According to a new survey released by the US National Sporting Goods Association (NGSA), the most popular form of exercise in America continues to be walking. The activity experienced 1.5% growth in 2006, with 87.5% of Americans walking for exercise.

Despite a decrease of 2.6%, swimming (55.2 million participants) held the number two spot, whilst exercising with equipment retained its third place, although it experienced a 3.4% decline to 52.4 million participants.

Camping, with 5.7% growth, maintained fourth position with 48.6 million participants and bowling retained fifth position with 44.8 million (-1.3%). The fastest growing fitness activity in the survey was ‘workout at club’ in seventh place, which increased 4.8% to 36.4 million participants. On a less positive note, weightlifting, with 32.9 million participants, slipped 1.9% and fell to the number ten position.

Team sports failed to duplicate their strong 2005 performance, with only tackle football showing an increase. Basketball was the highest-ranking team sport at number 15 with 26.7 million participants (-7.4%).