We check out the 2025 ACSM worldwide fitness trends and consider the future direction of the health and fitness industry.
The results of the annual ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal® worldwide survey to determine the 2025 worldwide fitness trends are in. The results are gathered from data collected from thousands of practitioners and researchers, and the 2025 survey polled professionals on 45 trends from seven different categories. Respondents were asked to rate trends on a scale of one (least likely to be a trend) to 10 (most likely to be a trend). The results, which forecast trends that will have a substantial impact on the industry, are used by decision makers to direct investments and remain at the forefront of the industry.
Wearable technology retains its 2022-2024 position as the top trend for 2025, encompassing devices such as smart watches, heart rate monitors and other fitness trackers. Sticking with the tech theme, mobile exercise apps move from position seven to the second spot in the list for 2025, incorporating smartphone and related applications that aid in exercise performance and programming. A non-mover at number three is fitness programmes for older adults, demonstrating a continued focus on wellness in the ageing population.
The 2025 list of trends is more tech heavy than previous years, with new entry data-driven training technology entering the list at number seven. This trend looks at leveraging real-time and other tracked data to tailor exercise and health programming. Meanwhile, personal training, which has been a long-term fixture in the top 10, is no longer in the top 10 for 2025.
Here are the top 10:
- Wearable tech
- Mobile exercise apps
- Fitness programmes for older adults
- Exercise for weight loss
- Traditional strength training
- High-intensity interval training
- Data-driven training technology
- Exercise for mental health
- Functional fitness training
- Health/wellness coaching
Teresa Wheatley, FitPro’s Executive Director, commented on the 2025 fitness trends, saying, “The continued trend for fitness for older adults is something we see reflected in the FitPro community, and the growing popularity of our CPD courses related to special populations, show us that this is a trend not slowing down anytime soon.”
What do you think about these trends – is there anything in here that you’re doing right now, or want to develop in 2025? If you’ve got a favourite, why not tell us on our socials: Facebook or Instagram and tag us in to get the conversation started?
