Generational and gendered perceptions of weightlifting: a cross-sectional survey

This study aimed to describe perceptions of weightlifting across generations, and to examine differences toward women and youth cross-generationally.

295 Participants (40.1 ± 16.3 [18-78] years, 62.4% female) completed an electronic survey capturing demographics, weightlifting history, and weightlifting perceptions. An adapted version of the Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale (MOEES) assessed weightlifting perceptions using a 5-point Likert scale (1- Strongly Disagree to 5-Strongly Agree). Participants completed the MOEES for themselves and for four randomized case scenarios (8-year-old child, 15-year-old teen, 30-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man). Participants were grouped by birth year (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation). Kruskal-Wallis tests assessed differences in MOEES scores by generational group. Pairwise comparisons were performed with Bonferroni-adjusted p-values (p < 0.05).

Baby Boomers reported less favorable perceptions than Gen Z and Millennials for their own participation in weightlifting (Baby Boomers vs. Gen Z, p = 0.002; Baby Boomers vs. Millennials, p<0.001) and for men's participation (Baby Boomers vs. Gen Z, p < 0.001; Baby Boomers vs. Millennials (p = 0.001). For women, greater differences were observed, with Baby Boomers reporting less favorable perceptions than Gen Z (p < 0.001) and Millennials (p < 0.001). Less consistent trends were observed for the youth scenarios. For the teen scenario, Baby Boomers reported significantly lower perceptions compared to Gen Z (p < 0.001) and Millennials (p = 0.019). For the child, Baby Boomers differed from Gen Z and Millennials with lower scores (p = 0.005-0.034). Similarly, Gen X indicated significantly lower perceptions compared to Millennials (p = 0.024).

The results highlight less favorable perceptions of weightlifting among older generations, with declining expectations across multiple domains for each older generation. These findings underscore the need for targeted education on the safety and efficacy of weightlifting, particularly for individuals from older generations.