By Adam Wilson, Quantitative Insight Director at Beano Brain
Following the launch of ukactive’s new Children and Young People guidance, we hear from children’s insight agency, Beano Brain, and its data on why the next generation are turning to the gym as a space to get active and socialise, and how the sector can prepare to meet this new demand.
If you think gyms and structured exercise are only for adults, Gen Alpha are proving otherwise. Across the UK and US, young people’s relationship with fitness is changing fast and it’s reshaping what they expect from the places and people who support their wellbeing.
National gym membership continues to rise, but what’s especially striking is how these behaviours are filtering down the age groups. Nearly a quarter of young adults in the US now hold a gym membership, and teens aged 13–16 are close behind. Even tweens (children aged 10-12) are expressing interest and crucially, this interest is being encouraged by parents who see early engagement as a way of building lifelong healthy habits.
At Beano Brain, we’ve been tracking this shift closely. What we’re seeing is clear: children and young people aren’t being dragged into fitness – they’re choosing it. And what’s motivating them goes far deeper than physical health.
The Motivations Behind the Movement
Social Connection
For many young people, gyms feel more social, less formal and less intimidating than traditional sports. They offer low-pressure interaction with peers – a space to talk, laugh, copy each other’s routines, and feel part of something shared.
As one teen told us: “Me and Amelia got a gym pass for the one near us… we only did the cardio machines, but it was fun going together.”
Unlike competitive sports, gym spaces give kids autonomy. They can choose what they do, set their own pace and be around others without the expectation of being “good” at a specific skill.
Emotional Wellbeing
Young people are more aware of their mental health than any generation before them. Exercise is increasingly seen as a mood booster, stress reliever and way to regain control. Self-expression, energy release and resilience are as important as fitness outcomes.
Family Bonding
We’re also seeing fitness redefined as a family activity. Parents aren’t just chauffeuring – they’re joining in.
One 12-year-old explained: “I’m going to the gym with my mum and sister and I’m back at rugby training – running at people is my superpower!”
As well as in-person facilities, family fitness events, community gyms, fun races and tailored competitions for young people are all examples showing how families are reframing exercise as quality time, not obligation. In our insight work, parents describe the gym as a place where they can be “productive together” – a rare sentiment in overstretched households.
Culture, Aesthetics & Identity
Gym culture is becoming aspirational. Athleisure is “cool,” influencers model every day, achievable fitness, and aesthetic motivation has become part of youth identity formation, especially for girls. Fitness is not a chore – it’s a lifestyle.
What Trends Will Shape 2026?
Looking ahead, we expect three major shifts:
More “Third Spaces” for Families
Gyms will keep evolving beyond equipment: coffee shops, spa corners, reading nooks and social seating areas. Gyms will become the new community hubs as young people seek safe, structured places to spend time.
Fitness as Identity
Expect more teens adopting fitness “personas” – the runner, the lifter (even if they’re not lifting yet), the yogi, the Hyrox hopeful. Fitness becomes a badge of belonging.
Growth of Accessible Events
We expect fitness events, play-ground style obstacle challenges and open outdoor gyms to rise, offering family-friendly alternatives to traditional competitive sport.
What this means for members
For leisure operators, gyms and community fitness providers, this growing engagement from children and teens represents a real opportunity. Young people are looking for spaces that feel welcoming, social and supportive rather than intimidating or overly performance driven. Creating family friendly entry points, offering youth specific sessions and designing spaces that encourage connection can help meet these needs. Gyms that combine fitness with fun, comfort and community will be particularly well positioned. There is also an opportunity to harness the power of challenges and events, which young people already see as motivating and exciting.
Above all, the shift toward younger gym engagement shows that kids and teens are eager to build healthy habits when the environment feels inclusive and the experience feels culturally relevant.
The spaces that succeed will be those that recognise this shift and design experiences with young people in mind – not just for them.
Beano Brain conducted research for ukactive in 2024 to help understand the youth voice. More information on their insights and services can be found at beanobrain.com
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of ukactive.
