Generation Active: How Gen Z Are Thriving at the Gym with Les Mills Express
By Your Leisure
Generation Z – those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s – are redefining the fitness landscape. Tech-savvy, health-conscious, and results-driven, many young people are turning to gyms and structured group fitness classes like Les Mills Express to improve their physical and mental wellbeing in a fast-paced world. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is growing up in an era where wellbeing is a priority. According to Sport England’s Active Lives survey, activity levels among young people have been rising, with 47.2% of children and young people meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines of 60 minutes of daily activity at least once a week【1】. This growing engagement is translating into adulthood, with more Gen Z adults choosing gym-based exercise and group fitness classes as their go-to routines.
Fitness on Their Terms
Today’s young adults crave flexibility, variety, and impact—all qualities found in Les Mills Express classes. These 30-minute sessions pack the energy and effectiveness of a full class into half the time, making them perfect for busy schedules, short attention spans, and those juggling studies, work, or social commitments.
Classes such as BODYATTACK Express™, BODYPUMP Express™, and BODYCOMBAT Express™ are designed to be high-intensity, results-focused, and inclusive, giving participants the confidence to push themselves in a supportive and dynamic environment. They also align with Gen Z’s desire for group experiences, providing the social motivation that keeps many returning week after week.
Mental Health Benefits
Beyond physical fitness, the mental health benefits of exercise are a major draw for young people. The Mental Health Foundation reports that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%【2】. With mental health challenges on the rise among young adults, gym sessions and group exercise classes offer a structured way to relieve stress, boost mood, and build resilience.
For Gen Z, who have grown up in an always-on digital culture, the gym can also provide a welcome break from screens. The Youth Sport Trust notes that physical activity supports focus, motivation, and overall emotional wellbeing, which are crucial during key transitional periods such as university, early careers, and life changes【3】.
Community and Confidence
Group fitness, particularly Les Mills formats, appeals to Gen Z’s preference for community and inclusivity. These classes are designed to be scalable, with instructors offering adaptations to suit all fitness levels. This ensures participants feel included and empowered, rather than intimidated.
The communal atmosphere also provides positive reinforcement, helping to build body confidence, a strong self-image, and the motivation to stay consistent with fitness goals. According to a study by the Les Mills Global Fitness Report, 69% of Gen Z gym-goers say working out in groups makes them feel more motivated【4】.
For Gen Z, the gym is more than a place to lift weights or run on a treadmill – it’s a space for self-care, stress relief, social connection, and empowerment. With time-efficient formats like Les Mills Express, this generation is embracing fitness in a way that fits their fast-paced, digitally-connected lifestyles. The future of fitness is here – and it’s confident, connected, and full of energy.
View our membership options that include Les Mills Express and Virtual classes online here
Sources:
【1】Sport England – Active Lives Children and Young People Survey: https://www.sportengland.org/research/active-lives-data
【2】Mental Health Foundation – Physical Activity and Mental Health: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/physical-activity-and-mental-health
【3】Youth Sport Trust – The Role of Physical Activity: https://www.youthsporttrust.org/
【4】Les Mills Global Fitness Report: https://www.lesmills.com/uk/clubs-and-facilities/research-insights/global-fitness-report/