The UK fitness industry is undergoing a seismic shift in 2025—one that’s redefining what success looks like for gyms, studios, hotels, and wellness spaces. Driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological innovation, and a growing desire for holistic wellbeing, these changes present both a challenge and an opportunity for facility owners.
Whether you're managing a commercial gym, developing a boutique concept, or upgrading your hotel’s fitness offering, understanding the key trends shaping this transformation is essential to staying competitive and future-ready.
In the wake of global disruptions and digital acceleration, the UK fitness landscape is entering a new era—one that blends innovation with intention. Members now expect more than just equipment—they’re seeking community, convenience, personalization, and purpose.
And facility owners who recognize this shift and act on it? They’re reaping the rewards in retention, revenue, and relevance.
Let’s break down the key trends redefining fitness in 2025—and how they’re creating a new blueprint for operational success:
Stat: 3 in 5 UK clubs now offer a blend of in-person and digital workouts.
Digital isn’t a threat—it’s an amplifier. Whether it’s virtual classes, streaming platforms, or integrated mobile apps, digital options are now expected as standard. They allow members to stay consistent, even when life gets hectic, and give operators new tools to boost engagement outside the facility.
Action: Integrate platforms like Wexer or MyFitApp into your offering to provide on-demand and hybrid solutions.
Stat: 20–30 minute workouts are outperforming longer sessions in retention.
Today’s fitness consumers are time-starved but commitment-driven. Short, efficient sessions—especially in the form of circuit training, express classes, and high-intensity intervals—are proving to deliver better results and better adherence.
Action: Restructure your class schedule or floor layout to support time-efficient training.
Stat: 72% of operators report increased demand for functional and strength equipment.
Driven by Gen Z, women, and older adults alike, strength training has gone mainstream. From sleds and racks to selectorized strength circuits, facilities that offer diverse strength options are attracting a broader and more dedicated member base.
Action: Invest in modern functional spaces with brands like Nautilus, Throwdown, or Star Trac that offer scalable, versatile strength solutions.
Stat: Facilities with recovery zones and wellness features see 40% higher member satisfaction.
Recovery isn’t just a trend—it’s a demand. Think massage chairs, cold plunge tubs, guided breathing spaces, or even soft lighting and soundscapes. Wellness design enhances experience and encourages members to stay longer and return more often.
Action: Incorporate recovery and wellness touchpoints into your facility’s floor plan or future renovations.
Stat: Real-time performance tracking is now a top decision driver for equipment purchases.
Today’s members want to track, measure, and share progress. Equipment that integrates with wearables, apps, or displays real-time stats adds a layer of accountability and gamification that keeps users engaged.
Action: Choose cardio and strength lines compatible with performance platforms like Core's Apex Display and OpenHub™ technology.
Stat: Virtual and hybrid GX formats are helping solve instructor shortages.
Finding qualified group instructors is becoming harder—but that doesn’t mean group training should suffer. Virtual and hybrid models enable clubs to offer consistent, quality classes without relying solely on local talent.
Action: Explore digital group fitness solutions that blend live instruction with virtual programming and automate scheduling.
Stat: Personalized, small-group experiences are gaining traction in larger facilities.
Members are seeking community—but not crowds. Creating boutique-style zones within a commercial space helps foster the intimacy and support many members are craving, especially post-pandemic.
Action: Design niche training areas for small groups—like functional HIIT, TRX, or cycling—that deliver a boutique feel in a big-box environment.
Stat: 64% of Gen Z say eco-conscious equipment influences their membership.
Eco-awareness is no longer optional. From energy-efficient treadmills to recycled flooring, facilities that walk the sustainability talk are gaining loyalty from younger members.
The Apex display platform brings all your locations under one intelligent system, enabling over-the-air updates, automated tracking, and fewer service interventions.
Action: Evaluate sustainable options across equipment, design, and operations—and communicate your efforts clearly.
Stat: Europe’s fitness market is projected to grow by 6.8% CAGR, reaching €34 billion by 2027.
With growth comes competition. Those who act now will be best positioned to capture their share of this booming market.
These trends aren’t just predictions—they’re reality. Fail to act, and you risk becoming outdated. Move now, and you’ll not only meet expectations, you’ll exceed them.
At Core Health & Fitness, we’re not just responding to trends—we’re driving them. Through partnerships with global brands like Nautilus, Star Trac, StairMaster, Throwdown, and Schwinn, we help operators:
✅ Equip their spaces with modern, durable, and innovative tools
✅ Integrate immersive digital experiences with the Apex™ display and OpenHub™ ecosystem
✅ Design multi-functional layouts to support everything from recovery to strength to GX
✅ Train staff through global education programs that elevate member service
✅ Embrace sustainability with eco-conscious product lines and design guidance
Whether you’re a facility operator, hotel developer, or franchise owner, our goal is to help you thrive—today and in the future. Reach out to Core Health & Fitness to transform you facility with a custom design and consultation. Let’s design a space that moves with the times—and your members.
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