Wales Activity Tracker Survey 15 - Feb 2025

The latest Wales Activity Tracker findings reveal encouraging trends, with increased engagement, motivation, and improved perceptions of accessibility.

Physical activity levels amongst adults in Wales remain stable, with 29% engaging in exercise five or more days a week, similar to October 2024 (28%) and an increase from January 2024 (24%). 

• The proportion of those doing no exercise has declined to 13% from 19% in January 2024. On average, adults in Wales now report 3.31 days of activity per week, an improvement from 2.86 days in January 2024.
• Gym, fitness classes, and running have gained popularity, with 28% attending a gym and 23% running or jogging, surpassing swimming (20%). The proportion of adults reporting no regular activity in the past three months remains at 10%, the lowest recorded figure for the tracker (12% in January 2024).

Encouragingly, 74% of respondents feel they have the ability to be active, the highest recorded across all survey waves. 

• Fewer people cite time constraints as a barrier, dropping from 34% in January 2024 to 27% currently, with the biggest change among 16 to 34-year-olds (51% to 36%). However, younger adults and parents remain the most affected by time limitations.
• Socioeconomic disparities can be seen across the board, and of note, those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds (ABC1) are more likely to believe there are adequate local sports facilities (63%) compared to lower socioeconomic groups (52%). Those in Mid Wales are more likely to disagree that there are adequate local sports facilities (26%) compared to adults in Gwent (11%).

Health remains the primary motivation for activity, with 62% citing physical health benefits and 61% citing mental health benefits, both increasing since January 2024. Regular exercise is valued by 71% of respondents, consistent with October. 

• Volunteering in sport remains at 16%, but interest in future volunteering has peaked at 37%, the highest level recorded.

The cost-of-living crisis continues to impact participation, with 39% saying it negatively affects their ability to be active. Women, younger adults, and parents of young children are again disproportionately affected, particularly those in the most deprived areas. 

• Weather conditions have also had an impact, with 41% reducing activity due to poor conditions. Common reasons for this include lower motivation (49%), reduced active travel (31%), and decreased enjoyment (24%), though 34% report no impact, continuing to prioritise their exercise.

Goal setting plays an important role in motivation at the start of 2025, with 37% of adults focusing on weight management, 29% on increasing daily steps, and 28% on increasing overall activity levels. Women are more likely to set weight-related goals, while men are more likely to prioritise strength and endurance.

Fitness technology is widely used by adults, with 63% of respondents using wearables, apps or other devices, and 77% reporting increased motivation as a result. Usage is highest among younger adults, higher socioeconomic groups, and ethnic minority respondents. 

• However, safety concerns during darker hours persist, with 18% feeling unsafe, particularly women (28% vs. 8% of men) and younger adults. Despite this, 57% say safety concerns have not affected their activity, though 15% have reduced participation as a result.

Overall, it appears physical activity levels amongst adults in Wales are continuing to improve, with greater participation, strong health motivations, and fewer time-related barriers reported in this round. However, disparities in access, financial constraints, and safety concerns continue, particularly for women and younger adults.