The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI) is a long-standing, national research organization concerned with monitoring physical activity and sport participation among Canadians and sharing knowledge about the importance of leading healthy, active lifestyles. As the only organization in Canada uniquely focused on surveillance and monitoring of physical activity, sport and recreation, the CFLRI provides credible data and works with policy- and decision-makers, practitioners and researchers to translate and exchange knowledge that informs and affects evidence-based policy and practice across Canada. This knowledge and exchange is achieved through partnerships with decision-makers, practitioners and researchers.
For the past 40 years, CFLRI has made a significant contribution to the collection and analysis of data about Canadians’ activity levels and how the spaces and places where they live, learn, work and play support physical activity, sport and recreation. But we recognize that we need to build on these contributions by being bolder in our approach to support our many partners. Contact us to discuss how we can assist you with your research needs.
Want to know more about the specific physical activity, sport and recreation experiences of different population groups within Canada? Then check out our new spotlight section for more details.
Did you know that despite the known health benefits associated with regular physical activity most Canadians are still not active enough to reap most health benefits? According to the 2019 ParticipACTION Adult Report Card, as little as 16% of Canadian Adults (aged 18 to 79) achieve the national guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week [1].This finding suggests that more research is required to determine why activity levels remain low and how best to improve rates of participation among Canadians.
Participating in regular sport, whether at a recreational or competitive level, is a great way to increase activity levels, not to mention there are many social and economic benefits to sport as well. For more information about sport participation rates among children and adults click below.
Improving rates of activity among Canadians is a complex problem which requires a complex solution. To do so will require information on various factors (individual, environmental and social) and how they influence various aspects of physical activity (e.g. leisure-time physical activity, unorganized physical activity or play, and active travel). For more information on physical activity levels among Canadian adults and children, click below.
The CFLRI has an expansive library of research bulletins and papers covering a wide range of topics related to physical activity and sport participation in Canada. Use the search feature to gain access to current publications with data from our recent studies.
2016-2018 Physical Activity Monitor (Adult focus),
The 2016-2018 Physical Activity Monitor asked Canadians about their participation in sport, defining sport as physical activities that usually involve competition and rules and develop specific skills. Based on this definition, 25% of Canadians 18 years and older indicate that they participate in sport.
Read Moreabout Bulletin 1: Sport participation in Canada
We want to keep you informed about the latest developments both here at the institute and across the sector. Check out our news section for regular updates!
The CFLRI is pleased to announce the release of the 2024 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for C…
Read Moreabout The 2024 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth has been released!The Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Institute (CFLRI) and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) are excite…
Read Moreabout The Price of Inactivity: Measuring the Impact of Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation in Canada report has been released!The Canadian Physical Activity Report Card for Children and Adolescence with disabilities has been released! The CFLRI i…
Read Moreabout The Canadian Physical Activity Report Card for Children and Adolescence with Disabilities has been released!
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