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One in six Gen Zers now subscribe to a gym membership in the UK. A desire for physical fitness isn’t the only reason why.
Guinness or gains? More young people are choosing the latter than you’d expect.
A record 11.5 million people aged 16 and over are now subscribed to a gym in the UK, according to UKActive’s latest report. The key demographic behind the boom, is Gen Z.
This cohort has may labels, not all of them with positive connotations, but the ‘fittest generation’ is undoubtedly one to be proud of. Is it born entirely of self-care and a desire to be physically fit, though, or is that narrative perhaps a little embellished?
The report’s authors highlight a growing demand for group exercise classes, which aligns with what we already know about Gen Z and their desire for more third spaces to meet new people and socialise away from screens.
Being ‘digital natives’ comes with pros and cons, but growing up with social media has reportedly led to Gen Z becoming, by definition, the loneliest generation in history.
75% of those surveyed said they’ve joined a gym to boost their confidence and appearance, and it makes total sense given the overly curated and aesthetic lens fitness is viewed through on social media.
But the surge in interest is perhaps even more attributable to the sense of community offered by the gym. By all accounts, younger gym-goers are more likely to engage with friends and others in the room than zone out on the bench press with earbuds in.
