With the end of the summer season in Spain comes a time for new beginnings, and for many, this means returning to regular workouts. In 2025, the country’s fitness industry is focusing on variety, the social aspect, and enjoying the process. Monotonous routines are giving way to comprehensive challenges, innovative movements, and technological solutions aimed at achieving harmony between physical fitness and mental health.
One of the main trends is the rise of large-scale functional competitions. Events like Hyrox, which combine running with strength exercises, are seeing explosive growth in popularity. The number of participants in Spain and worldwide increased from 175,000 in 2023 to over 650,000 in 2025. Other obstacle races, such as Spartan Race, are also gaining momentum. The key factor behind the success of these formats is the setting of clear goals and the opportunity to share the experience with others. A sense of belonging to the fitness community is becoming a powerful motivator for maintaining regular workouts.
An unusual but rapidly growing trend is workouts that mimic animal movements. This includes practices such as quadrobics (Quadrobics) and animal flow (Animal flow). Quadrobics involves walking, running, and jumping on all fours, which develops strength, flexibility, and muscle definition without any equipment. Unlike the once-popular animal flow, this method offers more freedom and lacks strict rules, focusing on self-expression. Animal flow, in turn, is a structured, science-based program aimed at safe and functional body development.
Among women, especially during perimenopause and menopause, walking with a weighted vest is becoming increasingly popular. This type of low-impact exercise effectively burns calories and helps increase bone density. It is recommended to start with a vest that weighs 5–10% of body weight. Interest in this method is so high that searches for “chaleco lastrado” (weighted vest) have ranked among the most popular in neighboring Great Britain, reflecting a broader European trend.
On social media, particularly on TikTok, the so-called ‘6-6-6 Method’ has gone viral. This simple and accessible cardio workout consists of a six-minute warm-up, an hour of brisk walking (in the so-called second heart rate zone), and a six-minute cool-down. The main advantage of this method is its emphasis on consistency rather than high intensity, making it ideal for maintaining cardiovascular health and steady fat burning.
Following the success of reformer pilates, a new version is gaining ground: standing pilates. These sessions take place upright, without a mat. This format gives an intensive workout to the core muscles, improves balance, posture, and proprioception—the body’s sense of its position in space. Instructors note that despite its apparent simplicity, this training is quite challenging and can surprise even well-trained athletes.
Hybrid workouts that combine strength training and endurance exercises are also gaining ground. This balanced approach prepares the body for any physical challenge and helps maintain strong motivation. At the same time, the technological side of fitness is evolving. Artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and virtual coaching apps provide access to personalized and immersive programs, including those that use augmented and virtual reality. The main focus is shifting toward mobility, effective recovery, and care for mental well-being.
