Key facts
- Young adults are increasingly opting for strength training over cardio exercises like treadmills and cycling.
- Social media influencers and the desire for quicker body composition improvements are cited as key drivers for this trend.
- Strength training offers benefits such as preventing osteoporosis, improving mood, and boosting self-esteem.
- Organized, social running activities like parkruns are experiencing growth across various age groups.
- Gym membership is considered a top spending priority for over a quarter of 16-34 year olds.
- A third of Gen Z spend £26-50 per month on health and fitness, with a quarter spending over £50.
Young adults in the UK are increasingly shifting their fitness focus from traditional cardio exercises like treadmill running and cycling towards strength training, driven by a desire for more immediate body composition changes and long-term health benefits. This trend is amplified by social media, where influencers promote strength-focused routines.
According to Sport England, more young adults are utilizing gym equipment and weights for fitness compared to nine years ago. Dr. Andrew Scott, an exercise expert from the University of Portsmouth, notes that resistance training can improve body composition more rapidly than aerobic exercise. He also points to social media as a significant learning platform for many.
Will Seward, a 19-year-old student, changed his gym routine from cardio machines to weightlifting to build athleticism and improve his mood. Research suggests that the recommended two hours of strength training per week can offer benefits similar to aerobic exercise, including reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and protection for the brain, alongside boosted self-esteem.
While running remains a popular activity, especially for young men and women, and organized running events like parkruns are seeing growth, the overall popularity of running has declined. The rise of hybrid training formats like Hyrox, which are social and competitive, also appears to be supplanting traditional cardio.
Financially, keeping active is a significant priority for younger demographics. Data from UK Active indicates that over a quarter of 16-34 year olds consider gym membership and fitness a top spending priority, surpassing holidays and dining out. A survey by The Gym Group found that a third of Gen Z spend between £26 and £50 monthly on health and fitness, with a quarter spending more than £50.
Cordelia Sheridan, a 27-year-old events manager, views her £45 monthly gym membership as an essential utility. She finds that hitting strength targets and lifting heavier weights provides a greater sense of accomplishment and sociability compared to her previous cardio-focused routines. Experts suggest that making exercise fun and social is key to encouraging participation, citing activities like gym workouts, running clubs, and padel as successful examples.