The study by ukactive and Les Mills found that 43% of adults do not meet the Chief Medical Officer’s recommendation of at least two strength-based sessions a week, while 32% do none whatsoever.

By contrast, Generation Z is leading the way. Three-quarters (75%) of 16 to 28-year-olds say they strength train at least twice a week – more than any other generation. Participation remains high among Millennials (74%), while 55% of Gen X and 34% of Baby Boomers meet or exceed the guidelines.

However, awareness of the guidance remains strikingly low. Almost three-quarters (73%) of adults admit they do not know how much strength exercise they should be doing each week. Awareness is lowest among Baby Boomers (9%) and the Silent Generation (7%). Even among those who say they know the guidelines, fewer than two in five (38%) correctly identified the minimum of two days per week.

National guidelines state that adults should undertake muscle-strengthening activities targeting all major muscle groups on at least two days a week. This can include resistance training, gym-based workouts and everyday activities such as heavy gardening or carrying shopping.

Strength-based exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining flexibility, balance and co-ordination. Evidence shows it supports people to carry out everyday tasks, reduces injury risk and helps guard against frailty and falls.

The report, titled Shaping a New Era of Strength Training, draws on polling of more than 4,000 adults and highlights what it describes as a critical opportunity to improve the nation’s health.

Among gym-goers, older adults show particularly strong motivation to build muscle. While 82% of Gen Z gym users say strength training was an important factor in joining, this rises to 86% among Millennials, 84% for Gen X and peaks at 90% among Baby Boomers.

The findings come amid rising demand for fitness facilities. UK health and fitness club membership has reached a record 11.5 million, according to the UK Health & Fitness Market Report 2025. Sport England’s Moving Communities report also found gym participation rose by 13% in 2024/25 compared with the previous year.

The report urges the Government to make strength training a core part of its forthcoming physical activity drive under the NHS 10 Year Plan. Falls cost the NHS more than £2.3bn annually, while musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain and osteoporosis account for around £5bn a year in spending.

Recommendations include greater NHS promotion of strength training and Clinical Exercise Physiologists, stronger partnerships between the fitness sector and charities such as Age UK and Women in Sport, and improved support for leisure facilities to reach more communities.

Huw Edwards, chief executive of ukactive, said: ‘With a third of the population doing no strength exercises at all, it’s clear the UK is sleepwalking into another health crisis. This report makes a powerful case for the nation to rethink its relationship with physical strength so people can reap the benefits for their health.

‘The Government should seize this opportunity to help more people access strength training by promoting the work of our sector, which will reduce pressure on the NHS and improve the health of the workforce too. Strength training is one of the best tools we have to help people live healthier, happier, more independent lives.

‘Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres are supporting people of all ages to grow stronger and more confident in their health, but this report shows there are many more to reach.’

Martin Franklin, chief executive of Les Mills UK, said: ‘These new findings spotlight the opportunity for strength training to transform the health of the entire nation. There is room for improvement in every age group for achieving the CMO guidelines, so gyms and leisure centres are perfectly placed to help people of all ages build strength into their lifestyles.

‘Les Mills has been helping people become stronger since 1968, and we’ve learned that the best workout is the one you actually do. Making training motivating, inclusive, and most of all fun is the key to inspiring people to embrace healthy habits and reap the rewards of an active lifestyle.

‘It’s a magical transformation that we witness every day in gyms and leisure centres across the country, driven by dedicated fitness professionals determined to make a difference. Now’s the time to support them so we can scale this impact and make strength accessible for all.’