The shape of corporate fitness: workplace wellness trends in 2025

As we look at the state of employee wellness in 2025, one thing is clear: fitness is evolving, and with it, new opportunities are emerging to support a healthier, more engaged workforce. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recently released its annual Fitness Trends report, offering valuable insights for employers looking to support employees in their well-being journeys.

At Optum Workplace Well-being, we believe in aligning innovative solutions with real-world employee needs. Here’s how you can harness the latest fitness trends to foster a culture of health in your organization.

Supporting health with smart technology

Wearable devices and mobile fitness apps have become integral to how employees manage their health. In fact, over one-third of U.S. adults use wearable technology to monitor activity, recovery and sleep. These tools offer real-time feedback that can inspire movement, track progress and encourage accountability.

By integrating wearable-compatible programming and app-based workouts into your well-being strategy, you can create flexible, inclusive pathways for employees—whether they’re working on-site, remote or in hybrid environments. It’s about making opportunities for movement more accessible, which leads to more meaningful outcomes.

The rise of data-driven training tools also presents employers with new opportunities to personalize fitness offerings. Using metrics to tailor personal exercise plans can help reduce injury risk and promotes more sustainable progress—especially for employees managing chronic conditions or returning to movement after time away.

Designing inclusive, purposeful programming

Well-being is personal. Fitness programs should reflect the diverse goals and life stages of your workforce. Current trends highlight the importance of:

• Exercise for older adults: With more employees working later in life, programs that support mobility, strength and independence can play a big role in maintaining quality of life and reducing health risks.
• Weight-loss support: Thoughtfully designed fitness programs, when paired with nutritional coaching and behavior-change support, can help employees with weight goals, improve health outcomes and reduce preventable conditions.
• Movement for mental health: It’s widely recognized that physical activity benefits the mind as much as the body. Programming that prioritizes mental well-being—reducing stress, supporting better sleep and boosting mood—resonates deeply with today’s workforce.

These approaches demonstrate a commitment to total well-being and meet employees where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Balancing innovation with the tried-and-true

While new technology is exciting, core fitness practices remain impactful. Traditional strength training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and functional movement patterns continue to deliver results. These formats are scalable and adaptable, making them ideal for group classes, one-on-one coaching or virtual environments.

Providing a range of options allows employees to engage in ways that suit their interests, schedules and fitness levels—promoting consistency and long-term success.

Empowering behavior change through coaching

More than ever, employees are seeking guidance—not just workouts. Health and wellness coaching is a top trend for 2025, reflecting the need for personalized support that goes beyond the gym floor.

Certified coaches offer accountability, motivation and behavior-change strategies that lead to lasting results. Whether supporting stress management, healthy eating, physical activity or lifestyle shifts, coaching helps employees navigate their health goals with confidence.

Turning trends into impactful well-being solutions

For employers, staying ahead of fitness trends isn’t just about keeping up, it’s about creating meaningful impact. By integrating these trends into your wellness programming and on-site fitness centers, you can offer more personalized, inclusive and engaging experiences for your workforce. Whether it’s through smart technology, targeted fitness classes or coaching that supports total well-being, these insights provide a roadmap for driving healthier behaviors and a more resilient, energized employee population.

Optum Workplace Well-being partners with organizations to bring these trends to life—from designing fitness spaces to optimizing equipment to holistic programming and wellness coaching. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping companies build healthy and inclusive cultures. Contact us for help to build a resilient, connected workforce that drives long-term success. Together, we can make 2025 a year of well-being progress for everyone.

Source: ACSM Fitness Trends