Written By Jeffrey Reed
In the fitness world, as with any sector of society, there are lies, damn lies and statistics. But this year’s canfitpro Top 100 Fitness, Health & Wellness Trends Report carries some solid backing in terms of trends we are seeing in 2025.
That report, based on responses from hundreds of fitness professionals across Canada, indicated that Canadians are using fitness to invest in more than just physical strength. In fact, we are prioritizing every aspect of our well-being. With trends like social workouts and active aging, we’re seeing more people turn to fitness for improved quality of life.
Cheryl Pattyn, a veteran fitness trainer based in Ilderton, works with clients ranging from teens to seniors, and she, too, sees seniors exercising like never before.
“Regardless of your age, it’s about finding an activity that you are passionate about,” advised Pattyn in terms of sticking with fitness. “It could be hiking, cycling or swimming. It’s a matter of finding something you like to do – if you like it, you’ll stay active doing it. But if you don’t like it, then you’re constantly negotiating with yourself. Pickleball has taken off like wildfire with seniors, and a big part of its draw is the social aspect.”
Minding our mental health, mindfulness and stress reduction became top trends in 2024 and remain high priorities. As public understanding of the connection between physical activity and mental health grows, fitness professionals are supporting their clients by pursuing additional education in how to utilize fitness as a tool to reduce stress, build confidence and support mental well-being.
Still, too many of us, including youth, are depending on screens and devices to ease our pain – and that leads to struggles including childhood obesity and even diabetes.
“Adults are no better, as far as staring at screens goes,” Pattyn said. “It’s a way to be distracted from either what should be done or what can be done, and a way to numb yourself from the day. Being on screens for hours, for example scrolling on social media other than for necessary work or school purposes, is just another way for people to be distracted from the stresses of life.”
When it comes down to brass tacks, keeping motivated to make fitness a daily routine is the key to success, Pattyn said.
“But I think a lot of it boils down to being realistic with your expectations,” recommends Pattyn. “It comes down to people doing too much too fast. So it could mean, doing something once or twice a week for as long as you can see, versus five days a week for a full hour at the gym.”
Fitness is fun, as long as we are passionate about exercise. The key, then, is finding your groove – what gets you moving.
Award-winning writer Jeffrey Reed has covered Middlesex County sports since 1980. He is publisher and editor of
LondonOntarioSports.com. Reach him at jeff@londonontariosports.com.
