The operator’s 2026 Gen Z Fitness Pulse Report found that 72% of respondents consider access to a gym important when deciding where to live, rising to 82% among those in London. Almost two-thirds (62%) said they had already chosen, or would consider choosing, a home because it was close to a gym.

When asked to rank the local amenities that matter most when choosing where to live, 31% put gyms and fitness facilities first, ahead of recreational shopping facilities at 25% and green spaces and parks at 21%. Restaurants, bars and cafés were the first choice for 14%.

Almost a third of respondents (32%) said they would be willing to pay more in rent to live close to a gym, at an average premium of £40 a month, or £480 a year.

The findings also suggest fitness is taking a greater share of young people's discretionary spending. Some 42% ranked health and fitness memberships or apps as their number one discretionary spending priority, compared with 26% in last year's research. More than half (55%) placed fitness among their top two priorities, up from 44% in 2025.

Gyms also appear to be playing an increasingly important social role. Almost two-thirds (62%) agreed that the gym is not simply somewhere to exercise but also a place to socialise and feel part of a community, while 57% said gyms offer opportunities to make meaningful connections. Some 72% believed going to the gym can help tackle loneliness.

Exercise is already embedded in the weekly routines of many of those surveyed, with 58% exercising at least twice a week and 54% attending a gym at least once a week. Mental wellbeing was almost as significant a motivation as physical health: 39% said regular exercise improves their mental wellbeing, compared with 40% who cited fitness levels and physical health.

Despite the increased priority given to fitness spending, affordability remains important, with more than 40% identifying value for money as the most important factor when choosing a gym.

Will Orr, CEO of The Gym Group, said: ‘The findings in this year's Gen Z Fitness Pulse Report paint a clear picture that going to the gym is becoming more than a way to stay active, it is increasingly influencing how young adults organise their everyday lives.

‘From where they choose to live, to how they spend their money, support their mental wellbeing and build friendships, gyms and fitness have become firmly embedded in the routines and priorities of this generation.’

The third annual Gen Z Fitness Pulse Report was produced with OnePoll and is based on an online survey of 2,000 people aged 16 to 29 across the UK, carried out between 9 and 14 July 2026.