Online Reporter
Vuyile Madwantsi-Fitness Correspondent
As every new year rolls around, it brings a fresh wave of fitness trends to inspire us to shake up our workout routines.
Whether you are a seasoned gym-goer or looking to dip your toes into something new, fitness trends can offer exciting ways to stay motivated and achieve your health goals.
PureGym’s latest Annual Fitness Report has unveiled the top fitness trends for 2025, based on a massive surge in global Google searches. From remote personal training to Hyrox competitions and primal-inspired workouts, here’s what you need to know about the biggest movers and shakers of the fitness world.
Remote personal training: The future of fitness
Taking the crown as the top trend for 2025, remote personal training has seen a staggering 414 percent increase in interest over the past year. What started as a necessity during the pandemic has now become a convenient and effective way for people to stay fit. With personal trainers offering virtual coaching sessions through applications and video calls, more people are embracing this hassle-free way to exercise. Claire Phippen, a personal trainer, explains: “Virtual fitness solutions allow people to fit workouts around their busy schedules without the need to travel. Remote personal training also reduces the likelihood of missed sessions due to time constraints, making it a win-win for both trainers and clients.”
Hyrox: The competitive fitness phenomenon
If you’re someone who loves a challenge, Hyrox might be the perfect fit for you. This fast-growing fitness competition involves a blend of running and functional fitness exercises, and it’s quickly becoming a global sensation. Interest in Hyrox has surged by 233 percent year-on-year, making it the second-biggest fitness trend for 2025. The simplicity of this regimen is its main draw, aiding individuals in establishing a structured, energising routine. Its appeal lies in the fact that it’s suitable for all fitness levels—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Hyrox offers a structured way to push your limits.
The 30-30-30 Rule: Fitness meets TikTok trends
TikTok continues to influence fitness trends, and the 30-30-30 rule is no exception.
This popular routine emphasises eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up and following it with 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise. The 30-30-30 fitness routine focuses on eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up and following it with 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise.
The concept, which first appeared in the 2010 book The Four-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss, has gained new life thanks to TikTok creator and biologist Gary Brecka.
The appeal of the 30-30-30 rule lies in its simplicity. It encourages a structured start to the day, combining mindful eating with movement—a healthy habit that can easily fit into busy lifestyles.
Quadrobics and primal fitness
Another trend taking 2025 by storm is Quadrobics, a workout style that mimics animal movements like crawling, hopping, and jumping. This primal-inspired fitness routine taps into the growing appetite for back-to-basics workouts that focus on functional, full-body movement.
Ranked as the fourth-biggest trend with a 174 percent increase in interest, Quadrobics is part of the broader “primal fitness” movement that encourages us to reconnect with natural, instinctive ways of moving.
Step aerobics, rollerblading, and boxing: Retro Comebacks
Some old-school favourites are making a comeback in 2025. Step aerobics is seeing a revival with a 124 percent increase in popularity, while roller-blading and boxing have also surged in interest by 123 percent and 84 percent, respectively.
These retro workouts offer a fun, nostalgic twist to fitness while delivering serious results. For example:
Step aerobics is a low-impact option that improves cardiovascular health.
Roller-blading is a full-body workout that boosts endurance and engages your core.
Boxing combines strength training and cardio, making it an excellent stress reliever.
What’s falling out of favour?
Interestingly, some of 2024’s biggest trends are on the decline. Wall Pilates, which dominated last year, has seen a dramatic 55 percent drop in interest. Similarly, viral trends like the 12-3-30 treadmill routine and the treadmill strut have lost steam. These fads follow a common pattern: they rise quickly in popularity due to social media but fade just as fast as people seek something new. Fitness trends reflect more than just popular workouts—they highlight shifting lifestyles and priorities.
The rise of remote personal training, for example, mirrors the growing demand for flexibility and convenience in our increasingly digital world.
Meanwhile, the resurgence of retro workouts like step aerobics and roller-blading shows that fitness doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective—it can also be fun and nostalgic.
