Strava has unveiled its 12th Year in Sport Trend Report, and the big story for 2025 is the changing relationship between Gen Z and movement. With over 180 million athletes logging activities in more than 185 countries, Strava’s data offers one of the clearest windows into how active lifestyles are evolving – and it’s clear the youngest generation is stepping away from the feed and into their trainers.
A Generation That’s Redefining “Active”
Drawing from billions of uploaded sessions and insights from over 30,000 athletes, Strava reports that Gen Z is increasingly seeking connection, purpose, and community through physical activity – not through passive scrolling.
This shift is reshaping the platform. As CEO Michael Martin notes, Gen Z is Strava’s fastest-growing demographic, and they’re favouring experiences that happen off-screen: racing, run clubs, weight training, and meeting up in person.
What’s Driving Gen Z?
The data paints a clear picture of changing priorities:
- More app usage, less social media: Over half of Gen Z athletes expect to use Strava even more next year, while most anticipate reducing or maintaining their current time on Instagram and TikTok.
- Race-centric motivation: They’re 75% more likely than Gen X to train with a race or event as their primary target — a promising sign for participation numbers across endurance sports.
- Gear > dating: 64% would sooner spend money on equipment than on a date night.
- Outdoor focus: For every two minutes spent in the app, a subscriber racks up an hour of real-world movement.
Running Still Dominant – But Strength Is Surging
Running remains Strava’s most logged discipline, but walking climbed firmly into second place. On the strength side:
- Weight training is booming: Gen Z is twice as likely as Gen X to name lifting as their primary sport, and over 60% say aesthetics factor into their goals.
- Women lead the charge: Women logged 21% more strength training than men this year.
- Variety grows: More than half of Strava users now track multiple sports — though Gen Z reports being twice as intimidated as Gen X when trying something new.
Runna’s training data further revealed that the majority of athletes self-identify as beginner or intermediate, yet an impressive 86% achieved a new PB in 2025.
Spending Through the Squeeze
Even with 65% of Gen Z feeling financial pressure from inflation, investment in fitness hasn’t slowed:
- 30% plan to increase fitness spending in 2026.
- Wearables are big — Gen Z was 63% more likely than Gen X to cite tech as their major fitness expense.
- Community is exploding: The number of Strava Clubs almost quadrupled in 2025, hitting one million. Hiking groups grew fastest, with running close behind.
Travel habits also shifted. Gen Z athletes were far more likely to prioritise staying active on holiday, with a strong trend toward domestic trips.
Tech, Gear and Coaching Trends
Technology continues to shape training behaviour across all ages:
- Routes: A new community-built route appeared every 19 seconds this year.
- AI coaching: Nearly half of athletes say they’re open to AI-based coaching, with Gen Z the most enthusiastic adopters.
- Top gear picks:
- ASICS Novablast topped the running shoe charts.
- Nike Pegasus and HOKA Clifton rounded out the top three.
- Apple Watch held the No. 1 spot for wearables.
And if you’re planning a rest day, Friday remains the global favourite for taking it easy.