Survey Shows Working-Age Mothers Exercise Only 30 to 40 Minutes a Week

Mar 12, 2026 | News On Japan

Mar 12, 2026 (News On Japan) - Women in their 20s to 50s—the so-called child-rearing and working-age generation—have significantly shorter exercise times than other age groups, according to a survey by Japan’s Sports Agency.

The survey, conducted last year, found that the median amount of time adults aged 20 and over spend exercising each week was 69 minutes.

Although definitions of "exercise" differ and direct comparisons are difficult, the World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, meaning the survey’s figure was less than half of that benchmark.

Among all groups, women in their 20s to 50s—many of whom are balancing work and child-rearing—stood out for their particularly low activity levels, with a median weekly exercise time of only about 30 to 40 minutes.

A Sports Agency official said the result may reflect how household chores and childcare responsibilities continue to fall disproportionately on women even as female workforce participation rises. The agency plans to encourage companies and other organizations to create environments that make it easier for women to secure time for exercise.

Source: TBS

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