Americans’ levels of exercise have tapered off slightly in 2011, after partially rebounding in 2010, and are still not as high as in 2008. The 53.4% of adults who reported exercising for at least 30 minutes three or more days per week in June trails the 54.3% in the same month in 2008.
The weather might be having an effect on the numbers. It’s been horrible this year. Here where I live in Texas, we had crazy-bad ice storms in the winter and this summer has been shattering records because of the heat. By the end of this week, we’ll have surpassed the all-time record for the highest number of 100+ degree days in a year — and it’s only July. Most of the country has had similar patterns of severe and weird weather.
I still exercise regularly — it’s vital for my pain levels and well-being. But when it’s 104 degrees outside every day and tough to keep the house comfortably cool without spending a fortune, I really have to motivate myself to exercise. I’d much rather be reclined and eating ice cream, lol.