Does Physical Exercise Facilitate Labor Participation? Evidence from the Chinese General Social Survey

We examine whether physical exercise affects the labor participation. We argue that physical exercise promotes labor participation by improving individuals’ physical and psychological health. Using data from the 2012-2021 in China General Social Survey (CGSS), we find that physical exercise significantly increase labor participation through two channels: improving physical and psychological health. Cross-sectional tests show that the promotion in labor participation is greater in (1) non-obese and young groups or (2) those engaged in brainwork and non-state-owned enterprise employees. Our study provides important insights into how to improve labor force participation. • This paper examines whether physical exercise affects the likelihood of labor participation among Chinese respondents. • Physical exercise significantly increase labor participation. • Potential channels are through improving physical and psychological health. • The promotion in labor participation is greater in (1) non-obese and young groups or (2) those engaged in brainwork and non-state-owned enterprise employees.