According to SGMAs SuperStudy of Sports Participation 2006 edition, nine out of the top fifteen most popular athletic pursuits for seniors are fitness-related.
Listed below are the top fifteen most popular sports, fitness, and recreational activities for the U.S. population — age 55+:
Most Popular Sports/Athletic/Fitness Activities
U.S. Population-Age 55+
Based on Total Participation
RANK ATHLEITIC ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS 1. Fitness Walking 10.3 million 2. Treadmill Exercise 8.8 million 3. Stretching 8.2 million 4. Hand Weights 5.3 million 5. Golf 4.9 million 6. Freshwater Fishing 4.6 million 7. Day Hiking 3.7 million 8. Weight/Resistance Machines 3.6 million 9. Stationary Cycling (Upright Bike) 3.4 million 10. Bowling 3.3 million 11. Recreational Vehicle Camping 2.8 million 12. Saltwater Fishing 2.7 million 13. Other Exercise to Music 2.6 million 14. Dumbells 2.5 million 15. Stationary Cycling (Recumbent Bike) 2.4 million