How the Typical American Day Has Changed in the Last 15 Years

Participating in sports, exercise, and recreation (includes related waiting and security)

2017

– Average time spent on activity: 1.51 hours/day (-10.1% 15-year change)

– Population engaged in activity: 19.0% (+9.8% 15-year change)

2003

– Average time spent on activity: 1.68 hours/day

– Population engaged in activity: 17.3%

This time accounts for both playing sports, attending and watching sporting events, exercise, and other related recreational activities.

Notably, by 2016 there had been a 160% increase in sports programming from 2005. As more channels air more sporting events, it makes it much easier for more Americans to spend time engaged in these activities each day.