All kinds of things motivate people to get started. Sport and fitness activity are a key element in a healthy and learning society. Interestingly, with the exception of football, the ten most popular activities are all individual rather than team sports. The main reasons given for why people initially get involved in sport and fitness activities are to keep healthy, to enjoy oneself and to get fit. More men than women currently participate in a sport or fitness activity.
Older people are less likely to participate in a sport or fitness activity.
Social class impacts upon participation. The retired and those not in paid employment are least likely to participate. The survey, funded by the European Social Fund, was based on a representative sample of 6,000 adults in Great Britain with a boost of 250 adults in Wales.