A study released today by Statistics Canada compares the fitness of Canadians today compared to 1981.  The study looks at a number of physical characteristics of 45 year olds in 1981 and in 2007-2009.  The average male is an inch (2.3 cm) taller and 20 pounds (86.6 kg) heavier.  His waist has gone from 35.7 inches (90.6 cm) to 38.2 inches (97.0 cm).

Women haven’t done any better.  Their height has remained the same at 5′4″, but their weight has increased from 139 pounds (63.2 kg) to 151 pounds (68.4 kg).  Waist size has gone from 30 inches to 32.8 inches.

It’s interesting that after almost 30 years of Participaction, walking and biking trails, Canada food guides, and billions of dollars in weight-loss products and equipment, our fitness is going in the wrong direction.  As the report says, in its analysis, “Overall, the prevalence of suboptimal fitness levels has increased markedly since 1981.” 

Now, if I could strap my laptop to my ski machine…