Hydrow Athletes Share 15 Fitness Trends to Keep an Eye on in 2025

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a professional, or someone simply looking to improve your lifestyle, staying aware of fitness trends ensures you’re making the most of the latest advancements in fitness and recovery. But what can you expect to take center stage in the coming year?

We sat down with our incredible team of Hydrow Athletes to get their takes on what they think the biggest fitness trends of 2025 will be. From the rise of strength training to the latest “gentle fitness” movement, here are their 15 biggest predictions for next year! 

1. Strength training will continue to grow in popularity

Pete: There will be a bigger lean into strength training as more research comes out to support that no matter how old you are, adding weights to your workout routine will contribute to better longevity, functional movement, and having a fully active life. There will be less of an emphasis on group cardio and more of an emphasis on strength training.

2. Pilates will go mainstream

Owen: Pilates is huge right now. People are getting more and more interested in what Pilates is, whether you’re doing it on a mat or on a Reformer machine. People are doing bootcamp-style Pilates classes on Reformers and getting absolutely wrecked, so they’re backing up to learn more Pilates fundamentals.

3. Recovery options will get hot (then cold)

James: There’s been a real emphasis lately in the fitness space on cold exposure and saunas in terms of lengthening life and quality of life.

4. There will be a low-intensity cardio craze

Rina: I think Zone 2 training will get bigger in 2025 as people recognize the benefits of low-intensity steady-state cardio for improving cardiovascular health, metabolic flexibility, and fat utilization. This trend appeals to people looking for longevity and sustainable aerobic performance without burning out.

5. People will search out gentler fitness

Mac: The “75 Hard Challenge” was going around last year, but I’ve been reading a lot about people taking a softer approach to wellness in 2025—things like “wellness walks” and being more gentle with your technique when compared to something like doing two workouts every day. 

People want to know where the Instagram influencers are who are encouraging them to take a day off if they need it and work out when they want to, with more of an emphasis on life balance and mental balance.

6. Protein will take the spotlight

Owen: There’s been a lot of recommendations lately about eating a lot of protein, especially in the morning and especially for women.

7. Fitness tech will kick it up a notch

Rina: Wearables and apps that give more detailed insights on sleep, heart rate variability (HRV), and recovery readiness will help people train smarter, not harder. 

8. Creatine supplements will become more widespread

Pete: Creatine supplements are getting more popular. They’re not just good for the few people going to the gym and trying to get bigger—they’re for everyone. Creatine offers cognitive and recovery benefits and helps with tissue repair and hydration.

9. Meal delivery services will continue to thrive

Mac: Easy and convenient meal delivery services and meal plans will continue to be popular in 2025, offering people an efficient way to eat healthy without the hassle.

10. Fitness will go greener

Rina: I expect there to be more of an emphasis on sustainable workout spaces, equipment, and clothes in 2025. 

11. Athletes will dial up their workout intensity

Aisyah: I’m expecting more people to get into hybrid athlete training, sprinting, and HIIT next year. 

12. Collagen will climb to new heights

Dani: I’ve been seeing more people advocating for blasts of collagen for your hair, skin, nails, and joints. 

13. Barefoot training will gain ground

Rina: There will be an increased focus on foot health and training in minimal or barefoot shoes, with an emphasis on balance, stability, and improving biomechanics for better movement, posture, and injury prevention. 

14. Boutique fitness studios will grow

Pete: I expect more people to want to join boutique fitness studios where they can work with a personal trainer in a private setting without the loud gym noise. 

15. Hormone-synced workouts will personalize women’s fitness routines

Rina: There will be a growing awareness of training with hormonal cycles and adjusting workouts based on menstrual phases, perimenopause, or menopause. Programs are being developed to optimize performance, recovery, and energy by syncing strength, cardio, and recovery routines with hormonal changes. 

Happy New Year from Hydrow! 

Looking to kick off your 2025 fitness plan with a bang? Rowing activates 86% of your muscles with every stroke, making it one of the most efficient ways to build total-body strength. In just 20 minutes on a rowing machine, you can get a full-body workout that boosts energy, builds endurance, and helps you move better—on and off the rower.

And with Hydrow, it’s easier than ever to stay consistent. No commute. No waiting for machines. Just expert-led workouts you can do from home, whenever it works for you. Choose from rowing, strength training, mobility, yoga, Pilates, and circuit training workouts—all designed to help you move better and feel stronger, long-term.

Our workouts are filmed on location in stunning waterways around the world and led by world-class Athletes who coach you through every stroke and rep. And with 5,000+ workouts ranging from beginner to advanced, it’s easy to keep progressing no matter your level. 

Every movement adds up. Start building strength that lasts with Hydrow.