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From spiritual-inspired workouts to advanced recovery techniques, here are the top six trends that its team of experts predicts will shape the year ahead.
1. DANCE MEDITATION BECOMES MAINSTREAM
Spirituality and meditative practices are on the rise, with more people turning to alternative therapies such as mindfulness, meditation, and sound-based practices like rhythmic meditative music and binaural beats to support their overall well-being. Once seen by many as “woo-woo”, people are now more open to trying spiritual wellness practices that support mental and physical health.
Recent years have seen the emergence of ecstatic dance as a popular wellness trend, offering a unique blend of physical movement and mental release. Searches for this ecstatic dance have grown by 49% in the past year (source: Google Trends), and this immersive practice allows participants to move freely and joyfully, providing not only a physical workout but also emotional and cognitive benefits. It’s no wonder it has recently taken TikTok by storm with ‘Interpretive Dance Trend’ seeing 346.4 million posts.
David Lloyd Clubs has begun to roll out SPIRIT Dance Meditation. This group exercise class gives David Lloyd Club members a pair of headphones, using music and movement to help them clear their minds and ground them in the present moment.
Michelle Dand, Head of Fitness Programming at David Lloyd Clubs, describes the class saying, “Conscious dance means allowing your body to lead the movement rather than your head leading the movement. Our lives can be so overwhelming, and in a dance meditation class, you feel like you’re taking control of yourself again.”
With more fitness operators incorporating ecstatic dance into their offerings, this trend caters to those seeking alternatives to traditional workouts. It reflects the growing desire for wellness experiences that integrate fitness, mindfulness, and community engagement.
2. SLEEP HYGIENE
With the nation living longer, people are looking to maximise their active years by investing in their bodies – resulting in the $1.5 trillion wellness market (McKinsey).
There is a growing trend among individuals looking to future-proof their bodies and minds, moving away from wanting to live as long as possible and focusing instead on making sure they are as active as possible for their older years.
Sleep hygiene has become a critical component of this wellness movement, as quality of sleep is directly linked to overall health, cognitive function, and physical recovery – seeing almost a quarter (22%) of UK adults track their sleep (YouGov).
David Lloyd Clubs have partnered with Kathryn Pinkham, founder of the Insomnia Clinic, to offer the "Sleep Well and Live Better" course. This course goes beyond typical advice, such as cutting out caffeine or reducing screen time, and instead provides members with in-depth strategies to improve sleep.
Lucy Day, head of gym and sports at David Lloyd Clubs said; "In today's wellness landscape, the role of a personal trainer has expanded significantly. It’s no longer just about physical conditioning; trainers now play a pivotal part in guiding clients toward sustainable, whole-body health. By integrating training techniques that support mental well-being, stress management, and quality sleep, trainers can help clients enhance their vitality and resilience at every stage of life."
David Lloyd Clubs are investing in the trend, rolling out sleep, wellness and longevity workshops for personal trainers (PTs). These workshops will upskill trainers to better support members with movement, nutrition, mental well-being, and stress management, helping them lead healthier, longer lives.
3. AI FITNESS SOLUTIONS
AI is set to revolutionise personal training and workouts, creating a future where technology and person-to-person coaching work together in synergy to be smarter and more effective. Nowadays, AI-powered solutions generate truly unique workout plans and deliver real-time feedback and sophisticated progress tracking through advanced data analytics.
This reflects a growing trend among Brits seeking smarter, tech-enhanced health solutions. In 2024, 62% of David Lloyd Clubs members use wearable technology, with a further 10% looking to start tracking in the future. Almost half (47%) use technology to optimise their health and fitness.
Looking to the future, workouts will soon be continually monitored by AI, instantly recommending adjustments to form and tailoring recovery strategies based on unique physiological responses. This technology empowers members to achieve their fitness goals more effectively while significantly reducing the risk of injury.
David Lloyd Clubs is leading this transformation by investing in cutting-edge AI driven smart technology like the Body Hub at all its Clubs. On the Body Hub, members enter health data and goals before undergoing a full body scan to discover their Bio Age and receive a comprehensive health and fitness report. The report covers everything from metabolic rate to flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. This approach incorporates biohacking principles, allowing members to make personalised lifestyle adjustments based on their genetic makeup, ultimately enhancing their longevity and well-being.
In 2025 it is introducing a new AI bespoke programme which is accessed via the Body Hub. The software designs an AI driven workout based on the equipment at each Club making it tailored to each individual and super intuitive.
4. POST WORKOUT RECOVERY
Post workout recovery is now front of mind in the wellness space, with David Lloyd Clubs’ high-quality facilities providing the optimum technology to recover after a workout.
Health and fitness club members are increasingly looking to walk away from their workouts feeling refreshed and recharged, rather than aching and tired. David Lloyd Clubs offer percussion therapy to help boost circulation and aid recovery. This technology is known for being used and loved by the world’s top athletes. David Lloyd Clubs have also introduced hydro massage chairs at selected clubs which promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and stimulate circulation.
As well as this leading recovery technology, using hot and cold therapy in order to boost recovery has become increasingly popular in recent years. The Wim Hof method has boomed in popularity, and David Lloyd Clubs offer ice caves and plunge pools in their Spa Retreats to rebound after training. Benefits of cold plunges include boosting energy, alleviating muscle soreness, stimulating immune system health and speeding up recovery.
The Clubs also offer experience showers, enabling guests to switch between hot and cold to stimulate the senses and boost recovery. After using the plunge pool, members can also spend time in the Finnish and Himalayan Salt Saunas, to sooth muscles and ease tension throughout the body.
5. THE SOCIAL REVOLUTION IN FITNESS
There has been an uplift in people looking to fitness, health clubs and gyms as a healthy way to connect with a community. Run Clubs are another example of like-minded people seeking a community, taking off in 2024 when they were tipped as the ‘new dating apps’ (source: New York Times).
Gen-Z are redefining social culture by prioritising wellness, with a survey by Expedian finding over half of 18-35-year-old Brits (54%) say they would rather go to the gym than to a nightclub. A recent survey also showed the majority of students are now opting for running over clubbing (source: Evening Standard) as people look to implement healthy and sustainable lifestyle changes.
The rise of fitness influencers and social media has made exercising an aspirational lifestyle choice. As a result, gyms are not only becoming places to workout but also hubs for social interaction, replacing pub culture for many. As a result, activities including Padel, tennis, and group training classes are gaining popularity, not just for their physical benefits but for the strong sense of community they create.
Parents are increasingly looking for new ways to connect with their children particularly in this digital age. A recent study from David Lloyd Clubs looked into dads in particular and how they want to spend more time with their children but face barriers. The study found that almost 3 in 4 (73%) of UK dads want to be more involved in their children’s activities but lacking confidence, being distracted by social media and family budgets were all contributing barriers. To help encourage families to spend time together in a fun and healthy way David Lloyd Clubs also recently launched ‘REBELS’ a family-friendly adaptation of the Clubs’ exclusive range of Signature group exercise classes for parents and children aged between eight and thirteen to work out together– a first in the industry.
This blending of sport and socialising is transforming members’ lifestyles. Club visits are no longer seen as just an hour of exercise. Visits have become all-encompassing lifestyle experiences, turning visits into memorable, all-day activities that blend health, work, and social connection. This shift has prompted David Lloyd Clubs to invest in spaces to promote socialising – such as co-working spaces, Padel courts, poolside bars, and luxurious spa retreats – to enhance the overall member experience.
6. HORMONES WILL DEFINE YOUR WORKOUT
Hormone health and cycle tracking have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with people recognising the importance of listening to your body and shaping fitness routines around it.
With Google searches for hormone health rising 72% since December 2023 (Google Trends). While we consider the menopause for women, ‘male menopause’ is also prevalent, with men experiencing depression, loss of muscle mass, difficulty sleeping and fat redistribution in their late 40s to early 50s (source: NHS).
This is something to be aware of when building fitness routines, understanding your body may need to be treated differently as it undergoes change at middle age – providing those during ages of 40s and 50s an opportunity to switch up their routine, by increasing weight training to build strength.
David Lloyd Clubs have partnered with Hertility to offer members exclusively priced access to at home hormone and fertility testing.
Deirdre O'Neill, Co-Founder of Hertility commented; "Hormones play a vital role in how women feel, perform, and recover during exercise, yet many remain unaware of their impact. Through our partnership with David Lloyd Clubs, we're providing women with the tools to understand their hormonal health, empowering them to tailor their fitness and wellness routines for optimal performance and overall well-being."
7. RECOVER LIKE A SPORTS STAR AT HOME; RED LIGHT THERAPY, MASSAGE GUNS AND MORE
With fitness routines becoming more intense, people are understanding the impact of overtraining and under-recovering. Recovery days and treatments are essential to maximising the effectiveness of training, allowing muscles to heal and grow back stronger which leads to being able to do the same exercises with less effort in the future.
There is a wider understanding that rest and recovery are as crucial as the workout itself, so in 2025 gone are the days of a ten-minute stretch, with a greater investment in recovery tools like red light therapy devices, massage guns, and compression therapy.
Red light therapy promotes cellular regeneration and speeds up muscle recovery, while massage guns provide targeted relief for muscle tension and soreness. These tools, along with foam rollers and cold therapy devices, have become integral in enhancing mobility, reducing soreness, and preparing the body for future workouts.
David Lloyd Clubs across the UK & Europe offer members a variety of recovery tools. Some Clubs offer members hydro massage chairs for deep-tissue relief, Theraguns, and compression boots to enhance circulation and accelerate muscle recovery. These innovative recovery solutions reflect the growing demand for high-tech, science-backed approaches to fitness and well-being.
Discover what classes and experiences David Lloyd Clubs offer at www.davidlloyd.co.uk.
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About David Lloyd Leisure Group
David Lloyd Leisure helps members to live life better with a focus on physical and mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging. We are Europe’s leading premium health and wellness group operating 133 clubs – 104 clubs in the UK and a further 29 clubs across mainland Europe, comprising three brands David Lloyd Clubs, Harbour Clubs and David Lloyd Meridian Spa and Fitness in Germany.
David Lloyd Clubs’ premium facilities are unparalleled. We continually innovate to offer the best products and services for families and individuals in welcoming surroundings including state-of-the-art gyms, heated indoor and outdoor pools, well-equipped group exercise studios, luxurious spas, kids club facilities and crèches. We also have the broadest range of racquet sports including tennis, padel, pickleball and badminton. Our Clubrooms offer a place to spend time with friends and family or enjoy a bite to eat. Our clubs also feature large and inviting spaces to work, relax and socialise.
Our 750,000+ members and over 11,500 team members make a positive impact on the communities and environment in which we operate. We pride ourselves in employing the best experts in the industry, including health and wellness specialists, group exercise instructors and PTs, as well as racquets coaches and swim coaches.
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