Older Adults Skip Gym; Gen Z Loves It

A recent report indicates that as people age, they tend to be more physically active but less likely to participate in gym memberships or attend fitness centers.

This information is derived from ABC Fitness's Fall 2024 Wellness Watch, which collects data on fitness preferences across different age groups through third-party research.

The findings reveal an interesting trend where Baby Boomers are the most active generation, yet younger demographics are more inclined to engage with in-person fitness facilities.

There is a notable inverse relationship between perceived activity levels and gym attendance among generations.

For instance, Gen Z, despite considering themselves the least active, boasts the highest percentage of gym, studio, or health club users.

Conversely, Baby Boomers who describe themselves as highly active are less frequent visitors to these venues.

Survey results show that 80% of Baby Boomers consider themselves active, compared to 73% of Gen X, 76% of Millennials, and 66% of Gen Z.

Yet, when it comes to gym membership, 73% of Gen Z are members or users of such facilities, followed by 72% of Millennials, 54% of Gen X, and only 42% of Baby Boomers.

Interestingly, some Gen Z members belong to gyms but do not identify as "active."

Regarding preferences for workout styles, individuals of all ages prefer exercising alone.

However, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to hire personal trainers, with 38% of each group using personal training services at clubs.

Gen Z is also the least likely to participate in group fitness classes, with only 27% partaking, compared to 36% of Millennials, 40% of Gen X, and 36% of Baby Boomers.

All generations show a notable interest in wearable fitness technology.

ABC Fitness’s CEO, Bill Davis, emphasizes the growing focus on health and wellness across all ages, highlighting the need for the fitness industry to adapt and cater to diverse age groups with tailored services.

Each generation exhibits distinct behaviors and priorities:

• Gen Z (18-24) focuses on balancing stress relief and mental health with physical fitness. They display a high turnover with 55% being gym members for less than a year.
  
  
• Millennials (25-39) stress mental health and flexible fitness options to fit their busy schedules, often combining traditional gyms with home workouts.
  
  
• Gen X (40-55) prioritizes general activity and stress relief, seeking efficient and valuable workouts. Engaged members often frequent clubs more than 12 times monthly.
  
  
• Baby Boomers (56-65) are the most active, valuing overall activity and mental health. Dedicated members frequently visit fitness clubs.
  
  

Fitness brands are eager to attract Gen Z, appealing to their willingness to invest in health despite budget cuts in other areas.

HVLP gyms like Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness offer affordable memberships and new equipment, catering to Gen Z's preferences.

Virtual fitness brands like Les Mills are also adapting to capture this market by focusing on recruiting young instructors.

Conversely, at-home fitness brands are appealing to Baby Boomers who prefer avoiding gyms.

Tonal, for example, markets strength training to older adults, offering programs like "Ageless Strength" aimed at those 55 and older.

Research supports the anti-aging benefits of regular strength training, enhancing balance, mobility, and injury resistance in older adults.

Matt Bean of Tonal underscores the importance of resistance training, hinting at its potential longevity benefits.

Source: athletechnews

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.