Canadians Receive C-Minus in Physical Activity Report Card

According to the latest report card from ParticipACTION, only 46 percent of adults in Canada are achieving the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week, resulting in a disappointing C-minus grade. This annual assessment serves as a comprehensive evaluation of Canadians’ engagement in sport, physical activity, and recreation, utilizing the most recent research and surveys to gauge activity levels across 17 indicators.

The report highlights a troubling trend: the percentage of Canadians meeting the activity requirement has stagnated over several years. This lack of progress suggests a broader issue within Canadian society, where many adults prefer sedentary activities over exercise. The panel behind the report emphasizes that improving these statistics requires a collective effort from governments, communities, the private sector, and individuals alike.

“Increasing physical activity in Canada is like pushing a boulder uphill; slow, full of setbacks and far too heavy for any one person, organization or sector to do alone,” stated the Report Card development group.

Despite widespread awareness of the health risks associated with inactivity—including increased mortality rates, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes—many Canadians continue to lead a sedentary lifestyle. The report estimates that physical inactivity costs Canadians approximately $3.9 billion in avoidable health expenses annually. Notably, if just 10 percent more Canadians engaged in the recommended level of activity, this figure could decrease by $629 million.

While the report reveals significant areas for improvement, not all grades are disheartening. The assessment indicates a solid B for sleep, with 70 percent of adults reporting they get between 7 and 9 hours of rest each night. However, the overall picture remains bleak, particularly in daily step counts and strength training.

Steps and Strength Training Show Decline

Only 32 percent of adults are taking at least 7,500 steps daily, a number critical to reducing mortality risk. Studies show that achieving 7,000 to 8,000 steps per day can lower the risk of all-cause mortality by 47 percent and cardiovascular disease risk by 25 percent. The report also reveals that Canadians earned a D in strength training, with only 35 percent lifting weights at least twice weekly. Older adults fared similarly poorly in balance exercises, with only 31 percent participating in activities that enhance posture and core strength.

The report card does not shy away from addressing the actions needed to improve these grades. It encourages Canadians to integrate physical activity into their daily routines. Simple activities, such as brisk walking, skiing, or playing sports, can contribute to meeting the recommended levels of activity.

Strategies for Improvement

To elevate Canada’s physical activity grade, individuals are urged to dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to movement. This does not have to be achieved in one session; increments can be tracked throughout the day. For those currently inactive, the report suggests starting by adding just 1,000 steps to their daily count, as health benefits increase with every additional step, plateauing at around 12,000 steps.

The desire to be active is present among Canadians, evidenced by a B-minus grade in motivation and an A-minus in perceived capability. The challenge lies in translating this motivation into consistent action. The report encourages all Canadians to commit to their health by prioritizing physical activity.

As the nation aims to turn a C-minus into an A on next year’s report card, it is clear that collective effort and personal accountability will be essential in fostering a more active and healthier Canadian population. With a year ahead of us, the opportunity for improvement is within reach, and every step taken can contribute to a brighter future for the health of Canadians.