Based on five criteria (mental well-being, energy level, physical condition, weight and musculature), the fitness index of the French is 61/100, "it's 12/20", " we limited the breakage", explained Jean-Philippe Frey, member of the USC, which brings together sports, leisure and cycle companies, during a press conference.
Of the 5,000 people questioned in January and February for this survey, conducted with AG2R, women say they are less fit.
Two "hypotheses" to explain this according to Mr. Frey: they do not "overvalue" their physical practice and "the mental load" leaves them less time for sport.
"Meditation and yoga are the big winners of the crisis", he underlines, also highlighting the third of those questioned who do an activity at home, while at the outdoor level there has been "a boom in hiking " but also "tennis and golf".
30% of those questioned say they practice more sport "thanks to teleworking", for those who can telework.
The idea is to renew this study each year, said the USC.
But beware of the declarative, warns Grégory Ninot, deputy director of the Desbrest Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health in Montpellier, which may be "out of step" with the reality of practice and this while "a sedentary lifestyle kills more than the tobacco" currently.
François Carré, cardiologist from the Rennes University Hospital, joined him in this analysis, recalling the figures from ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety) from last February: 95% of French people are exposed to a risk of deterioration of their health due to a lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle.
“The question is not asked in the same way” in the study, he said.
And, he cautioned, "just because I feel fit doesn't mean I'm healthy."
© 2022 AFP