THE TOP FITNESS TRENDS OF 2025

STAYING ACTIVE IN THE NEW YEAR COULD BE A WHOLE LOT EASIER IF YOU GIVE ONE OF THESE EXERCISE REGIMES A GO.

- BY PRUDENCE WADE

THE start of a new year means many of us will be looking for a way to get back into exercise and boost our fitness. But, if the idea of spending relentless hours on the treadmill fills you with dread, it's always worth trying something new. Experts have predicted some of the biggest fitness trends we can expect to see in 2025, and they might just be the shot of adrenaline your workout routine needs...

PADEL

This racket sport has already been growing in popularity, and 2025 is set to be the year it really takes over - particularly as the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and LTA Tennis Foundation announced in September that it was investing £6m into 40 projects, funding 75 new courts around the country.

Padel "has a lot of similarities with tennis, including its scoring system and core skillset, which makes it easy to understand", explains Martyn Oakey, personal trainer and head of fitness at Everlast Gyms, part of Sports Direct.

"However, it is played on a smaller, enclosed court, meaning groups of mixed ages and abilities can play it together, and shots can be played off the walls.

"Its benefits are similar to tennis, offering competition, as well as a great form of stop/start exercise to help boost your cardio and muscular endurance."

It's proving particularly popular "thanks to its social nature" and the fact it's easily accessible, Martyn suggests: "Once you've found your local court, all you need is a racket, a ball and a partner."

CALLISTHENICS

If you've ever seen anyone doing impressive handstands in the gym, there's a good chance they might be doing callisthenics - a type of body weight conditioning.