A New Era for Gyms in 2025: The Good. The Bad.

The fitness industry is changing for good and for bad. The good is the shift to a more holistic presentation, and the not-so-good is the move toward feel-good and low-Impact movements that have yet to be shown to impact fitness and health in any real way. Adding a new, easier fitness activity to your routine that lessons your fitness is a trend I see sneaking into a lot of gyms and marketing.  

Getting more people into fitness is good. Not getting them what they need is wrong. It is like fast-food restaurants advertising healthy food options, but then when you get there, they sell you the same unhealthy food they usually do—just sprinkle some salad around it.       

Good: The Holistic Approach to Fitness

Holistic fitness emphasizes the integration of physical exercise with practices that support mental and emotional well-being. This approach recognizes that true fitness extends beyond the aesthetic goals of building muscle or losing weight; it is about cultivating a balanced lifestyle that enhances physical and psychological resilience. This shift has led to a broader range of services in gyms, from mindfulness classes and meditation to tailored recovery programs and mental health resources.

The rise of this trend is partly a response to a growing body of research showing the mental health benefits of regular physical activity. Exercise has been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, making it a valuable tool for mental well-being. As such, many fitness centers are incorporating activities like yoga, tai chi, and breathwork into their offerings, emphasizing the importance of stress reduction alongside physical conditioning.

The shift towards a holistic approach is particularly evident in the evolution of gym offerings. No longer confined to rows of treadmills and weights, modern gyms are transforming into comprehensive wellness centers that offer various services to improve overall quality of life.

1. Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance: Recognizing the role of diet in achieving fitness goals, many gyms now offer personalized nutrition counseling. This service often includes consultations with dietitians who can tailor dietary plans to support individual fitness goals, such as weight loss, muscle gain, or improved endurance. The idea of “food as medicine” is becoming a central theme, focusing on how diet can enhance overall well-being and complement physical training.
   

2. Recovery and Mobility: Recovery has become a cornerstone of the holistic fitness experience. Facilities increasingly invest in advanced recovery tools like red light therapy, cryotherapy, and massage devices. Such equipment helps athletes and casual gym-goers recover more effectively from workouts, preventing injury and promoting muscle repair. Additionally, mobility classes focusing on stretching and functional movements are becoming more popular, helping members maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
   

3. Mental Health Support: Many gyms now provide classes that focus on mindfulness and stress management. These sessions often include guided meditation, breathwork, and even one-on-one counseling designed to help members manage stress and enhance mental clarity. This reflects a growing understanding that mental well-being is essential for maintaining physical health and achieving long-term fitness goals.

Integrating technology into fitness has further amplified the shift towards a more personalized, holistic approach. Wearable devices and fitness apps have become commonplace, allowing users to track various health metrics such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and recovery times. This data enables gyms to offer customized workout plans that adapt based on an individual’s progress, ensuring that each person can achieve their fitness goals in a way that suits their needs and lifestyle.

For instance, AI-driven apps can adjust workout intensity and provide real-time feedback, making it easier for users to stay on track and avoid injury. This personalization helps individuals maintain a consistent routine, which is crucial for long-term success in both physical and mental well-being.

One of the most significant changes the holistic fitness movement brought about is the emphasis on building community within gyms. Fitness centers are no longer just places to work out; they have become social hubs where people connect, share experiences, and support one another in their fitness journeys.

Community-based activities, such as group classes, social events, and fitness challenges, are designed to foster a supportive environment where members feel encouraged to stay committed to their goals. This sense of belonging is essential for maintaining motivation and accountability, making it easier for individuals to integrate fitness into their daily lives.

Moreover, activities like hiking clubs, outdoor boot camps, and even “fitness as adventure” events such as rucking have become popular. These programs allow people to combine physical exercise with the mental benefits of spending time in nature, offering a more enjoyable and balanced approach to fitness.

Another key element of the holistic fitness trend is the push for inclusivity. Fitness centers are working to create environments welcoming to people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds. This includes offering adaptive fitness programs tailored to older adults or those recovering from injury, ensuring everyone can benefit from a fitness routine that suits their needs.

By broadening the scope of their offerings, gyms can cater to a more diverse population, making wellness accessible to those who might have felt excluded from traditional fitness environments. This aligns with the holistic philosophy of meeting people where they are and helping them progress toward their unique health goals.

The move toward a holistic approach in fitness is more than just a passing trend — it is redefining how people think about health and wellness. Gyms that have embraced this approach are finding that it attracts new members and increases retention by creating a more meaningful and enjoyable fitness experience. As more people recognize the importance of a balanced lifestyle that includes mental and emotional health, the demand for holistic fitness solutions will likely continue growing.

In this new era of fitness, the emphasis is on sustainability and long-term health rather than quick fixes. Members are encouraged to view exercise as a lifelong practice that supports their overall well-being rather than a short-term effort to achieve specific physical outcomes. This perspective helps individuals develop a healthier relationship with exercise, making it a consistent and enjoyable part of their lives.

Bad: OK, So Where is the Bad in All This?

The shift that is starting is great. The most significant improvement most people need to make is more movement. The problem with the more holistic approach is that without guidance and coaching, people will choose the wrong things to focus on. Going to the gym, hitting a red light session, and taking a cold plunge is not what someone who gets 4000 steps a day needs. They need to move and lift some stuff.  

My favorite example is hitting the steam room and hot tub and calling it a workout. While it may make you feel good and relaxed, it doesn’t improve your fitness. 

With all the new holistic options at gyms, people need a guide to help and show them what to do to get started and, most importantly, what they should focus on first. And that is almost always moving more and strength training.     

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the fitness industry is undergoing a profound transformation. The rise of holistic fitness reflects a growing awareness that physical health cannot be separated from mental and emotional well-being. By offering services that address the full spectrum of mental, physical, and social health needs, gyms can be true partners in helping people lead healthier, happier lives if they do the hard part, take a vested interest in their members, and work to get them on the right track.

As more individuals and gyms embrace this holistic approach, the focus on well-rounded health and wellness will continue to redefine what it means to be truly fit. With more gym options and a new type of member, gyms must improve their staff to deal with both.