Treadmills to deadlifts: Why Gen Z are swapping cardio for strength training
Gen Z is increasingly shifting their fitness routines from traditional cardio to strength training and hybrid workouts like Hyrox. This trend is driven by a desire for social connection, competitive elements, and the long-term health benefits of building muscle. While running remains popular, particularly in organized community events, gym attendance among young adults has risen significantly over the past nine years.
- ▪Sport England data indicates that more young adults are using exercise machines and weights compared to nine years ago.
- ▪Experts note that social media influencers are heavily influencing this shift by promoting strength training and hybrid fitness formats.
- ▪Research suggests that two hours of strength training weekly can provide similar health benefits to aerobic exercise, including reduced risk of heart disease.
- ▪Organized social running events like parkruns continue to thrive, with growing participation among children, young adults, and those over 50.
- ▪Personal trainers report that clients are motivated by the social and competitive aspects of modern fitness ecosystems, which include apps and wearable tech.
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| Publication time | Thu, 24 Sep 2026 23:46:14 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-25T00:10:27.225Z |
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Treadmills to deadlifts: Why Gen Z are swapping cardio for strength trainingImage source, Antonia DuffinByPhilippa Roxby, Health reporter, Phil Leake, Data journalist and Jess Carr, Data journalistPublished18 minutes agoWhen Antonia Duffin, 34, started going to the gym, she wanted to lose weight and tone up.It became such a big part of her life that she decided to become a personal trainer alongside her day job in operations for a supermarket chain - and now runs her own women's gym in Manchester."Some of my clients want to feel stronger, some want to get in shape for a baby and some are struggling with other conditions like endometriosis and want to feel better," she says.Hybrid training, like Hyrox, which is sociable and competitive, seems to have taken over from running on a treadmill…
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