The French are going back outside. After a long and cold winter, marked by a drop in physical and sporting activity among the population, many people are starting to put on their shorts and sports shoes again. According to the traditional “30 minutes barometer”, carried out by OpinionWay for the CIC as part of the Great National Cause and the “Move 30 minutes a day” operation, 64% of French people have practiced a sporting activity at least once per week in April, a figure up six points compared to the previous month.
The trend is real. Daily physical activity time is also increasing, with 17% of the population exceeding the 30 minutes required by the World Health Organization, compared to 14% in March. As a result, the percentage of people who are below this limit decreases to 44%. Walking is the most popular discipline since 26% of French people practice it regularly. Running follows with 23%.
22% of French people use bicycles for their travel
“Spring is a contributing factor, that seems obvious, but the increase is probably not only linked to that,” analyzes Professor François Carré, ambassador of the Olympic Games and the Great National Cause. The figures are very positive and the weather is not extraordinary, so spring alone does not explain this increase. »
Cycling has also been adopted by the population. Even if city dwellers are less inclined to get on their two wheels given the danger and the lack of cycle paths, there are still many French people who ride. A quarter of the population practices cycling as a sporting activity, while 22% use this means of transport for their daily trips. And this type of effort is already beneficial.
“Moderate physical activity is an activity during which you can talk but not sing,” explains Professor Carré. Cycling, even for daily travel, falls into this category. In addition, it allows you to work on your cardio and maintain your muscles, so it is beneficial, even if sporting activity is even more so. »
“Brain food is physical activity”
The reasons for this more regular physical activity are multiple. The majority of the population moves daily to maintain flexibility and mobility, as well as to maintain or lose weight. The French also believe that the benefits are real for mental health. Thus, 43% are convinced that it improves their sleep, while 37% believe that physical activity allows them to be more peaceful.
“Physical activity has an effect on the three essential parameters of health: physical, mental and social. It’s proven, continues Professor Carré. At the Sainte-Anne psychiatric hospital, all patients do physical activity and this helps reduce their treatment. We also know that, in the same company, those who engage in physical activity are less prone to burnout. Neurologists say that brain food is physical activity. I am delighted that the population is becoming aware of this because it is an important lever to push people to continue. And this proves the good dynamics of the Great National Cause. »