Why Gen Z and Millennials Love Gyms and Sports Clubs
Gen Z and Millennials have traded night clubs for gym clubs and become the most fitness-focused generations ever, but the reason why may not be what you think.
Today, Millennials (ages 27–42) and Gen Z (ages 11–26) make up 65% of all gym members, by far the highest % of current populations. They’re also far more likely than older generations to rely on gyms and studios to reach their goals: 73% of Gen Z and 72% of Millennials are current gym or health club members, compared to just 54% of Gen X and 42% of Boomers.
But these generations are searching for much more than a great workout. While both groups care deeply about physical and mental health, it’s not just about getting active, it’s about using fitness as a social tool. Research shows that 75% of Gen Z gym-goers prefer group classes, functional training, and social workout experiences. Millennials are similarly active—in fact, 70% reported participating in fitness-related sports activities in 2021, more than any other generation.
In other words, younger adults are looking for recreational opportunities that not only move but connect.
Building Community Through Sports, Fitness, and Play for All
We know that one of the greatest joys is playing, training, or competing with one another. Sports, fitness, and play bring people out of isolation and strengthen our communities by helping form lifelong connections. And while exercise offers immediate physical health benefits, athletes involved in group sports or fitness also show improved mental health from the social connections formed in being part of a team.
At Asphalt Green, building community through fitness and athletics is what we do best.
Check out just a few of the ways we get New York moving, together.
Sports
Our AGUA Masters swim team is one of the most competitive adult swim teams in the country. Many swimmers have been with us for decades; thanks to the community they’ve found through swimming. In addition to finding joy in the water, our swimmers find immense benefits in giving back to their aquatics community together.
Fitness
Asphalt Green offers more than 80 weekly group exercise classes, with options like Zumba, yoga, Pilates, strength training, and more, so no matter how you like to get active, there are friends waiting for you to join.
Play
Free events like Asphalt Screams, our annual Halloween festival coming up this October, brings thousands of New Yorkers together each year to get active with one another.
Find Your Place at Asphalt Green
If you’re looking for somewhere to pursue an active and healthier life with your peers, there’s a place for you at Asphalt Green. Check out all the ways you can become part of our community below.
