#United States #San Francisco #Strava #Generation Z #year in sport

Strava's 2025 Year in Sport Report: A Shift Towards Active Living

Strava, the popular app that connects over 180 million active users worldwide, has unveiled its 12th annual Year in Sport report, highlighting a remarkable trend: Generation Z is stepping away from passive scrolling and prioritizing physical activity and social connections. This shift signifies a deeper cultural movement embracing community and well-being through active lifestyles.

Key Findings from the Report

Emphasis on Real Experiences

The data reveals that Gen Z is increasingly inclined to engage in real-life experiences, opting for running clubs and fitness sessions instead of mindless scrolling. The report, compiled from billions of activities logged on Strava and surveys with over 30,000 participants, showcases how this generation now values physical health and communal bonds more than their social media presence. Notably, a staggering 14 billion kudos were exchanged on the platform in just one year, illustrating users' desire to connect through their fitness journeys.

Running Dominates, But More Than Just Running

Running remains the top sport among Strava users, with an evident rise in participation and competition. In fact, 75% of Generation Z members state that their primary motivation for exercising stems from running events. Meanwhile, there is a notable interest in carrying out various physical activities, with 54% of users incorporating multiple sports into their routines. Walker and strength training sessions have surged in popularity, with women finding increasing empowerment in lifting.

Fitness Investments Despite Economic Challenges

Even as 65% of Gen Z respondents express worries about inflation impacting their finances, many continue to allocate funds towards fitness, signaling their resolve to keep health at the forefront. An impressive 30% plan to boost their fitness spending in 2026, with a significant portion investing in connected devices. Interestingly, 64% prioritize purchasing fitness gear over spending on dates, highlighting a fundamental reshaping of casual dating norms.

The Rise of Strava Clubs

Strava has witnessed a drastic expansion of its community Clubs, with a quadrupling in memberships to reach one million. Hiking and running clubs experienced the fastest growth, reinforcing the desire for in-person connections. In addition, 46% of respondents expressed openness to sporting dates, further emphasizing how fitness and social mingling have intertwined in contemporary culture.

Local Adventures Over International Travel

Interestingly, the report underscores a shift towards local adventures rather than international travels, encouraged by the pandemic. Gen Z intertwines exercise with their holidays, with 23% asserting that working out is essential during their trips. Domestic travel rises, while outdoor activities like hiking and winter sports become primary attractions.

Tech Innovations Driving Engagement

In 2025, technological advancements are helping athletes train smarter. Strava’s partnership with the AI fitness app Runna has fostered the creation of new routes every 19 seconds, contributing to an engaging training experience. Moreover, the majority of Strava users rely on the mobile app for logging their activities, signifying a transition towards user-friendly technology.

Notable Cities in the Global Activity Rankings

Strava’s data also sheds light on the world's most active cities. Uri, Switzerland, emerges as the most photo-friendly spot, while localities like Copenhaguen are recognized for their speedy runners. In France, regions including Haute-Savoie, Savoie, and Hautes-Alpes stand out for their high daily step count, reinforcing the French Alps’ reputation for outdoor enthusiasts.

Conclusion

As Strava continues to evolve, its latest findings reinforce the significance of active participation and community connection in fitness culture. The engagement levels of Generation Z highlight a redefining moment for social interactions through physical activity, underscoring that working out is no longer merely personal enhancement, but a shared experience that fosters deeper connections. Strava's mission to empower this movement will undoubtedly shape the future of wellness.

For detailed insights, don’t forget to check out the full Year in Sport report at Strava’s website.