Comparison of the relationship between key demographic features and exercise levels across 22 countries

Background The present study aims to examine global trends in exercise levels and explore the potential influence of demographic factors on exercise participation. Methods Using data from the Global Flourishing Study (GFS), which includes 202,898 participants from 22 geographically and culturally diverse countries, we assessed the average number of exercise days across various demographic groups (age, gender, marital status, employment, religious service attendance, education, immigration status) and across different countries. Results While the findings varied across the 22 countries, our analysis revealed that individuals aged 60 to 69, men, those in domestic partnerships, self-employed individuals, individuals with higher levels of education, frequent attendees of religious services, and those born in the country where the survey was conducted reported the highest mean number of exercise days. Conclusions These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the sociodemographic disparities in exercise participation. By documenting exercise patterns across key demographic groups and countries worldwide, this study provides valuable insights into the social determinants of exercise behavior.