Young adults across the UK are increasingly engaging in gym-based exercise, favouring strength training and weights over traditional cardio workouts. Sport England data shows a rise in young adults using exercise machines and weights to keep fit compared to nine years ago.
Exercise expert Dr Andrew Scott from the University of Portsmouth suggests that gyms offer broader types of exercise, such as resistance training, which can improve body composition and shape more quickly than aerobic exercise. Social media influencers are also noted as having an impact on this trend.
This shift in exercise preference is also reflected in spending habits. Data from UK Active indicates that more than a quarter of 16-34 year olds now consider gym membership and keeping fit a top spending priority, surpassing holidays and eating out. This figure is up from a fifth in 2024. A 2026 survey by The Gym Group found that a third of Gen Z spend between £26-50 per month on health and fitness, with a quarter spending more than £50.
Despite the overall shift, running remains popular, particularly organised social running events like parkruns, which are seeing a growing share of participants across various age groups.