Fitness vs. the Great Outdoors: Bulgarian Sports Habits Vary by Age and Gender
A recent survey reveals notable differences in how Bulgarians of different ages and genders approach physical activity. While 53 % of Bulgarians engage in sports at least once a week, only 16 % exercise daily. Men are more active than women, with daily participation rates reaching 61 % among men, compared to just 39 % among women.
Fitness training is the most popular form of exercise overall, practiced by 32 % of respondents, followed by hiking and running, both at 14 %. Men are more likely to play football and cycle, while women are more inclined to go running. Age plays a key role in the choice of physical activities. Bulgarians aged 45 and older tend to favor hiking and cycling, while younger individuals are more likely to stay fit through regular workouts and fitness routines.
A concerning finding is that nearly one in four Bulgarians (23 %) report not participating in any form of sport or exercise. Of this inactive group, 63 % are women and 37 % are men, highlighting a significant gender gap in physical activity.
Active and Outdoorsy: Romanians Embrace Sport, Especially Hiking and Fitness
Around 68 % of respondents participate in sports at least once a week, and more than one-third (36 %) exercise daily. Daily physical activity is especially common among men, individuals aged 25–34, and those living alone. Nearly half (49 %) of people who live by themselves report engaging in exercise every day.
The most popular sports among Romanians are hiking (27 %), fitness training (19 %), and running (19 %). Football (9 %) and cycling (8 %) follow at a distance. Hiking, in particular, stands out as a frequent daily activity. Men tend to be more active than women overall. While football is especially popular among men (17 %), women are more likely to choose fitness and running as their preferred forms of exercise.
Romanians appear to have a strong passion for staying active. Only 7 % of those surveyed said they do not engage in any physical activity, with this group most commonly found in the 35–44 age range. These results point to a growing culture of movement and wellness in Romania, driven by both outdoor adventure and individual fitness routines.
Ukrainians Stay Active with Hiking and Fitness, but One in Four Still Avoid Exercise
Research reveals that 61 % of Ukrainians engage in physical activity at least once a week, with 25 % exercising daily. Men are significantly more likely than women to participate in sports daily.
Hiking is by far the most popular activity, practiced by 35 % of respondents, followed by fitness (20%), both of which are even more favored among women. Other commonly enjoyed sports include cycling (13 %) and running (10 %). Men are more likely to play football and participate in combat sports. Among young Ukrainians aged 18–24, swimming and volleyball are notably more popular compared to other age groups, showing a broader diversity of physical activities among the younger generation.
Despite these encouraging numbers, nearly one quarter Ukrainians aged 18–54 (24 %) report not exercising at all — the highest rate of inactivity among the three surveyed nations. Interestingly, this lack of physical activity does not vary significantly by gender or age group.
The findings underscore a mixed picture of an active but divided population — while many Ukrainians embrace hiking and fitness, a significant portion remains disengaged from regular physical activity.
Romanians Lead in Physical Activity, Bulgarians Lag Behind
A recent study comparing physical activity levels among adults aged 18–54 in Romania, Ukraine, and Bulgaria has revealed significant differences in lifestyle habits across the three countries.
Romanians emerge as the most physically active, with 68 % of respondents engaging in exercise at least once a week and 36 % working out daily. Ukrainians follow with slightly lower participation, while Bulgarians report the lowest levels of physical activity—only 53 % exercise weekly and just 16 % do so daily.
Age plays a key role in exercise frequency. In Bulgaria, the likelihood of not exercising increases with age—a notable 44 % of Bulgarians aged 45–54 report no physical activity at all, compared to younger age groups. However, this trend does not hold true for Ukrainians and especially not for Romanians. In Ukraine, 25 % of those aged 45–54 are inactive, while inactivity is slightly higher (28 %) among those aged 25–34. In Romania, inactivity among the older demographic is only 8 % of respondents aged 45–54 report no physical activity, compared to 12 % among those aged 35–44.
Interestingly, in Ukraine, household size correlates with physical activity, with respondents from larger households (5 or more members) being significantly more likely to engage in daily exercise.
These findings offer valuable insights into the relationship between demographics and lifestyle habits in Eastern Europe, highlighting opportunities for targeted health and wellness initiatives across the region.