Generation Z is wellness-minded and thinks exercise makes them feel their best, according to a Les Mills survey of 4,000 people from the US, UK, Germany, and China. More than one-third of millennials regularly exercise, and most of those who do go to the gym also participate in group fitness courses, according to the survey. According to a Fitt Insider article, members of Generation Z are utilizing their digital mindset to pioneer fitness trends and revolutionize the fitness business. This generation views digital touchpoints as integral to the fitness experience.
Thirty percent of millennials and Gen Zers make frequent visits to fitness centers, while 72 percent of those who exercise frequently combine in- and out-of-gym sessions. Gen Z is more likely to go to the gym than the average person, and just 14% said they had no interest in exercising. Gen Zers who aren’t regular exercisers still want encouragement, as 50% of them struggle to start, even when gym attendance is strong.
The vast majority of young people who work out choose a facility that can accommodate a variety of workouts, including cardio, free weights, and group sessions (91%). Group fitness courses attract 81% of gymgoers due to their music-driven routines and social connections. The most popular method was strength training in groups, followed by mobility and stretching.
In terms of health and wellness, the survey found that 68% of teens would rather begin their journey at home with a free fitness app (59%) or a paid app (44%). Additionally, 40% of teens use Tik Tok as their main search engine, and 35% attend an in-person class that they found online. With 76% using their free programming at home or outdoors and 71% using it to guide workouts at the gym, fitness influencers appear to be the most prevalent choice.
Because of Gen Z’s propensity for hybrid digital/in-person workout experiences, wellness brands and gyms have taken notice. Peloton introduced gym-specific organized strength material following a rebranding that highlighted the app’s portability. World Gym has remodeled its facilities with state-of-the-art group exercise studios and selfie rooms tailored to social media. Fitt Insider reports that Crunch Fitness collaborated with studio instructors to create material for the Crunch+ app, which was recently redesigned and marketed as a substitute or supplement to the in-club experience.
