Wales Activity Tracker Survey 14 - October 2024

The latest round of the Wales Activity Tracker (Wave 14, Autumn 2024) shows promising signs of increased physical activity and positive attitudes toward exercise across Wales. 

• The proportion of adults reporting no exercise has dropped to 14% (a record low for the tracker) compared to 18% in October 2023, suggesting that more people are engaging in physical activity regularly.
• Similarly, only 10% of respondents report doing no physical activity over the past three months, maintaining the lowest levels observed across all waves.

While these trends in inactivity are encouraging, it is important to note that they represent the population as a whole and may not reflect the experiences of all demographic groups.                                                                                   

Volunteering in sport and physical activity has also seen notable growth, with 17% of adults now involved, the highest level recorded across the tracker to date. 

• This increase appears to be particularly prominent among the 35-54 age group, where participation has risen from 16% in July 2024 to 24% in October 2024. This engagement reflects a positive trend of community involvement in fostering active lifestyles.

The findings also reveal that attitudes towards exercise are becoming more positive, with 70% of respondents stating that regular exercise is important to them—the highest level since tracking began. 

• Notably, males (75%) and younger adults aged 16-34 (76%) are more likely to prioritise exercise, indicating a strong shift towards valuing physical activity among these groups.

However, the findings also highlight barriers to participation. In this wave, we introduced new questions to examine the impact of menstrual health on physical activity for those who have experienced a menstrual cycle, period, or associated symptoms in the past year. 

• Nearly half (46%) of those who experienced a menstrual cycle in the past year reported negative impacts on their ability to participate in sports, with 31% citing severe pain as the primary factor.
• This new area of exploration emphasises the need for greater awareness and support for those facing health-related challenges in staying active.

Cost remains a significant barrier, particularly for younger respondents and those with children. 

• Among 16-34 year olds, the cost-of-living crisis is continuing to affect activity levels, with 45% reporting negative impacts due to financial pressures - up from 36% in July 2024.
• This trend is more pronounced among parents, who face additional challenges balancing family responsibilities with maintaining an active lifestyle.

Finally, safety concerns affect certain demographics disproportionately, with female respondents (29%) and individuals with disabilities (34%) expressing heightened concerns about leaving home for physical activity.

• In contrast, those without disabilities and respondents from higher socio-economic backgrounds report greater access and confidence in being physically active.

Overall, the findings reflect a positive trend towards physical activity and engagement in sport, however this is tempered by ongoing challenges related to health, safety, and financial pressures. Addressing these barriers, particularly for women, younger adults, and lower socio-economic groups, will be important for sustaining and building on this momentum.