According to recent studies, individuals in the age group of 18-34 exercise the most compared to other age groups. This demographic is more likely to prioritize physical fitness and incorporate regular exercise into their daily routines.
Share of respondents working out in gyms in the U.S. as of 2023, by generation. A September 2023 survey on exercise habits in the United States revealed that around 56 percent of Gen Z respondents worked out in a gym or health club. This number fell to 22 percent among Baby Boomers.
Gym memberships are split nearly equally between men (49.5%) and women (50.5%). Young adults ages 18-34 (31%) as well as adults ages 35-54 (31%) make up the biggest populations at the gym.
1. Age. Young Adults (18–25 years): This group may prioritize affordability, flexibility, and trendy workout options like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or CrossFit. They are often tech-savvy and attracted to gyms with strong social media presence.
According to the 2019 Consumer Fitness Survey by Les Mills, dedicated gym goers are generally aged 36-37, whereas new members are approximately 30 years old. Les Mills has reported that the average gym membership consists mainly of younger generations, with more than half under 30.
On average, strength performance in men is at its peak at the age of 26 years in weightlifting, and at 34 years in powerlifting. Lighter weight class athletes tend to reach their peak performance earlier than athletes competing in higher weight classes.
Age The age group 18 to 44 was the most likely to exercise. Of those individuals age 18 to 44, 59.7 percent reported exercising at least three times a week for half an hour or more. This compares with 53.5 percent and 46.7 percent, respectively, for the age groups 45 to 64 and 65 and older (figure 1).
You need to be 16 to join The Gym Group. Anyone under the age of 18 must also complete an online induction before their PIN is activated. How to enter the gym? When you sign up, we'll send you an 8-digit PIN code to access your chosen gym and log into the app.
Statistics of the Population with Gym Memberships
Interestingly, the demographics of gym members reveal that the majority fall within the 18-34 age group, which comprises about 31% of total memberships, highlighting a strong interest in fitness among younger adults.
By the time the body reaches 16-18 years, muscles start growing larger and stronger. Thus, the body becomes more mature and strong enough to bear the results of vigorous exercises at the gym (how to pick right gym wear).
Gym Membership Demographics and Insights
Age Distribution: Individuals aged 20-64 make up approximately 60% of gym memberships. Gender Balance: Memberships are nearly evenly split, with 52% female and 48% male members. Income Levels: About 43% of gym members have a household income above $75,000.
However, over 80% of adolescents and around a quarter of adults are insufficiently active and these figures have remained largely unchanged for the past 20 years. A recent economic analysis estimated that the total cost of inactive lifestyles equates to USD 27 billion (INT 48 billion) annually.
Stress Relief and Mental Well-being
The connection between physical activity and mental health is well-documented. For Gen Z, working out is not just about looking good; it's about feeling good, too. Exercise helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
This reflects one of the standout characteristics of Millennials and Gen Z – collectively dubbed Generation Active due to their fondness for fitness – that they have a completely different take on exercise to those which have gone before them.
High overhead costs, including rent and utilities, significantly contribute to gym pricing. Skilled staff salaries and ongoing training expenses drive operational costs higher. Location influences pricing, with urban gyms charging more due to real estate costs.
Typically, these establishments permit individuals aged 16 and over to join as members. This age limit is commonly implemented due to health and safety reasons, as younger individuals might not have the physical maturity to handle certain types of exercise equipment.
Health experts, however, say that it is never too late to start exercising – even if you have heart-related issues or joint-related issues. The only thing to keep in mind is to consult a doctor, have an experienced trainer, and take it slow. It is not about hitting the gym and lifting weights.
Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries. You know that exercise does your body good, but you're too busy and stressed to fit it into your routine.
In terms of agility, strength, balance and overall fitness, a healthy human body's potential peaks between mid-20s to early 30s.
Adulthood prime (maximal performance age) begins when growth in height terminates or the velocity slows to an almost imperceptible rate. For women this occurs, on average, by 18-20 years and for men the typical ages are 20-23 years. The Prime adult years continue until about age 30-35 years in both sexes.
Let's start with the obvious answer: No, it's never too late to improve your fitness, and a gym could be the perfect place to help you do it. The benefits of regular exercise could include improved heart health, better balance, and reduced risk of chronic illnesses – surely these are too valuable to ignore at any age.
According to researchers at Harvard, the age of 35 is the happiest, as that's when most of us begin to stabilize our lives, reach professional heights, and have stronger social ties—all of which contribute to our sense of total fulfillment.