Wearable technology is once again top of the trends according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual survey, followed by mobile exercise apps and exercise programmes for older adults.
The 2025 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends: Future Directions for the Health and Fitness Industry is an annual survey of 2,000 clinicians, researchers and practitioners in the industry and ranks the top 45 trends in the US.
Wearable tech has been top of the 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 constantly evolving with functionality to give more information, such as stress levels through heart rate variability. The latest Oura ring which measures 40 activities including stress.
The report’s co-author, A’Naja Newsome, says that digital technologies are becoming critical to the design, delivery and evaluation of health and fitness services: “Wearable devices, mobile apps and data-driven training methods will create avenues for reaching new clientele and elevating fitness experiences. The exercise professional will need to be innovative in their approach to using technology, while increasing client adherence and autonomy.”
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. “Mobile exercise apps are enhancing health and fitness by increasing the ability to individualise services on demand at the consumer level,” says Newsome.
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 effectively 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. This trend was ranked higher by newer professionals, suggesting it has potential to grow.
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 improve social wellbeing. See Oliver Patrick’s interview in the latest issue of HCM about the opportunity for fitness professionals to become lifestyle professionals.
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.
Top 20
1. Wearable tech
2. Mobile exercise apps
3. Fitness programmes for older adults
4. Exercise for weight loss
5. Traditional strength training
6. HIIT
7. Data-driven training technology
8. Exercise for mental health
9. Functional fitness training
10. Health/wellness coaching
11. Youth athletic development
12. Influence/ambassador-led fitness programmes
13. Outdoor fitness activities
14. On-demand exercise classes
15. Employing certified professionals
16. Personal training
17. Exercise is Medicine
18. Body weight training
19. Lifestyle medicine
20. Hot and cold therapies
Other reports are available for Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Iran and Turkey via the ACSM website.
