Why partnership is the key to staying on-trend in the fitness sector

The last time we blogged about the ACSM’s annual fitness trends, we were reviewing the 2023 predictions – a year in which free weights, bodyweight training and functional training all appeared in the top five. These were, as we observed at the time, Physical’s heartland.

The 2025 trends are all-change – almost, with wearable technology still sitting at #1 for the fourth year running. 

And yet in spite of the constantly shifting fitness landscape, the strength in depth of our product portfolio and our partnerships ensures Physical continues to deliver against 2025’s top 10 trends, whether that’s through high-quality home gym equipment or our unparalleled range of commercial gym equipment.

Indeed, it’s our view that – as the sector evolves and consumer needs diversify – it is through partnership that we will deliver the full range of experiences people seek.

Trend #3 – fitness programmes for older adults 

Our new partnership with Power Plate firmly cements our contribution to this trend – and this critical societal issue. As the global population continues to age, yet not always in good health, our sector must step up and deliver programmes that support healthy ageing.

Power Plate is proven to efficiently and effectively deliver benefits for conditions ranging from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s to stroke rehab. As an accessible mode of strength, mobility and balance training, it can also loosen joints and get muscles moving that have been static for decades; help prevent falls; improve hand-eye co-ordination, circulation and heart rate; and build confidence.

Another new partnership, this time with strength training specialist TECA Fitness, has seen the TECA Total range added to Physical’s portfolio – another perfect way to help older people continue to strength train and maintain the lean muscle mass that’s so key to healthy ageing.

Designed with accessibility in mind, TECA Total’s pin-loaded resistance stations offer clean, simple, seat-free designs – perfect for training for real life, where movements such as carrying shopping, pushing a lawnmower or lifting grandchildren in the air are rarely done from a seated position! 

The weight adjustments are also bright and highly visible for those with poor eyesight. 

Physical also supplies a wide range of Pilates equipment and accessories to the UK market, including via an exclusive partnership with Merrithew. Pilates’ full-body conditioning can help maintain mobility as bodies age, while its core strengthening helps support balance and stability. It is a fantastic discipline to include in exercise regimes at all ages.

Trends #5 & #9 – strength training & functional training

Strength training and functional training have always been Physical’s heartland. They remain so today, with hundreds of products – from commercial gym flooring to rigs, lifting platforms to a full range of strength and functional equipment – that allow operators to create engaging commercial gym design spaces and home exercisers to create safe yet challenging workouts.

We’ve written so much about these trends before that we won’t dwell on them here, other than to note the continued expansion of our Physical-branded range – a high-quality product line where we’ve reimagined some of our most popular items to make the user experience better than ever.

Recent launches include our new Performance adjustable bench, EZ Curl PU barbells and our brand-new competition kettlebells, among others, and we have plenty more on the list!

#10 – health/wellness coaching 

We’re also very excited by our new partnership with seca TRU, which brings us squarely into the field of health and wellness coaching. After all, you can’t coach someone without the foundations of accurate measurement – and this is what seca TRU provides.

Already widely used in healthcare including the NHS, seca’s medical-grade body composition technology provides highly accurate tracking of a wide range of health metrics. As people look to live healthier and happier for longer, these metrics are key, helping members move away from aesthetics to better understand what’s going on below the surface.

Speaking of below the surface, we’d like to make a nod to trend #8 – exercise for mental health. While we don’t specialise in this, we’ve always believed in the importance of being active for mental as well as physical wellbeing. We know that whatever you do in the gym, park or at home, you will feel better. We’re proud to have a broad portfolio of home gym equipment and commercial gym equipment that supports and inspires regular workouts for optimum all-round wellness.

Want to know more about our partnerships and products? Get in touch now to discuss your needs.