One in three don't exercise

Figures from the Welsh Health Survey have shown that one in three people in Wales do not exercise.

The data revealed that 36-38% of women and 30-32% of men took part in no physical activities.

The survey, Physical Activity in Wales 2010, collected data from 15,000 adults and 3,000 children, starting in 2003/04.

It asked the participants about how many times a week they took part in 30 minutes of 'moderate to vigorous' exercise (an hour for children).

More than half of boys (57%) and 47% of girls said they had five or more physically active days a week.

The data also showed 52% of children from the ages of four to 15 said they did at least an hour of exercise five times a week, while 12% said they did no exercise.

A Welsh government spokesperson said the results of the survey "demonstrate the scale of the challenge we face and the need for a comprehensive approach including encouraging physical activity from a young age".

She added: "The Welsh government wants more children taking part in regular and frequent activity."

"Programmes such as 5x60 in secondary schools and Dragon Sport in primary schools are helping to create the environment necessary for children to enjoy extra curricular sport and physical activity on a regular basis." 

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