While we started the year contorting ourselves into pretzel-like poses for Pilates, by mid-May, run clubs were picking up pace – proving that fitness fads truly come and go! So, how will we sweat out and shape up over the next 12 months? According to The Yard Gym’s performance leader Jenna Louise, the following fitness trends for 2025 are set to redefine the way we work out.
1. Strength training for longevity
Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders anymore. It’s become the gold standard for ageing gracefully and staying active well into our later years. From gym machines to at-home setups, and even app-based programs, the options for building muscle and fortifying bones have never been more accessible. Why is this important? Stronger bones mean a reduced risk of fractures, while increased muscle mass boosts metabolism and aids in weight management.
But it’s not all about aesthetics. Jenna Louise reminds us that combining strength training with activities like walking or running can amplify mental well-being. “It’s about moving with purpose and joy,” she says, “to enhance every aspect of life.” Whether you’re deadlifting or carrying groceries, strength training is the gift that keeps giving – for your body and mind.
2. Functional fitness for modern lifestyles
In a world where we’re glued to screens, functional fitness is here to keep us moving the way nature intended. Focusing on natural movement patterns and preparing us for daily tasks, this training style is practical, efficient, and incredibly rewarding. Think bodyweight exercises that mimic everyday activities like squatting or lifting.
Add hybrid training to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for next-level fitness. Combining strength, cardio, and endurance, hybrid workouts challenge the body in diverse ways. At The Yard Gym, they champion starting with functional basics before layering in hybrid techniques. “It’s about building movement literacy,” Jenna says, “so you’re ready to tackle any challenge life throws at you.”
3. Community-driven training
Gone are the days of solo treadmill sessions. 2025 is all about training with your tribe. Whether it’s The Yard Gym’s Rig and Turf sessions or their thriving Run Club, these community-driven programs turn workouts into social events.
“There’s magic in working out together,” Jenna explains. “It’s not just about fitness – it’s about connection, motivation, and celebrating every win as a team.” From high-fives on the turf to post-run coffees, community workouts make fitness feel less like a chore and more like a lifestyle.
4. Time-efficient workouts
Let’s face it: we’re all busy. But, with time-efficient workouts, you don’t need hours to see results. At The Yard Gym, 40-50 minute sessions pack in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength, and functional movements for maximum impact.
“Every minute counts,” says Jenna. These quick, intense workouts are designed for people juggling packed schedules. By focusing on quality over quantity, you can stay consistent, fit, and energised without sacrificing your precious time.
5. Recovery reimagined
Fitness isn’t just about going hard – it’s about knowing when to step back and recover. While high-tech recovery tools are impressive, 2025 is shining a spotlight on simpler, more holistic methods.
“Recovery is the backbone of performance,” Jenna shares. Practices like meditation, stretching flows, and maintaining a consistent sleep routine are key. These approaches aren’t just about physical repair; they’re about fostering mental clarity and emotional calm.
At The Yard Gym, recovery isn’t an afterthought – it’s a priority. Whether it’s a quiet stretching session or simply carving out time to sit in stillness, recovery is reimagined as an essential part of thriving in and out of the gym.
