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Strava's 2025 Year in Sport Trend Report

Introduction
Strava, a leading app for active individuals with over 180 million users globally, recently published its 12th Annual Year in Sport Trend Report. This year's findings highlight a notable shift among younger generations, particularly Gen Z, moving away from the time spent on social media platforms towards engaging in real-world physical activities. This article delves into the key insights from the report, showcasing how Gen Z is reshaping the narrative around fitness and community engagement.

The Shift from Doomscrolling to Movement

According to the report, Gen Z is increasingly logging off from social media to participate in fitness-oriented activities. Analyzing billions of recorded activities on Strava and surveys from over 30,000 participants, it became evident that today’s youth prioritize movement and real-world connections over passive online experiences. Michael Martin, CEO of Strava, stated, “More than half of Gen Z plans to use Strava more in 2026,” indicating a clear trend towards valuing personal experiences over screen time.

Fitness as a Priority

In 2025, the report showed that Gen Z was not just running; they were engaging in a wide array of activities from racing and weightlifting to joining run clubs. In fact, they were 75% more likely than Gen X to participate in exercise events, maintaining a strong affinity for community-driven activities. Furthermore, statistics revealed that many users consider themselves beginners or intermediates, enhancing the supportive community aspect of fitness.

Embracing Weight Training

The report also indicated an increase in weight training, particularly among Gen Z. They were found to be twice as likely as their Gen X counterparts to lift weights, with 61% citing aesthetics as their primary motivation. Additionally, women have also shown increased participation, indicating a growing acceptance and encouragement for diverse fitness practices.

An Expanding Variety of Activities

Over half of Strava users now monitor multiple types of activities, with walking taking a prominent spot as the second most recorded activity. However, some users find it daunting to start new sports, particularly those that require specific skills, illustrating a need for more accessible entry points into various fitness arenas.

Spending Trends Among Gen Z

Despite the economic impact of inflation, Gen Z continues to prioritize spending on fitness. Expectations show that 30% of this demographic plans to increase their fitness expenditure in 2026, with a notable interest in wearables. In a striking revelation, 64% stated they would prefer spending on fitness gear rather than dating activities, showcasing a significant shift in priorities.

Building Community on Strava

New clubs and community-driven initiatives flourished in 2025, bringing the total to 1 million on Strava. The growth of hiking clubs and organized club events signifies a robust move towards building meaningful connections among users, illustrating how the app enables real-life meetups based on shared interests.

Active Travel Trends

This year’s trends showed a clear preference for local adventures over international travel. Particularly among Gen Z, working out on vacation has become an integral part of their travel philosophy. Many frequent travelers preferred workouts that included running, hiking, and other outdoor activities, reflecting their active lifestyle.

Gear and Technology Trends

Gear played a crucial role in 2025, with users increasingly recording workouts on mobile devices. The ASICS Novablast running shoe rose to number one in popularity, and advancements in technology such as AI have been embraced for training insights, indicating a merging of fitness and smart technology.

Conclusion

The 2025 Year in Sport report from Strava is a testament to the changing attitudes towards fitness among younger generations. By prioritizing engagement over online activities, Gen Z is not just redefining personal fitness journeys but also creating vibrant communities rooted in physical activity. As the world continues to adapt to these trends, it seems that the future of fitness is inevitably intertwined with social connection and personal experience. Join the movement and start your fitness journey with Strava today!