By the time tomorrow arrives, it will be 2025 and it will be time to drop your New Year’s resolutions (gulp). For many of us, that means setting health goals, whether that’s getting in some steps each day, trying a new workout routine, opting for Dry January or the Whole30, immersing yourself in daily meditation, or (eventually ) making sleep the priority it deserves. But we’re not here to advise you on your decisions (they’re about what you want!). Instead, we’re taking a moment to look ahead to 2025 and predict some of the biggest trends and conversations you’ll see in health and wellness next year — which might just look like the goals you’ve set.
As a health editor, I’ve seen some wellness trends come and go (looking at you, celery juice), while others (oat milk, home workouts, and Pilates come to mind) have proven their staying power. While the last five years have shown that you never know what’s around the corner – no one saw the Zoom training classes coming back in December 2019! — I looked at trend reports and my own online and IRL communities to inform these expert predictions for what 2025 will bring, wellness-wise. From fitness crazes to the constant and inevitable intertwining of politics and health, here’s what you can expect to see next year.
Stretching it
Yoga has literally been around for centuries (literally) and hit the (western) mainstream decades ago, beloved for the way it stretches our bodies and calms our minds. But stretching and mobility—your ability to move well and comfortably—really took off in 2020, when the pandemic confined us to our homes and left our muscles sore and underused. In 2025, many of us are still looking for ways to feel better and keep our bodies functioning. According to WrongThe 2024 Year in Sport report, which the fitness tracking app shared with SheKnows, found stretching and mobility to be the top health and fitness goal of respondents, with 19% citing it as their 2025 priorities.
It helps that this type of exercise is extremely accessible and home workout friendly. all you need is enough space for a yoga mat or some comfortable flooring. These at-home yoga flows can help you get started.
Longevity of thought
Relatedly, more and more of us want to stay active and feel good later in life, which flexibility and mobility can certainly help. Good sleep, a nutritionally balanced diet and social activity can also help if you’re one of the many people who will have longevity on their minds in the coming year. On Strava, 56 percent of respondents cited longevity as their top health and fitness goal. That number jumps up to 63 percent for Gen X. We also predict an increase in interest in maintaining quality of life, not just lifespan, with many of us looking for workouts and life tips that can keep us healthy and we prosper for longer.
Strong Is Sexy
Strava found a 25 percent increase in weight training among female users, proving once again that being strong is too much in. We predict this number will continue to grow in the coming year, especially because of the strong link between resistance training, longevity and overall health: per Study 2021women who strength train two to three times a week are more likely to live longer and have a lower risk of dying from heart disease. Strength training is also vital for bone and joint health, as well as your metabolism, while age-related muscle loss can threaten your functional mobility. All the more reason to invest in a few pairs of dumbbells heading into 2025!
Protein, Protein, Protein
Even if getting strong isn’t a top priority, you’ve probably heard about how important protein is to your overall health. Protein is important for your metabolism, your bones, and keeping your body full and satisfied, so it’s no surprise that this macro was everywhere in 2024 — and we expect the same next year! Just remember not to overdo it, especially when it comes to protein supplements (try natural protein-rich foods like lean meat, eggs, fish, nuts and legumes). Per Harvard Medicineyou can find your daily recommended protein intake (in grams) by multiplying your weight in pounds by 0.36 or by visiting USDA’s online calculator.
What do you think about vaccines?
We haven’t stopped talking about vaccines since 2020 and the debate isn’t over. With the appointment of the anti-fragile Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the Department of Health and Human Services, some experts fear that access to vaccines could be threatened. RFK’s lawyer already has stand out the long-used polio vaccine as a possible target. Kennedy can also choose to follow after-school vaccine mandates, which are vital to public and children’s health.
However, even as anti-tax sentiments intensify, a recent research shows that reluctant vaccination has increased. From these contrasting patterns, we predict that the vaccine debate will become even more intense in 2025. With infectious diseases such as influenza, RSV and bird flu on the rise, public health could pay the price.
Mental health is everything
The ongoing trend of prioritizing mental health isn’t going anywhere in 2025 — and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Strava reported that improving and caring for mental health was the top 2025 goal among survey respondents, with Gen Z feeling particularly passionate about it, so chances are you and your kids have that in common ! While improving mental health looks different for everyone, we predict that comfortable, mindful habits will grow in popularity in the coming year. Whether it’s taking time for a slow cup of tea or coffee in the morning, a quick meditation session before bed, or a mindful hot girls’ walk (remember those?), these kinds of active moments of self-care can make all the difference.
Before you go, check out our favorite mental health apps:
