Irish people are taking more exercise, according to an Irish Sports Monitor Report.
There was an increase in the levels of physical activity by adults, from 30.8% in 2008 to 33.5% in 2009.
The figures for 2009 also show that fewer people are taking no exercise at all, down from 18.2% in 2007 to 15.5% in 2009.
Swimming remained the most popular activity, followed by personal exercise and football.
Research for the report was carried out by the ESRI for The Irish Sports Council.
There were 27,000 adults (over 16s) surveyed about their exercise in the previous seven days.
Of those surveyed, 10.7% of men play football and 8.1% play golf, while for women swimming was the most popular sport (8.5%), followed by personal exercise (7.1%).
Walking and cycling as a mode of transport contributed substantially to physical activity.
However, there has been a fall in the levels of voluntary activity for sport between 2007 and 2009.
In 2007, the numbers going to the gym and playing golf fell, along with consumer spending.
The increase in activity in 2009 has been attributed to people having more time.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring acknowledged that the recession affected physical participation in 2008, saying that is why people are walking and cycling because they are free.
Mr Ring urged sporting organisations to reduce their prices and said he will be fighting to keep the budget for sport.
He said his priority is to get women, children and those with disabilities involved in sport.
