Exercising but Not Enough Americans are sold on the value of exercise. More than eight in ten (86%) believe exercising (1) fitness improves a person’s odds of a long and healthy life by "a lot". And, about six in ten believe that exercising has "a lot" of impact (2) a person’s attractiveness. (3) just 28% report that they get as (4) physical exercise as they should. There is no demographic or weight classification group (5) which a majority feels they get as much exercise as they should. Some 57% of Americans report that they do some (6) of exercise program to (7) physically fit. Even among this group, (8) , just 34% say they are getting as much exercise as they should while 65% think they should be (9) more. Those who are currently dieting are more (10) than those not currently dieting to also be exercising. The overweight may need exercise more (11) they are less likely to be doing it (12) with those who are about the right weight. About half (53%) of those who (13) themselves overweight are exercising; the comparable figure among those who consider their weight about right is 61%. Both men and women, young and old are about equally likely to be exercising. Those with more education and (14) incomes are more likely than their counterparts to take part in an exercise program. There are modest differences in exercising (15) race and ethnicity; Hispanics are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to exercise (16) blacks and whites are about equally likely to (17) so. What keeps people out of the gym One impediment to more (18) activity may be the fun factor. There is a strong correlation between enjoyment of exercise and doing it. Among those who (19) exercising a great deal, 85% take part in an exercise program; this figure (20) to 68% among those who say they enjoy exercising "a fair amount" and to just 37% among those who are less enthusiastic about exercise.