Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X & Boomers Have Very Different Ideas Of What Counts As Exercise
PeopleImages | ShutterstockSome people have a pretty narrow view of what real exercise is, but anything that gets your heart rate up or strengthens your muscles counts, even if it seems unconventional.
Certain generations are more open to that idea than others. While older folks think exercise is something that you fit into your life, young people usually think it needs to be a separate activity.
Older generations have a more relaxed definition of exercise than younger ones do.
While young people feel like real exercise means a sweat session at the gym, older folks think it’s something they can easily incorporate into their daily routines.
Boomers think exercise is important, but they aren’t very strict about what it means.
Baby boomers were the first generation to really make exercise a part of their culture. They faced pressure to get in shape, which led to the popularity of exercise videos and health clubs.
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Now that they’re older, boomers face some challenges to staying fit that they didn’t have before. They’re looking for any way to get more exercise in, even if it’s different from what they’re used to. This generation likes to make small lifestyle changes like taking the stairs or going on a walk with their dog to get their physical activity in.
Although fitness was part of younger boomers’ culture, they’re a bit more relaxed about it now. This age group is known for their practicality and hard work. They see the efficiency in combining movement with things they already need to do, like yardwork. They aren’t worried about having some kind of official routine.
Gen X fits exercise in where they can in their busy lives.
Gen X is often referred to as the sandwich generation because they’re responsible for taking care of their elderly parents and their kids. That doesn’t leave them with much free time, so they have to be strategic about exercise.
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This generation doesn’t pay much attention to the latest fitness trends. They’re focused on staying active in their lives overall so that a workout regimen doesn’t take up too much of their limited time.
While many do have gym memberships, they’re fine with exercising at home or squeezing in a walk on their lunch break if it’s more convenient. Gen X is also willing to consider household tasks a form of exercise if they require physical activity, just like boomers. They’re trying to stay healthy without rearranging their entire lives.
Millennials have made it a priority to have a real exercise routine.
Millennials are serious about fitness. They usually have a more fixed definition of exercise than older generations do. They’re spending much more money on their health and wellness, whether it’s for a gym membership or tech that boosts their workouts.
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The biggest goals millennials have for their fitness journeys are having better sleep and better overall health. That shows that they look at exercise with a holistic perspective. They’re trying to improve their lives instead of just sculpting their biceps.
Unlike boomers and Gen X who think of pretty much any activity as exercise, millennials are more serious about making it a regimented part of their day. They don’t always stay cooped up in the gym, but they’re probably not going to consider mowing the lawn to be true exercise either.
Gen Z is the strictest about their exercise habits because of social pressure.
Just like millennials, Gen Z spends a lot of money on fitness. They’re joining gyms in record numbers, and they’re using fitness classes as a chance to socialize. It’s like exercise has become a key part of their lives, just like work.
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Social media also plays a big role in the way they think about exercise. Fitness influencers are really popular, and a lot of Gen Zers share part of their workouts online even without influencer status. It’s putting a lot of pressure on them that could turn toxic.
For Gen Z, exercise is what happens when they set time aside to go to the gym or get their yoga mat out. It’s not just something they squeeze in. They have a whole routine that they stick to, and they feel like anything less than that doesn’t really count.
Mary-Faith Martinez is a writer with a bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism who covers news, psychology, lifestyle, and human interest topics.
