Treadmills are out, barbells are in: why gym-goers are abandoning cardio for weight training

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Shift in Gym Trends: Weight Training Surpasses Cardio in Popularity"

Treadmills are out, barbells are in: why gym-goers are abandoning cardio for weight training analysis cover image The Guardian 6.9
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/23/treadmills-are-out-barbells-are-in-why-gym-goers-are-abandoning-cardio-for-weight-training
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TruthLens AI Summary

The landscape of gym workouts is undergoing a significant transformation, with a marked decline in the popularity of cardiovascular exercises and a rise in strength training. This shift can be traced back to the 1961 London busmen study, which highlighted the health benefits of moderate vigorous activity, leading to a boom in cardio workouts such as running, aerobics, and rowing. However, recent trends indicate a drastic change. Since 2021, searches for cardio workouts have been steadily declining, while interest in strength training has surged. Gyms are responding to this trend by repurposing spaces traditionally allocated for cardio workouts, with some fitness chains reducing their cardio equipment by as much as 40% to accommodate more weightlifting stations. This cultural shift is largely influenced by social media, particularly TikTok, but it is not just young men driving this trend; women and older adults are also embracing weight training as part of their fitness routines.

The increasing preference for weightlifting is attributed to the perception of muscularity being linked to overall health, as well as the benefits associated with strength training, such as improved metabolism and maintained bone density. While cardio exercises have their own health benefits, including better heart and lung health, the contemporary view favors a balanced approach. Studies suggest that combining muscle-strengthening exercises with aerobic activities can lead to greater health benefits, particularly in reducing mortality risk. Despite the decline in cardio's popularity, one positive aspect is the reduced wait times for treadmill machines, allowing gym-goers to focus more on weightlifting. As fitness enthusiasts navigate this evolving landscape, they are encouraged to find a balance that incorporates both cardio and strength training for optimal health outcomes.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article provides an overview of a significant shift in gym-goers' preferences, moving away from cardio exercises towards weight training. This trend appears to be influenced by cultural changes and social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, which have altered perceptions of fitness and health.

Cultural Shift in Fitness Preferences

There is a clear trend showing a decline in interest in cardiovascular exercises, with Google search data suggesting a steady drop since 2021. In contrast, searches related to strength training have seen an increase. This shift may reflect broader societal changes in how fitness is perceived, particularly the notion that being muscular equates to being healthy. The article suggests that the appeal of weightlifting has grown among various demographics, including women and older individuals, contradicting the stereotype that only young men are interested in bulking up.

Influence of Social Media

The impact of social media influencers, especially on TikTok, plays a crucial role in shaping these trends. The article implies that the messages propagated by these influencers resonate with a broader audience, encouraging a focus on weight training as a path to health and fitness. This influence highlights the power of modern digital platforms in redefining fitness norms and preferences.

Health Implications

The article discusses the health benefits associated with both cardio and strength training. While cardio is known for its benefits on heart and lung health, weight training is emphasized for its role in muscle building, metabolism improvement, and bone density maintenance. The article stresses the importance of a balanced approach, advocating for the combination of both types of exercises for optimal health.

Potential Manipulative Elements

The way the article presents these findings may suggest an underlying agenda to promote weight training over cardio. By emphasizing a cultural shift and the influence of social media without equally weighing the benefits of cardiovascular exercises, it could be interpreted as somewhat manipulative. The language used may inadvertently create a perception that cardio is outdated or less valuable, leading to a potential misunderstanding among readers.

Public Perception and Future Trends

This trend toward weight training could have broader implications for the fitness industry. As gyms adapt their offerings to meet this demand, the reduced availability of cardio equipment may influence how fitness is marketed and consumed. The article hints that this shift could lead to changes in consumer behavior, potentially affecting the types of fitness-related products and services that are successful in the market.

Community Impact

The article seems to target a wide range of communities, particularly those interested in health, fitness, and wellbeing. By appealing to individuals who may feel disillusioned with traditional cardio workouts, it seeks to foster a sense of belonging among those who are adopting this new fitness paradigm.

Economic and Market Implications

The shift in fitness trends could impact stock prices of companies involved in fitness equipment and services. Companies that pivot to support weight training may see increased sales, while those that focus on cardio equipment may struggle. As consumer preferences change, investors will need to consider these trends when making decisions about fitness-related stocks.

Global Context

While the article primarily focuses on fitness trends within a specific demographic, it does touch on broader societal trends related to health and wellness that are relevant in today's world. The emphasis on strength training aligns with a growing global conversation about obesity, longevity, and healthy living.

AI Influence in Content Creation

There is a possibility that AI tools were utilized in crafting this article, especially in terms of data analysis and trend identification. AI models could have helped in presenting the information in an engaging manner, although the article maintains a human-like narrative style. If AI was employed, it could have influenced the selection of data points and the framing of arguments.

In conclusion, while the article discusses a legitimate cultural shift in fitness preferences, its framing may raise questions about the completeness of the information presented. By focusing heavily on the rise of weight training and the decline of cardio without a balanced exploration of both, the article may steer public perception in a specific direction.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/23/treadmills-are-out-barbells-are-in-why-gym-goers-are-abandoning-cardio-for-weight-training

Name:Cardio

Age:64

Appearance:Sweaty and red-faced; prevalent from 1961 to 2025.

What happened in 1961?The famousLondon busmen study, which showed that bus conductors had a lower incidence of coronary heart disease than bus drivers, thanks to the protective effect of moderately vigorous physical activity.

So everyone started applying to become bus conductors?No, cardiovascular exercise became a thing, with running, aerobics, rowing and spinning taking turns to be the cardio of the moment.

And what happened in 2025?People just stopped doing it.

Why? Do they prefer heart disease?They’d rather lift weights. Muscle building is in; cardio is out.

Really? These are the choices?The evidence is unmistakable. Google searches for cardio workouts have declined steadily since 2021, while those for strength training have increased.

Searching ain’t exercising– take it from someone who knows.Gyms are converting yoga studios into lifting stations to meet demand. Big US fitness chains have reduced their cardio equipment by as much as 40% to make room for more weights.

Who is responsible for this major cultural shift?As usual, it’s influencers, mostly on TikTok.

Persuading disaffected young men they need to beswoleto be whole?Actually, it’s women and older people who are driving the switch.

How come?Being muscular is now associated with being healthy, and regular weightlifting is meant to help prevent obesity and increase longevity.

And cardio doesn’t?Not so much. Cardio is good for heart and lung health and reduces high blood pressure, whereas strength training improves your metabolism and maintains bone density.

So which is actually better for you?To maintain optimum overall health, you really need to be doing both.

Somehow Iknew you were going to say that.A 2022 study found evidence thatcombining muscle-strengthening exercise with aerobic activityled to additional mortality risk reduction, with a maximum benefit coming from doing the latter three times a week and the former up to seven times.

Ten times a week? I don’t even do things I like 10 times a week.There is, of course, a fair bit of overlap: you can raise your heart rate while lifting weights, and build muscle while running uphill.

Is there any upside to cardio being suddenly unfashionable?There’s no queue for the treadmills any more.

Great. The queueing was my favourite part of going to the gym.Don’t worry – now you can queue for the squat rack instead.

Do say:“You know what keeps me fit? Struggling under the weight of society’s expectations.”

Don’t say:“If you cleared out all these rowing machines, you’d have room for a cheese counter.”

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Source: The Guardian