ABC Health’ newest report reveals an increase in AI adoption led by Gen Z, however belief points and privateness issues might stall momentum. Right here’s what the health tech firm uncovered and what it recommends for health operators
One thing surprising is occurring inside gyms this summer season, and it’s not simply the spike in foot site visitors. Amid the AI frenzy, not everybody’s offered.
ABC Health’ new Summer season 2025 Wellness Watch Report reveals how consumers are engaging with AI, who’s nonetheless skeptical and what health operators can do to maintain up.
Drawing on knowledge from 40 million members, greater than 30,000 gyms, over 500,000 health professionals and third-party analysis from ClubIntel, the report outlines the place progress and engagement alternatives are rising.
Right here’s what the health know-how firm discovered:
Summer season Stoop? Not This 12 months
Though summer season often attracts health shoppers to the seashore or barbecues as a substitute of the health club, ABC Health is reporting an 8.3% year-over-year improve in check-ins and a 27% soar in new memberships throughout gyms and studios driven largely by HVLP-loving Gen Z and Millennials. The health tech firm additionally discovered members common seven studio visits per 30 days, with health club check-ins up 15% month-to-month.
As ABC Health notes, alternative lies in tech and AI, with new instruments and knowledge rising that may assist increase each retention and acquisition.
“AI is changing into an integral a part of the member lifecycle, from the second somebody walks within the door to lengthy after they’ve joined,” ABC Health vp of AI Robert Jackson mentioned. “It’s serving to health companies personalize experiences, predict habits and automate engagement in ways in which had been by no means attainable earlier than. The long run belongs to those that use AI not simply as a instrument however as a core a part of how they function and develop.”
Boomers Aren’t Bought (But) on AI
One key discovering from ABC Health: whereas 26% of energetic shoppers say they’re “very acquainted” with AI-powered health and wellness instruments, that number plummets to just 6% among Boomers. Likewise, solely 12% of Boomers “strongly agree” that AI can help their private well being and health targets, in comparison with 33% of Gen Z and 38% of Millennials.
Amongst customers who’ve engaged with AI, 61% use it for health monitoring and 49% rely on it for nutrition. Moreover, 36% use AI for digital health coaching or producing exercises and 37% use psychological wellness apps. Gen Z reveals the best engagement total, with 64% saying they’ve used an AI health and wellness app, in comparison with 59% of Millennials, 41% of Gen X and simply 17% of Boomers.
Almost half of respondents (49%) say they use AI-powered instruments every day for health and wellness, in comparison with 30% who use them weekly, 18% sometimes and simply 4% hardly ever.
Privateness, Value & Confusion Gas Skepticism
Regardless of rising utilization, belief stays a barrier. Almost half of shoppers report working into inaccurate knowledge from AI instruments. Solely 17% of Boomers fully belief AI-driven health apps, whereas 43% of Millennials and 33% of Gen Z specific full confidence.
High issues embrace knowledge and privateness (55%) and lack of knowledge or understanding (38%), adopted intently by worries about over-reliance on know-how and value (each at 37%), lack of personalization (35%) and problem understanding or utilizing AI instruments (24%).
The Alternative
With Boomers nonetheless on the fence and privateness a rising concern, the health trade faces each a problem and a chance for long-term engagement, particularly as youthful generations proceed to set the tempo.
To remain aggressive, ABC Health urges operators to focus on personalization through adaptive coaching, tailor-made exercise plans and real-time suggestions, delivered by way of intuitive, user-friendly platforms that resonate throughout age teams.
The report additionally requires stronger privateness safeguards, together with clear knowledge insurance policies and safe storage of private well being data. Enhanced connectivity between wearables and apps is one other precedence, to make sure correct monitoring of efficiency, restoration and well being metrics.
Gamification options like leaderboards, achievement badges and interactive challenges may also drive engagement, ABC Fitness factors out. Different suggestions embrace on-demand AI exercises, digital teaching, digital communities and biometric-driven restoration suggestions to assist customers steadiness effort with relaxation.
