The full list of sport-specific, in-depth research reports for sports and fitness activities in the USA are available to the public for purchase. The reports provide a detailed analysis and breakdown of participation by various demographics by individual activity.

SMS and the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) released reports in waves during 2022. In total, the research tracks participation in 119 sports, recreation, and fitness activities.

As reported in the 2022 Topline Participation Report, the number of active participants was the highest number reported in the last five years at 232.6 million. Since 2016, the inactivity rate has declined an average of 2.6 percent, with remarkable changes in the last two years as the pandemic has shifted longstanding participation patterns.

“Our data showed that 6.8 million people transitioned from a sedentary lifestyle to some physical activity during COVID-19,” said Tom Cove, President & CEO, SFIA. “With the inactive population decreasing, the data suggests active lifestyles are important to Americans, and we saw that translate to outdoor sports, such as trail running, and water sports, such as kayaking and stand-up paddling – all activities deemed pandemic-friendly.”

“Keith Storey, President of Sports Marketing Surveys, added: “What we’ve seen is not just a short term boost to activity but a sustained rise. Since 2016, activity is now up 7.8%, with almost 17 million more Americans participating in sport and exercise over a five year period. However, while the sports industry, both in terms of participation and goods, is performing strongly, the growth in participation is not even, and having detailed participation data is more important than ever for decision makers. We know how much value buyers of these reports get, accessing the market size, demographics and participation trends in their sport, information that supports strategic decisions and helps attract external investment.”

Each report tracks participation as defined by gender, participation frequency, age, geographic region, market size area, income, education level, and cross-sport/activity participation, and new for 2022, ethnicity.

Cove adds that “All the research for the activities we track is now available to the public, and these reports really take a deep dive into specific participation data, which can help organizations in our industry better plan for the future.”

You can now access all 2022 SFIA Single Sport and Fitness Participation Reports for the sports and fitness activities tracked by SFIA. All reports are $99 each for SFIA Members, and $295 each for non-members. Reports can also be purchased direct from the SMS research store in GBP.

These reports are provided free of charge to members of the media. If you are interested in a copy of any of the reports, please contact Lisa Futterman at lfutterman@sfia.org.

ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit sfia.org.