84% of Adults Report Reliance on Public Rec & Parks Programs to Stay Active During Winter

Eighty-four percent of U.S. adults look to indoor activities provided by park and recreation agencies in times of inclement weather, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll.

When it comes to selecting indoor activities, top choices for U.S adults include running or walking, strength training, yoga or swimming. Local park and recreation agencies provide low-cost or no-cost opportunities year-round to stay active indoors, regardless of the conditions outside.

Key Findings:

  • Eighty-four percent of U.S. adults look to indoor activities provided by park and recreation agencies to promote physical and mental well-being in times of inclement weather.
  • Indoor tracks or treadmills, strength training, yoga or swimming are favorite indoor fitness activities.

“For many people, physical activity and mental health go hand in hand, so staying active through the winter is important,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “Parks and recreation provides many opportunities to keep moving during less-than-ideal weather days.”

Infographic showing man running on treadmill, older man using hand weights while seated, a woman doing a yoga pose, and an adult woman taking swimming lessons.

To view the interactive charts with the survey results, click here.

To view the full-size infographic, click here.

Each month, through a poll of 1,000 U.S. residents focused on park and recreation issues, NRPA Park Pulse helps tell the park and recreation story. To learn more about NRPA’s Park Pulse and see results from previous polls, click here.