Strava Fitness Report Highlights Trends Around Social Workouts, Recovery & Gear

The social fitness app’s report highlights the biggest fitness trends of 2024, and what to expect in 2025

With over 135 million users and billions of logged activities, Strava highlights key fitness trends across the world. The Strava 2024 Year in Sport report highlights these trends, providing a comprehensive overview of the current fitness landscape.

Social Fitness on the Rise

In 2024, group activities became more popular than ever. Running led the way, with a 59% increase in running clubs and an 18% rise in group runs of 10 or more participants. Walking clubs saw a 52% growth. Sixty-six percent of Gen Z users reported making new friends through fitness groups, while 55% said that social interaction was their main reason for participating. One in five Gen Z respondents also met dates through group activities, underscoring a new role for fitness.

Balance & Recovery

The report also shows a trend toward more sustainable workout practices. The median activity length was 53 minutes, with most participants favoring shorter sessions. Among amateur Strava users, those who cross-trained were 10% more likely to meet their goals. Marathon trainees also recorded rest days for over half of their training cycles.

Overcoming Fitness Barriers

Strava’s data also highlighted barriers to fitness like schedule flexibility, particularly for women. Despite these challenges, women increased their participation, with an 11% rise in cycling and a 25% growth in weight training uploads. Women were also more likely than men to earn Strava Segment crowns, signaling strong performance trends.

Generational differences were evident in fitness goals. Gen Z participants prioritized mental health, while older generations focused on longevity. Boomers consistently recorded the highest weekly distances in running and cycling.

Gear Trends of 2024

The report also revealed gear preferences among users. Nike Pegasus topped the list of running shoes, while Garmin dominated tracking devices. Carbon fiber-plated shoes gained popularity, and featured in 44% of marathons logged, a 14% increase from 2023.

Generational differences extended to workout apparel. Gen Z favored coordinated outfits and oversized T-shirts, while older users preferred functional, understated attire. Black remained the most popular color for workout gear, with blue showing signs of increased preference for 2025.

Strava’s 2024 Year in Sport report underscores a broader cultural shift toward sustainable and social fitness practices, setting the stage for continued fitness growth and inclusivity in 2025.