Understanding how often people exercise is important for public health. This article compares the Philippines to other Southeast Asian countries based on the percentage of the population who exercise regularly, using the latest available data.
What counts as regular exercise?
Regular exercise means meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation: at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
Exercise rates in the Philippines
- About 54% of Filipinos exercise regularly (meet WHO guidelines).
- Among adolescents (ages 10–17), only 15.4% are active enough.
- For young adults (18–25), only 46% meet the recommended levels.
How does the Philippines compare?
| Country | % Physically Inactive | % Exercising Regularly |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | 46% | 54% |
| Malaysia | 40% | 60% |
| Vietnam | 30% | 70% |
| Thailand | 29% | 71% |
| Singapore | 23% | 77% |
| Indonesia | 19% | 81% |
| Myanmar | 22% | 78% |
| Brunei | 33% | 67% |
Key insights
- The Philippines lags behind: Only 54% of Filipinos exercise regularly, lower than its Southeast Asian neighbors.
- Youth inactivity is a concern: Just 15.4% of Filipino adolescents are active enough, showing a need for youth-focused programs.
- Lifestyle barriers: Common reasons for inactivity in the Philippines include lack of time, motivation, and urban lifestyle changes.
- Policy opportunities: Countries like Thailand and Indonesia have higher exercise rates, possibly due to stronger national fitness campaigns.
“The Philippines faces significant challenges in promoting regular exercise, especially among adolescents. Regional comparisons highlight the need for targeted public health strategies.”
Why do Filipinos have low exercise levels?
Several factors contribute to the relatively low exercise rates in the Philippines:
Limited access to facilities
While the number of fitness centers has grown, most are concentrated in urban areas like Metro Manila. Rural regions and less affluent communities have far fewer options, making regular exercise less accessible for many Filipinos.
For example, a 2023 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority found that over 70% of registered fitness establishments are located in Metro Manila and other major cities, while rural provinces often have fewer than three gyms per municipality.
Socioeconomic barriers
Gym memberships and fitness classes can be costly, limiting participation to those with higher incomes. Many Filipinos prioritize other expenses over fitness due to economic constraints.
Lifestyle and urbanization
As the country becomes more urbanized, sedentary lifestyles are becoming more common. Work and school schedules, coupled with long commutes and heavy traffic, leave little time or energy for exercise.
Metro Manila has only about five square meters of green space per person, which is significantly below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of nine square meters per person within a 15-minute walking distance, highlighting the limited availability of greenspace for fitness and walking habits in the Philippines.
In Metro Manila, pedestrians often face hazards while walking on side streets due to obstacles like parked cars or barriers blocking paths, contributing to the estimated 57,000 pedestrian injuries from road accidents in the Philippines over the past decade.
Government support and policy gaps
The Philippine government promotes sports through national policies like the “Sports for All” program, funding for grassroots sports programs and supporting major events such as the Batang Pinoy Games and the Philippine National Games.
While there are policies and school-based programs promoting physical activity, implementation and monitoring remain inconsistent. Many initiatives lack funding, technical expertise, or sustained follow-through, especially outside major cities.
Cultural attitudes
Traditional forms of physical activity like dance and outdoor games have declined, replaced by more sedentary pastimes. There is also a perception that exercise is mainly for the young or for those who can afford gym memberships.
School and community programs
Although schools offer physical education and some after-school sports, data show that many students still do not meet activity guidelines. There is room to improve the quality and frequency of PE, as well as to expand after-school and community-based programs.
How can this be addressed?
Expand access
Increase the number and reach of affordable fitness facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas.
In rural communities, local governments and NGOs can support the creation of multi-use spaces—like barangay halls or open fields—for group exercise, sports, and wellness events.
Community programs
Support local sports leagues, walking groups, and outdoor fitness events that are free or low-cost such as the formation of running clubs, walking groups, and community sports leagues, especially in areas where formal gyms are not available.
It is also possible to collaborate with local businesses and NGOs to sponsor events like fun runs and basketball leagues, ensuring they remain free or low-cost for participants.
School initiatives
Improve PE curriculum, offer more after-school sports, and make active transport (walking, cycling) safer and more appealing for students.
Also, engage parents and teachers in promoting active lifestyles, creating a supportive environment for students to stay active beyond the classroom. This might mean homeworks are replaced with regular physical activities.
Benefits of an exercising nation
A nation that exercises regularly enjoys numerous advantages:
Better public health
Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, leading to a healthier population and lower healthcare costs.
For comparison, Australia is a country where sports are actively promoted through national health initiatives, and studies have shown that such efforts have contributed to reduced healthcare costs by encouraging regular physical activity and healthier lifestyles among the population.
Improved productivity
Healthy individuals are more energetic, focused, and productive at work and school; in Canada, engaged workers are significantly more productive, and companies that support employee wellbeing have seen productivity improve by an average of 13%.
Economic growth
A healthier workforce can contribute more effectively to economic development, while reduced illness and absenteeism benefit employers and the broader economy.
Sweden is a country where strong promotion of sports and healthy lifestyles has delivered measurable economic impact, with the sports industry accounting for 2.1% of total national employment and supporting both public health and economic growth.
Enhanced quality of life
Physical activity improves mental health, reduces stress, and boosts overall well-being for individuals and families.
The bottom line
The Philippines faces unique challenges in promoting regular exercise, but with targeted efforts to improve access, education, and policy implementation, the country can move toward a healthier, more active future.
The benefits of such a shift extend far beyond individual health—they strengthen communities, support economic growth, and improve the quality of life for all.