Fitness trends for 2025: What gyms and trainers can expect

It’s almost 2025, and a new year means new developments in the fitness world. Fitness professionals look forward to trends every year that not only strengthen their services and programs but also align with the changing needs and expectations of members. The year 2025 promises yet again to bring changes, with a strong emphasis on technology, wellness, and functionality. These are the fitness trends for 2025!

Before we delve into these new trends in detail, let’s first take a look back at 2024 and some of the key developments in the fitness industry.

Reflecting on 2024: the most impactful fitness trends

In 2024, we saw a strong focus on personalized fitness experiences, where AI-powered wearables and apps made it possible to tailor workouts more effectively to individual needs. Holistic health, emphasizing mental and physical balance, gained more attention, while virtual workouts remained popular for their accessibility and flexibility. Sustainability became a significant theme, with gyms investing in eco-friendly equipment and practices. High-intensity training and strength training retained their popularity, while outdoor sports and inclusivity increasingly took center stage.

With this strong foundation in mind, 2025 is set to deepen these themes, combined with some exciting new trends. Here are the fitness trends for 2025 that gyms, personal trainers, and fitness professionals can consider to keep inspiring clients and stand out.

1. Wearable technology and advanced fitness apps
The role of technology in fitness continues to grow. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), wearable technology, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, remains the number one trend. These wearables now go beyond basic metrics like heart rate and calorie burn, offering advanced features such as blood oxygen saturation, heart rate variability (HRV), sleep cycles, and recovery tracking. This helps users fine-tune their workouts to their physical condition at any given time of the day.

How to leverage this trend:

• Personalized training: Encourage members to share data from their wearables with trainers. Using this data, trainers can develop tailored workout plans that better match the client’s physical and mental state at a specific time.
• Educational workshops: Regularly organize workshops where members learn how to maximize the potential of their wearables to improve performance. These sessions can offer insights into recovery, sleep, HRV, and training intensity.
• Community-building through technology: Offer an online platform where members can share their progress, participate in challenges, and compare performances with others. This fosters engagement and provides extra motivation to achieve goals.

2. Fitness programs for older adults
As the population ages, the demand for specialized fitness programs for older adults is increasing. While gyms traditionally focused on younger and middle-aged adults, there is now more attention for seniors who want to stay active. These programs target not only strength and cardio but also mobility, balance, and injury prevention.

How to leverage this trend:

• Structured senior programs: Develop a fixed schedule of classes specifically designed for older adults, focusing on balance, mobility, and functional strength. These may include fall prevention exercises and other safety measures tailored to their physical capabilities.
• Trainer certifications in senior fitness: Invest in senior fitness training for your trainers. Special certifications make them more skilled at working with older adults, enhancing both safety and effectiveness.
• Social activities and networking events: Host monthly social events for seniors to build a supportive community, boosting engagement and customer satisfaction.

3. Movement for weight loss
With the rising global obesity epidemic, the demand for weight loss programs in the fitness industry is higher than ever. Alexios Batrakoulis, PhD, emphasizes the importance of training programs specifically targeting individuals with higher body fat percentages. Effective weight loss programs can improve health, enhance quality of life, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, making them highly valuable to a broad audience.

How to leverage this trend:

• Develop dedicated weight loss programs: Create programs specifically aimed at weight loss, combining cardio and strength training with progressive intensity. These programs can be tailored for beginners or individuals with obesity, helping them safely and effectively reach their goals.
• Offer nutrition and lifestyle coaching: Collaborate with nutritionists or dietitians to guide members in healthy eating and lifestyle changes. A holistic approach often leads to greater success.
• Use technology to track progress: Leverage apps or wearables to help members monitor their progress. These tools can provide valuable insights into calorie burn, activity levels, and recovery, keeping members motivated.
• Create a supportive community: Weight loss can be an emotional journey for many people. Organize weekly or monthly group sessions where members can share their experiences and successes, fostering a motivating and understanding environment.

4. Traditional strength training
Traditional strength training remains a key trend in the fitness world, and for good reason. According to Nicholas A. Ratamess, PhD, strength training is proven to improve physical and mental health, quality of life, and athletic performance. It builds muscle mass, strengthens bones, and enhances mobility, which is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This makes strength training relevant for both younger and older members seeking to preserve their physical function and vitality.

How to leverage this trend:

• Expand your range of strength training options: Offer a wide variety of equipment, from barbells and dumbbells to squat racks and resistance bands.
• Introduce periodization and progressive overload: Offer strength training programs incorporating principles of periodization and progressive overload, allowing members to build strength step by step.
• Educate members on proper techniques: Organize workshops and educational sessions on the basics of strength training, such as proper posture and the importance of rest days.
• Tailor programs for diverse groups: Strength training is beneficial for all demographics, including seniors and beginners. Create programs catering to these groups to meet their unique needs.
• Small group strength classes: Offer small group classes with a focus on strength training, providing a motivating environment with personalized guidance.

5. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT remains a leading trend in 2025 due to its efficiency and effectiveness. It offers a combination of short, intense bursts of activity followed by rest periods, making it a time-efficient option for calorie burning and cardiovascular improvement. HIIT also appeals to a wide range of members, from time-conscious individuals to athletes looking to enhance endurance.

How to leverage this trend:

• Structured HIIT classes with specific goals: Offer HIIT classes tailored to goals like fat burning, strength endurance, or mobility. Categorizing classes allows members to choose what best aligns with their personal objectives, enhancing engagement.
• Personalize HIIT with fitness data: Use data from fitness wearables to adjust the intensity of HIIT sessions to suit members' fitness levels and recovery capacity. This ensures that sessions remain challenging yet safe.
• Intensive coaching in small group settings: Conduct small group classes where trainers can closely monitor participants, ensuring proper technique and encouraging maximum effort.
• Offer diverse HIIT formats:
  • Bodyweight HIIT: No equipment, ideal for beginners or those training at home.
  • Weighted HIIT: Incorporate light weights to add a strength component, appealing to those aiming to burn fat and build muscle simultaneously.
  • Core-focused HIIT: Combine intense cardio with core-strengthening exercises for enhanced stability and overall fitness.
  • Hybrid HIIT: Blend HIIT with elements of yoga or Pilates for a balanced session targeting flexibility, strength, and endurance.
  • Outdoor HIIT sessions: Organize sessions in parks or gym outdoor spaces during warmer months, providing members with a refreshing and varied training environment.

6. Group training with technology
Technology is revolutionizing group training, with innovations like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) creating immersive workout experiences. This trend elevates group dynamics and is particularly effective for HIIT and other high-energy classes.

How to leverage this trend:

• Introduce VR and AR group classes: Invest in VR/AR technology to create immersive experiences, such as virtual HIIT sessions or boxing classes where participants feel as though they’re in a simulated environment.
• Train instructors to integrate technology: Ensure instructors are equipped to use VR/AR effectively, enhancing the quality and safety of classes.
• Combine technology with social interaction: Add virtual leaderboards or challenges to group classes, encouraging competition and camaraderie among members.

7. Mindfulness and mental health
As the importance of mental health continues to grow, mindfulness and stress management are becoming integral parts of fitness programs. Yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises are gaining popularity, emphasizing a balanced approach to physical and mental well-being.

How to leverage this trend:

• Incorporate mindfulness into programs: Offer classes that combine yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques, giving members the opportunity to recover both physically and mentally.
• Create relaxation spaces: Designate a quiet area in the gym for members to unwind, meditate, or do a light warm-up, fostering a balanced and calm environment.
• Train staff in mental health support: Provide trainers with tools to incorporate mindfulness and stress management techniques into fitness sessions, adding value to their guidance.

8. Functional fitness
Functional fitness continues to thrive in 2025, focusing on movements that enhance strength, balance, and coordination for everyday activities. Its versatility appeals to everyone from beginners to advanced athletes, as well as older adults looking to maintain their mobility and independence.

How to leverage this trend:

• Design a dedicated functional fitness zone: Equip a specific area with kettlebells, resistance bands, plyo boxes, sleds, and battle ropes to support functional movements.
• Offer structured programs: Create training plans that focus on improving practical strength and mobility, tailored for groups such as seniors or post-rehabilitation clients.
• Host functional fitness competitions: Organize events or challenges featuring functional exercises like sled pushes, battle rope drills, and kettlebell swings. These create a competitive and motivating environment.
• Provide small group functional fitness classes: Trainers can closely monitor technique and ensure safety during these sessions, especially when incorporating complex movements.
• Educational workshops: Offer workshops that teach members how functional fitness can enhance their daily lives, especially for older adults or those recovering from injury.

9. Health and wellness coaching
Health and wellness coaching is gaining traction in 2025, focusing on integrating behavioral science principles into health and lifestyle programs. Coaches help members with broader aspects of wellness, including nutrition, sleep, stress management, and resilience, promoting sustainable positive changes.

How to leverage this trend:

• Train staff in wellness coaching certifications: Invest in programs like those offered by WellCoaches® and ACSM to equip trainers with evidence-based techniques for guiding behavior change.
• Offer holistic coaching packages: Combine physical training with support for other wellness factors such as sleep hygiene, stress reduction, and balanced nutrition.
• Provide 1-on-1 coaching sessions: Personal sessions can address members’ individual wellness goals, offering tailored advice on time management, healthy eating, and managing stress.
• Host group wellness workshops: Cover themes like mindfulness, meal planning, and stress management, providing members with practical tools and a supportive group setting.
• Integrate mental health into coaching: Include mindfulness practices and stress management techniques in wellness plans, ensuring a comprehensive approach to well-being.

Conclusion fitness trends for 2025

The fitness trends for 2025 highlight the increasing importance of technology, holistic health, and functional training. By embracing wearable technology, mindfulness, health coaching, and tailored programs, fitness professionals can better meet the needs of their diverse clientele.

Whether you run a gym, work as a personal trainer, or are a fitness professional, these trends offer countless opportunities to enhance your services and stand out in the competitive market. By adopting these trends and actively supporting members, you can increase customer satisfaction and strengthen your position in the industry.

Ready to prepare your gym for 2025? Do you need new equipment or help with designing your gym? Contact us, our team is happy to help!