A third of Gen Zs choose to book their holidays around their fitness and wellbeing goals and perhaps sunshine isn’t that important
Research of 2,000 adults aged 18 to 29 found 30% ‘always’ or ‘often’ plan their getaways around exercise – with a total of 74% having done so at one time or another. Three in 10 also check to see whether they can access their local gym membership nearby when on a staycation.
Nearly five in 10 agreed fitness plans have influenced their holiday plans more than they did five years ago. Swimming (46%), walking long distances (38%) and gym workouts (25%) are the activities people are most likely to do to stay active while travelling, research commissioned by The Gym Group found.
Jenni Tardiff, master trainer at the nationwide, 24/7 gym, said: “It’s clear there is a shift in how younger generations combine fitness and travel. Holidays are no longer about rest, relaxation or over-indulgence – they’re an opportunity to stay active, set new goals and experience something different.
“Whether it’s training for an event or simply keeping up their routine by seeking out a great local gym, Gen Z are showing that fitness is a priority wherever they are in the world.”
The research also found the main reasons for seeking somewhere to work out are for mental wellbeing (33%), to feel refreshed and energised (21%) and to maintain routine (19%).
It also emerged 44% feel running a 10k or more around a new location was ‘the best way to explore it’. And 45% have prioritised suitcase space in order to fit in their running shoes, sports kit and exercise accessories.
An average of £335 a year is spent on exercise holidays by active Gen Zs, OnePoll.com figures found.
When booking a break, 34% mostly filter accommodations options to ensure they include a gym and 57% are willing to pay more to have an exercise space nearby or onsite.
For the 42% who have been on a fitness-focussed trip before, they chose to centre their holiday around events such as HYROX (12%), a race (16%) or a retreat (20%).
Many also manage to tick off other experiences whilst they’re there – including sightseeing (37%), culture (29%) and personal bests (27%).
Jenni Tardiff, from The Gym Group, added: “What’s really interesting is that fitness-led travel isn’t about extreme training or missing out on the fun.
“For many young people, it’s about feeling good, staying grounded in familiar routines and using movement as a way to get more out of their time away.
“Whether that’s a long walk, a swim or a local gym session, exercise has become a way to enhance a holiday break.”