CSO statistical release, 16 February 2015, 11am
QNHS Sport and Physical Exercise
Quarter 2 2013
Participation in sport and physical exercise
% of persons aged 15 years and over
Total Male Female
Persons who are physically active1
72.5
73.2
71.8
Participate in sport2 also walk for recreational purposes3
24.1
25.7
22.5
Participate in sport2 also walk for utility purposes4
7.9
11.0
4.8
Participate in sport2 but do not walk5
5.9
9.0
2.8
sport2
Persons who are not physically active
34.7
27.5
27.4
26.8
41.7
28.2
Do not participate in sport2 but walk for utility purposes4
12.8
12.4
13.3
Neither participate in sport2 nor walk5
14.7
14.4
15.0
Walk for recreational purposes3 but do not participate in
1Includes sport and/or other physical activity, and recreational walking.
2Includes sport and/or other physical activity, but excludes walking.
3For exercise, recreation or leisure.
4For the purpose of getting from place to place.
5Did not take a walk of 15 mins or more in the last month.
Nearly 73% of the population are physically active
A module on sport and physical exercise was included in the Quarterly
National Household Survey (QNHS) in the three months from April to June
2013 (quarter 2). This release presents the results from that module.
Summary of main results
Nearly 73% of the population do physical activity for the purposes of
exercise, recreation or sport. These are made up of the 37.8% of persons
who are engaged in sport or other physical activity (other than walking) and
the 34.7% of persons who do not participate in sport but do walk for
recreational purposes. See headline table and figure 1.
Nearly 6 in 10 (58.8%) persons walk for recreational purposes. Over one fifth (20.7%) of persons walk for utility
purposes (getting from place to place) while 14.7% of respondents do not participate in physical exercise - neither in
a sport/other physical activity nor walking (for either recreational or utility purposes). See headline table and figure 1.
For those persons who do not participate in sport/other physical activity nor walk for recreational or utility purposes,
lack of time (nearly 35%) was the main reason given for non-participation. About 29% stated that the main reason
was 'illness, injury or disability'. Nearly one fifth (18.8%) stated that the main reason was 'lack of motivation'. See table
2.
Apart from walking for recreational purposes, aerobics/keep fit/gym was the most popular sport or physical activity
(19.2%), particularly for females – nearly 27% of females stated that this was their main sport or physical activity. The
second most popular sport or physical activity was swimming (14.2%), followed by cycling (13.6%). See table 3a.
Over 8 in 10 persons stated that the main reason for continued participation in sport was 'improving physical health
and fitness'. See table 3d. Over two thirds (67.3%) of persons when asked about their principal influence in sport said
QNHS Sports Module Q2 2013 (summary)
they 'exercised on their own initiative'. See table 3g.
The main additional facility that persons wouldCentral Statistics Office like to see in their local area was a swimming pool (18.7%), followed
by designated on-road cycle routes (11.4%)
while 8.1% would like to see public walkways. See table 4.
 Skehard Road, Cork T12 X00E, Ireland.
21­​4535000  353­​
1­​4fitness
535555club, while nearly 57% are a member of one
Nearly 4 in 10 persons (39.3%) are not a 353­​
member
of any sports 2or
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sports or fitness club. Just over 4% have membership
of two or more sports or fitness clubs. See table 5.
20150216083116
Walking for recreational purposes
Summary of main results
Nearly 73% of the population do physical activity for the purposes of
exercise, recreation or sport. These are made up of the 37.8% of persons
who are engaged in sport or other physical activity (other than walking) and
the 34.7% of persons who do not participate in sport but do walk for
recreational purposes. See headline table and figure 1.
Nearly 6 in 10 (58.8%) persons walk for recreational purposes. Over one fifth (20.7%) of persons walk for utility
purposes (getting from place to place) while 14.7% of respondents do not participate in physical exercise - neither in
a sport/other physical activity nor walking (for either recreational or utility purposes). See headline table and figure 1.
For those persons who do not participate in sport/other physical activity nor walk for recreational or utility purposes,
lack of time (nearly 35%) was the main reason given for non-participation. About 29% stated that the main reason
was 'illness, injury or disability'. Nearly one fifth (18.8%) stated that the main reason was 'lack of motivation'. See table
2.
Apart from walking for recreational purposes, aerobics/keep fit/gym was the most popular sport or physical activity
(19.2%), particularly for females – nearly 27% of females stated that this was their main sport or physical activity. The
second most popular sport or physical activity was swimming (14.2%), followed by cycling (13.6%). See table 3a.
Over 8 in 10 persons stated that the main reason for continued participation in sport was 'improving physical health
and fitness'. See table 3d. Over two thirds (67.3%) of persons when asked about their principal influence in sport said
they 'exercised on their own initiative'. See table 3g.
The main additional facility that persons would like to see in their local area was a swimming pool (18.7%), followed
by designated on-road cycle routes (11.4%) while 8.1% would like to see public walkways. See table 4.
Nearly 4 in 10 persons (39.3%) are not a member of any sports or fitness club, while nearly 57% are a member of one
sports or fitness club. Just over 4% have membership of two or more sports or fitness clubs. See table 5.
Walking for recreational purposes
Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) of the population walk for recreational purposes. Nearly two thirds (64.2%) of females walk for
recreational purposes. There were high participation rates across all age groups, particularly the 25-64 years age group.
Nearly one quarter (24.1%) of the population participate in a sporting activity in addition to walking for recreational
purposes. See table 1a. Almost one fifth (19.3%) of retired persons participate in sport or physical exercise as well as
walking for recreational purposes. See table 1a and figure 2.
Figure 2 Participation in walking
80
% of persons
60
40
20
0
Walks mostly for recreational purposes
Walks mostly for utility purposes
Male
Non-walker
Female
Source: CSO Ireland
The most popular place, by far, for walking for recreational purposes was the local neighbourhood (77.2%). This was well
ahead of the second most popular place for walking, the local park at 9.1%. In the South-East and South-West regions,
almost 82% of persons walked mainly in the local neighbourhood compared with about 72% in the Mid-East and Midland
regions. In densely populated areas, the local park was the second most popular place for walking (14.2%). In thinly
populated areas, the second most popular place for recreational walking was countryside trails and forests at nearly 7%.
See table 1b and figure 3.
Figure 3 Main places for recreational walking
100
of persons
75
20150216083116
50
QNHS Sports Module Q2 2013 (summary)
Central Statistics Office  Skehard Road, Cork T12 X00E, Ireland.
 353­​21­​4535000  353­​21­​4535555
 [email protected]
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populated areas, the second most popular place for recreational walking was countryside trails and forests at nearly 7%.
See table 1b and figure 3.
Figure 3 Main places for recreational walking
100
% of persons
75
50
25
0
Local neighbourhood
Local park
Public walkways
Countryside trails
and forests
Male
Hills and mountains
Other
Female
Source: CSO Ireland
Nearly 14% of persons walking for recreational purposes, walk at least 5 times a week, for 30-60 minutes at a 'fairly
brisk/fast' pace, while over 12% of persons walk for recreational purposes for the same time duration and pace, 3-4 times
a week. In the 25-34 and 35-44 years age groups, some 16% of persons walk for recreational purposes 3-4 times a week,
for 30-60 minutes at a 'fairly brisk/fast' pace. See table 1c.
Nearly 15% of persons did not take a walk (of 15 minutes or more) or participate in any sport or other physical activity in
the previous month. Overall, lack of time was the main reason given for non-participation - either lack of time due to work
(21.5%) or lack of time due to family commitments (13.3%). About 29% stated that the main reason was 'illness, injury or
disability' while nearly one-fifth (18.8%) stated that their main reason for non-participation was 'lack of motivation'. Nearly
half (48.7%) of all persons in the 65 years plus age group stated that their main reason for non-participation was 'illness,
injury or disability' while 28.6% of that group stated that 'age' was their main reason. See tables 1a and 2.
Participation in sport
Nearly 4 in 10 (37.8%) persons participate in sport and/or other physical activity (excluding walking). See table 1a and
headline table. The top three sports are individual sports, rather than team sports - aerobics/keep fit/gym (the main sport
of 19.2% of persons), followed by swimming (14.2%) and then cycling (13.6%). Over a quarter (26.5%) of females stated
that aerobics/keep fit/gym was their main sport/physical activity. Swimming is the second most popular sporting activity
(14.2%). This is the main activity for over one fifth (21.5%) of females. Nearly 3 in 10 (29.8%) of all persons in the 65 years
plus age group stated that golf was their main sport. Some 13% of males as opposed to 4% of females stated that golf
was their main sport. For the 65 years plus age group, swimming is the second most popular sport or physical activity at
nearly 16%. Cycling is the third most popular sport, with nearly 16% of males and over 10% of females stating that this was
their main sport. It is the most popular sport in the 45-54 years age group (19.7%). Athletics follows as the fourth most
popular sport at just under 10%. See tables 1a and 3a, and figure 4.
Figure 4 Participation in sport or other physical activity
Aerobics Keep Fit Gym
Swimming
Cycling
Athletics
Golf
Soccer
Gaelic Football
Yoga/Pilates
Dance
Hurling & camogie
Tennis
Rugby
Other
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
QNHS Sports Module Q2 2013 (summary)
16
18
20
22
% of persons
Source: CSO Ireland
Central Statistics Office  Skehard Road, Cork T12 X00E, Ireland.
Over 10% of persons participate in sport and/or other physical activity (excluding walking) 3-4 times a week for over one
 353­​21­​4535000  353­​21­​4535555
hour (for each session) hard effort (*) while 14% participate
in sport 3-4 times a week for 30-60 minutes (for each session)
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20150216083116
moderate or hard effort. Over 13% of males participate in sport 3-4 times a week for over one hour (for each session) hard
effort. Over one fifth of persons in the 65 years plus age group participate in sport for over one hour (for each session) 1-2
their main sport. It is the most popular sport in the 45-54 years age group (19.7%). Athletics follows as the fourth most
popular sport at just under 10%. See tables 1a and 3a, and figure 4.
Figure 4 Participation in sport or other physical activity
Aerobics Keep Fit Gym
Swimming
Cycling
Athletics
Golf
Soccer
Gaelic Football
Yoga/Pilates
Dance
Hurling & camogie
Tennis
Rugby
Other
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
% of persons
Source: CSO Ireland
Over 10% of persons participate in sport and/or other physical activity (excluding walking) 3-4 times a week for over one
hour (for each session) hard effort (*) while 14% participate in sport 3-4 times a week for 30-60 minutes (for each session)
moderate or hard effort. Over 13% of males participate in sport 3-4 times a week for over one hour (for each session) hard
effort. Over one fifth of persons in the 65 years plus age group participate in sport for over one hour (for each session) 1-2
times a week moderate effort. Some 11% of persons participated in sport or physical activity less than once a week.
*Hard effort - breathing heavily, much faster heart rate.
Moderate effort - increased breathing and heart rate.
Light effort - mild increase in breathing rate.
The main additional facility that people involved in sport (excluding walking) would like to see in their local area was a
swimming pool at nearly 19%, followed by designated on-road cycle routes at over 11%. Nearly 23% of persons in 'thinly
populated areas' would like to see a swimming pool in their local area as would 19.4% of persons engaged on home
duties. See tables 3b and 4.
Motivation for continued participation in sport
Over four fifths of persons (81.9%) stated that 'improving physical health and fitness' was their main motivation for
continued participation in sport, particularly so for females at 87.1%. This is well ahead of 'social element' in second place
at 7.7%. For over 12% of persons in the 65 years plus age group, 'social element' was their main motivation for continued
participation in sport. See table 3e.
Influences in sport
For persons who participate in sport, over two thirds (67.3%), when asked about their principal influence in sport, said that
they 'exercised on own inititative'. This was well ahead of 'other significant adults’ (friend or family member) in second
place at 14%. 'Other significant adults' was a greater influence for females at nearly 16% than for males (13%). The 'local
sports club' is the third most important influence at 12.4% overall. This is particularly so for males at 15.7%. The 'local
sports club' was also the most important influence in sport for nearly one quarter of students (23.3%). See table 3g and
figure 5.
Figure 5 Main influences in sport
Exercised on own initiative
Other significant adults
Local sports club
Sports coach or trainer
QNHS Sports Module Q2 2013 (summary)
Teacher
Local sports partnership
Other
20150216083116
0
5
10
15
Central Statistics Office  Skehard Road, Cork T12 X00E, Ireland.
 353­​21­​4535000  353­​21­​4535555
 [email protected]
20
25
30
35
40
45
% of persons
50
55
60
65
70
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75
sports club' was also the most important influence in sport for nearly one quarter of students (23.3%). See table 3g and
figure 5.
Figure 5 Main influences in sport
Exercised on own initiative
Other significant adults
Local sports club
Sports coach or trainer
Teacher
Local sports partnership
Other
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
% of persons
Male
Female
Source: CSO Ireland
Membership of sports or fitness clubs
Nearly 4 in 10 (39.3%) persons are not a member of any sports or fitness club, while nearly 6 in 10 (56.6%) of both males
and females are a member of one sports or fitness club. Over 7% of persons in the 15-24 years age group are members of
two sports or fitness clubs, while 2.2% of that age group have membership of three or more sports or fitness clubs. See
table 5.
Figure 6 Membership of sports or fitness clubs
Male
Female
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
% of persons
1 sports/fitness club
2 sports/fitness clubs
3+ sports/fitness clubs
No membership
Source: CSO Ireland
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS RELEASE:
E-mail: income&[email protected]
Maureen Delamere (+353) 21 453 5081
Anne McGrath (+353) 21 453 5487
Scan the QR code below to view this release online or go to
http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/q-sp/qsp2013q02/
QNHS Sports Module Q2 2013 (summary)
20150216083116
Central Statistics Office  Skehard Road, Cork T12 X00E, Ireland.
 353­​21­​4535000  353­​21­​4535555
 [email protected]
Page: 5 of 6
Scan the QR code below to view this release online or go to
http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/q-sp/qsp2013q02/
QNHS Sports Module Q2 2013 (summary)
20150216083116
Central Statistics Office  Skehard Road, Cork T12 X00E, Ireland.
 353­​21­​4535000  353­​21­​4535555
 [email protected]
Page: 6 of 6