2025 report card on physical activity for adults

Moving Beyond Stagnation: Elevating Physical Activity in Canada

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Index

About the Report Card
Spotlight on key indicators
Tools and resources
Frequently asked questions

Contact us
Past Adult Report Cards
References

About the Report Card
Spotlight on key indicators
Tools and resources
Frequently asked questions
References
Past Adult Report Cards
Contact us

about the Report Card

What is the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults?

The Adult Report Card is the most comprehensive assessment of adult physical activity in Canada. It summarizes data from many sources, including the best available peer-reviewed research, to provide the current state of the evidence on 17 indicators or sources of influence. Together, they provide a complete and strong assessment of how Canada is performing when it comes to promoting and facilitating physical activity among adults.

What does the 2025 Adult Report Card focus on?

The third (2025) edition of the Report Card, Moving Beyond Stagnation: Elevating Physical Activity in Canada, highlights that adult physical activity levels have remained stagnant for years, and a whole-society approach is needed to help adults in Canada make room for more movement in their daily lives and create a healthier, more resilient country. The Report Card uncovers timely opportunities to help mitigate the negative health, economic and social impacts of physical inactivity. It provides recommendations for all levels of government, employers, urban planners, individuals and others on how they can collectively contribute to prioritizing and elevating adult physical activity levels in Canada.

Spotlight on key indicators

46% on a badge beside a man on a starting block.

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity

46% of adults met the recommendation of doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week.¹

32% on badge beside a water bottle and a pair of running shoes.

Total daily steps

32% of adults took at least 7,500 steps per day, which falls within the physically active lifestyle category.¹

74% on a badge beside a basketball hoop.

Facilities and infrastructure

74% was the average score reported across the areas of supportive environments for active transportation and supporting access to safe and appropriate facilities for physical activity and sport.^2-6

48% on a badge beside two people holding yoga mats.

Policies and leadership

48% was the average score reported across the areas of key settings with a formal strategy or plan for physical activity, sport, recreation or active transportation and that are aware of or use physical activity guidelines and information.^2-4

Tools and Resources

Coordinated efforts from multiple sectors and people are needed to get and keep adults physically active. Here are some tools to help governments, urban planners and organizations activate the Report Card findings:

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Who developed the 2025 Adult Report Card?

ParticipACTION partnered with its Report Card Research Committee (RCRC) – leading national researchers, sector and governmental representatives in the fields of physical activity and sedentary behaviour – to produce the 2025 Adult Report Card. Led by Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. John C. Spence, the RCRC collects and summarizes the evidence, identifies gaps in the research, provides recommendations and drafts the report.

Q2: Can you explain the methodology behind the research?

Taking a socio-ecological approach, our Report Card Research Committee identified and assessed 17 key indicators or sources of influence related to adult physical activity in Canada. They then summarized significant surveillance data, pinpointed gaps in the research and solicited feedback from sport, physical activity and recreation sector and community leaders to highlight recommendations for practice and policy. Where possible, our team also considered trends over time and differences related to equity-denied groups. More details are included in the full version of the 2025 ParticipACTION Adult Report Card.

Q3: How can I spread the word about the Report Card?

You can use our communications toolkit, which includes social media posts, images, email templates and more, to help you share the Report Card with your networks. You’re also welcome to print copies of it. If you’re sharing it on social media, don’t forget to tag @ParticipACTION.

Q4: What can be done to help improve the physical activity levels of adults living in Canada?

Coordinated efforts from multiple sectors and people are needed to get and keep adults physically active. Scroll up for tools and resources to help governments, urban planners and organizations activate the 2025 Adult Report Card’s findings.

Q5: How was the Report Card funded?

Funds came from core organizational funding (including support from the Government of Canada) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The 2025 Report Card is also supported by members of the Report Card Research Committee who volunteer their time.

Contact us

If you have questions not answered in the FAQ section, please email us at: info@participaction.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: fsimon@getproof.com

partners and supporters

past adult report cards

more from participaction

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References

2022-24 Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycle 7, Statistics Canada.
2020-21 Opportunities for Physical Activity in Canadian Communities Survey, CFLRI.
2020-21 Opportunities for Physical Activity at Work Survey, CFLRI.
2020-21 Sport Organization Survey, CFLRI.
2019 Canadian Infrastructure Report Card. http://canadianinfrastructure.ca/en/index.html
Newstead N, Hobbs K, Giunta C, Birkett S. Active and Public Transportation Spatial Accessibility Measures: Methodology and Key Results. Special Business Reports, Statistics Canada. 2024. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/18-001-x/18-001-x2024005-eng.htm