The Singapore Activity Index Top 5

By Know Well

The latest National Sports Participation Survey (NSPS) by Sport Singapore offers a revealing snapshot of how the nation moves. Based on continuous annual data from over 4,500 residents aged 13 and above, the Index charts participation in over 20 physical activities across age, gender, and ethnicity in the past 4 weeks. What emerges is a portrait of a population redefining “sport” - one step, stretch, and sweat session at a time.

Top 1 - Walking

Walking has quietly become Singapore’s most universal sport. In 2022, 40 percent of residents reported walking outdoors in the past four weeks, up sharply from 22 percent in 2016. This surge is not just about convenience; it is a symptom of a larger wellness recalibration. As hybrid work, dense city living, and rising mental health awareness reshape lifestyles, walking has evolved from transit to therapy. Across all demographic slices, including youth, adults, and seniors, walking ranks consistently at or near the top. Among residents aged 60 and above, participation rose from 39 percent in 2016 to over 50 percent by 2022, reflecting how accessible, low-impact movement aligns with longevity and social connection.

Top 2 - Running

Running remains Singapore’s second heartbeat. Jogging and running participation reached nearly 30 percent overall in 2022, driven by younger age groups and men. Among 13–19-year-olds, the proportion of joggers more than doubled from 20 percent in 2015 to 46 percent in 2021, signaling a generation that sees endurance not just as fitness, but as self-expression, fueled by digital run communities, park connector networks, and urban events like the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. For males aged 20–39, running outpaces every other sport, underscoring a broader trend of performance-oriented recreation.

Top 3 - Calisthenics

One of the most striking shifts in the NSPS dataset is the rise of calisthenics and equipment-free workouts, which tripled in participation from 2019 to 2022. These workouts, often performed in HDB fitness corners or public parks, blend affordability, accessibility, and digital coaching culture. Among women, participation in calisthenics grew from 4 percent in 2016 to 18 percent in 2022, reflecting the democratization of fitness and the popularity of short-form exercise content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Top 4 - Cycling

Cycling continues its upward ride, doubling from 5 percent in 2016 to 11 percent in 2022, supported by infrastructure expansion and the “bike boom” catalyzed during pandemic lockdowns. 

Top 5 - Swimming 

Swimming remains a steady and resilient choice, ranking fifth overall as residents value it for low-impact, full-body conditioning and family-friendly access to public pools. At the same time, weight training and other gym-based workouts have edged upward as hybrid work schedules allow more flexible routines, signalling a parallel rise in strength-focused and facility-based exercise.

Generational Contrasts and Gendered Choices

The NSPS data also reveals distinct age and gender dynamics in Singapore’s sport ecosystem. Youths aged 13 to 19 gravitate toward basketball and badminton, balancing physical expression with social play. Adults aged 20 to 39 dominate in endurance and aesthetic-driven workouts such as jogging, cycling, and calisthenics. Middle-aged groups aged 40 to 59 favor walking and swimming, mirroring preventive health motivations. Seniors aged 60 and above prioritize rhythmic, low-impact forms, including walking, tai chi, and light calisthenics, connecting movement with community. 

Among women, walking, jogging, and yoga lead participation, while among men, running, cycling, and strength training hold stronger appeal. 

Ethnic breakdowns show similar diversification: Chinese residents dominate in jogging and calisthenics, Malays in football and cycling, and Indians in walking and yoga.

What the Index makes clear is that “sport” in Singapore now extends beyond organized competition into lifestyle wellness. The trajectory from 2016 to 2022 - from structured sports to spontaneous activity - marks a quiet revolution in how Singaporeans move. The message is clear: fitness is no longer a niche pursuit, but a shared, adaptable language of wellbeing.

Source: National Sports Participation Survey (NSPS), “Top Sport & Physical Activity by SG Residents”.
https://data.gov.sg/collections/1633/view