THE STRENGTH TRAINING GAP

Strength training is enjoying something of a renaissance in the UK’s fitness sector – but new research suggests that the nation still has a long way to go before resistance exercise becomes a routine part of everyday physical activity

Anew report, Shaping a New Era of Strength Training, published by ukactive in partnership with Les Mills, highlights both the growing popularity of strength-based exercise and the significant participation gap that remains across the population. The findings paint a mixed picture. On the one hand, younger generations are embracing strength training in record numbers. On the other, a large proportion of the population still fails to perform muscle-strengthening activities, which are recommended for good health.

A GENERATIONAL SHIFT

Perhaps the most striking insight from the report is the enthusiasm for strength training among younger people. According to the research, 75% of Generation Z participants say they undertake strength training at least twice a week, making them the most engaged age group when it comes to resistance exercise. Millennials follow closely behind, with 74% meeting the same benchmark.

This trend reflects a broader shift in attitudes towards fitness. Strength training is increasingly viewed not only as a tool for athletic performance but also as an essential component of overall health and wellbeing. Free weights, resistance machines and strength-focused group classes are becoming central features of programming at gyms and studios across the UK. For operators, the message is clear: demand for strength-based exercise is growing, particularly among younger audiences.

A NATIONAL SHORTFALL

Despite this momentum, the report also reveals a worrying participation gap. The UK’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommends that adults undertake muscle-strengthening activities involving major muscle groups at least twice per week. However, the report shows that 43% of adults fail to meet these guidelines, while 32% do no strength training at all.

In other words, roughly one in three Britons are missing out entirely on an activity widely recognised for its role in supporting long-term health. The findings highlight a significant opportunity – and challenge – for the physical activity sector.

Roughly one in three Britons are missing out entirely on an activity widely recognised for its role in supporting long-term health

Strength training is associated with numerous health benefits, including improved bone density, reduced risk of injury, better functional movement and improved metabolic health. It is also increasingly recognised as a key intervention for healthy ageing. Yet awareness of these benefits remains limited. The report found that 73% of adults are unaware of the CMO’s strength training recommendations, suggesting that public understanding of muscle-strengthening activity lags far behind awareness of cardiovascular exercise guidelines.

INSIGHT

Strength training is associated with numerous health benefits

UNEVEN PARTICIPATION

Participation in strength training varies significantly across demographic groups.

While younger people are embracing resistance exercise, engagement declines steadily with age. The report shows that 55% of Generation X participants meet the recommended strength guidelines, compared with just 34% of Baby Boomers. Women, older adults and individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds are also less likely to engage in regular strength training.

These disparities highlight the importance of targeted interventions to build confidence and knowledge among underrepresented groups. For many people, strength training can appear intimidating – particularly in traditional gym environments dominated by weights and resistance equipment. Addressing these psychological barriers will be critical if the sector is to broaden participation.

THE ROLE OF THE SECTOR On the one hand, the report highlights the scale of the public health challenge posed by insufficient strength training. On the other, it underscores the fitness and physical activity sector’s potential role in addressing it. Operators, instructors and governing bodies all have a part to play in improving public awareness of the benefits of resistance exercise and supporting people to incorporate it into their routines.

The report suggests that clearer communication, more accessible programming and improved education around strength training could help close the gap. Strength-focused group exercise classes, beginner-friendly gym programmes and targeted community initiatives may all help build confidence among new participants.

A STRONGER FUTURE

The rise in popularity of strength training among younger generations offers an encouraging foundation for the future. As the report suggests, there is an opportunity to harness this momentum and create a broader cultural shift in how strength training is perceived.

If awareness can be improved and barriers reduced, resistance exercise could become a core pillar of the UK’s physical activity landscape.