The line graph illustrates the number of European people across four age groups—18-24, 25-34, 35-44, and over 45—who visited gyms at least once a month from 1990 to 2010.
Overall, all four age groups followed an overall upward trend in gym visits over the two decades. Interestingly, increases were generally steeper among the younger demographics.
In 1990, 10% of the 25-34 age group visited gyms at least monthly, making them the most frequent gym-goers, while the youngest demographic (aged 18-24) followed closely at approximately 9%. Thereafter, the former rose steadily to peak at 50% in 2010. In comparison, the younger group increased more steeply, intersecting the other group at 28% in 1998—the point from which it maintained its lead. This was followed by continued growth, peaking at nearly 60% in 2002, dipping to 50% 4 years later, before recovering to 60% again by 2010.
In comparison, the two older groups showed lower levels of gym visits. In 1990, those aged 35-44 recorded 6%, then rising gradually to 22% in 2006, before surging to 40% by 2010. Similarly, the 45+ age group also increased, albeit more slowly: it rose from 4% in 1990 to 10% in 2000, where it remained until 2004 before growing sharply to 21% by the end of the period.
These trends indicate that gyms grew in popularity with all four demographics throughout the period, with those aged 25-34 and later 18-24 being their foremost patrons, followed by the 35-44 group, and finally those aged over 45.