Eurobarometer: Share of Europeans never exercising falls to 39%

The European Commission has released its new Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity. The document was unveiled on Sept. 22, 2026, on the eve of the European Week of Sport. According to the new data, the share of Europeans who never exercise or play sport has diminished from 45 percent in 2022, when the previous document was released, to 39 percent in 2026. In addition, more Europeans are now regularly active, with 38 percent exercising several times a week compared to 32 percent, and 9 percent exercising almost daily (+3 percentage points). 

Parks and outdoor spaces remain the most popular setting for exercise (47 percent, flat from 2022), followed by health and fitness facilities (from 33 percent to 39 percent) and active commuting (from 24 percent to 37 percent). The share of European citizens walking for at least 10 minutes at a time has jumped from 16 percent in 2022 to 72 percent.

Improving or maintaining physical health in general (44 percent of respondents) remains the top personal reason to practice sport or physical activity, followed by relaxing (39 percent), improving physical performance (30 percent), traveling from one place to another (30 percent), and improving mental health or reducing stress (26 percent).

Among the barriers to practicing sport more regularly, 37 percent point to the lack of time, down from 41 percent in 2022. About a quarter of respondents say they are not motived or interested (26 percent vs. 25 percent in 2022). New among the reasons preventing Europeans from practicing sport more regularly is “health problems or injury” (15 percent).

The Special Eurobarometer survey on Sport and Physical Activity is developed through face-to-face or online interviews with a representative sample of the population across all EU Member States. The results, which also compare the situation between Member States, contribute to EU policymaking. The current survey is the sixth edition.