COVID Pandemic Sees More Teens Signing Up for Gym

From spending time on the couch or in front of a gaming console, Gen Zers are focusing on health and signing up for gym memberships at higher rates than pre-COVID. Now, younger generations are flocking to fitness centers.  

Why the Youthful Fitness Craze Among Teens? 

While COVID has seen many negative effects on individuals and the world at large, some positives have come to light from this pandemic. For one, the pausing of school activities, sports leagues, and heightened attention on health have made teens more aware of their health and fitness.

Especially when early COVID times saw teens lowering their physical activity. A recent study reports, “Researchers from the United States and Canada say that number has fallen significantly from the already paltry 16 percent getting enough exercise prior to COVID-19.” 

The study continues, “Teens average around two hours of physical activity per week during COVID. Results show this average was lower among Black, Latino, and Native American teens, who average about 90 minutes of exercise each week.”

Now, U.S. gyms, and Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau, are seeing more teenagers sign up for their first gym membership. In 2021 alone, this demographic group took out the largest amount of memberships, with memberships and gym activity skyrocketing further.

A Firtness Trend Continuing Into 2022

Now, with gyms fuller with teens, the trend has continued into 2022, and it is hoped that the trend will gain more momentum. Even with the resumption of school activities, sports leagues, and physical activities, it is predicted that teens won’t lose interest in their new gym memberships and fitness goals. 

According to news reports, “Gen Zers put extra emphasis on staying active and maintaining their mental health. They continue to join, quite a bit above pre-Covid levels.”

Gym Facilities Surpass Membership Goals During Pre-Pandemic Peak

Now, to encourage this growing trend and motivate teens further to continue using the gym, many U.S. gyms are offering free memberships and incentives to teens. With this, they have, come the start of 2022, surpassed membership goals during the pre-pandemic peak.

Along with this, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals are encouraged to support their teens in their gym, fitness, and health ventures. 

The following are recommendations to support teens reach their fitness goals:

• Exercise with your teens (go with them to the gym)
• Emphasize fun and bring music and earphones as a tool to increase enjoyment
• Be a role model to them and show healthy fitness habits
• Prepare daily routines for your teen and make sure they make time for gym
• Help them plan for 60 minutes per day of exercise at the gym
• Offer rewards and incentives when they reach their fitness and health goal
• Make it social and encourage them to get fit at the gym with their friends

A recent study states, “ “We found that teens who were more active during the pandemic reported stronger emotional wellbeing and felt more socially connected to others.” This, along with many other benefits, is why parents and educators should motivate teens to exercise and hit the gym. Especially in COVID, now is the time to increase fitness memberships for the young and old.