A recent analysis by the Health and Fitness Association found that gym and fitness studio memberships for people under 35 grew faster than older groups from 2019 to 2025. This trend is driven in part by the delay or foregone traditional markers of adulthood, such as marriage, children, and homeownership.
Why the gym has become a social hub
Social media, the decline of drinking and organized religion, and a craving for in-person interactions are often cited as reasons for the gym’s popularity. However, the big economic and demographic changes driving the craze have been overlooked: people are delaying or foregoing marriage, children, and homeownership, and are instead focusing on their physical health.
A historian at The New School noted that in a world where many things are uncertain, working on one’s own body is a reliable way to achieve improved results. This mindset is reflected in the growing number of young adults who are prioritizing their physical health and wellness.
A shift in values
The way younger adults work out has changed, with everyone lifting weights and many women taking part in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. This shift in values is also reflected in the growing demand for luxury gyms and high-end fitness studios.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
