National Exercise Day | The State of Physical Activity In Canada and the USA

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

On National Exercise Day, we reflect on the importance of physical activity and the sobering reality of inactivity in North America. Despite the known benefits of exercise, many remain inactive, posing significant public health challenges. In Canada, less than half of the adult population met the minimum physical activity recommendations prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with only 49.2% of adults and 43.9% of children achieving these levels. The pandemic worsened these figures, especially among children, where only a small fraction met the comprehensive 24-Hour Movement Guidelines during the first year.

In the USA, the scenario is similarly concerning. A substantial portion of the adult population remains inactive, with significant disparities based on ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

The Economic and Health Impact of Inactivity

The World Health Organization highlighted the immense costs of physical inactivity, estimating that nearly 500 million people globally will develop noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes by 2030 due to lack of exercise, costing about $27 billion annually if no preventive actions are taken.

Legislative Steps: The PHIT Act

In response to the crisis of inactivity, legislative measures like the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act in the USA propose incentivizing physical activity through financial relief. The PHIT Act allows Americans to use pre-tax dollars to pay for physical activity expenses, thus reducing the cost barrier to a healthier lifestyle. This is a significant step towards encouraging a more active populace. The Health & Fitness Association has been actively supporting the passage of the PHIT Act, organizing fly-ins at Capitol Hill to enable health club operators and gym owners to directly advocate for the legislation and highlight its benefits to lawmakers.

Canadian Proposals for Increased Physical Activity

In Canada, policy recommendations such as those by the Fitness Industry Council of Canada have been put forward to combat inactivity. These include allowing Canadians to claim gym membership fees as a medical expense on their personal income tax returns and the introduction of an adult fitness tax credit by provincial governments. Such measures are designed to make physical activity more accessible and affordable for more Canadians.

The Role of Governments and Individuals

Both Canadian and U.S. governments have invested in campaigns and policies aimed at increasing physical activity levels. For instance, the Canadian government supports initiatives like ParticipACTION, which received significant funding to promote activity among Canadians, especially those less active and from groups experiencing health inequalities. While the government has shown support through various initiatives, the PHIT Act has yet to be passed in the United States, and in Canada, there has not yet been approval to include fitness facility memberships in Line 33099, which pertains to medical expenses, on federal tax returns.

Call to Action

As we recognize National Exercise Day, it is evident that substantial efforts are necessary to improve physical activity rates across populations. While governments have made strides with funding and legislative proposals, the fitness industry itself possesses a unique position of influence and resources. It is crucial for fitness organizations to band together, using their collective voice to advocate for impactful initiatives that encourage more people to become active. Engaging with local government and stakeholders, the industry can champion changes that not only promote health but also support economic and community well-being. Let’s use our expertise and passion for fitness to drive a movement that makes daily physical activity accessible and appealing to all.

1. Statistics Canada. "Key statistics and facts on physical activity among Canadians." Accessed from Canada.ca.

2. World Health Organization. "Global Health Estimates: Costs of physical inactivity." 2022.

3. ParticipACTION. "Government funding and initiatives for promoting physical activity in Canada." Accessed from Canada.ca.

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Photo credit: Life Time PENN 1