University of Michigan poll identifies screen time and lack of interest as primary fitness barriers for young adults

A new Mott Poll reveals why 18-25 year olds are becoming less active, citing a lack of interest and digital distractions as the biggest hurdles to fitness.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 8:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan

The Erosion of Structured Physical Activity After High School

The transition from adolescence to young adulthood frequently coincides with a sharp decline in physical exertion as the safety nets of organized sports and mandatory physical education vanish. According to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, this period represents a vulnerable gap in public health. Dr. Susan Woolford, a Mott pediatrician and co-director of the poll, notes that while younger children have built-in opportunities to remain mobile, young adults must exert significant personal effort to seek out and schedule fitness. The data suggests that without the external pressure of a school curriculum, many individuals in the 18 to 25 age bracket fail to establish independent exercise routines.

Digital Displacement and the Lack of Recreational Interest

The poll, which surveyed 1,550 parents in February 2026, found that screen time and gaming are among the most pervasive obstacles to physical health. For parents of minimally active young adults, the lack of interest in traditional exercise was cited as a primary concern. This suggests that the digital environment provides a high-reward, low-effort alternative to the physical exertion required for sports or gym workouts. Dr. Woolford emphasizes that if the activity is not perceived as inherently enjoyable, young adults are increasingly likely to opt for sedentary entertainment, making the habit of movement difficult to sustain as they gain more independence.

Shifting Exercise Patterns Between Early and Late Young Adulthood

The report identifies a notable evolution in how young adults move as they age within the 18 to 25 demographic. Younger adults, specifically those aged 18 to 20, are more likely to participate in social or organized activities such as skating, dancing, or amateur sports leagues. However, by age 21, the focus shifts toward more solitary and independent forms of activity, such as gym workouts or physical labor related to employment. This transition from social to independent exercise can lead to decreased motivation, as the accountability and enjoyment found in group settings are replaced by the discipline required for solo training.