The Gym Group launches its Gen Z Fitness Pulse Report 2025

• 73% of Gen Z exercise at least twice per week, a significant year-on-year jump
• 44% of Gen Z rank fitness as their first or second spending priority, well above all other categories, with fitness spend up 17% annually and regular gym visits also increasing year-on-year
• 82% of Gen Z say integrating exercise into their working day boosts productivity and energy levels, valuing the advantages of flexible working
• 87% of respondents report working out improves mental wellbeing and it’s more effective for boosting mood than using mindfulness apps or podcasts

London, 1 September 2025: Gen Z are increasingly prioritising their time and money on fitness according to The Gym Group’s inaugural Gen Z Fitness Pulse Report. Based on a survey of over 2,000 respondents aged 16-28, The Gym Group’s report reveals the popularity of exercise continues to rise among Gen Z, which makes up around 40% of their total 900,000+ membership. Nearly three-quarters (73%) say they exercise at least twice per week, up 11 percentage points compared to 2024.

The increasing importance of exercise in Gen Z’s lives is reflected in their spending habits. More than four in 10 respondents (44%) rank fitness as their top first or second discretional spending priority, ahead of spending on all other categories, including streaming services (36%) and dining or drinking out (also 36%). And despite reports that Gen Z feel financially squeezed*, average monthly spend on fitness has increased by 17% year-on-year to £48.81 per month.

Motivated by a focus on health and wellbeing, 82% of Gen Z surveyed also say that building exercise into their working day would improve their productivity. Key to unlocking this potential is flexible working hours, as 52% say that flexible working already helps, or would most effectively help them to stay active.

The report further reveals the central role mental health plays in Gen Z’s approach to exercise. At 87%, the vast majority say working out improves or significantly improves their mental wellbeing. For digitally native Gen Z, regular exercise is more effective for boosting wellbeing than consulting mindfulness apps, podcasts or other influencer content. Over half (55%) rank mental health as one of their top three reasons for working out, which is almost on par with those who said a top three reason is ‘to improve fitness levels’ (58%).

Forming new friendships through working out is also a key trend within the findings, with 51% of Gen Z surveyed relating to this. A greater proportion are socialising with friends within their fitness routines too, 44% this year up from 37% in 2024.

Will Orr, CEO of The Gym Group comments:

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.