Colleen Keating, chief executive of Planet Fitness, outlines why Gen Z favors strength work inside modern gyms. She links shifts in equipment, floor layout, and marketing to new Fitness Trends. Her view ties youth preferences to broader moves in Health and Wellness and to evolving Exercise Habits among young adults.
Keating highlights a push toward approachable strength options that boost Workout Motivation. Planet Fitness frames this within a judgment-free culture aimed at easing entry for first timers and returning members. The strategy helped membership momentum after leadership changes in 2024 and shaped the brand focus into 2026.
In this piece you will read specific moves Planet Fitness uses to reach younger members, practical routines for youth fitness, and clear steps you can apply today. Examples include beginner strength circuits, layout tweaks for inclusive gyms, and messaging that respects individual goals. Each section ends with a key insight you can use.
Colleen Keating on Gen Z Strength Training priorities
Keating points to three priorities from young members. First, functional strength that supports daily life. Second, short sessions that fit busy schedules. Third, clear progress markers to sustain motivation.
Planet Fitness adjusted equipment mixes and offered guided stations to meet these needs. Trainers present simple progression plans. The result improved retention among younger cohorts in multiple test markets.
Key insight. Targeted strength offerings reduce intimidation and increase consistency for youth fitness.
How the CEO turned culture into a strength training advantage
Keating reframed the judgment-free message around strength training. The pitch emphasizes steady progress over aesthetics. Staff training shifted toward encouragement and clear cues.
Planet Fitness opened more strength-first zones and promoted them on social channels. The move attracted members who seek practical gains rather than image goals. Local teams reported faster onboarding for new lifters.
Key insight. Culture changes create an environment where Gen Z accepts strength work sooner.
Fitness Trends shaping Gen Z exercise habits in 2026
Gen Z prefers short, measurable workouts. Hybrid schedules blend in-person sessions and brief digital coaching. Recovery and wellness content ranks high alongside strength programming.
Data from gym rollouts show average session times shrinking while frequency increased. Youth fitness habits favor frequent, focused work over long single workouts. Brands that match that tempo show stronger engagement.
Key insight. Meeting youth where they train, in time and tone, yields faster habit formation.
Practical workout motivation for youth fitness
Start with simple wins. Track one metric per session, such as reps or load. Celebrate progress openly with peers.
Use brief circuits that blend compound lifts and bodyweight moves. Offer options for home sessions and gym sessions. Provide clear progressions for three phases: beginner, intermediate, consolidated strength.
For routine templates see the workout strength training guide and the ultimate guide to strength training.
Key insight. Small measurable goals sustain motivation and speed progress for young trainees.
Actionable strength routines aligned with Planet Fitness strategy
Design routines around accessibility. Use three sessions a week. Prioritize full body moves early in each week. Keep sessions under 40 minutes to suit busy schedules.
- Session A Compound push pull legs. Example moves, bench press, row, squat.
- Session B Strength circuit with kettlebell swings, lunges, pull downs.
- Session C Mobility and load work. Example moves, Romanian deadlift, plank progressions.
- Include one guided gym visit to learn form each month.
- Offer a home alternative from the build a home strength training routine resource for travel or busy weeks.
For technical cues review the strength training techniques hub. For empowerment stories see the article on strength training and women empowerment.
Key insight. Short structured plans that include gym and home options remove barriers to consistent strength training.
Case study: a Millennial coach and a Gen Z trainee
Coach Maria built a 12-week plan for Liam, a 20-year-old student. She focused on consistency, not heavy loading early. Liam tracked reps and recovered better with short mobility sessions.
After eight weeks Liam lifted more, felt less fatigue, and joined group sessions. The coach logged adjustments while keeping progress visible. Planet Fitness staff noted similar wins across test sites.
Key insight. Coaching that prioritizes consistency and feedback accelerates confidence and results.
Our opinion
Colleen Keating steered Planet Fitness toward strength offerings that match youth preferences. The approach prioritizes accessibility, short sessions, and clear progress markers. Brands that adopt similar steps will attract and retain young members.
For practical next steps use the routines and technique links above. Track one clear metric per session. Share progress publicly to boost social accountability and Workout Motivation.
Final insight. Aligning facility design, coaching style, and messaging with Gen Z habits creates a sustainable path for youth fitness growth.