Is there a correlation between social class and physical activity?

Abstract

Exercise is recommended in order to promote health and to improve quality of life. The conditions required for physical activity should include location, clothing, supervision and preparation beforehand. The objective of this research is to see if family income influences the frequency and manner of doing physical exercise. A questionnaire containing data on demographics, frequency, type and conditions of exercise practiced involving seventy subjects, divided into two groups: assisted by public health institutions (A) and private organizations (B) was used. Both groups consisted of primarily women (A – 66 %; B - 60%) and married persons. In relation to socioeconomic status, members of the B group have a higher income and educational level. There is greater frequency of physical activity among the members of group B. The majority of participants in both groups do not exercise. In both groups, among those who do exercise regularly, the majority does so around 1-3 times per week, for a length of between 30-50 minutes. The main modality is walking with-out supervision or preparation such as warm ups or stretching. The economic and educational levels do not influence the frequency, type and conditions of exercise practiced.