Treadmills are out, barbells are in: why gym-goers are abandoning cardio for weight training

In 1961, physical activity led to the rise of cardiovascular exercises like running and aerobics as a way to stay fit, but by 2025, people had moved away from traditional cardio in favor of strength training. The shift was partly influenced by social media influencers on TikTok targeting disaffected young men, yet women and older individuals have been driving this change due to the association of muscle with health benefits like preventing obesity and boosting longevity. While both cardio and strength training offer unique advantages—for heart health versus metabolic improvement—they coexist optimally when combined for overall health.