Fitness Trends in 2025 are all about merging innovation with accessibility and fostering a sense of community. This year, remote personal training, AI-driven fitness apps, and virtual reality (VR) workouts are transforming how people stay active, delivering convenience and hyper-personalized experiences. Wearable tech continues to dominate, while functional fitness, low-intensity steady-state (LISS) cardio, and group-based training are growing in popularity for their sustainable and inclusive health benefits.
At the same time, certain fitness fads are losing steam. Wall Pilates Challenges, the 12-3-30 treadmill routine, and soft hiking are becoming less trendy as enthusiasts opt for more adaptable workout options. Similarly, niche practices like the Tarzan movement, traditional cardio equipment, high-impact aerobics, and routines tied to fad diets are being replaced by approaches that focus on practicality and long-term results.
Fitness Trends in 2025 highlight the shift toward smarter, more versatile, and community-centered fitness solutions, as influenced by evolving gym membership demographics. Learn more.
7 Fitness Trends That Are HOT in 2025
1. Remote Personal Training
The way we approach fitness has transformed in 2025, with remote personal training leading the charge. With a 414% surge in interest, it’s clear that people value the flexibility, personalization, and tech-driven innovation this trend brings to their fitness routines.
The online fitness market is projected to grow at a rate of 33.1% per year, reaching approximately $59.23 billion by 2027.
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Convenience Meets Personalization:
Remote personal training eliminates geographical barriers, allowing users to train anywhere, anytime, reflecting the pandemic's lasting influence on fitness habits [Understand more]. Tailored coaching helps individuals meet unique fitness goals, aligning perfectly with the essence of Fitness Trends in 2025. -
Cost-Effective and Accessible Expertise:
By eliminating travel and gym membership costs, this approach provides affordable access to a global network of trainers. Whether it’s for weight loss, strength building, or rehabilitation, clients can connect with top-tier experts worldwide. -
Tech-Powered Fitness Revolution:
Wearables, AI platforms, and smart gym equipment have redefined how progress is tracked and workouts are optimized. The rise of virtual reality (VR) fitness is further enhancing engagement, creating immersive workout experiences. -
Building Inclusive Fitness Communities:
This trend caters to diverse needs like prenatal fitness, senior-friendly programs, and post-rehabilitation routines. Many platforms also encourage virtual group sessions and challenges, fostering connection and accountability.
Remote personal training isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of fitness, combining flexibility, technology, and inclusivity to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving world, as reflected in the latest gym membership statistics [Read more].
2. AI-Powered Fitness Apps
AI-powered apps are transforming the digital fitness landscape, becoming a core part of Fitness Trends in 2025. These apps analyze individual fitness levels, preferences, and goals to craft customized workout plans. Their ability to provide real-time feedback, adaptive routines, and guidance makes them indispensable for fitness enthusiasts. With the market projected to hit $15.2 billion by 2025, AI-powered fitness apps exemplify how fitness trends for 2025 integrate technology with personalized health solutions.
One of the standout features of AI-powered apps is their ability to provide real-time feedback. They guide users through exercises, correcting form and offering tips to maximize results while minimizing the risk of injury. Studies show that 70% of users stick to their fitness goals longer when they receive instant guidance.
These apps adapt dynamically to a user’s progress, adjusting routines to keep workouts challenging and engaging. With 78% of users reporting improved fitness levels within three months of using AI-driven programs, the impact of these apps is undeniable. From quick HIIT sessions to longer strength-training workouts, AI-powered fitness apps ensure flexibility and adherence no matter how packed a schedule might be.
In 2025, with over 1.5 billion downloads projected globally, these apps are transforming fitness into a personalized and efficient daily habit for millions.
3. Virtual Reality (VR) Workouts
Virtual Reality (VR) workouts are among the key fitness trends in 2025, revolutionizing exercise by making it immersive and fun. Users can explore virtual worlds or engage in multiplayer fitness games, blending entertainment with health. The global virtual fitness market size was valued at USD 16.4 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 26.72% from 2023 to 2030.
A study revealed that 78% of participants felt more motivated to work out with VR compared to conventional methods, with many reporting they forgot they were even exercising. From climbing virtual mountains to engaging in multiplayer fitness games, VR creates an environment where users are fully immersed.
Accessibility is another key advantage of VR fitness. Affordable headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and an increasing variety of platforms make VR workouts accessible to a growing audience. By 2025, over 20 million people are expected to use VR regularly for fitness.
As technology continues to advance, VR fitness platforms are integrating features like biometric tracking and real-time coaching. This blend of entertainment and effectiveness ensures that VR workouts will remain a leading trend in the fitness industry for years to come.
4. Wearable Technology
Wearable technology has solidified its place as a cornerstone of fitness trends in 2025. Devices like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitors are transforming how people approach health and exercise.
In 2025, the global wearable technology market is expected to surpass $74 billion, driven by increasing demand for real-time health insights. From counting steps to monitoring heart rate, sleep patterns, and even oxygen levels, wearables provide users with a comprehensive picture of their physical well-being.
The popularity of wearables isn’t just about data—it’s about motivation. Studies show that 68% of wearable users feel more accountable for their health goals thanks to the constant feedback these devices provide. Gamified features, like step challenges and achievement badges, keep users engaged, while seamless integration with apps helps them analyze progress and make informed decisions.
Wearables are also becoming smarter and more comprehensive. Modern devices now include advanced features like ECG monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, and stress management tools, making them indispensable for managing chronic conditions or optimizing athletic performance. With over 835 million devices in use worldwide by 2025, wearable tech empowers individuals to take charge of their health like never before.
5. Functional Fitness
Functional fitness is redefining workouts by focusing on exercises that mimic everyday movements, making them practical and effective for daily life. Instead of isolated muscle training, functional exercises like squats, lunges, and kettlebell swings improve strength, coordination, and flexibility in ways that directly benefit activities like lifting groceries, climbing stairs, or playing with kids.
One of the biggest appeals of functional fitness is its adaptability. Whether you’re an office worker trying to improve posture or an athlete aiming to enhance performance, functional training can be tailored to any fitness level or goal. Research shows that 67% of participants reported improved mobility and reduced joint pain after incorporating functional fitness into their routines.
The global fitness equipment market size was valued at USD 11.88 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 15.50 billion by 2031.
As people prioritize long-term health and mobility, functional fitness is becoming a cornerstone of modern exercise routines. By bridging the gap between traditional workouts and real-life practicality, it empowers individuals to move better, feel stronger, and live more actively.
6. Low-Intensity Steady-State (LISS) Cardio
Low-Intensity Steady-State (LISS) cardio, particularly Zone 2 training, is gaining momentum as a more sustainable and effective approach to cardiovascular health. Unlike high-intensity workouts, LISS involves maintaining a steady, moderate pace for an extended period, making it accessible to all fitness levels.
Zone 2 training focuses on a heart rate range where the body primarily burns fat for fuel. Studies show that consistent Zone 2 workouts can lead to a 15-20% improvement in cardiovascular efficiency while reducing the risk of overtraining. This makes LISS particularly appealing to beginners, those recovering from injuries, or individuals managing chronic health conditions.
Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or even light jogging qualify as LISS, allowing people to incorporate it into their daily routines easily. With the help of wearables and fitness apps, LISS cardio aligns with emerging fitness trends in 2025, offering sustainable and measurable progress for cardiovascular health.
As more people seek sustainable and enjoyable ways to stay active, LISS cardio is emerging as a go-to choice for improving fitness without the strain of high-intensity workouts.
7. Community-Driven Training
In 2025, community-driven training is thriving as more people turn to group workouts and fitness communities for both social connection and motivation. Whether it’s virtual meetups, outdoor boot camps, or in-person classes, exercising in a group has been shown to significantly improve adherence to fitness routines.
The appeal of community-driven training lies in its ability to combine fitness with camaraderie. Group workouts create a sense of accountability, where members encourage each other to push harder and show up consistently. Research shows that 70% of participants feel more motivated when exercising with others, as the shared energy and friendly competition make workouts more engaging.
Technology has further fueled this trend, with virtual fitness communities connecting people globally. Platforms like Peloton and Strava foster camaraderie and motivation, making community-driven workouts a key component of top fitness trends in 2025.
Community-driven training also plays a role in mental health, offering a much-needed boost in connection and support, which aligns with recent gym membership trends for 2025 [Source]. These communities provide an uplifting environment that promotes both physical and emotional well-being. As the fitness industry evolves, the power of community continues to redefine what it means to stay active.
7 Fitness Trends That Are NOT Trending in 2025
1. Wall Pilates Challenges
Wall Pilates challenges, once a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok, are losing their appeal, with interest declining by 55% in 2025. These 28-day challenges were initially popular for their simplicity and quick results, but the hype has fizzled as people shift toward fitness solutions with lasting benefits. The decline highlights a growing preference for sustainable and well-rounded fitness practices over short-term trends that often fail to address long-term health and wellness goals.
The drop in popularity may also be linked to the realization that such challenges often lack personalization and scalability. While they serve as a good introduction to Pilates, they rarely provide the variety or progression needed to maintain engagement and ensure consistent progress. This change underscores the fitness industry’s pivot toward solutions that focus on customization, longevity, and overall well-being.
2. 12-3-30 Treadmill Workouts
The 12-3-30 treadmill workout—a routine that gained massive traction on social media—has seen a 55% decrease in interest in 2025. Initially praised for its simplicity (walking at a 12% incline, 3 mph speed, for 30 minutes), the workout is now losing momentum as exercisers opt for more personalized and varied cardio routines.
This shift reflects a broader trend in fitness, where people are seeking diverse approaches tailored to their goals, fitness levels, and preferences. The decline also highlights a growing awareness that cookie-cutter routines may not address the unique needs of individuals. Fitness enthusiasts are turning to wearable tech, apps, and trainers to craft customized plans that combine cardio with strength and flexibility for a more holistic approach.
As the industry evolves, one-size-fits-all workouts like 12-3-30 are taking a backseat to options that offer variety, adaptability, and long-term benefits.
3. Soft Hiking
Soft hiking, once celebrated for blending relaxation with light exercise, has seen a 56% decline in popularity in 2025. This trend, which focused on slower-paced, nature-oriented walks, is being overshadowed by the growing demand for structured and intense exercise routines.
Many fitness enthusiasts now prioritize activities that deliver measurable progress, such as calorie tracking, strength improvements, or cardiovascular milestones. This aligns with the broader preference for efficiency in fitness. The drop in interest also reflects the evolving mindset of modern exercisers, who are increasingly seeking workouts with defined goals and tangible outcomes.
While soft hiking remains appealing for leisure and mental wellness, its lack of structured metrics makes it less attractive to individuals who prioritize fitness gains alongside outdoor activities.
4. Tarzan Movement
The Tarzan movement, a fitness trend characterized by primal, animal-like movements, has experienced a 56% drop in interest in 2025. While initially popular for its unique and playful approach to exercise, the trend has struggled to maintain engagement as people return to more conventional workout methods.
Traditional routines like strength training, HIIT, and yoga are favored for their proven effectiveness and ability to deliver long-term results. The decline suggests that novelty workouts, while exciting at first, may not meet the practical and results-driven expectations of today’s fitness enthusiasts.
As fitness trends evolve, it’s clear that sustainability and measurable outcomes are more important than gimmicks, pushing experimental movements like Tarzan workouts to the sidelines.
5. Traditional Cardio Machines
Traditional cardio machines like treadmills and stationary bikes are seeing a steady decline in usage as more people embrace strength training and functional fitness equipment. This shift reflects the growing recognition of strength training’s comprehensive health benefits, such as improved metabolism, bone density, and overall functionality.
Studies show that strength training participation has risen by 28% in the past three years, pulling attention away from standard cardio routines. The decline in cardio machine usage is also driven by their repetitive nature, which can feel monotonous compared to the dynamic and versatile exercises offered by functional fitness equipment.
Modern fitness enthusiasts are looking for workouts that challenge the body in multiple ways, making equipment like kettlebells, resistance bands, and medicine balls more appealing. This trend highlights a broader shift toward holistic approaches that prioritize strength, mobility, and real-world movement.
6. High-Impact Aerobics
High-impact aerobics, once a staple of fitness classes, is falling out of favor as exercisers gravitate toward low-impact workouts. Participation in high-impact routines has dropped by 34% over the past five years, reflecting increased awareness of the risks they pose to joint health and long-term mobility.
Instead, people are opting for exercises like yoga, Pilates, and swimming, which are gentler on the body while still providing cardiovascular and strength benefits. This shift aligns with a growing preference for sustainable fitness practices that minimize injury risk.
Low-impact workouts are particularly popular among older adults and individuals recovering from injuries, with 56% of fitness enthusiasts over 40 prioritizing joint-friendly options. As the focus shifts from high-intensity movements to exercises that can be maintained over a lifetime, high-impact aerobics continues to lose ground in the modern fitness landscape.
7. Fad Diet-Linked Workouts
Workouts linked to fad diets, such as keto or intermittent fasting-specific routines, are losing traction in 2025. Interest in these programs has dropped by 48%, as fitness enthusiasts shift towards evidence-based, well-rounded exercise regimens.
While initially popular for their promise of rapid results, fad diet-linked workouts are increasingly viewed as unsustainable and lacking the flexibility to meet diverse fitness needs. The decline reflects a broader movement away from quick fixes and toward balanced, long-term health solutions.
Research shows that 73% of individuals prefer fitness routines not tied to restrictive diets, as they allow for greater personalization and adaptability. This shift highlights a growing understanding that sustainable fitness involves consistency, not rigid protocols tied to trendy eating habits.
Another factor contributing to the drop is the lack of scientific backing for many of these programs. Diet-linked workouts often focus narrowly on calorie-burning or fat-targeting claims rather than promoting overall strength, endurance, and mobility. As people become more informed about the benefits of holistic fitness, these gimmicky approaches are being replaced by routines that align with comprehensive health goals.
Final Words: Fitness in 2025—What Matters Most
The fitness landscape in 2025 reflects a clear evolution: a shift from fleeting trends and rigid routines toward sustainable, personalized, and holistic approaches. The rise of technologies like AI-powered fitness apps, virtual reality workouts, and wearable devices underscores the growing demand for tools that make exercise smarter, more engaging, and accessible. At the same time, the renewed focus on functional fitness and community-driven training highlights the importance of practicality and connection in modern exercise practices.
On the flip side, the decline of short-lived fads like wall Pilates challenges, high-impact aerobics, and fad diet-linked workouts signals a departure from quick fixes and one-size-fits-all solutions. Fitness enthusiasts are increasingly prioritizing routines that provide measurable progress, long-term benefits, and adaptability to diverse lifestyles. This shift speaks to a deeper understanding of health as a lifelong journey rather than a temporary goal.
As technology continues to innovate and redefine what’s possible, the future of fitness lies in balancing advanced tools with approaches that align with real-world needs. The most successful trends in 2025 are those that empower individuals to take control of their health in ways that feel achievable, sustainable, and rewarding.
Lastly, the fitness industry’s focus on personalization, evidence-based practices, and community engagement reflects a broader cultural movement toward wellness that extends beyond the gym. These values will continue to shape the future of fitness, helping people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
