Fitness Fans Shunning AI in Favor of Human Connection, Finds New Global Report

Fitness fans are bucking the societal trend for AI adoption when it comes to keeping active, with just 10% preferring AI workouts over a human-led experience, according to landmark new research.

The 2026 Global Fitness Report, from Kiwi fitness leader Les Mills, finds that although technology use is widespread for tracking training progress and performance, consumers retain a strong preference for human-led workout experiences. This forms part of a wider desire for connection and community to maintain motivation and overcome barriers such as ‘gymtimidation’ – particularly when it comes to strength training.

Based on responses from over 10,000 consumers across five continents, the 2026 Global Fitness Report is the latest in the long-running Les Mills research series, offering vital insights into the modern club member mindset, key fitness trends, and deep analysis of current motivations and barriers to working out. It compares new data with findings from previous Global Fitness Reports to offer longitudinal insights into how fitness is changing, and crucially, where it’s heading next.

Key report findings include:

• 54% of people want to try new ways to get fit, while 41% see fitness as a chore.
• Gym members are 46% more likely to be very happy with their personal wellness compared to non-members.
• 62% of younger generations (Gen Z / Millennials) like workouts that push their limits.
• Among those who want to start strength training, ​​54% say conflicting advice means they don’t know where to begin, while 50% are intimidated by the weights area of the gym.

When asked about attitudes towards human or AI-created fitness content, only 10% of respondents favored an AI coach for its convenience and ability to deliver personalized workouts, with 52% either “strongly preferring” (31%) or “leaning toward” (21%) a human trainer, valuing the personal connection and expertise that comes from human interaction, while 37% were undecided.

Despite those under 40 growing up as digital natives and often being branded ‘screen addicts’, the data shows that the preference for a human coach is strongest among this group. Just 11% of 16-27 year-olds and 9% of 28-40 year-olds prefer AI-generated content.

Interestingly, the 55+ age group was the most open to AI, with 13% preferring an AI coach – the highest of any demographic. This suggests the appeal of AI in this context may be less about generational tech savviness and more about individual priorities.

“Technology is shaping fitness in countless ways, but nothing beats the buzz of a live class and these findings show we remain social animals when it comes to working out,” says Les Mills Head of Research Bryce Hastings.

“Exercising with others maximizes ‘the group effect’, which our research has shown leads to increases in a person’s enjoyment, satisfaction and exertion.

“The Instructor is a vital part of this equation, as they’re armed with the knowledge, skills and experience to connect with the individuals in the group and create a sense of ‘we’ in a class that produces a very positive overall experience. They take what we know from science and bring it to life for participants.”

The report dives into critical areas shaping the modern fitness landscape, including motivations and barriers to exercise, the rise of strength training, and the evolution of wellness. Together, these findings reveal how human-centric strategies, underpinned by operational excellence and enabled by technology, will define sustainable growth and retention in a rapidly evolving landscape.

The full 2026 Global Fitness Report is available to download free from the Les Mills Insight Hub: https://contact.lesmills.com/insight-hub