6 corporate fitness trends that will definitively shape 2025

I see employers providing targeted support for employees taking weight loss medications in the following ways in 2025:

• Fitness and personal training programs. Personalized training programs, guided by certified trainers, provide employees with workout routines that align with their weight loss goals and accommodate any side effects they may experience, like fatigue or nausea.
• Lifestyle coaching for accountability and goal setting. Coaches can work with employees to set realistic, sustainable goals, providing encouragement, motivation, and accountability to make healthy lifestyle changes alongside their weight loss medication. 
• Educational support. Providing workshops or resources on how weight loss medications work, potential side effects, and strategies for dealing with those side effects can help employees feel more informed and supported.

By offering these tailored resources, employers create an environment where employees can maximize the benefits of weight loss medications, improving their overall health and engagement at work.

Continued—and different—support for mental health

Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults’ lives with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Employees are more vocal about their mental health needs and a growing number of companies are prioritizing mental health support to improve employee wellbeing.

Physical activity can have a profound impact on mental health, and many studies have shown its positive effects on emotional wellbeing, such as reducing stress, improving mood, boosting self-esteem, and reducing anxiety.

In the year ahead, I think more companies will offer fitness and wellness challenges, and educational meet ups that focus on topics including social wellbeing, sleep, winter blues, to meet these evolving needs.

I also think you’ll see more companies employ coaches who are Mental Health First Aide certified. Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based education program (similar to CPR) that trains participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.

A bigger focus on post workout recovery

Recovery is just as important as the workout itself, and in 2025, more companies will invest in recovery rooms and spaces to help employees recharge both physically and mentally. These spaces are designed to aid muscle recovery, reduce stress, and prevent burnout.

These recovery rooms and spaces often include:

• Massage chairs and foam rollers to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation after intense physical activity.
• Cryotherapy and saunas to accelerate muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and boost circulation.
• Quiet zones where employees can meditate, practice mindfulness, or simply take a few minutes to rest and restore their energy.

By providing these recovery-focused amenities, companies are recognizing the need to balance activity with relaxation, reducing injury risk while supporting mental wellbeing.

More cohort-based specialty training

Companies recognize the importance of creating community and encouraging employees to move together. Group and cohort-based training fosters a sense of camaraderie and motivates employees to stay active and accountable by making exercise social, fun and accessible.

Many companies are diversifying their offerings when it comes to group training programs. Classes are evolving to offer broader appeal and match experiences that are often found at boutique fitness studios. Think high-intensity, time-efficient classes like HIIT, Tabata and circuit training. Or fun, high-energy classes like Zumba, dance cardio or boxercise. Or strength and rhythm classes like POUND, Rockout or Kettlebells.

I’m also seeing more employees buddying up and gravitating towards goal-based training, working in smaller groups and cohorts to take on challenges and tackle their health and fitness goals. Whether these employees are training for their next race or grouping up to create healthy habits to address topics like weight loss for women over 40, in 2025 we will see these programs continue to evolve.

Assisted stretching programs will continue to gain popularity

As more employees experience the negative effects of sedentary work environments, like stiffness and musculoskeletal discomfort, stretching programs are becoming a vital part of corporate fitness offerings. Assisted stretching focuses on improving flexibility, range of motion to reduce post-workout soreness, muscle tension and joint pain.

Most assisted stretching programs involve an initial consultation with a fitness professional that typically includes basic biometrics and a movement assessment. Guided stretching sessions usually follow, led by trained professionals who assist employees with deep stretches to improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle tightness.

Assisted stretching helps alleviate tension and stiffness, promotes better posture, and enhances overall physical comfort, contributing to a healthier, more productive workforce.

These corporate recreational sports programs often feature:

• Team-based sports like basketball, soccer, or volleyball, which encourage collaboration.
• Pick-up games and leagues that offer employees regular opportunities to join games or participate in company-wide sports leagues.
• Outdoor events like cycling challenges or company-wide 5Ks.

Recreational sports not only improve fitness, but they also provide employees with stress relief and a chance to build stronger relationships with their coworkers.

What will you incorporate in 2025?

As companies increasingly prioritize employee health and wellness, the corporate fitness trends of 2025 are taking a more personalized, holistic approach. From support for weight loss medications and mental health, to post workout recovery to assisted stretching, these programs reflect a shift toward comprehensive, inclusive wellness offerings that go beyond traditional corporate fitness models.

By embracing these trends and incorporating just a few into your 2025 plans, you can help improve employee health, increase productivity, and create a more engaged, resilient workforce.

Ann Wyatt is the vice president and chief client success leader at HealthFitness.