The physical activities most reported by Canadians continue to be walking and gardening, according to the 1997 Physical Activity Monitor conducted by the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute. As in a previous survey conducted in 1995 by the Institute, a non-profit organization funded by Health Canada, walking and gardening were cited by at least three-quarters of all adults surveyed as activities they had done in the previous year.

About half of the 1,875 Canadians over 18 who took part in the telephone interview also reported swimming, home exercise, social dancing and bicycling. Next in line were bowling, skating, jogging/running, weight training, golf and baseball/softball, reported by 25 to 30% of respondents.

Top 12 activities in Canada, age 18+

Source: 1997 Physical Activity Monitor

In addition, 10 to 20% reported participating in exercise classes or aerobics, cross-country skiing, badminton, alpine skiing, tennis, basketball, volleyball, in-line skating, gymnastics, ice hockey or soccer. Fewer than 10% cited yoga or tai chi, dance (such as ballet or line dancing), football, racquetball, squash or snowboarding.

Both men and women ranked walking, gardening, swimming, home exercise, social dancing and bicycling as their top six activities. However, men and women tend to participate in different types of activities. More women than men participate in activities such as walking, home exercise, social dancing and exercise classes/aerobics, whereas men more frequently cite participation in activities such as bicycling, jogging, weight training, golf, badminton, alpine skiing, tennis and team sports such as baseball, basketball, volleyball, hockey, soccer and football. For team activities, the differences are substantial, with men being two to ten times more likely than women to choose these activities.

Among other survey results, the Institute found that approximately two-thirds of Canadians are not active enough to benefit their health. Many are not far behind, however. In view of this, Cora Lynn Craig, President of the Institute, says that "Canadians should continue to participate in the activities they are currently doing, but they should try to gradually increase the time spent in these activities." By working to increase either the frequency, duration or intensity of the activities they already do, Canadians will edge closer to meeting the guidelines for health set in Canada's Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living.