Fitness becomes social lifeline across generations, ukactive survey finds

New research from ukactive suggests gyms and leisure centres are becoming important social spaces for people of all ages, with friendship emerging as a major motivation for joining.

Published to mark National Fitness Day 2026, the survey of 6395 UK adults found that 53% of Millennials and 51% of Gen Z said making new friends was an important reason for joining a gym.

“Trying something new can sometimes feel daunting but our research shows many of us are in the same boat, looking for peer support and a community which can really help us stay active,” explains Cameron Saunders, CEO of ukactive.

“For Gen Z, gyms and leisure centres have replaced pubs and youth clubs as social hubs but they’re also important socially for Gen X, Baby Boomers and older generations.

“Whether it’s trying yoga, playing padel, HYROX, or a swim class, National Fitness Day is about helping people take the first step to a more active life, whatever your motivation.”

The trend also extends across older generations, with 37% of Gen X and 35% of Baby Boomers citing friendship as a factor. Among women, 47% said making new friends was important.

The Savanta research also highlights a broader shift in why people choose to exercise. Improving confidence was important to 74% of respondents overall, while mental health and wellbeing was cited by 84% of Millennials, 76% of Gen X, 75% of Gen Z and 59% of Baby Boomers.

Managing a health condition was another significant motivation, particularly among Millennials at 64% and Gen Z at 60%.