Gen Z choose treadmill over takeaway as fitness spend overtakes food and streaming

Gen Z are shifting their spending priorities, with fitness and health now outranking traditional leisure habits such as takeaways and streaming services. According to new figures from the Gym Group, 44 per cent of those aged between 16 and 28 listed health and fitness as either their highest or second highest spending priority. A quarter of young people now choose to spend their discretionary income on gym memberships, fitness equipment or classes before considering other categories.

The report, based on a survey of over 2,000 participants, highlights a notable change in attitude. Only 19.2 per cent of respondents placed streaming as their primary outlay, whilst going out for food or to the pub was cited as the top expenditure for just 17.5 per cent. Gen Z, often characterised by their focus on both physical and mental wellbeing, are now exercising more frequently too. The study found that 73 per cent of respondents were active at least twice a week, a marked rise from 62 per cent in the previous twelve months.

Spending patterns are also shifting, with the average outlay on fitness related products and services rising to £48.81 per month, representing a 17 per cent year on year increase. Will Orr, chief executive of the Gym Group, noted that the rise in the national minimum wage introduced in April may have positively impacted the disposable income of many members, potentially supporting this growth in the fitness segment. Gen Z now account for approximately two fifths of the Gym Group’s 900,000 membership base.

It is not only personal health that motivates this generational trend. Six in ten young people surveyed reported forming friendships through exercise, pointing to the social appeal of gyms and active lifestyles. The research underscores the importance of mental health, with 87 per cent crediting regular exercise with improved psychological wellbeing. Flexible working patterns were also cited as facilitative, with 52 per cent stating it made maintaining fitness routines easier.

As gyms adapt to attract a younger, more health conscious clientele, operators are prioritising environments that encourage both fitness and sociability. Strong fitness habits are viewed as a route to greater productivity at work or while studying, with young people seeking to integrate exercise seamlessly into daily life. Investment in health and fitness is expected to continue rising among Gen Z, as they pursue both physical resilience and robust mental health.