Wearable tech has been top of the ACSM trends table every year since 2016, apart from 2018 and 2021, when it remained in the top three. It reflects the way that this segment is evolving with functionality to give more information, such as stress levels through heart rate variability. The latest Oura ring measures 40 activities, including stress, while Whoop can now measure blood pressure around the clock.
The ACSM report’s co-author, A’Naja Newsome, says digital technologies are becoming critical to the design, delivery and evaluation of health and fitness services, saying: “Wearable devices, mobile apps and data-driven training methods will create avenues for reaching new cohorts and elevating fitness experiences. The exercise professional will need to be innovative in their approach to using technology, while increasing client adherence and autonomy.”
The category for mobile exercise apps has risen quickly through the ranks, after coming in at number 20 two years ago. In 2023 there were 850 million fitness app downloads by almost 370 million users.
Reflecting the current focus on longevity, fitness programmes for older adults came in third for the second year running. ACSM spokesperson, Christian Thompson, pointed out it’s important not to have a one size fits all approach to older adults’ exercise programming, as fitness levels in this demographic are highly varied.
Exercise for weight loss was number four, followed by traditional strength training at number five. “Strength training programming continues to be a mainstay in the fitness industry worldwide. As consumers are focused on longevity, maintaining physical function and moving with vigour helps maintain quality of life,” says ACSM’s Rachelle Reed.
HIIT came in at six, followed by data-driven training technology at seven, showing the consumer appetite for instant feedback and individualised programming.
Exercise for mental health is number eight. Reed says: “As clients seek solutions to manage stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and sleep better, exercise may be increasingly part of a more holistic approach to supporting mental health.”
Functional fitness training is number nine. Health/wellness coaching is tenth, reflecting the move towards taking a whole-person approach to health, working on the mindset and behaviours.
New trends for this year are hot and cold therapies, in at number 20 and exercise in cancer treatment (29).
Influence/ambassador-led fitness programmes – online content from social media influencers – has debuted at 12.
At number 19, lifestyle medicine shows the increasing awareness of managing chronic illness via a multi-pronged approach including physical activity, whole-foods, plant-based nutrition, restorative sleep, stress reduction, avoiding risky substance use and improving social wellbeing.
Worksite health promotion was the number two trend in 2024, but fell out of the top 20 for 2025, which is attributed to the changing landscape of hybrid and remote working. It could mean employers increasingly using digital technologies.
