A new wave of data shows more Americans now take part in sports and exercise. The trend highlights walking as the single most popular activity and shows rapid growth in several other sports. ((More Americans Are Playing Sports—Especially This One | TIME)) ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
The central finding matters to public health planners and families. Higher activity rates can reduce disease burden and health costs. ((CDC FastStats - Exercise or Physical Activity)).
The data come from a comprehensive industry survey and coverage by national media. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association released a topline participation report for 2024. The report shows high overall participation and notable shifts by sport. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
The SFIA report finds that 80 percent of Americans took part in at least one activity in 2024. The figure equals about 247.1 million active people. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Walking tops the list of popular activities. Walking rates rose because the activity costs little and fits many schedules. ((More Americans Are Playing Sports—Especially This One | TIME)) ((American Heart Association: Why Walking Is Most Popular)).
The SFIA data also show fast growth in racquet sports. Pickleball leads the growth charts. Pickleball reached about 19.8 million participants in 2024. The sport grew by nearly 46 percent from 2023. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Running and jogging also saw strong participation. Running surpassed 50 million participants in 2024. The figure marks a recovery since the pandemic. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Class-based fitness activities rose in 2024. Strength training shows year-over-year gains. The gains suggest a return to in-person fitness services. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Team sports regained momentum in 2024. Many team sports reported double-digit percentage rises. The Paris Olympics also boosted interest in several Olympic sports. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
The report presents a long-term recovery trend since 2019. The report counts 25.4 million more active Americans than in 2019. The change indicates sustained engagement. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Experts from SFIA welcomed the rise in activity. The senior research director called the 80 percent figure a major milestone. The director linked the rise to greater public interest in health and fitness. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Public health agencies urge regular activity for disease prevention. The CDC lists clear links between physical activity and lower risk of diabetes and heart disease. The agency also tracks how many adults meet activity guidelines. ((CDC FastStats - Exercise or Physical Activity)).
Walking yields measurable health benefits for people of all ages. Walking improves heart health and lowers blood pressure. Leading health organizations promote walking as a practical first step to fitness. ((Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Walking)) ((American Heart Association: Why Walking Is Most Popular)).
The Time article frames walking as a top choice because it requires no special gear. Walking also allows social connection and easy scheduling. ((More Americans Are Playing Sports—Especially This One | TIME)).
Pickleball grew where communities invested in courts and programming. The sport appeals across age groups. The growth raises questions about facility availability and municipal planning. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
The U.S. data offer lessons for Thailand and other countries. Simple, low-cost activities can raise national activity rates. Local governments can use parks and sidewalks to support walking. ((American Heart Association: Why Walking Is Most Popular)).
Thailand faces different challenges in physical activity. The nation records high inactivity among some groups. The WHO country profile shows substantial rates of insufficient activity in Thai adults. ((WHO Thailand Physical Activity Country Profile 2022)).
Thai youth earn low marks on daily exercise targets. National surveys show only about a quarter of young people meet recommended daily activity levels. The shortfalls create long-term health risks. ((Results from the Thailand 2022 report card on physical activity for children and youth)).
City design affects walking rates in Thai urban areas. Research on Bangkok links walkability to higher recreational walking. The findings suggest urban planning can support fitness. ((Neighbourhood Walkability and Recreational Walking in Bangkok - MDPI)).
Thai public-health surveys also document pandemic-related activity drops. Recovery patterns vary by region and income. Policymakers need targeted measures for at-risk groups. ((Patterns of Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Thai 2021 National Health Survey)).
The U.S. surge in some sports shows the power of simple access. Communities that add courts, trails, and classes see rapid uptake. Thai cities could mirror this approach. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Walking programs suit Thailand because many communities have strong walking traditions. Thai temple festivals and markets include walking as a social activity. These cultural patterns can support public health initiatives.
Local health officials can promote walking through safe routes and timed events. The events can target families and older adults. The approach aligns with Thailand’s family-oriented culture.
Sport growth creates economic opportunities. Businesses that offer low-cost equipment and public programs can grow. The trend also supports tourism tied to active travel.
Pickleball offers a model for low-cost, high-impact community sport. Municipalities can adapt underused tennis courts to serve new players. This strategy saves money and lowers barriers to entry. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Schools have a central role in building lifelong habits. Regular physical education and active recess can raise daily activity. Thai education policy can reinforce these measures. ((Results from the Thailand 2022 report card on physical activity for children and youth)).
Healthcare providers can prescribe physical activity as part of routine care. Clinicians can recommend walking programs and local classes. This clinical pathway can reduce chronic disease over time. ((CDC FastStats - Exercise or Physical Activity)).
Employers can support worker activity through active-commute incentives. Employers can offer on-site classes and walking breaks. These measures can boost productivity and lower sick leave.
Insurance schemes can reward preventive behaviour. Payouts or premium discounts can link to documented activity. The measures can motivate sustained participation.
The SFIA findings raise questions about equity. Access to safe walking spaces varies across neighbourhoods. Policymakers must address these gaps to ensure fair benefits. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Data collection must improve to guide policy. Thailand needs regular, representative measures of activity by age and region. Better data will help target interventions where they matter most. ((WHO Thailand Physical Activity Country Profile 2022)).
Walking has limits as a single strategy. Public health experts warn that walking alone may not meet all fitness needs. Strength and high-intensity activities remain important for metabolic health. ((Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Walking)).
A mixed-activity approach provides balanced benefits. Health programs should include strength, balance, and aerobic elements. The combination improves resilience for older adults. ((CDC FastStats - Exercise or Physical Activity)).
The SFIA report shows class-based and strength activities gained ground. The trend points to growing interest in comprehensive fitness. Communities can offer combined programming to meet demand. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Thailand can pair walking campaigns with simple strength routines. Public campaigns can promote short resistance-band sessions. The sessions suit home settings and low-resource areas.
Health messages should respect Thai cultural values. Messages can highlight family bonding and duty to elders. These themes can increase uptake across generations.
Religious and civic institutions can help spread the message. Temples and community centres can host morning walks and classes. The institutions already play roles in social cohesion in Thailand.
Tourism promoters can package active travel products. Walking festivals and guided hikes can attract domestic tourists. The products can link to local economies and conservation goals.
Urban planners can prioritize shaded sidewalks and safe crossings. Shade reduces heat stress and increases walking comfort. The changes can make walking viable year-round in Thailand.
School travel plans can encourage walking and cycling to school. Safe routes and adult supervision can ease parental concerns. The plans can increase daily activity among children. ((Results from the Thailand 2022 report card on physical activity for children and youth)).
Community monitoring can track program impact. Simple tools like step challenges and surveys can measure progress. Local health offices can use the data to refine programs.
The SFIA data point to a wider cultural shift toward active lifestyles in the United States. The shift shows how policy, infrastructure, and culture can interact to raise participation. Thailand can adopt similar levers. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Local governments should pilot low-cost walking schemes first. Small pilots let officials test routes and promotion strategies. Successful pilots can scale across districts.
Community leaders should involve older adults in program design. Older adults provide insights into accessibility and safety needs. Their involvement boosts program relevance.
Private sector partners can sponsor courts and walking trails. Public-private partnerships can expand facilities without large budgets. The model worked for some U.S. municipalities.
Health promotion campaigns should use clear, simple messages. The messages should state how much activity to aim for each week. Clear advice helps people set achievable goals. ((CDC FastStats - Exercise or Physical Activity)).
Clinics can provide written walking prescriptions and follow-up. The short prescriptions can list local walking routes and class options. Follow-up can increase adherence.
The SFIA findings do not remove the need for caution. Growing activity must reach the least-active groups. Officials must ensure access for rural and low-income communities. ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Researchers should study why walking grows faster in some places. The studies can identify the role of space, culture, and policy. Their findings can guide targeted investments.
Thailand can use a mix of policy tools to boost activity. The tools include school programs, urban design, clinical advice, and community events. A combined approach can raise activity across age groups. ((WHO Thailand Physical Activity Country Profile 2022)).
Families can start small and build habits together. Short daily walks and weekend activities can shift behaviour over months. The family focus suits Thai cultural priorities.
Local leaders should set measurable targets for activity. The targets should include equity indicators. Clear targets let communities track progress.
Policymakers should protect and expand green spaces. Green spaces make walking safer and more pleasant. The protection can tie into climate and flood management.
In summary, new U.S. data show more people exercise. Walking leads in popularity and accessibility. The trend offers a practical model for Thailand. ((More Americans Are Playing Sports—Especially This One | TIME)) ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).
Action steps for Thai communities include promoting walking routes, expanding low-cost facilities, and strengthening school activity. Health officials should integrate walking into clinical advice. Community groups should use cultural practices to make activity social and sustainable. ((WHO Thailand Physical Activity Country Profile 2022)).