+ days) 13,840,000 46.0%
5. Slow-Pitch Softball &nb
