Australians are getting fitter with an increasing number involved in regular physical activity, a new research showed on Friday.
New research released on Friday by the Australian Sports Commission revealed that in 2009 an estimated 8.2 million Australians were involved in regular exercise (at least three times a week), or 48 percent of the population aged over 15.
This was up from 37 percent in 2001.
Except in the youngest age group, the 2009 Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) revealed females had higher regular participation rates than males.
“While women were more likely than men to be regular partakers, 51 percent compared to 45 percent for men, males regain some kudos in that they are likely to be active for longer periods per session,” the report said.
The top five workouts for 2009 organized by clubs, fitness centers or other associations were aerobics/fitness, soccer, netball, golf and tennis.
According to the report, even before the Australian Team World Cup campaign, soccer had the largest increase in total participation between 2001 and 2009, a 52 percent increase.