Travellers are centring their trips around events like HYROX (Image: Getty)
Research of 2,000 adults aged 18 to 29 found 30% ‘always’ or ‘often’ plan their getaways around their fitness goals – with a total of 74% having done so at one time or another. Meanwhile 47% agreed exercise regimes have influenced their holiday plans more than they did five years ago.
Swimming (46%), walking long distances (38%) and gym workouts (25%) are the activities people are most likely to do to stay active while travelling, research commissioned by The Gym Group found.
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Jenni Tardiff, master trainer at the nationwide, 24/7 gym, said: “It’s clear there is a shift in how younger generations combine fitness and travel.
“Holidays are no longer about rest, relaxation or over-indulgence – they’re an opportunity to stay active, set new goals and experience something different.
“Whether it’s training for an event or simply keeping up their routine by seeking out a great local gym, Gen Z are showing that fitness is a priority wherever they are in the world.”
The research also found the main reasons for seeking somewhere to work out are for mental wellbeing (33%), to feel refreshed and energised (21%) and to maintain routine (19%).
It also emerged 44% feel running a 10k or more around a new location was ‘the best way to explore it’.
Nearly half (45%) have prioritised suitcase space so they could pack their running shoes, sports kit and exercise accessories.
Many feel running around a new location is the best way to explore it. (Image: Getty)
When booking a break, 34% mostly filter accommodations options to ensure they include a gym and 57% are willing to pay more to have an exercise space nearby or onsite.
While 31% of those who go on a staycation within the UK check to see whether they can access their local gym membership nearby more often than not.
More than four in 10 have been on a fitness-focussed trip before, centring their holiday around events such as HYROX (12%), a race (16%) or a retreat (20%).
Gen Zs who’ve been on an exercise break spend an average of £335 a year on them, OnePoll.com figures found.
People are prioritising suitcase space to bring their running shoes (Image: Getty)
Many also manage to tick off other experiences whilst they’re there – including sightseeing (37%), culture (29%) and personal bests (27%).
Jenni Tardiff, from The Gym Group, added: “What’s really interesting is that fitness-led travel isn’t about extreme training or missing out on the fun.
“For many young people, it’s about feeling good, staying grounded in familiar routines and using movement as a way to get more out of their time away.
“Whether that’s a long walk, a swim or a local gym session, exercise has become a way to enhance a holiday break.”
