Why Physical Activity Falls After High School for Young Adults

Secondary school naturally keeps people on the go. PE lessons, team training and after-school clubs can make exercise an everyday part of life without much conscious effort. After leaving school, however, that built-in structure can disappear quickly.

Many young adults then spend more time seated and less time moving, whether because of work commitments or the lure of screens. The shift may be subtle, but its effects can build over time.

Physical activity drops after secondary school

A national poll provides a stark illustration: one in three parents report that their children aged 18 to 25 are either only minimally active or completely inactive.

The results are drawn from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, which surveyed 1,550 parents in February.

The figures highlight a widespread difficulty in early adulthood, a period when established routines change and priorities move elsewhere.

“Physical activity has a profound impact on overall health, but many people do not maintain the same level of activity as they get older,” said Mott Poll Co-Director and Mott pediatrician Dr. Susan Woolford.

“Young adulthood can be a particularly challenging time, especially as structured opportunities like sports and gym classes fall away. After high school, young adults often need to put in more effort to find activities they enjoy and make time for them.”

Barriers to staying active

Parents identify fairly simple obstacles: limited time, little interest and constant access to screens. Hours spent on phones, gaming and streaming could otherwise be used for physical activity.

Cost, not having someone to exercise with and health concerns are cited less often as the main barriers. Motivation, instead, appears to be the greatest challenge.

“Parents are telling us that interest is a major barrier,” said Dr. Woolford. “If young adults do not find physical activity enjoyable, they are much less likely to make it part of their routine.”

How physical activity changes with age

The ways in which young people remain active also evolve as they get older. Those aged 18 to 20 are more likely to continue with group-based activities. Sport, dancing and skating still feature, often connected to friendships and social lives.

For those aged 21 and over, the pattern changes. Exercise becomes more solitary, with gym sessions taking the place of team sports. Some remain active through physically demanding work. The social element begins to diminish.

“This shift may reflect a move away from social forms of activity to more independent ones,” noted Dr. Woolford. “Social connection can make physical activity more enjoyable and may help people stay active longer.”

Parents are attempting to help

Many parents are not simply observing this change. They are trying to encourage their children to adopt a more active way of life.

Some provide encouragement, while others recommend activities or take part themselves. A smaller number pay for gym memberships or exercise classes.

These attempts are not always successful, however. Parents of less active young adults frequently say their efforts do not have the desired effect. Reminding someone to exercise is unlikely to last if the activity feels like an obligation.

“Encouragement alone is not always enough,” said Dr. Woolford. “Finding activities that are enjoyable and accessible is key to helping young adults build lasting habits especially if activities can be linked to things they value.”

One approach appears particularly useful: being active together. A walk together, an exercise companion or even an informal game can help. It creates accountability and makes activity feel less lonely.

Why it matters in the long term

Parents are concerned about more than the immediate situation. Many are considering what these patterns could mean in the years ahead.

Being less active now may contribute to future health issues. Some parents also fear it could affect employment prospects, particularly for jobs that demand energy and stamina.

There is also a shortfall in support. Only around one in four parents say a healthcare professional has discussed physical activity with their child in recent years, leaving many opportunities for advice untaken.

“A common challenge for young adults is maintaining a healthy lifestyle as they become more independent,” said Dr. Woolford. “For some, that means fitting exercise into a busy schedule or limited budget. For others, it’s about building a routine.”

Creating habits that endure

The habits formed by young adults today influence more than their day-to-day schedules. They may continue into later life, affecting how people look after their bodies and maintain their health over the years.

“Parents can still play an important role during this transition,” said Dr. Woolford. “The habits formed at this stage can shape long-term health and well-being.”

This opportunity will not remain indefinitely. Once routines become established, changing them is more difficult. Choosing an enjoyable activity, setting aside time for it and maintaining the habit can have a significant impact.