HEALTH REFERENCE
Physical Activity Statistics in the U.S.
Recent, source-linked numbers on how Americans move, where participation gaps remain, and what the federal activity guidelines recommend.
Last updated: October 23, 2026
At a glance
Physical activity can look different from one person and season of life to the next. These statistics offer a plain-language snapshot of national participation, using the latest relevant public data available from U.S. health agencies.
This page is a reference, not personal medical advice. A health professional can help with questions about an activity plan that fits an individual’s circumstances.
About 1 in 4
U.S. adults fully meet the federal activity guidelines.
CDC states that only one in four U.S. adults meet both the aerobic and muscle-strengthening recommendations.
Source: CDC, About Physical Activity, updated August 12, 202524.2%
of U.S. adults met both activity targets in 2020.
The National Health Interview Survey found that 24.2% met both the aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2020 data, published August 202246.3%
of U.S. adults met neither activity target in 2020.
In the 2020 National Health Interview Survey, 46.3% of adults met neither the aerobic nor muscle-strengthening guideline.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2020 data, published August 202238.4%
of adults age 65 and older met the aerobic guideline in 2024.
The National Health Interview Survey found that 38.4% of adults 65 and older met the aerobic activity guideline during leisure time.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2024 data, published April 202632.3% to 58.5%
was the 2024 range for meeting the aerobic guideline by education.
Reported aerobic-guideline attainment ranged from 32.3% among adults without a high school diploma or GED to 58.5% among adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2024 data, published April 202640.2% to 51.5%
was the 2024 range for meeting the aerobic guideline by community type.
Reported aerobic-guideline attainment ranged from 40.2% in nonmetropolitan areas to 51.5% in large central metropolitan areas.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 2024 data, published April 2026FEDERAL GUIDELINES
What counts toward the adult guideline?
For substantial health benefits, federal guidance recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity, or an equivalent mix. Adults are also advised to include muscle-strengthening activity on two or more days each week.
These targets are useful reference points, not a pass-or-fail test. Federal guidance also emphasizes moving more and sitting less, because some activity is better than none.
Read the federal activity guidanceMETHOD & SOURCES
How this page is maintained
The figures above come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Each statistic links directly to its source and identifies the year the underlying data was collected.
National survey estimates can change when newer data is published. Good Health Apparel Company reviews this page regularly and will update the figures when a newer comparable source becomes available.
Cite this page
Good Health Apparel Company. “Physical Activity Statistics in the U.S.” Updated October 23, 2026. https://health-matters.us/physical-activity-statistics
Looking for a simple place to begin?
Explore our practical guide to building a walking routine that feels manageable in everyday life.
Read the walking guide