Top 10 Health & Fitness Trends for 2025 & How To Incorporate Them Into A Home Gym

The American College of Sports Medicine is one of the most trusted organizations & authorities on health & fitness. Each year, the ACSM surveys clinicians, researchers & practitioners throughout the world in an attempt to provide valuable insight on trends that will have a valuable, long-lasting impact on health and wellness. The research provides data for fitness professionals, business owners & exercise enthusiasts, which can help direct investment for critical business decisions & development plans.

The Top 10 list for 2025 is here. Follow us as we review & analyze each trend while also providing tips on how to incorporate them into your next home gym design.

 

 

1.Wearable Technology

Devices like smart watches, heart rate monitors, & other fitness trackers.

Number one on this year’s list is wearable technology. Exercisers want real-world feedback, easy data tracking, and accountability. They are the ultimate device for healthy living, and as technology continues to improve, so will the number of people who own one. Apple Watch is the most popular smartwatch in the U.S, with more than 50% market share.

Tip: Exercise equipment manufacturers have recently developed exercise equipment with smart watch capabilities. Pair your smart watch wirelessly & seamlessly to your exercise equipment for the most accurate measurements possible- look for equipment manufacturers that offer this as an option.

 

 

2. Mobile Exercise Apps

Smartphone & related applications that aid in exercise performance & programming.

It is estimated there are over 350,000 health & wellness apps currently available worldwide, with about 250 new apps released every day & more than 97,000 apps downloaded on smart devices. This means that users aren’t hamstrung to one specific brand or piece of hardware to have to use for their workout.

Tip: Focus on the best equipment in the category with the right software to help accomplish the user’s goals. 2025 will be the rise of Apple Fitness +.

 

3. Fitness Programs for Older Adults

Interventions focused on the unique needs of the aging population.

Programs typically focus on balance, strength, and even light H.I.I.T.

Tip: Leave plenty of open space for training. Low impact machines and functional accessories like medicine balls, kettlebells, etc.. Look for flooring with good absorption benefits.

 

 

4. Exercise for Weight Loss

Incorporating dieting & other culinary interventions alongside an exercise routine.

Balance is key. Without the right diet, exercise alone won’t take you far. Although there are plenty of factors that contribute to body composition, for most people the right amount of weight loss can have a major positive impact in the longevity of your life. There is even a growing awareness on exactly what kind of calories you should consume (i.e. protein, higher fat, etc.) and how your food choices should follow your exercise choices.

 

5. Traditional Strength Training

Using barbells, dumbbells, and the like to improve or maintain muscular fitness.

Home gyms should ideally have both strength and cardio areas. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults complete at least two days per week of strength training, across all major muscle groups.

Tip: There are plenty of compact solutions available for residential settings like functional trainers, interchangeable dumbbells, wall-mounted squat racks, & more. Even simple things like a pull up bar & a set of dumbbells can go a long way.

 

6. H.I.I.T.

Repeated short bouts of near-maximal intensity aerobic efforts followed by active or passive rest periods.

High Intensity Interval Training. Arguably one of the most effective ways to train, especially with time constraints.

Tip: Equipment manufacturers have incorporated more H.I.I.T. specific programs into their equipment, look for consoles with built-in programming options. You can get a great, low impact workout on bikes, treadmills, & more. Space permitting- open areas for battle rope training and even sprints & jumping jacks are a great idea.

 

7. Data-driven Training Technology

Leveraging real-time & other tracked data to tailor exercise & related health programming.

Biofeedback, like sleep, & heart rate variability are all critical components of training & recovery.

Tip: Advanced exercise equipment consoles, paired with a smart watch, can give you incredible real-time data on your workouts & help keep you accountable. AI- personalized workouts are becoming more popular as well.

 

8. Exercise for Mental Health

Improving mental well-being through physical activity.

Exercise has incredible effects on the ability to improve aspects of mental health, like reducing feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. Anytime I am stressed or sick (or even hungover), exercise is the best medicine. I feel better almost immediately after a workout.

Tip: A dedicated space at home for fitness is extremely important and makes it easy for homeowners to have the option to workout. Include a home gym in your plans! Strength-training also plays a big part as it helps to boost confidence (everyone likes to look good).

 

9. Functional Fitness Training

Programming intended to boost balance, coordination, & functional movement.

Life moves at you quickly, and in multiple directions. Your training & exercises should reflect movements & activities of daily living, and functional training typically better recreates the movements we make in real life. If you aren’t training properly, your chances of injury will likely be higher.

Tip: Functional trainers can force you to focus on balance & stability (without having a fixed press arm). Open spaces also allow for different kinds of training such as suspension training or even exercises like burpees.

 

 

10. Health/Wellness Coaching

Using behavioral science principles to promote health & lifestyle medicine programs.

Health and wellness coaches, such as personal trainers, utilize principles of behavioral science to promote health and lifestyle medicine programs. Some are even starting to incorporate blood work analysis to help tailor programs, diet, rest, etc. specifically for someone with your exact blood type.