Significant increase in physical activity reported in Cyprus

According to the Special Eurobarometer 574 survey published on September 23, 2026, Cyprus has seen a notable shift toward physical activity. The percentage of citizens who never exercise dropped to 31%, marking a 15-percentage-point decrease since 2022. Currently, 55% of the population in Cyprus engages in regular exercise, with 41% exercising several times a week, outperforming the European Union average of 47%.

Financial data indicates that Cyprus leads the EU in personal investment in fitness, as 34% of residents spend more than 50 euros monthly on exercise-related activities. Despite this positive trend, the survey highlights a disparity regarding walking habits; only 56% of Cypriots walk for at least ten consecutive minutes four to seven days a week, falling well behind the EU average of 72%.

Lack of time remains the primary barrier to physical activity for many. Furthermore, while participation rates have improved, the country faces challenges regarding local infrastructure, where it currently ranks last among EU members. These results provide an updated snapshot of the health and lifestyle habits of the population compared to the previous assessment conducted in 2022.