When the curtain fell on Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, her international support act Sabrina Carpenter could have been forgiven for stepping off the road trip treadmill and putting her dancing feet up.
But like most Zoomers – or Generation Z – Carpenter has kept the momentum going and stayed performance fit and ready.
Fuelling it? A routine of classes and self-care – from pilates to ankle weight sessions, dance rehearsals, even bubble baths.
The Espresso singer is a model of Gen Z discipline when it comes to investing in health and wellness, telling Cosmopolitan about her fitness rituals and what it takes her to get results.
“It’s not an everyday thing, by any means, but I try to balance it out however I can, and at least once or twice a week do something a little bit more disciplined,” the singer said.
“I will take a class of some sort or do a workout at home. I’ll go to pilates sometimes, with friends of mine. I love to work out with friends because it makes me feel like I’m not working out.”
According to Body+Soul’s Health of the Nation 2026 report, she’s not alone, with Gen Z Australians stepping up their total exercise – increasing the time they dedicate to fitness (up 15 minutes each week to a total of 7.0 hours).
In previous reports, this generation had suffered from a lack of motivation, but mixing up their movement has been key to kicking fitness goals.
For elite athlete Courtney Geraghty, there’s little surprise in the statistics which show running was the most popular activity (up 2 per cent to 46 per cent) this year.
“Running is accessible and adaptable. It’s easy to fit into your life, day, or night,” Geraghty told news.com.au.
Geraghty, a former Australian representative sprinter, welcomed the rise in run clubs and the interest in the sport which has taken her from Little Athletics in Alice Springs, to the international competition stage.
The remedial/sports massage therapist, who is studying biomedical science, said a greater emphasis on strength culture is a positive for those who focus on building muscle rather than bulking up for appearance.
“There are more women doing strength training as the evidence shows the benefits as you age and go through hormonal changes,” Geraghty, of Out of The Box Performance on the Sunshine Coast, said.
In fact, the report shows health motivations are increasingly centered on long-term benefits, such as longevity and aging well, rather than short-term results.
While it makes sense this is high in older generations, it’s also gaining traction with younger cohorts who see wellness as a goal.
Yoga saw the most growth (up 4 per cent to 19 per cent), as well as team sport (up 3 percent to 12 percent) – including Sabrina-style friend circle workout sessions.
While health is becoming increasingly self-directed, experts and loved ones also hold influence too.
Generation Z are also the most influenced by their friends and peers (29 percent) and parents (17 percent) and least by doctors (17 percent).
Body+Soul’s Content Director Jacqui Mooney said those looking to get healthier this year should start with small changes.
“Rather than trying to radically change your whole life, consistency and tweaks you can actually stick to long-term are the secret to success,” Mooney said.
“Choose one thing and just start, whether that’s eating a healthy breakfast or escaping your desk at lunchtime to go for a 15-minute walk.
“Over time, these small, sustainable changes can have a hugely positive impact on your health,” she said.
