HEALTH AND FITNESS: Fitness trends for 2025

There seems to always be something new in the fitness world. Whether it is a new piece of equipment in the gym, a new exercise class or a new device or app to help you improve, the fitness industry is constantly evolving. Some of these become popular enough that they are considered “trends,” attracting attention from fitness experts and people who exercise.

Here are the top 10 fitness trends to look for in 2025, compiled from a survey of fitness professionals by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

1. Wearable fitness technology. From activity trackers to heart rate monitors to devices that do both and more, the newest “wearables” are sophisticated tools for recording your steps per day, distance you run and calories you burn. Make sure to pick the device that meets your needs… and your budget, as they can get expensive!

2. Mobile exercise apps. There are many popular apps that make it easy to get customizable fitness and health programming. New and experienced exercisers can benefit from ideas and instructions for safe, effective exercises. These apps often connect with and provide feedback based on wearables, so it makes sense that apps rank highly on the list this year.

3. Fitness programs for older adults. Now that people are living longer, staying healthy and active in old age is a priority for many. Exercise can improve strength and endurance to help people who are recovering from cancer or other chronic illness and allow older adults to enjoy an active lifestyle.

4. Exercise for weight loss. Usually combined with some form of dietary changes, exercise can add to weight loos and prevent regain. This traditionally includes aerobic exercise, but now there is an emphasis on maintaining muscle and building strength.

5. Strength training with free weights. In addition to building or toning muscles, strength training can make everyday activities easier, help maintain bone mass and promote weight loss. All resistance training is beneficial, but working out with free weights can promote bigger improvements and can be incorporated into other types of exercise.

6. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which uses repeated cycles of short, maximal or near-maximal exercise alternated with short rest periods. These HIIT sessions typically last less than 30 minutes but lead to fitness improvements that exceed those of traditional longer-duration training.

7. Data-driven training technology. Commonly used through wearable technology and connected apps, data-driven training technology can help people understand the how they respond to exercise and other health activities, like eating, sleep and stress. This can allow people to tailor their lifestyle to meet specific health goals.

8. Exercise for mental health. This trend focuses on exercise as a way to improve mental health, including reducing feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. This is part of a broader recognition that mental health is an important issue for everyone, and taking steps – literally, through exercise – is a healthy way to improve it.

9. Functional fitness training. This involves using strength, balance and movement training to enhance the ability to perform a wide range of physical activities. For example, athletes have long used functional fitness training to target the movements they utilize in their sport, but the same principle holds true for occupational demands and activities of daily living.

10. Health and wellness coaching. This goes beyond the exercise leadership that personal trainers provide. Trained and certified coaches use principles of behavior modification to build supportive relationships in health and lifestyle medicine programs. True to the expectations of a coach, they provide guidance, support and motivation to help clients build and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Whether you decide to follow a fitness trend or not, make sure you dedicate time every day to be active. Health and fitness will always be trendy!