The line graph illustrates the percentage of members participating in three distinct activities – swimming, team sports, and gym activities – at a UK sports club over a 20-year period from 1983 to 2003.
Overall, the period witnessed a dramatic reversal in the fortunes of swimming and gym activities, with the former’s popularity declining sharply as the latter’s rose. Team sports remained relatively stable throughout and finished as the most popular activity of the three.
In 1983, swimming was the dominant activity, attracting exactly 50% of all members. However, this figure then saw a dramatic and consistent fall over the next two decades, finishing at its lowest point of approximately 17% by 2003. In stark contrast, gym activities began as the least popular option at a mere 5% but experienced a significant and steady climb, ending at 26%. This upward trend saw it surpass swimming in popularity around 1995.
Participation in team sports began at 32% and showed the most stability. After an initial period of stasis, it climbed to a peak of 40% in 1998 before falling slightly to 35% in 2003. Despite this late dip, it concluded the period as the most popular choice among members.