Technology Takes Top Spots in 2025 Fitness Trends, with Aging Adult Programs and Mental Health Close Behind – ACSM Releases Report
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
The American College of Sports Medicine has published its annual list of the top fitness trends expected to shape 2025. Based on insights from over 2,000 fitness professionals, this year’s report highlights how technology continues to reshape fitness experiences and delivery, with Wearable Technology, Mobile Exercise Apps, and Exercise Programs for Older Adults making up the top three trends.
Wearable Technology stands firmly at #1, marking it as the most influential trend in fitness for the coming year. These devices, from advanced smartwatches to biometric monitors, allow clients to gain a deeper understanding of their own health data. The real-time insights offered by wearables aren’t just about tracking activity but also about helping individuals make more informed choices around recovery and lifestyle. “Wearable devices, mobile apps, and data-driven training methods will create avenues for reaching new clientele and elevating fitness experiences,” said A’Naja Newsome, PhD, co-author of the ACSM report. For fitness businesses, wearables present a unique opportunity to engage members both in and outside the gym, strengthening client loyalty through personalized fitness tracking.
Mobile Exercise Apps have also made a rapid ascent, now ranked #2 after being #20 just two years ago. With over 850 million app downloads in 2023, consumers are increasingly leaning on apps for flexibility, making fitness accessible anytime and anywhere. As Dr. Newsome noted, “Mobile exercise apps are enhancing health and fitness by increasing the ability to individualize services on demand.” For gym operators and fitness businesses, incorporating mobile options into their offerings can meet clients where they are, making engagement more sustainable and accessible for users.
Adding to the technology lineup, Data-Driven Training Technology jumped to #7 from #18 in 2024. The benefits of data-driven training include customized programs that can be adjusted in real time to suit an individual’s health profile and progress. This trend allows fitness professionals to use feedback such as heart rate variability and biofeedback to tailor workouts, especially valuable in group settings where individual fitness levels vary widely. As Dr. Newsome noted, “Clients desire instant feedback on their training so they can adjust or modify to maximize outcomes and reduce injury.”
In addition to digital technology, specific programs targeting older adults remain highly relevant, holding the #3 spot for 2025. Exercise Programs for Older Adults cater to a growing demographic, offering tailored sessions designed to maintain strength, balance, and independence. The demand for such programs continues to rise, with Christian Thompson, PhD, highlighting the importance of inclusivity: “Today’s programs should reflect the diversity of fitness levels among older adults, offering options for every level of ability, to increase longevity and healthy years of life.” The needs of this demographic are diverse, and for fitness leaders, investing in these programs could help engage a key population segment while contributing to community health.
Other trending areas include Exercise for Weight Loss (#4) and Exercise for Mental Health (#8), signaling that consumers are looking to fitness for solutions beyond physical strength. Mental health-focused fitness, in particular, has seen renewed interest as it addresses stress and emotional resilience. According to Jennifer Heisz, PhD, “Mental health continues to be a top fitness trend…Today, fitness is not just about building physical strength, power, and endurance—it’s also about fostering resilience for the mind.”
Traditional training modalities like Strength Training (#5) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT, #6) remain in demand, underscoring that, despite the rise of technology, core fitness practices are still fundamental. “Traditional strength training has long been shown to improve physical and mental health, fitness, quality of life, and athleticism,” said Nicholas A. Ratamess, PhD. These methods support long-term health and athleticism, aligning with consumer interests in longevity and functional fitness.
The report also introduces a few new trends, including Influencer-Led Fitness Programs (#12), which represents a growing niche for engaging younger consumers and those new to fitness through social media. Programs like these open new avenues for health clubs to reach potential members through popular online platforms, especially with social influencers drawing in younger, tech-savvy audiences.
Top 10 Fitness Trends for 2025
Wearable Technology
Mobile Exercise Apps
Fitness Programs for Older Adults
Exercise for Weight Loss
Traditional Strength Training
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Data-Driven Training Technology
Exercise for Mental Health
Functional Fitness Training
Health and Wellness Coaching
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