SGMA: U.S. Women Set Their Sights on the Gym

Many women are getting their inspiration from perspiration. According to SGMA International's recent analysis of the Superstudy® of Sports Participation (conducted by American Sports Data), millions of American women are focused on fitness – at home and at the health club. Ten out of the top 15 sports/activities in the U.S. for women are directly tied to fitness. (This information is derived from the SGMA Superstudy of Sports Participation Volumes I, II and III [2004 edition].)

                       Most Popular Sports for Women 
                     Based on "Frequent" Participation
                                  (Age 6 and older) 
 
Activity Year 2003 - Number of Participants 
 1. Stretching (100+ days/year)  		            10,710,000 
 2. Fitness Walking (100+ days/year)  			9,788,000 
 3. Treadmill Exercise (100+ days/year)  		6,160,000 
 4. Free Weights: Hand Weights (100+ days/year)  	4,587,000 
 5. Running/Jogging (100+ days/year) 		       4,247,000 
 6. Weight/Resistance Machines (100+ days/year)    	4,073,000 
 7. Calisthenics (100+ days/year)  			3,921,000 
 8. Day Hiking (15+ days/year)  			       3,749,000 
 9. Bowling (25+ days/year) 				3,552,000 
10. Recreational Vehicle Camping (15+ days/year)  	3,373,000 
11. Fishing (Freshwater/Other) (15+ days/year)  	3,103,000 
12. Free Weights: Dumbbells (100+ days/year)  	       3,011,000 
13. Billiards/Pool (25+ days/year)  			2,973,000 
14. Other Exercise to Music (100+ days/year)  		2,942,000 
15. Abdominal Machine/Device (100+ days/year)  	2,208,000