Top Fitness Trends of 2025
Fitness is evolving and staying ahead means understanding what’s driving change. From wearable technology that tracks progress to programs designed for older adults, the trends shaping 2025 offer gyms and trainers opportunities to improve member experiences and outcomes. Dr. Karlie Intlekofer, Global Wellness Researcher at Matrix Fitness, joined Health & Fitness Association President and CEO Liz Clark to discuss these key trends and how they’re influencing the future of fitness. Whether you're looking to engage members more effectively or adapt your offerings, these insights are essential.
Wearable Technology
Wearables continue to lead fitness trends, offering tools that track heart rate, recovery, sleep and more. These devices give members valuable insights into how their daily routines impact their performance.
“Wearables now offer metrics like heart rate variability, oxygen saturation and sleep quality, helping users understand how lifestyle choices affect their performance,” said Dr. Intlekofer. “They inspire users to form habits by making data meaningful and actionable.”
Integrating wearables with gym equipment and apps creates opportunities to engage members and help them succeed. Dr. Intlekofer explained, “We’re prioritizing integration so it’s a fast process to get on the equipment and all the technology is talking to each other on the back end.” Trainers can use wearable data to create more effective workouts, keeping members motivated and improving outcomes.
Exercise Apps
Exercise apps have become an essential part of fitness routines, offering features like personalized plans, progress tracking and interactive experiences that keep members engaged.
“Apps are helping people feel prepared for that active lifestyle they’re after,” said Dr. Intlekofer. “They give timely nudges, words of encouragement, or motivation, depending on what the user needs.”
Facility-branded apps add extra value by giving members access to exclusive content, reminders and insights into their progress. “Facility-linked apps are becoming more of a consumer expectation. They help members stay connected and engaged with the brand,” Dr. Intlekofer said.
Active Aging
With more adults over 65 staying active, programs for older members are more important than ever. These initiatives focus on strength, mobility and mental sharpness, helping improve quality of life.
“Exercise isn’t just about staying active, it’s about preserving independence, cognitive sharpness and quality of life,” said Dr. Intlekofer. “We know that leading an active life can cut Alzheimer’s risk by 45% to 48% and general dementia risk by 28%.”
Dr. Intlekofer emphasized the need for facilities to adapt their equipment and spaces for this group. “We need to ensure equipment has features that accommodate a diverse range of people, including things like low step-through heights, safety features and easy entry and exit,” she said.
Wellness Research
Dr. Intlekofer explained how research plays a key role in creating solutions that help members and support trainers. By simplifying academic findings, fitness professionals can use the latest knowledge to deliver results.
“Part of my role is creating a research hub where we can collect and simplify research coming out of academia. Almost no one has time to read those longer reports, but we can pull out the important parts to help guide better experiences,” she said.
To learn more about these trends, watch Dr. Intlekofer’s conversation with Health & Fitness Association President and CEO Liz Clark, where they discuss these trends and how they’re shaping the future of fitness.
