AUSactive unveils emerging fitness and wellness trends for 2025

October 23, 2024

AUSactive has revealed the emerging trends within Australia's fitness and wellness industry for 2025 after a comprehensive analysis of industry-led data shed light on the evolving landscape of the industry.

With fitness programs for older adults taking top position and a focus on overall wellness in the top 10, the trends show the important role the industry plays in enhancing the quality of life for people across all age groups.

The AUSactive survey, now in its 5th year is an industry snapshot of the trends exercise professionals and business operators are seeing among their clients and members across Australia.

AUSactive Chief Executive Barrie Elvish said as health and wellness continue to evolve, a new wave of fitness trends is emerging for 2025, reflecting the diverse needs and interests of individuals across different life stages.

Elvish notes “keeping active can mean very different things to each individual who exercises, and this year’s trends showcase a fantastic range of just how people are keeping moving.

“From specialised programs for older adults to improved quality of life and core-strength focused Pilates, to advanced wearable technology, the fitness landscape is more dynamic and inclusive than ever before.

“As we move towards 2025, these trends highlight the growing importance of holistic and personalised approaches to fitness and health at any age.

“With people living longer and seeking to maintain active lifestyles, fitness programs tailored for older adults are gaining significant traction. These programs are designed to improve a health-related quality of life and promote independent living, catering specifically to the baby boomer and older generations.”

Top 10 Anticipated Trends 2024/25

1. Programs for Older Adults: Fitness routines are increasingly tailored to support the health and independence of older generations.

2. Exercise for Mental Health: Exercise is being designed to address mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

3. Pilates: This versatile workout continues to be popular, offering core strength training with a focus on precision and flexibility.

4. Employing Registered Exercise Professionals: The demand for registered exercise experts is rising, ensuring high standards and ethical practices.

5. Traditional Strength Training: Focusing on proper movement and lifting technique, this activity incorporates the use of free weights to improve or maintain muscular fitness

6. Wearable Technology: Fitness trackers and smartwatches are enhancing how individuals monitor their health and activity levels.

7. Exercise for Weight Loss: Incorporating weight loss programs with an exercise program to improve nutrition and build lean muscle mass

8. Functional Fitness Training: Training aimed at improving daily functional movements and overall strength is gaining traction.

9. Small Group Training: This offers a cost-effective, personalized alternative to individual sessions.

10. Exercise is Medicine: This initiative encourages incorporating physical activity into healthcare treatment plans.

The Report found Pilates to have been the biggest mover in this year’s Top 10 due to the wide variety of methods available such as reformers, trapeze, and mats, plus its adaptability to various experience levels in both an individual and group exercise setting.

AUSactive General Manager, Industry Standards & Development, Chris Alexander, said the role of qualified exercise professionals is becoming increasingly significant.

Alexander advised “employing registered exercise experts, who have completed nationally accredited qualifications and commit to ongoing education, ensures high standards of practice. These professionals adhere to a code of ethical conduct and maintain professional development, contributing to the overall quality of fitness services.

“Keeping active and exercising for overall wellness is more than just going for a run or lifting weights. Exercise is Medicine and we are finding more people are listening to their bodies and seeking expert advice from exercise professionals and allied health professionals to tailor exercises to improve their quality of life and prevent lifestyle-related health problems.

“Mental health is also a priority with many people staying physically active to keep their mind active and connect with people through small group training and functional fitness.”

The emerging trends for 2025 reflect a growing recognition of the diverse needs within the fitness community and an ongoing commitment to integrating exercise into all aspects of health care.

As 2025 progresses, these innovations will continue to shape the future of fitness and wellness here in Australia and globally.

The American College of Sports Medicine survey identified global 2025 fitness and wellness trends. While again identifying wearable technology as being the top industry trend for 2024, the 2024 worldwide fitness trends survey from ACSM identified links between exercise and health promotion as being of increased significance.

The 2024 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends: Future Directions of the Health and Fitness Industry, was published in the January/February issue of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal.

Image top. Credit: Technogym; Image centre: Credit: KX Pilates; Image below: Credit: MyZone

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