Scottish household survey 2019: annual report

8 Physical Activity and Sport

Main Findings

Eight in ten (80 per cent) adults had taken part in physical activity and sport in the previous four weeks. The percentage of adults taking part in physical activity and sport remained stable from 2018 (80 per cent in 2018).

Types of physical activity and sport

Recreational walking (for at least 30 minutes) was the most common type of physical activity with just over two thirds (68 per cent) of adults reporting doing this in the past four weeks. Excluding walking, just over half (54 per cent) of the adult population participated in physical activity and sport in the previous four weeks. These proportions have been maintained since 2018.

Swimming and weight training were also common with 17 per cent and 16 per cent of adults reporting participating in these activities. The proportion of the adults who participated in cycling (for at least 30 minutes) was one in ten (11 per cent), a decrease from 13 per cent in 2018.

Frequency of participation in physical activity and sport

Frequent participation (on more than 14 days in the past four weeks) by those who were active remained stable at half of adults (51 per cent in 2019 compared to 50 per cent in 2018).

Participation differences by group

Participation rates in physical activity and sport were higher among men than women (82 per cent and 78 per cent respectively). Participation in physical activity and sport (including recreational walking) declined with age.

Participation in physical activity and sport (including recreational walking) was lower for those living in the most deprived areas (70 per cent) compared to the least deprived areas (90 per cent). Participation in walking (for at least 30 minutes) was also lower for those living in the most deprived areas (57 per cent) compared to those living in the least deprived areas (78 per cent).

Those with a long term limiting condition were less likely to be physically active (54 per cent) compared to those with no condition (88 per cent).

Satisfaction with culture and sport and leisure facilities

Satisfaction with sports and leisure facilities among all respondents (including non-users) fell from 47 per cent in 2018 to 44 per cent in 2019. Eighty-three per cent of sports and leisure facilities users in the past 12 months were satisfied.

Active travel

Fifteen per cent used a method of active travel to get to work. This included 12 per cent who walked to work and 3 per cent who cycled. Over half of school children (54 per cent) used a means of active travel to get to school.