I’m in the middle of my workout at a well-known gym when I realize, “Yup, this is a way different experience than I had at Gold’s Gym in the 90’s.” On the fitness floor, I’m seeing everything that ACSM, Atheltech, and Classpass are predicting as trends for 2025.
This year is just going to be different.
Not only is the industry transforming. but it’s providing an amazing time to be a fitness professional. From tech advancements to big shifts in demographics and consumer preferences, there’s a new and exciting landscape in front of us.
Some of these trends could look threatening to the traditional fitness and wellness fields, but I believe businesses that can leverage their services alongside emerging tech will be the winners.
Tech is everywhere in fitness
According to many industry watchers, ACSM, wearable technology is at the forefront of fitness technology for 2025. This emphasis on data-driven training and lifestyle choices can only enhance our workout efficiency and results.
In addition, AI enriched booking software is helping studios better understand client behavior, predict their spending power, and improve the client booking experience.
Finally, mobile apps have moved up from position 20 to top two on ACSM's rankings of the top fitness trends. Speaking anecdotally, I see it all the time in my gym. Instead of paying for a personal trainer, clients are bringing their phones to the fitness floor and selecting workouts from mobile apps, social media, or streaming services.
Hybrid and remote fitness are still a thing
While we may be venturing out of our houses to go to work, many invested in home fitness equipment, so hybrid and remote training is here to stay. In fact, according to Google Data sources, there has been a 414% increase in interest in remote fitness classes. When you can train with anyone anywhere in the world, why wouldn't you?
Strength training is back
Strength training is experiencing a renaissance, and gyms are adapting by adding more and varied strength training equipment to meet consumer demands. This change is driven by a growing awareness of the benefits of resistance training, a shift away from “skinny culture,” and a new adoption of lifting mechanics. Access to sectorized equipment with on-screen instructions and social media tutorials like have a lot to do with it.
Recovery is a top priority
As clients become aware that it's not just about the burn or the lift, but overall health, their workout time now shares the stage with recovery. Compression, vibration, cryotherapy, infrared saunas, redlight, and similar modalities are becoming mainstream. Businesses that can leverage recovery that suits their clients will win in this space. From standalone recovery studios to supplemental recovery devices, we’ll need to tailor our offerings for the growing demand. Jet boots anyone?
Longevity matters
Fitness consumers understand it's not just about what you do in the gym or even in the recovery space but also what you put in your body that counts. The diet nutrition and supplement market has been on fire for years and now sustainable wellness and longevity products are poised to go hand over hand to the top of the rope. While it’s important to stay in our scope of practice, this market may be worth exploration for studios who want to expand their offerings.
Demographic specific training is on the rise
There's a growing demand for fitness practitioners who understand how to cater to specific populations. Consumers will look for health professionals who can work with older adults, differently abled, those seeking weight loss, younger clients, sports specific training, or ultimate performance. When a business can upscale their current staff’s education to incorporate specialized training for different demographics, they're going to win.
Influencers give fitness businesses a boost
It used to be that Oprah influenced most of what America purchased, but now fitness personalities on social media are where you can see the latest trends emerging before they even appear in your business. Body weight training specifically is leading the way because it’s approachable and equipment-free. Influencers shape the trends that we see in our studios. Keeping track of what is happening on social media (as well as knowing what will be a short-lived trend) will help you understand where to consider placing resources in the future.
Creative staffing techniques will help you win
The reality for us who own brick and mortar businesses is that these trends will mean nothing without a great staff. For as long as I've been in HR and the fitness world, this has been the number one challenge for most business owners.
How do you attract talent (and clients) in a market as competitive as ours? It starts with your employer brand and your employee value proposition. It’s important to know, “Why would a highly talented person come to work for you?” When you can clearly articulate your culture, your mission, benefits and the employee growth opportunities in your business, you will stand out as a sought-after employer.
Consumers have more opportunities to improve their health and wellness than ever before. Innovations in tech increase the availability of health resources to more people every year. Keep an eye on these trends and find ways to incorporate them into your business in 2025.
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