Gen Z Is Ditching Their Phones (And You Need to Pay Attention)

Hey team,

Something wild is happening with Gen Z that's about to flip the entire fitness industry on its head.

What's happening: Two new surveys just came out, and the data is honestly shocking. 81% of Gen Z in the US wish it were easier to unplug from their devices. 68% of British Gen Z say time online makes them feel worse, and they'd actually support a digital curfew. 78% of Americans prefer a 100% in-real-life social experience.

Wait, what? Gen Z, the generation everyone said would never look up from their phones, is actively trying to escape them. They're downloading digital detox apps like Roots, Brick, and Steppin. They're buying "dumb phones" like the Light Phone that only make calls and send texts. They're flocking to phone-free run crews, supper clubs, and wellness spaces. They're booking off-grid travel experiences with companies like FTLO and Black Tomato.

Nearly half of young consumers say they'd rather live in a world without internet.

Here's the kicker: 72% feel at peace when they unplug, but 44% report anxiety about doing it.They want to disconnect. They know they should. But they can't figure out how.And honestly? If you're a coach, this is a massive opportunity. But only if you understand what's actually happening here.

Why This Should Change How You Think About Your Business:

1. Your Tech Stack Might Be Pushing Clients Away

Look, I get it. For the past decade, we've been told: "Go digital. Build an app. Track everything. Be in your clients' pockets 24/7."And that made sense for a while. I even have a digital coaching business myself.

But here's what I'm seeing now: my younger clients are exhausted by screens. They're not impressed by another app they have to download, another login they have to remember, another thing pinging them with notifications. I had a 26-year-old client tell me last month: "I love working with you, but honestly? If I had to use another fitness app, I probably wouldn't have signed up."That hit me hard. Because I used to think more tech = more value. Now I'm realizing: sometimes less tech = more value. I started running "phone-free training sessions" about six months ago. Clients put their phones in a locker when they walk in. No filming sets for Instagram. No checking notifications between exercises. Just 60 minutes of being present. You know what happened?

My retention for younger clients went up. And clients started referring friends specifically because of this policy."My trainer has a no-phone rule, and it's honestly the best hour of my week."People are starving for permission to put their phones down. Give them that, and they'll pay you for it.