Over one third of Gen z will swap beer for barbells this Boxing Day

• 35% of Gen Z plan to hit the gym on Boxing Day - more than double the national average (16%)
• Men are almost twice as likely as women to work out on 26 December (21% vs 12%)
• Top motivations: ‘me time’ or a personal reset (31%), keeping fitness routines on track (30%), burning off Christmas indulgence (28%)
• 18% of Brits have visited the gym on Boxing Day before, with 9% keeping up the ritual for five years or more

Once known as one of the quietest days in the fitness calendar, Boxing Day is fast becoming a go-to moment for Brits to reclaim time for themselves. New research from David Lloyd Clubs shows that a significant proportion of the nation plan to head to the gym this Boxing Day, led by younger generations and those seeking calm between Christmas celebrations.

Across the country, members are opting for gym workouts, swimming, group classes and spa visits as they carve out time for mental and physical reset. With motivations rooted more in self-care than guilt, the findings highlight a broader cultural move toward fitness as an everyday foundation of wellbeing - even during the festive season.

Gen Z are leading a national Boxing Day fitness boom, with 35% planning to hit the gym this year - more than double the national average of 16%. Men are also nearly twice as likely as women to work out on 26 December (21% vs 12%), signalling a growing nationwide shift toward festive fitness.

David Lloyd Clubs reveals a surge in members intending to visit its clubs on Boxing Day, driven by a desire for personal reset, routine, and wellbeing during the festive lull. The most common motivations include wanting ‘me time’ or a personal reset (31%), staying on track with fitness routines (30%), burning off Christmas Day indulgence (28%), and relaxing after the stress of the big day (24%).

This isn’t a fleeting trend, 18% of Brits say they have visited the gym on Boxing Day before, with almost one in ten (9%) having done so for five years or more, proving the day is rapidly becoming a long-term wellness ritual.

Those who have made Boxing Day workouts a tradition say it has become an important anchor between the chaos of Christmas Day and the return to everyday life. With nearly one in five already embracing the ritual in previous years,and new participants joining annually,the trend shows no signs of slowing.

“Boxing Day is no longer just a day for relaxation at home,” says Michelle Dand, Head of Product and Programming at David Lloyd Clubs. “This festive season, our members are using the day to reset, reconnect, and reinforce healthy habits at their local Clubs. The rise in Boxing Day workouts shows how the festive period is becoming a key time to build long-term wellness - rather than waiting for January to start fresh.”

For further information contact the David Lloyd Clubs Press Team at [email protected]

Research conducted by Opinium in a survey of 2,000 UK adults in December 2025.

About David Lloyd Leisure Group

David Lloyd Leisure helps members to live life better with a focus on physical and mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging. We are Europe’s leading premium health and wellness group operating 136 clubs – 107 clubs in the UK and a further 29 clubs across mainland Europe, comprising three brands David Lloyd Clubs, Harbour Clubs and David Lloyd Meridian Spa and Fitness in Germany.

David Lloyd Clubs’ premium facilities are unparalleled. We continually innovate to offer the best products and services for families and individuals in welcoming surroundings including state-of-the-art gyms, heated indoor and outdoor pools, well-equipped group exercise studios, luxurious spas, kids club facilities and crèches. We also have the broadest range of racquet sports including tennis, padel, pickleball and badminton. Our Clubrooms offer a place to spend time with friends and family or enjoy a bite to eat. Our clubs also feature large and inviting spaces to work, relax and socialise.

Our 800,000+ members and over 11,500 team members make a positive impact on the communities and environment in which we operate. We pride ourselves in employing the best experts in the industry, including health and wellness specialists, group exercise instructors and PTs, as well as racquets coaches and swim coaches.