Gen Z isn’t working out the old-fashioned way. Fitness here has become a movement literally. From rooftop parkour to late-night padel matches, young people are reshaping what it means to stay active. Vivaan Shenoy walks us through how Gen Z keep fit in 2025.
Padel, a fast-paced blend of tennis and squash, has become the go-to social sport. Courts are popping up from Dubai Design District to Yas Island, and bookings are filled with teens and young adults looking to compete, vibe, and post it on the ‘Gram.
Then there’s parkour urban movement classes are booming, with Gen Z scaling structures and flipping over railings like real-life action stars. The thrill is real, and so is the discipline.
Mix in group runs at Kite Beach, CrossFit-style warehouse workouts, rooftop yoga, and beach calisthenics, and it’s clear: the gym is being replaced by the city itself.
Dance-based fitness is also surging in popularity. Whether it’s hip-hop choreography in boutique studios, K-pop-inspired Zumba sessions, or TikTok-style group routines, movement and music are blending into high-energy, expressive workouts that feel more like parties than training.
For Gen Z in the UAE, fitness isn’t a chore, it’s culture, energy, and community. And they’re just getting started.