Gen Z value the gym for their mental and physical health according to a UK-wide survey of 2,000 16 to 28-year-olds, undertaken for The Gym Group, in July.

This cohort – currently aged between 13 and 28 – accounts for 40 per cent of The Gym Group’s 900,000 members. The high value low cost operator worked with FocalData, on this second wave of research, Gen Z Fitness Pulse Report, which follows an initial survey undertaken in 2024.

Almost half of respondents (44 per cent) say fitness is either their first or second discretional spending priority. As well as memberships, they are investing in quality active wear, electrolytes and supplements.

Almost 73 per cent of those questioned say they exercise at least twice a week (not just the gym), which is up 11 per cent on last year. None of those questioned said they never exercise.

This a physically literate demographic: when asked to rank their knowledge about physical fitness and exercise from one to five, 18.1 per cent gave themselves the top score, most considered themselves to be around three or four in terms of being informed. Only 1.3 per cent said one and 11.2 per cent said two.

Twenty six per cent rank fitness as their first discretional spend priority, ahead of streaming (19 per cent) and dining or drinking out (18 per cent). The average monthly spend on fitness has increased by 17 per cent year-on-year to £48.81 per month.

The top reasons for working out are to improve fitness levels (58 per cent) and to support mental health (55 per cent). Females at the upper age end of age group value the impact on mental health the most, while young males are less interested in this aspect.

Will Orr, CEO of The Gym Group, says: “Our report shows us that exercise is at the core of Gen Z’s sense of wellbeing and lifestyle. For this generation it is not only about improving fitness, but also protecting and improving mental health and building social connections. The multitude of benefits explains why spending on health and fitness is on the rise amongst this age group.

“Working out is a priority for physical and mental well-being, but young people also recognise that strong fitness habits are vital for unlocking productivity whilst working or studying. The ability to integrate exercise into everyday life, including the working day, is a top priority for Gen Z achieving their best.

“The fitness IQ of this generation will continue to grow as they recognise the holistic benefits of regular exercise. Further understanding their habits and motivations around health and fitness will help us to better deliver for this generation and support young people in sustaining long term healthy habits.”

Almost 65 per cent said that regular exercise was the most effective means of getting a mental wellbeing boost, above healthy eating (46 per cent) and socialising with friends (45 per cent). Shopping sprees and watching influencer content lagged at 12 per cent, with only 8 per cent turning to a mindfulness app or podcast.

Eight two per cent said that exercise improves their focus and productivity at work and 52 per cent would value flexible working hours to help them stay active – for example a lunch break long enough to fit in a workout and a meal. This was rated higher than subsidised memberships (33.6 per cent).

Strength training and running outdoors are the most popular exercise choices (26 per cent and 25 per cent), with Pilates and yoga gaining traction (12 per cent).

“We’re seeing Gen Z taking a more holistic approach to exercise compared to previous generations,” says TGG’s master trainer, Jenni Tardiff. “They’re wanting to do lots of things to keep fit rather than just focusing on one particular training style or discipline. It’s not just about looking good anymore, it’s about feeling good, managing stress and building a balanced lifestyle.”