Fitness Walking Grows to 40 Million Walkers in USA in 2004

Are you seeing more walkers out walking? The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) yearly sports trends report showed that walking continues to grow in popularity, topping 40 million fitness walkers in the USA in 2004.

Fitness Walking Doubles Since 1987

The SGMA began keeping statistics in 1987. Fitness walking particpation almost doubled in that time, up from 27 million to over 40 million, and increase of 48.4% The rate of increase is speeding up, with over 2 million more fitness walkers counted between 2003 and 2004, and increase of 6.2%

Recreational Walking Tops 92 Million

Recreational walking grew by 4 million walkers between 2003 and 2004 to 92.7 million. The yearly increase was 4.4% Hiking held steady over the past six years with 40.7 million.

Treadmill Exercise 47.5 Million

Treadmills and free weights remain the most popular equipment exercises. Treadmill exercise includes both running and walking and increased 4.2% from 2003 to 2004 to a new high of 47.5 million. It is up a whopping 980% from 1987 when less than 4 million said they exercised on a treadmill. Free weights claim 52 million exercisers.

Walkers Beat Runners, Bikers, Swimmers

2004 SGMA Trends - links to About.com resources
Fitness Walking 40,299,000
Running/Jogging 37,310,000
Fitness Bicycling 10,210,000 (down 15.3%)
Fitness Swimming 15,636,000
Stretching 40,799,000
Free Weights 52,056,000
Treadmill Exercise 47,463,000
Home Gym 30,903,000
Stationary Cycling 31,431,000
Weight/Resistance Machines 30,903,000
Recreational Walking 92,677,000
Recreational Swimming 95,268,000
Recreational Bicycling 52,021,000
Hiking 40,713,000

Other Popular Sports Activities - 2004

Other sports activities with over 25 million participants:
Bowling 53,603,000
Basketball 34,223,000
Golf 25,723,000
Fishing 47,906,000
Billiards/Pool 36,356,000