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.
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.
