Introduction
In recent years, the number of Mexicans engaging in physical activity has increased, but as of 2025, less than half (44.5%) of the adult population in urban areas reported doing some form of exercise or physical activity during their leisure time, according to the Módulo de Práctica Deportiva y Ejercicio Físico (MOPRADEF) by INEGI.
Current Levels of Physical Activity
The levels of physical activation among Mexicans pose a significant challenge for public health. Although the population engaging in exercise has grown, particularly post-COVID-19 pandemic, the levels remain low. In 2025, only 44.5% of adults reported engaging in some form of exercise or physical activity, slightly higher than the 41.1% reported the previous year.
Gender and Age Breakdown
Upon further examination, it’s evident that men and younger populations have higher levels of physical activity. 49.1% of men engage in leisure-time exercise, compared to 40.7% for women, indicating an 8.4 percentage point gap that, while narrowing in recent years, remains substantial.
Moreover, after the age of 40, the proportion of people exercising drops below 39%. These disparities can largely be attributed to women and working-age adults having less free time for such activities.
Sufficiency of Exercise
The report distinguishes between engaging in any physical activity and exercising at a level that yields health benefits.
In 2025, there was a decline in the total number of people meeting recommended exercise durations; dropping from 64.2% (in 2024) to 58.8%. This indicates that a smaller proportion of the active population meets minimal health recommendations, suggesting that simply exercising isn’t enough—optimal levels are crucial to maximize benefits.
Barriers and Motivations for Physical Activity
Lack of time remains a primary reason millions of Mexicans don’t exercise regularly, with 30% of inactive individuals citing fatigue or work/study commitments consuming their free time.
Other reasons include health issues, domestic chores, and safety concerns. Conversely, those who exercise often cite health and well-being as primary motivators, followed by aesthetic or recreational reasons.
Towards a More Active Society
Physical activity is vital for individual well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises adults to engage in at least 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or an equivalent combination.
These guidelines encompass activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, running, or sports practice, which can be done in short sessions throughout the week. Additionally, WHO recommends incorporating muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week to maintain muscle mass, bone density, and physical functionality, especially as one ages.
For those leading sedentary lifestyles, the advice is clear: any movement is better than none, and gradually increasing activity already yields measurable health benefits.
Key Benefits of Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity, backed by robust scientific evidence, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. It also aids in weight management.
In terms of mental health, consistent exercise correlates with lower anxiety and depression levels, improved mood, and better sleep quality. Over the long term, regular exercise enhances cognitive function, autonomy, and overall quality of life, making it one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for disease prevention and well-being promotion across all life stages.
