SGMA Study Shows Seniors Strive to Be Fit

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 11, 2006 – Fitness activities have a great deal of appeal to America’s sporting seniors – notes the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA). According to SGMA’s SuperStudy of Sports Participation (2006 Edition), nine out of the top fifteen most popular athletic pursuits for seniors are fitness-related.

Listed below are the top fifteen most popular sports, fitness, and recreational activities for the U.S. population — age 55+:

Most Popular Sports/Athletic/Fitness Activities
U.S. Population – Age 55+
Based on Total Participation

1. Fitness Walking 10.3 million
2. Treadmill Exercise 8.8 million
3. Stretching 8.2 million
4. Hand Weights 5.3 million
5. Golf 4.9 million
6. Freshwater Fishing 4.6 million
7. Day Hiking 3.7 million
8. Weight/Resistance Machines 3.6 million
9. Stationary Cycling (Upright Bike) 3.4 million
10. Bowling 3.3 million
11. Recreational Vehicle Camping 2.8 million
12. Saltwater Fishing 2.7 million
13. Other Exercise to Music 2.6 million
14. Dumbells 2.5 million
15. Stationary Cycling (Recumbent Bike) 2.4 million

The information contained in this news release has been extracted from SGMA’s Superstudy of Sports Participation.

SGMA’s Superstudy of Sports Participation (conducted by American Sports Data, Inc.) may be purchased by volume or as a set. To order a copy of Volume I, II, or III of the Superstudy of Sports Participation, access www.SGMA.com and click on Insight, then Participation Reports, and then SuperStudy.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, owner of the Sports Research Partnership, is the global business trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products industry. SGMA enhances industry vitality and fosters sports, fitness, and active lifestyle participation. More information about SGMA can be found at www.sgma.com.