Strava's 2025 Year in Sport Report: A Shift in Focus
This insightful report highlights the increasing value Gen Z places on physical activity and community engagement.
Strava, the popular app with a massive following of over 180 million users, recently launched its 12th annual Year In Sport: Trend Report. This comprehensive analysis unveils a transformative trend among younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who are steering away from endless scrolling on digital devices and opting for real-world activities.
With meticulous examination of billions of activities within Strava's global community and insights from surveys involving over 30,000 individuals, the report emphasizes a notable shift. Gen Z is opting for active pursuits, prioritizing fitness, connection, and a sense of community.
Gen Z’s Priorities: Movement and Connection
In 2025, Gen Z displayed an extraordinary engagement in various activities, with running and racing leading the charge. They found camaraderie within run clubs and incorporated strength training into their routines for better self-image and health. This generation is redefining fitness by integrating movement into their daily lives, even during vacations, and allocating fitness spending above social outings.
Throughout 2025, users across various age groups leveraged Strava to foster connections and celebrate each other’s achievements, collectively giving an astounding 14 billion kudos. On average, subscribers spent a full hour being active for every two minutes spent navigating the app.
According to Strava’s CEO, Michael Martin, “More than half of Gen Z plans to use Strava more in 2026. In contrast, most intend to spend less time on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.” This generation is keen to make lasting memories through real experiences instead of spending hours glued to screens.
Running and Walking: Preferred Activities
Running firmly holds its position as the favorite sport on Strava, with the activity gaining traction among Gen Z. What’s more interesting is the uptick in walking and weight training among younger users, alongside a growing trend of multi-sport participation.
- Running still reigns supreme: Data shows that Gen Z is 75% more inclined than Gen X to cite racing as their main motivation.
- Personal achievements are noteworthy: 86% of users affiliated with Runna recorded personal bests this year, proving the power of community and encouragement in sports.
- Women embracing weight training: Gen Z females displayed a significant interest in weight lifting, with a noteworthy increase in participation compared to their male counterparts.
- Diverse activity tracking: A significant fraction, over 54%, of Strava users are now engaged in multiple activities, with walking being the second most recorded.
Increased Investment in Health and Fitness
Despite facing economic challenges, a remarkable percentage of Gen Z is prioritizing fitness spending. Many of them are willing to invest more in their health than in dating expenses.
- Future fitness spending: 30% of Gen Z anticipates increasing their fitness expenditure in 2026, with many investing in wearables, a trend showing a 63% increase over Gen X.
- Preference for fitness events: 64% indicated a preference for spending on workout gear rather than on dates, demonstrating a confluence between fitness and socializing.
- The rise of community clubs: Strava reported a remarkable tenfold increase in new clubs, reaching one million, which is pivotal in transforming digital engagements into real-life interactions.
Traveling Actively: The New Norm
In the realm of travel, Gen Z is favoring local exploration over international vacations, opting to maintain their fitness routines wherever they go. Many insist on incorporating workouts even during their holidays.
- Fitness as a travel priority: Many view fitness on vacation as essential. The mantra? “Run, sun, and snacks.”
- Closer to home: There’s an evident shift towards domestic vacations, reinforcing the idea that memorable experiences don’t have to come from distant travels.
- Winter sports tourism: A large chunk of vacationing active individuals prefers winter sports like skiing and hiking.
Technological Trends in Fitness
Additionally, 2025 showcased significant advancements in fitness technology, highlighting an increased dependence on smartphones and AI tools.
- AI support in workouts: 46% of respondents are amenable to using AI as a sport coach, with Gen Z showing heightened enthusiasm for this trend.
- Inevitability of mobile: 72% of Strava users recorded their activities via mobile devices, with leading wearable tech brands improving their gamified fitness journeys.
- Spotlight on running shoes: The ASICS Novablast took the lead as the top running shoe, ushering in a new era of athletic gear.
Connect and Grow with Strava
Strava aims to redefine the fitness experience, enabling individuals to connect, grow, and surpass their fitness ambitions. With the release of their 2025 report, they provide new avenues for users to achieve their health goals while engaging with a vibrant community of active individuals.
About Strava
Strava isn’t just an app; it’s an evolving community for active individuals. With a massive user base, it facilitates shared progress, fosters new habits, and inspires personal victories, making every workout count for its users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key finding of Strava's 2025 report?
The report highlights that Gen Z is prioritizing physical activity over digital engagement, showcasing a trend towards active lifestyles and community involvement.
How has Gen Z changed their approach to fitness?
Gen Z is focusing more on active participation, often blending fitness into their daily routines, even while traveling or on vacation.
What role does technology play in fitness, according to the report?
Technology, including AI and fitness tracking through smartphones, has become crucial in enhancing workouts and improving user engagement.
How does Strava support its users in achieving fitness goals?
Strava provides tools for tracking activities, connecting with others, and accessing a community of support through clubs and events.
What types of activities are most popular among users?
Running, walking, and multi-sport activities are among the top preferences, with users increasingly adopting a diverse range of fitness pursuits.
