Analyzing billions of activities from 180M users, Strava’s 2025 Year in Sport reveals a category reshaped by Gen Z, hybrid athletes, and the rise of everyday movement.
New flex. Gen Z is twice as likely as older generations to choose strength training as their primary sport. 61% lift for aesthetics, fueling hybrid routines that mix lifting with running, rucking, and cycling.
Hitting the weights, women are 21% more likely to upload a strength workout than men.
Group gains. Race participation climbed across distances as young athletes compete as a form of identity and motivation. Meanwhile, Strava Clubs nearly quadrupled, with group runs, rides, and hikes becoming social infrastructure — replacing bars and dating apps.
An IRL pipeline, events organized on Strava nearly doubled YoY. An effective conduit, users average an hour of being active for every two minutes spent on the app.
On the go. Walking is Strava’s second-fastest-growing activity, reflecting demand for low-intensity training. Away from home, users stay active with hikes, runs, and cycling sessions, fueling fitness-first travel.
In motion. With 63% of Gen Z investing in wearables, half open to AI coaching, and multisport users four times more consistent, fitness is becoming more habitual than aspirational — signaling a shift toward proactive, performance-driven living.
Looking ahead: As Gen Z blends lifting, lifestyle, and tech, fitness is being redefined. From hybrid athletes to strength-first communities, the new era will center on identity, consistency, and performance as everyday culture.
