Four in five U.S. adults report their physical activity changed in 2020 compared to previous years. While 33 percent of U.S. adults increased their physical activity, 46 percent decreased their physical activity (20 percent reported no change to their typical physical activity). Younger adults, especially Gen Zers, were more likely to have increased their physical activity while their older peers (baby boomers) report a decline in their physical activity in 2020.

Park and recreation professionals and their agencies provide the public with the vital infrastructure and services that keep their communities healthy both physically and mentally. Throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, public access to parks and trails largely remained open following guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local governments.

Key Findings:

• Four in five U.S. adults report a change to their physical activity in 2020 when compared to previous years.
• While 33 percent of U.S. adults increased their physical activity, 46 percent decreased their physical activity (20 percent reported no change to their typical physical activity).
• Parents were more likely than non-parents to report an increase in physical activity (45 percent vs. 28 percent, respectively).
• Sixty-four percent of Gen Zers report either no change or an increase in their physical activity in 2020 when compared to previous years.