Sedentary Habits Have Stalled Global Physical Activity
A new international survey found that most adults spend the majority of their waking hours inactive.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Fitness
Live Poll
Do you believe 15 minutes of daily exercise can significantly improve your mental well-being?
A large-scale survey of 34,000 people across 31 countries found that the average person spends 86 percent of their waking day inactive. The project, launched by ASICS, highlights a growing trend of low physical activity levels among adults worldwide.
Why it matters
Low activity levels are increasingly linked to poor mental health, with sedentary behaviors like bed rotting often serving as a response to stress. This data highlights the critical need to re-establish physical movement as a tool for supporting mental wellbeing.
A survey of 34,000 individuals across 31 countries utilized the Movement Conservation Status to categorize physical activity. The study identified that more than half of all adults fail to meet active movement thresholds, with 57 percent of those aged 18 to 24 falling short.
The players
ASICS
A multinational athletic footwear and clothing company that launched The Movement Conservation Project to investigate the link between physical activity and mental health.
The details
The project categorizes movement into three tiers: Active, At Risk, and Endangered, based on daily activity thresholds starting at 150 minutes. The findings suggest that increased reliance on AI for daily tasks has reduced the necessity for physical movement. Sedentary habits are further compounded by modern stress and anxiety, which may drive behaviors like bed rotting.
Timeline
October 10, 2026: World Mental Health Day.
Health Landscape
This project updates our understanding of global movement trends relative to standard physical activity recommendations. It highlights how digital integration and modern stressors may be hindering the population-level adoption of healthy movement habits.
Even small increases in daily activity, such as 15 minutes of movement, may help improve your mood and overall wellbeing. If you feel consistently inactive or struggle with low energy, it is worth discussing strategies to safely integrate more movement into your routine with your physician.
The takeaway
The major takeaway is that low physical activity is a significant barrier to mental health in the digital age. You can track your daily movement minutes and aim for small, incremental increases to support your wellbeing.
Further reading
For more on building consistent movement habits, see our guide to Fitness.
Live Poll
Do you believe 15 minutes of daily exercise can significantly improve your mental well-being?
