Iberoamerican fitness trends for 2025: a regional comparative study

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v71.116451

Keywords:

Ibero-America, regional fitness trends, health and fitness industry, ACSM Survey

Abstract

Introduction: The fitness industry continues adapting to customers' unique characteristics and needs across different regions. Studying fitness trends enables industry professionals to make informed decisions, seize new opportunities, and foster a culture of health and well-being. Objective: This observational and cross-sectional study aimed to determine the most relevant fitness trends in Ibero-America for the first time and examine any differences between global fitness trends for 2025.

Methodology: A national online survey was conducted in two countries of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and three countries in the Americas (Mexico, Brazil, and Chile), following the methodology used by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) since 2006. An online questionnaire was sent to fitness professionals to assess the relevance of over 50 fitness trends.

Discussion: A total of 5,262 responses were collected across the 5 national surveys, with an overall mean response rate of 13.44%. Some of the most relevant fitness trends in Ibero-America for 2025 include: exercise for weight loss, personal training, employing certified exercise professionals, fitness programs for older adults, and traditional strength training.

Conclusions: The present findings highlight the similarities in the results of the Ibero-American surveys and their significant differences in global fitness trends. The results can help fitness professionals plan services and make strategic decisions based on the priorities of each Ibero-American region.

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16-09-2025

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Palos, J. J., Valcarce-Torrente, M., Costa Amaral, P., Franco, S., Santos-Rocha, R., Ramalho, F., Simões, V., Vieira, I., Ramos, L., Gómez Chávez, L. F. J., Cortés Almanzar, P., López-Haro, J., Pelayo Zavalza, A. R., Aguirre Rodrígez, L. E., Giakoni-Ramírez, F., de Souza-Lima, J., Muñoz-Strale, C., Pinochet-Peña, F., Yáñez-Sepúlveda, R., … L. Veiga, O. (2025). Iberoamerican fitness trends for 2025: a regional comparative study. Retos, 71, 1095-1114. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v71.116451