Strava, the popular fitness social media app, has unveiled its 12th annual Year in Sport Trend Report, offering a comprehensive look at how its 180 million users worldwide engaged in physical activities throughout 2025. The report highlights key trends, including the growing influence of Gen Z on the fitness landscape, and provides insights into the most popular activities and user behaviors on the platform.
According to Strava’s data, the dedication to fitness among its users is evident, with paid subscribers logging an average of one hour of activity for every two minutes spent on the app. This commitment is particularly notable among Gen Z, who are leading a running boom and increasingly participating in races and gym activities.
Gen Z: The Driving Force Behind Fitness Trends
As the report reveals, Gen Z is emerging as a pivotal demographic in the fitness world. This age group is not only more active but also more inclined to participate in races across various distances, including 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon events. Strava notes that Gen Z is 75% more likely than Gen X to cite races as their primary motivation for running, a sentiment echoed by race organizers who have observed a surge in younger participants seeking to achieve personal records.
Strava’s integration with the training app Runna provides further insights into race preparation. Data shows that 34% of women on Runna trained for half-marathons, compared to 29% of men, while 20% of men and 12% of women aimed for full marathons. The preferred day for long training runs was Saturday, with 68% of users following through on their plans.
Walking and Weight Training Gain Popularity
While running remains the most popular activity on Strava, walking has emerged as a significant trend, climbing to the second spot in 2025. This aligns with broader fitness trends, as walking offers a low-barrier entry point into structured fitness and activity tracking.
Weight training also saw a surge in popularity, particularly among Gen Z, who are twice as likely as Gen X to list it as their primary sport. Aesthetics are a significant motivator, with 61% of Gen Z lifters training for appearance. Women are increasingly participating in strength training, although 38% more women than men express concerns about “getting bulky.”
Top Sports on Strava in 2025
- Run
- Walk
- Ride
- Hike
- Weight Training
- Workout
Economic Impact and Fitness Spending
Despite economic challenges, including inflation, Gen Z continues to prioritize fitness spending. The report highlights that 65% of Gen Z feel the impact of inflation, yet 30% plan to increase their fitness spending in 2026. Notably, 64% would rather invest in fitness gear than go on a date, and 63% identified wearables as their biggest fitness investment in 2025.
Weekly goal-setting has become a preferred method for Strava users, with those setting weekly targets being about 10 times more likely to achieve their goals consistently over ten weeks. This approach appears to foster long-term commitment and success.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Strava’s community aspect remains a strong draw for users. In 2025, users exchanged 14 billion “kudos,” a 20% increase from the previous year, with Boomers being the most generous in giving digital high-fives. Activities featuring photos received 3.1 times more kudos, highlighting the importance of visual engagement.
Additionally, 2025 saw users earn 7.6 million segment crowns, including Queen of the Mountain (QOMs), King of the Mountain (KOMs), and Course Records (CRs), marking a year of significant achievements for Strava athletes.
The Future of Fitness and Technology
The findings from Strava’s Year in Sport Report underscore the ongoing growth of the fitness industry, mirroring trends seen with other fitness technology brands like Garmin. As more individuals embark on fitness journeys, they invest in products that enhance their experiences, creating a cycle of growth and innovation within the industry.
Looking ahead, the continued expansion of fitness technology and community engagement platforms like Strava suggests that these brands will focus on refining their offerings to retain and attract users. As the fitness landscape evolves, Strava’s data-driven insights will remain a valuable resource for understanding and shaping future trends.
