The 'baby boomers', those people born between 1946 and 1964, prefer to do sports by cycling, while generation Z, born between 1996 and 2012, prefers to run, according to the annual Sports Year report prepared by the social network sports Strava, which brings together 120 million users.
Thus, athletes from the 'baby boom' generation who used the Strava application in 2023 are twice as likely to publish bicycle routes (63%) compared to running races (29%), just the opposite of those from the 'baby boom' generation. Z, who prioritize running (69%) over pedaling (36%).
However, 17% of Strava users who cycled were Gen Z, an increase of 9% compared to data collected five years ago. They use this means of transportation, according to the report, mainly to travel to work.
Another difference between these two generations that the study reveals is that baby boomers tend to exercise earlier (before 10:00 a.m.), especially on weekends, the option that represents one in two users. born at that stage.
On the other hand, Generation Z prefers to do it later (after 4:00 p.m.) and, above all, on weekdays, which is the case for one in two users in that age range.
Regarding the main motivations when doing sports, Strava indicates that they are the fact of knowing that, if they do not do it now, they will not be able to do it another time (53%), thinking about their goals (48%) and listening music (32%).
Other factors that influence when practicing sports are, according to the report, going out with their pets, something that 76% of users affirm as it is "more fun", and creating a routine, a habit that benefits 90% of they.
Regarding the main obstacles, they highlight extreme heat, which 75% of Strava users said affected their training plans in 2023, and lack of time due to work demands (more than two thirds of them). .
Other aspects that made it difficult for these people to practice sports over the past year were domestic responsibilities (especially men, 13% more likely to report this than women), and the lack of safe places (9% more common in women than in men).
As a curious fact, 84% of Strava users say that doing sports, even alone, helps them combat the feeling of loneliness.
