Compiled by Melody Land on behalf of Footloose in Fundy Albert Read the full report: https://hubs.la/Q043BKqf0
Physical activity is a foundational determinant of health, contributing to improved mental well-being, reduced risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers), better energy and sleep, and enhanced quality of life. Despite widespread recognition of these benefits, physical activity levels in Canada remain worryingly low: only a minority of adults meet national movement guidelines, and a significant proportion report difficulty translating intentions to be active into consistent behaviours. What’s Stopping Us? investigates why adults in Canada face barriers to physical activity, and how these barriers differ across generations, with the goal of informing effective strategies to support more physical activity across the population.
Why This Report Matters
ParticipACTION conducted the report against the backdrop of ongoing stagnation in physical activity levels. The 2025 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults showed that less than half of Canadian adults are achieving recommended activity levels, and daily step counts have declined sharply in recent years. This raises an important question: if people understand the value of physical activity, what prevents them from doing it? The What’s Stopping Us? report seeks to answer this by examining perceived barriers and how they vary by generation.
Physical activity is a foundational determinant of health, contributing to improved mental well-being, reduced risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers), better energy and sleep, and enhanced quality of life. Despite widespread recognition of these benefits, physical activity levels in Canada remain worryingly low: only a minority of adults meet national movement guidelines, and a significant proportion report difficulty translating intentions to be active into consistent behaviours. What’s Stopping Us? investigates why adults in Canada face barriers to physical activity, and how these barriers differ across generations, with the goal of informing effective strategies to support more physical activity across the population.
Why This Report Matters
ParticipACTION conducted the report against the backdrop of ongoing stagnation in physical activity levels. The 2025 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults showed that less than half of Canadian adults are achieving recommended activity levels, and daily step counts have declined sharply in recent years. This raises an important question: if people understand the value of physical activity, what prevents them from doing it? The What’s Stopping Us? report seeks to answer this by examining perceived barriers and how they vary by generation.
Methodology
In June 2025, ParticipACTION surveyed 1,500 Canadian adults aged 18 to 64 who already expressed a desire to be active. Participants responded to a list of 31 research-informed barriers, indicating which factors they see as obstacles to physical activity. This approach allowed researchers to identify both common barriers across all generations and distinct generational patterns in how people experience and respond to these challenges.
Common Barriers Across Generations
Despite differences in life stage and circumstances, there were five barriers consistently cited by adults of all ages:
Lack of motivation – Many adults struggle to maintain the drive to be active even when they want to be.
Fatigue and tiredness – Feeling too tired after work or daily responsibilities is a major deterrent.
Time constraints – Lack of time due to work, family or other commitments makes it difficult to fit in physical activity.
Cost – Financial barriers, such as gym fees or expenses related to organized activities, limit participation.
Weather – Canada’s varied and often extreme weather conditions discourage regular activity for many respondents.
These barriers point not to a lack of understanding about the importance of physical activity, but to the intention-to-action gap — people want to be active but are unable to turn intention into consistent behaviour because of everyday challenges.
Generational Patterns in Barriers
While the five common barriers are widespread, the report highlights distinct trends within specific age groups, shedding light on how life stage influences physical activity challenges.
1. Gen Z (18–27 years)
Self-consciousness and lack of confidence are particularly strong barriers for this group. Many younger adults report feeling judged or embarrassed about being active, which discourages participation.
Gen Z individuals also reported the highest number of barriers overall, suggesting they face a uniquely challenging environment for getting active.
Other notable obstacles include lack of a workout partner and limited space at home for activity.
Implication: Programs that build confidence, reduce pressure (e.g., beginner-friendly group activities), and create social connections may be more effective with Gen Z.
2. Millennials (28–43 years)
Work commitments and competing priorities were frequently cited, reflecting the demands of career development, family responsibilities, and other life obligations common in this generation.
Many Millennials also described physical activity as “boring,” possibly because adult opportunities have shifted away from social or team-oriented sport toward more solitary or fitness-focused options.
Implication: Messaging that highlights small, achievable opportunities for movement (e.g., sneak-in activities during the day) may resonate more with busy Millennials.
3. Generation X (44–58 years)
Alongside the common barriers, Gen X respondents more frequently identified physical discomfort, injury concerns, and boredom as obstacles.
These responses suggest a shift in perception — physical activity is increasingly framed as a necessary health behaviour rather than a fun or social pursuit.
Implication: Tailoring programs that make activities engaging, accessible, and adaptable to varying physical abilities can encourage greater participation.
4. Baby Boomers (59–64 years)
For older adults nearing or in retirement, aging-related barriers such as chronic health conditions, fear of injury, and physical limitations were most prominent.
Unlike younger generations, lack of time was not a leading barrier, likely reflecting greater autonomy over daily schedules.
Implication: Initiatives for this group should emphasize safe, inclusive, and accessible activity options that accommodate varying levels of ability and mobility.
Broader Recommendations
The report stresses that individual motivation alone will not bridge the intention-to-action gap. Effective solutions require a whole-of-society approach that includes:
This June, Footloose in Fundy Albert is again spearheading a bid to win $100,000 to go towards physical activity and sport initiatives. Think about all the ways we could overcome barriers to physical activity with these additional resources! We've been so close, so many times! This is the year we give it our all.
We need your help and any organization/business you are a part of. Here's are some ways you can help:
In June 2025, ParticipACTION surveyed 1,500 Canadian adults aged 18 to 64 who already expressed a desire to be active. Participants responded to a list of 31 research-informed barriers, indicating which factors they see as obstacles to physical activity. This approach allowed researchers to identify both common barriers across all generations and distinct generational patterns in how people experience and respond to these challenges.
Common Barriers Across Generations
Despite differences in life stage and circumstances, there were five barriers consistently cited by adults of all ages:
Lack of motivation – Many adults struggle to maintain the drive to be active even when they want to be.
Fatigue and tiredness – Feeling too tired after work or daily responsibilities is a major deterrent.
Time constraints – Lack of time due to work, family or other commitments makes it difficult to fit in physical activity.
Cost – Financial barriers, such as gym fees or expenses related to organized activities, limit participation.
Weather – Canada’s varied and often extreme weather conditions discourage regular activity for many respondents.
These barriers point not to a lack of understanding about the importance of physical activity, but to the intention-to-action gap — people want to be active but are unable to turn intention into consistent behaviour because of everyday challenges.
Generational Patterns in Barriers
While the five common barriers are widespread, the report highlights distinct trends within specific age groups, shedding light on how life stage influences physical activity challenges.
1. Gen Z (18–27 years)
Self-consciousness and lack of confidence are particularly strong barriers for this group. Many younger adults report feeling judged or embarrassed about being active, which discourages participation.
Gen Z individuals also reported the highest number of barriers overall, suggesting they face a uniquely challenging environment for getting active.
Other notable obstacles include lack of a workout partner and limited space at home for activity.
Implication: Programs that build confidence, reduce pressure (e.g., beginner-friendly group activities), and create social connections may be more effective with Gen Z.
2. Millennials (28–43 years)
Work commitments and competing priorities were frequently cited, reflecting the demands of career development, family responsibilities, and other life obligations common in this generation.
Many Millennials also described physical activity as “boring,” possibly because adult opportunities have shifted away from social or team-oriented sport toward more solitary or fitness-focused options.
Implication: Messaging that highlights small, achievable opportunities for movement (e.g., sneak-in activities during the day) may resonate more with busy Millennials.
3. Generation X (44–58 years)
Alongside the common barriers, Gen X respondents more frequently identified physical discomfort, injury concerns, and boredom as obstacles.
These responses suggest a shift in perception — physical activity is increasingly framed as a necessary health behaviour rather than a fun or social pursuit.
Implication: Tailoring programs that make activities engaging, accessible, and adaptable to varying physical abilities can encourage greater participation.
4. Baby Boomers (59–64 years)
For older adults nearing or in retirement, aging-related barriers such as chronic health conditions, fear of injury, and physical limitations were most prominent.
Unlike younger generations, lack of time was not a leading barrier, likely reflecting greater autonomy over daily schedules.
Implication: Initiatives for this group should emphasize safe, inclusive, and accessible activity options that accommodate varying levels of ability and mobility.
Broader Recommendations
The report stresses that individual motivation alone will not bridge the intention-to-action gap. Effective solutions require a whole-of-society approach that includes:
- Public education to shift perceptions about physical activity.
- Supportive infrastructure such as walkable communities, accessible recreation spaces, and active transportation options.
- Policy changes like workplace supports that encourage movement (e.g., paid time for active breaks).
- Collaborative action among governments, organizations, communities and individuals to reduce barriers and make physical activity more routine, enjoyable, and integrated into daily life.
This June, Footloose in Fundy Albert is again spearheading a bid to win $100,000 to go towards physical activity and sport initiatives. Think about all the ways we could overcome barriers to physical activity with these additional resources! We've been so close, so many times! This is the year we give it our all.
We need your help and any organization/business you are a part of. Here's are some ways you can help:
- Join our collaborative team at Footloose in Fundy Albert to help us strategize and organize!
- Go to the Participaction Community Challenge website to learn more about it and sign up your participaction.com/programs/community-challenge to learn more about it, and see where you can register your business/organization/community group.
- Start thinking about what your organization can do to increase activity daily in June and consider planning a few events to increase engagement and increase our community's score!
- Follow our Facebook page www.facebook.com/FootlooseinAlbertCounty. We will be working to update this account in the coming weeks so you will have a central source of all information.
- Stay tuned to Connecting Albert County for more information and if you have any questions, reach out to us at [email protected]
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