European Youth Reported Higher Physical Activity in 2025
Younger adults in the EU exercised more frequently than the total population last year, with notable regional disparities.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Fitness
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Eurostat data from 2025 revealed that 73.1% of European youth aged 16-29 participated in physical activity outside of work at least once per week. This level of participation exceeded the 61.6% rate observed among the total EU population aged 16 and over.
Why it matters
These findings highlight a significant age-based gap in lifestyle habits across the European Union. Understanding these differences is essential for public health planning, as younger demographics currently show higher engagement in frequent exercise compared to older adults.
This official Eurostat report aggregates physical activity participation data from across the European Union for 2025. While 73.1% of young people exercised weekly, 16.3% reported no physical activity, leaving the specific personal barriers to participation in high-inactivity nations unexamined.
The players
Eurostat
The statistical office of the European Union responsible for providing high-quality statistics on the continent.
The details
The data tracks exercise occurring specifically outside of professional work hours, accounting for variations by age, gender, and country of residence. While 20.9% of young people reported daily physical activity, participation intensity varied, with men slightly more likely than women to exercise 4-6 times per week. The regional data indicates a stark geographic divide, as Malta, Portugal, and Bulgaria recorded the highest inactivity levels among youth, while Greece, Denmark, Finland, and the Netherlands reported inactivity rates below 3%.
Timeline
Data collection for these physical activity statistics occurred throughout 2025.
Health Landscape
This report updates the baseline inactivity figures previously established by the Eurostat regional health indicator framework. It serves as a benchmark for comparing the fitness habits of younger cohorts against the broader population across member states.
If you are struggling to maintain a consistent exercise routine, these findings suggest you are part of a minority, as most young Europeans meet weekly activity goals. Discussing sustainable, realistic exercise patterns with your doctor can help establish a routine that fits your lifestyle.
The takeaway
The data confirms that physical activity levels are generally higher among younger adults than in the broader population. Readers looking to improve their health can start by identifying simple, non-work related activities to incorporate into their weekly schedule.
Further reading
For more trends on movement and health, explore our Fitness section.
More information
View the complete Eurostat physical activity source dataset for a breakdown by country.
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Is physical activity among young people in your community trending in the right direction?
