Workout Motivation Differs By Generation, Survey of At-Home Exercisers Finds

Weight loss is the top motivator for exercise for Millennials but not any of the other generations, according to a survey by Les Mills On Demand.

For Generation X (ages 41-55) the main motivator is improving fitness. The main motivator for Generation Z (ages 25 and younger) and Baby Boomers (ages 56-76) is maintaining fitness. Millennials (ages 26-40) are the only age group with weight loss at its main motivator.

Other benefits such as stress relief (77 percent), mental health (77 percent), improved fitness (76 percent) and strength building (72 percent) are bigger motivators than weight loss (51 percent) or weight maintenance (49 percent), according to the survey of nearly 9,400 digital fitness users who work out using the at-home online platform.

Regular participation in certain exercise programs also improved sleep quality, increased motivation and decreased tension and anxiety, according to recent research from Les Mills.

The survey also found that 84 percent of users intend to continue with digital fitness even when their gym reopens. Women are driving the digital workout trend with females making up 92 percent of Les Mills On Demand users.

Les Mills has reported an 800 percent increase in sign-ups to its Les Mills On Demand digital fitness platform since January 2020.