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Strava's 12th Annual Year in Sport Trend Report: A Shift to Activity

On December 3, 2025, Strava, the popular app designed for active individuals with more than 180 million users across 185 countries, released its 12th annual "Year in Sport" report. This year's findings signify a notable cultural shift, particularly among Generation Z, who are decisively moving away from passive behaviors like doomscrolling and embracing a more active and engaged lifestyle.

The report leverages extensive data, analyzing billions of activities from Strava’s vibrant global community, alongside insights gathered from a survey of over 30,000 respondents—both users and non-users of the app. It’s clear: Generation Z prefers real-world experiences over virtual distractions.

Embracing Movement Over Screens

In 2025, the dominant trends showed that younger generations are prioritizing fitness, social connections, and community engagement. With 14 billion kudos exchanged among users this year, Strava is not just a tracking app; it has become a platform celebrating personal progress and community spirit. Moreover, over half of Gen Z indicates plans to increase their use of Strava in 2026, while many intend to reduce their activity on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Michael Martin, CEO of Strava, noted, "As the fastest growing demographic, Gen Z is steering towards real experiences, stepping away from screens. Our goal is to nurture this shift by evolving our platform to foster connection and motivation for generations to come."

Running and Walking Take Center Stage

Running remains the top sport among Strava users, especially with the younger crowd leading the way in racing activities. A staggering 75% more Gen Z respondents compared to Gen X cited competitions as their primary motivation for exercising. Additionally, there’s a rising interest in weight training; Generation Z is twice as likely as their older counterparts to identify weightlifting as their primary sport. Indeed, women also engaged with weight training significantly, surpassing men in data recorded on Strava this year.

Furthermore, 54% of users are now diversifying their workout routines, with walking emerging as the second most tracked activity after running. However, the challenge of trying new sports, such as skiing or snowboarding, remains a common concern, particularly among younger individuals who find the prospect intimidating.

Financial Commitment to Fitness

Despite facing inflation, 30% of Gen Z are planning to increase their fitness-related expenses, emphasizing their commitment to health and activity. A notable 64% prefer buying workout gear over spending on dates, indicating a strong inclination towards investing in fitness within their social lives. Strava clubs have also witnessed an exponential growth in participation, showcasing the community's support in organizing events and group workouts.

Active vacations are another trend on the rise, with many Gen Z users regarding fitness as non-negotiable during their travels. Their typical vacation fitness philosophy revolves around the motto "run, sun, and snacks," indicating a balanced approach to leisure and health. Interestingly, survey data shows that most respondents favored domestic trips and sought adventure in hiking and skiing closer to home rather than international travel.

Gear and Technology Insights

When examining the year’s most popular fitness gear, running shoes and wearables took the spotlight. For the first time, a different running shoe brand ranked as the top choice among users, with an emphasis on innovative technologies that assist in improving athletic performance. Strava's collaboration with Runna introduced AI-driven features aiding in workout planning and insights, proving especially popular.

Social media dynamics also play a role in workout preferences; Fridays emerged as the day least favored for logging workouts, suggesting a communal agreement on that day for recovery and leisure activities.

City Rankings and Community Engagement

The report detailed city rankings based on user activity and engagement, revealing Uri in Switzerland as the most photo-worthy location. In terms of running and cycling, London, with its vibrant urban atmosphere, tops the charts, illustrating the importance of the community in the fitness journey.

Conclusion: A New Era of Fitness

Strava's latest report offers valuable insights into the growing preference for active lifestyles among younger generations, marking a departure from digital dwellings towards real-world engagement. With Gen Z spearheading this surge in fitness culture and technology integration, Strava remains dedicated to evolving alongside its users, ensuring a connection that motivates and inspires. As we head into 2026, the focus on movement, community, and technology will undoubtedly influence how we perceive and engage with fitness in the future.

For more insights and to join the Strava movement, visit Strava's official website.