Gen Z loves to lift but one in three Brits do no strength exercise at all

Nearly half of UK adults (43%) are failing to meet the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) strength guidelines and one in three (32%) do no activity to strengthen their muscles at all, according to a new report from ukactive and Les Mills.

National guidelines* from the CMO state that all adults should do muscle-strengthening activities for all major muscle groups at least two days a week – from strength or resistance training to everyday activities such as heavy gardening or carrying heavy shopping. 

Strength-based activities are essential for supporting flexibility, balance, and coordination, and evidence shows it can help an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks, protecting against injuries and reducing risks of frailty and falls. 

The report, ‘Shaping a New Era of Strength Training’, from ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, and global fitness firm Les Mills – with consumer insight from Active Insights – reveals the views and experiences across generations, identifying a critical opportunity to improve the nation’s health. 

The findings show that when asked if they are aware of the CMO guidelines, three-quarters (73%) of adults admit to being unaware of the amount of strength exercises they should be doing each week. Awareness was lowest among Baby Boomers at just 9% and the Silent Generation at just 7%. 

Even among those who claim they do know the guidelines, less than two fifths (38%) of adults correctly said a minimum of two days of strength-building activities a week. 

Other key findings: 

• 11% of UK adults only do half the minimum required strength-building activities, just once a week. 

• Three-quarters (75%) of those in Generation Z (aged 16 to 28) take part in strength training twice or more a week, with Millennials (aged 29 to 44) following closely behind (74%). 

• Over half (55%) of those in Gen X (aged 45 to 60) are meeting or exceeding the CMO’s strength guidelines each week, and over a third (34%) of Baby Boomers (aged 61 to 79). 

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