Strava Releases Annual Year in Sport Trend Report, Revealing That Working Out Is No Longer About Burning Out

New global data highlights a shift toward more balanced workouts, run clubs replacing nightclubs as social hotspots, plus the year's top workout gear

SAN FRANCISCO - December 4, 2024 - Strava, the app for active people, today announced the release of its annual Year In Sport: Trend Report, which identifies the trends that shaped the global active landscape in 2024.

Strava combined the billions of unique activity data of its global community of more than 135 million people across over 190 countries, alongside insights generated from a randomized global survey of more than 5,000 active people both on and off the Strava platform.

The findings reveal how people around the world are prioritizing balance over burnout in their fitness routines, with a drive to seek social connection through their workouts. Key findings include:

Run club is the new nightclub

Findings show a huge rise in run clubs and group activities with 'making social connections' revealed as the lead motivator for people to exercise.

• Group activities boomed: A 59% increase in running club participation globally in 2024

• Fitness through friendship: 58% of survey respondents said they made new friends via fitness groups, while nearly 1 in 5 Gen Z went on a date with someone they met through exercise - and were 4x more likely to want to meet people through working out than at the bar

• Stronger bonds meant more miles: 40% average increase in activity length (runs, rides, hikes) with more than 10 people versus when alone

Burnout is out. Balance is in.

In 2024, perceptions of what it means to live an active lifestyle shifted; people favored balance over burnout, prioritizing shorter workouts and rest days in marathon training.

The days of pushing to the extremes at all costs were replaced by a more sustainable view of exercise, helping people to stay active for the long haul while prioritizing mental health and recovery.

• Rise in shorter workouts: Over one-fifth of all 'workouts' were micro-movements (under 20-minutes), helping people maintain a sustainable routine

• Recovery became a priority: Runners training for marathons added more rest and active recovery days into their schedule, with 51% of days in the 16 weeks before the race being rest days

• Benefit of stopping to socialize: Large group activities increased by 13% and had 3x more downtime than solo activities, reflecting time being made for coffee or conversation mid-workout

Strava revealed that this focus on balance didn't hold back progress - 72% of 2024 run goals were met, as were 77% of ride goals. Strava also still saw a 9% increase in the number of marathons, ultramarathons and century rides being logged this year.

Barriers are for breaking down

While balance and social connections were prioritized, they didn't hold back people from achieving their goals. In 2024, Strava's global active community challenged societal norms and defied generational stereotypes to meet their active goals.

• Boomers set the pace: Boomers and Gen X outpaced Millennials and Gen Z in both mileage and achieving respective King, or Queen of the Mountain (KOM/QOM) crowns

• Women led the way: Women were 20% more likely than men to snag a crown on Strava in 2024

• New sport uptake: Weight training was the fastest-growing sport type among women in 2024 with a 25% growth in uploads. There was also an 11% increase in the share of female cyclists on Strava this year. The share of men uploading yoga or pilates also increased by 15%

The Year in Gear

The most popular active gear of the year was uncovered - as well as the hottest workout wardrobe kit predictions for 2025.

• Runner's choice: The top running shoe was the Nike Pegasus. 5k runners tended to opt for an Apple Watch, while the Garmin Forerunner was more popular for longer distances

• Democratization of the super shoe: This year saw a 14% year-over-year increase in races completed in carbon shoes across all distances, signaling a surge in high-performance footwear

• Generational style divides: All ages agreed that coordinated outfits were the workout wardrobe item of choice - with the color blue predicted to be the new black for 2025. However, generational divides split opinion on sock length, with Gen Z favoring crew socks and Gen X voting for no-show

"This year showed that people are taking control of their active lives and moving in a way that works for them. The rise of a more relaxed workout routine that's rooted in social connection proves that working out is no longer about burning out", said Zipporah Allen, Chief Business Officer at Strava.

"We love seeing the data that shows how women are thriving, younger generations are seeking connection through workouts, and older generations are still breaking records. At Strava, every effort counts and this year's report highlights the incredible breadth and depth of achievements in our global community."

About Strava

Strava is the app for active people with more than 135 million athletes in more than 190 countries. The platform offers a holistic view of your active lifestyle, no matter where you live, which sport you love and/or what device you use. Everyone belongs on Strava when they are pursuing an active life. Join the community, find motivation and discover new experiences with a Strava subscription.

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