Wearable technology — which has been in the Top 3 since 2016 — remains atop this year’s trends while mobile exercise apps came in at No. 2 with data-driven training technology at No. 7.
“Digital technologies are becoming more critical to the way we design, deliver and evaluate health and fitness services,” said A’Naja Newsome, ACSM certified exercise physiologist and co-author of “2025 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends: Future Directions of the Health and Fitness Industry.”
“Wearable devices, mobile apps and data-driven training methods will create avenues for reaching new clientele and elevating fitness experiences.”
There were 850 million fitness app downloads last year, evidence of a significant shift toward greater ease of access and convenience in fitness, according to Edward Pelka, a lecturer in the department of health and sport science at the University of Dayton.
“These apps make fitness much more accessible, allowing individuals to use their free time elsewhere, rather than needing to create their own exercise prescriptions,” Pelka said. “For those without access to a gym, many of these apps provide quick at-home workouts that require little to no equipment, making fitness accessible to more individuals. Additionally, some apps even offer social features, allowing users to connect with family and friends, providing motivation and an entertainment factor.”
All apps, however, are not created equally. Pelka has advice for selecting an effective app.
“It’s important to consider several factors, such as personal goals, user experience, and cost,” Pelka said. “If your goal is to build muscle, lose weight, run a marathon, or just find a new workout routine, it will greatly impact which app you choose.”
Apps should cater to the user’s personal goals and provide a strong user experience.
“Make sure you find an app that is easy to use and also fun,” Pelka said. “Fitness should be enjoyable.”
To be cost effective, Pelka suggests using the free version of an app before spending money on premium versions that have monthly or annual fees.
Beyond technology, fitness programs for older adults rounds out the 2025 Top 3 trends. These programs cater to the unique needs of older individuals, promoting strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health through tailored exercises.
“Fitness for older adults is always important for individuals to maintain their health and activities of daily living,” Pelka said. “Physical activity helps prevent many age-related diseases and improves quality of life. Regular exercise enhances activities of daily living by improving balance, strength, and flexibility, which can help reduce the risk of falls.
“A body in motion stays in motion.”
2025 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends – Top 10
1. Wearable technology: Devices like smart watches, heart rate monitors and other fitness trackers.
2. Exercise apps: Smartphone and relates applications that aid in exercise performance and programming.
3. Fitness programs for older adults: Interventions focused on the unique needs of the aging population.
4. Exercise for weight loss: Incorporating dieting and other culinary interventions alongside an exercise routine.
5. Traditional strength training: Using barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells and the like to improve or maintain muscular fitness.
6. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Repeated short bouts of near-maximal high-intensity aerobic efforts followed by active or passive rest periods.
7. Data-driven training technology: Leveraging real-time and other tracked data to tailor exercise and related health programming.
8. Exercise for mental health: Improving mental well-being through physical activity.
9. Functional fitness training: Programming intended to boost balance, coordination and functional movement.
10. Health/wellness coaching: Using behavioral science principles to promote health and lifestyle medicine programs.
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