Fitness Not a Priority For College and University Students

Once you reach college or university, you would probably rather hit the bottle than hit the gym. And you’re not alone.

McMaster University’s Dr. Matthew Kwan studied 683 Canadian adolescents (aged 12 to 15 years old) for 12 years and saw a 24 per cent dive in physical activity from adolescence to early adulthood.

“Smoking and binge drinking grab a lot of focus, but physical activity continues to decline,” said Kwan. “It never really gets back up. As they get older, people just get more inactive.”

Kwan’s data appears in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, and says young men see the biggest decline.

“Team sports, varsity activities tend to decrease or drop off entirely,” said Kwan. “For those who go to college, studies become more important. Then there’s the social aspect that eats up their disposable time as well.”

Many people will make fitness a priority again after they graduate and enter the workforce. A more steady 9-5 lifestyle helps them find the time to join a gym or participate in sports again. These same young adults may also be embarrassed by their post-secondary weight gain and focus on returning to their old bodies.