The American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) 2025 survey reveals a notable shift in men’s fitness priorities: traditional strength training remains essential, while practices like Pilates and active recovery are rising in popularity as integral tools for performance and well-being. According to this annual poll of over 2,000 fitness experts worldwide, strength training and recovery-focused methods are gaining fresh momentum among men in pursuit of a more balanced and effective fitness regimen.
Strength training reclaims a top-tier spot in the ACSM rankings, moving from a low position at number 17 in 2024 to a robust number 5 in 2025. This resurgence underscores its enduring importance, with ACSM emphasizing that adults are advised to engage in strength-focused workouts at least twice weekly to maintain or build muscle across major muscle groups. Experts like Rachelle Reed underscore the link between strength training, longevity, and quality of life—especially for men focused on sustaining functional fitness into middle age and beyond.
While strength training remains firmly in the spotlight, recovery-oriented practices are gaining notice. New additions to the top 20 trends for 2025 include hot and cold therapies, such as saunas and cryotherapy—popular among athletes seeking faster recovery windows and enhanced performance. These aren’t just fads; they’re supported by research showing benefits in reducing muscle soreness and improving circulation.
Pilates, though not listed explicitly by ACSM, is also flourishing in tandem with functional training and recovery. Though detailed mentions of Pilates in the ACSM report are limited, fitness-industry trends—such as Pilates’s partnership with equipment companies like Technogym—highlight its growing role in supporting core strength, flexibility, and movement quality. When combined with strength-focused routines, Pilates helps men build stable, balanced bodies, reducing injury risk and improving coordination.
The ACSM list also situates recovery within a broader wellness framework. “Exercise for mental health” ranks number 8, while “functional fitness training” and “health/wellness coaching” secure positions number 9 and 10 respectively. This suggests a paradigm shift, from purely physical goals toward holistic fitness that embraces mental resilience, daily function, and mindful guidance.
These trends emerge amid another defining force: technology. Wearable devices, mobile fitness apps, and data-driven training continue to shape how men track, plan, and tailor their workouts. Real-time metrics on heart rate variability, recovery scores, and stress provide actionable feedback—empowering men to optimize training loads, pinpoint recovery needs, and prevent burnout.
For men seeking practical guidance, ACSM-certified professionals advise integrating these trends into cohesive weekly routines. Rather than simply alternating workout and rest days, the modern approach encourages pairing heavy-lifting or resistance sessions with low-impact recovery methods—like foam rolling, sauna, Pilates, or yoga—on lighter days. Monitoring recovery readiness via smart devices helps users adjust exercise intensity accordingly, while identifying weaknesses in movement patterns can prompt inclusion of Pilates or functional drills to enhance mobility and core stability. Health and wellness coaching further supports mindset, goal-setting, and long-term habit formation.
The rise of strength training, recovery methods, and mindful movement reflects a broader cultural evolution in men’s fitness, one that values longevity, balance, and sustainable performance. No longer is fitness defined solely by muscle mass or endurance; contemporary men are embracing a more nuanced, health-centered approach.
In summary, the 2025 ACSM report highlights that while strength training remains a cornerstone, it is now part of a richer ecosystem that includes recovery methods, movement quality practices like Pilates, and data-supported wellness strategies. This integrated approach helps men not only build muscle, but maintain vitality and resilience for the long haul.