Physical exercise and subjective well-being of Chinese adults: Relationship and mechanisms based on the Chinese General Social Survey 2021

We explored the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being among Chinese adults and examined its mechanisms. Data were sourced from 2,192 respondents to the Chinese General Social Survey 2021 regarding subjective well-being, physical exercise, perceived physical health, perceived mental health, body mass index, and frequency of socialization. After controlling for relevant variables, exercisers were found to have greater subjective well-being than did those who did not exercise. In addition, the perception of physical health and the frequency of socialization fully mediated the relationship between physical exercise and subjective well-being. We recommend that relevant policies be set in place to develop measures to promote Chinese adults’ participation in physical exercise and thereby improve their subjective well-being.