Updated: February 2024

Author: Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, Vermont Department of Health

This indicator, or population measure, is part of our Healthy Vermonters 2030 data set. Read more about how this data helps us understand and improve the well-being of people in Vermont on the Healthy Vermonters 2030 webpage.

Because this data is meant to show how the health of our state changes during the decade from 2020-2030, some indicators may have very few data points for now. Keep checking back to see the progress our public health system and partners are making.

Approximately 20% of Vermonters got no leisure time physical activity in the past month in 2022. The percentage of Vermonters not participating in leisure time physical activity in the past month was 18% in 2021.

Over the past ten years, the rate for this measure has moved between 18% and 22%, which is not a statistically significant difference. The Healthy Vermonter 2030 target for this measure is 16%.

Many adults sit for long hours at work. After work, some Vermonters face long commutes in the car and there are often household and family responsibilities that keep people from getting any physical activity. The rural nature of Vermont and its poor “active transportation” infrastructure (i.e. incomplete or inadequate sidewalks, bicycle facilities, public transit) results in Vermonters needing to spend additional time sitting in cars to get to where they need or want to go. These factors as well as the shorter winter days in Vermont result in low rates of physical activity for all.

Looking for more data?

• See previous data similar to this indicator from our 2020 Scorecards.
• See the corresponding national Healthy People 2030 objective for the proportion of adults who aren't physically active in their free time.

Being physically active has many benefits and is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health. Regular physical activity can reduce the burden of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers, and can support brain health and prevent early death. Physical activity can also help people with chronic diseases manage their conditions. It can help prevent falls, reduce depression, and may improve cognitive abilities.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, any amount of physical activity is beneficial. Ideally though, adults should do at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity physical activity (like walking), 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity or a combination, each week.

This indicator is part of Healthy Vermonters 2030, the State Health Assessment that documents the health status of Vermonters at the start of the decade and the population health indicators and goals that will guide the work of public health through 2030.

Rates of no leisure time activity are similar between men and women, white non-Hispanic and BIPOC Vermonters as well as those that identify as LGBTQ+ and those that don’t identify as LGBTQ+. Statistical differences start to emerge when looking at income and education and for people living with a disability. In fact, people living with disabilities in Vermont are two- and one-half times more likely to report no leisure time activity than those without disability. Additionally, Vermonters with an income of $25,000 or less are three times more likely not to get leisure time physical activity, as are Vermonters with less than a high school education as compared to Vermonters with a college degree.

Vermonters that are less likely to participate in leisure time physical activity may face barriers such as long work and commuting schedules and living in rural areas without infrastructure such as sidewalks, good lighting for night outdoor activities and safe areas to bike. Vermonters living with disabilities also face barriers such as infrastructure that is safe for them to use mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers, as well as discrimination by others whom they encounter while recreating or walking to do errands.

Learn more about Older Vermonters age 65+ and leisure time physical activity.

The Vermont Department of Health is working to strengthen access to physical activity for ALL Vermonters. This includes working with the state’s municipal planning and development agencies on writing health language into town and regional plans. Training and resources have also been provided to town planners and others so they can encourage people who don’t typically provide input into municipal processes to participate. These groups include people with disabilities, and low income, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ Vermonters. We also partner with the Vermont Agencies of Transportation and Commerce and Community Development as well as AARP-VT to strengthen Vermont’s infrastructure for walking and biking.

In addition, the State leads a robust Worksite Wellness program that includes a strong focus on helping workplaces develop and implement policies, systems and environmental strategies to support employee physical activity. The State has developed a toolkit for worksites, provides grants, technical assistance, and support to worksites (through the Offices of Local Health) and, with partners, hosts an annual conference to recognize workplace wellness programs and provide training to over 400 worksites wellness professionals.

Vermont tracks risk behaviors and chronic disease using a telephone survey of adults called the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Since 1990, Vermont, along with the 49 other states, Washington D.C. and U.S. territories, has participated in the BRFSS with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC and other program funders and partners provide the resources for the Department of Health to carry out the BRFSS survey in Vermont.

Learn more about the BRFSS methodology.