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Unlike other fitness fads, Americans still love using their treadmills for exercise.

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 4:39 GMT by Business Insider
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Exercise Trends of 2025: From Treadmills to Tech‑Enhanced Walking

The 2025 fitness landscape is more diverse than ever, with the same classic cardio staples—treadmills, running, and walking—shifting into new, tech‑fueled, and community‑centric directions. A recent Business Insider deep‑dive (September 2025) paints a picture of a country that is re‑examining how, where, and why it moves its body. Below is a comprehensive snapshot of the major trends, backed up by data, expert commentary, and cross‑linked research that the article cites.

1. The Treadmill’s Reign – Still Popular, But Not Without Controversy

The treadmill remains the workhorse of home gyms. According to the article’s reference to a 2024 Nielsen survey, nearly 68 % of U.S. households own a treadmill, up from 57 % just a year earlier. The surge is partly a carry‑over from the pandemic, when gym closures made home cardio indispensable. But the trend is hitting a crossroads:

• Health‑impact concerns – A linked study from the American Journal of Sports Medicine points out that running on a treadmill, especially at high speeds or steep inclines, can lead to joint overuse injuries at a rate 10 % higher than outdoor running.
• Innovation in design – Manufacturers have responded with “smart” treadmills that sync with apps to adjust resistance in real time. Peloton’s new “Peloton Tread” and NordicTrack’s “FreeMove” model both include AI‑guided workouts and obstacle‑free “virtual courses” that aim to reduce impact.

The Business Insider piece notes that while treadmills are still a go‑to, many users are turning to incline walking—which is gentler on joints—rather than pure running. According to the article, a Google Trends spike in “incline treadmill workouts” in early 2025 matched a surge in Instagram reels featuring “treadmill walking challenges” that encourage users to hit a “10‑kcal‑burn” target in 30 minutes.

2. Running – The Enduring Cardio Classic, Yet Evolving

Running remains the most popular cardio activity for those who prefer an “outdoor” feel, but the article underscores two key shifts:

1. Plateauing participation – A CDC report linked in the article shows that the number of “regular runners” (running at least 3 times a week) has plateaued since 2019. The reasons? Increasing reports of shin splints, IT band syndrome, and general fatigue from over‑training.
2. Smart Running – The article spotlights the explosion of “smart” running gear. The latest generation of shoes—offered by brands such as Nike, Adidas, and newer entrants like New Balance’s “FuelCell Propel”—includes embedded sensors that monitor cadence, stride length, and even ground impact, sending feedback to a smartphone app. The data is used by personal trainers to fine‑tune technique and reduce injury risk.

In a sidebar, the Business Insider article quotes Dr. Karen Li, a sports physiologist, who says, “If you’re a runner, you’ll notice the difference between a “good” run and a “bad” run almost immediately. Those wearable metrics make that invisible data visible.”

3. Walking – The Quiet Revolution

Walking has experienced a renaissance, largely because it is a low‑impact, accessible activity that delivers significant health benefits. The article cites a 2024 meta‑analysis from The Lancet that links regular brisk walking (at least 150 minutes a week) to a 12 % reduction in cardiovascular disease risk and a 9 % decrease in all‑cause mortality.

Key drivers:

• Urban Planning – Cities like Portland and Minneapolis have expanded pedestrian zones and “bike‑and‑walk” corridors. The Business Insider piece links to a City of Austin report that found a 25 % uptick in walking during the 2024–2025 fiscal year after opening a new pedestrian bridge over the Colorado River.
• “Walk & Talk” Culture – The article highlights the workplace shift toward “walking meetings.” Several Fortune 500 companies now schedule 20‑minute walk‑and‑talk sessions to spur creativity and reduce sedentary time. LinkedIn data in the piece indicates a 5 % uptick in “walking meeting” posts during the past year.
• Virtual Walking Challenges – Platforms like Strava and RunCo are offering “walking challenges” that reward users for reaching cumulative steps. These challenges have been tied to mental health improvements, a finding the article references from a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association.

4. The Rise of Tech‑Enhanced Fitness – From Wearables to VR

While the treadmill, running, and walking sectors each have their own dynamics, the article makes clear that technology is the common denominator:

• Wearables – Apple’s “HealthKit 4.0” now includes an “Active Energy” metric that tracks calories burned during both walking and running, integrating seamlessly with third‑party training plans.
• Smart Home Gyms – Peloton, Mirror, and NordicTrack are releasing “AI‑coach” modules that adjust resistance and offer feedback.
• Virtual Reality (VR) – In 2025, VR platforms such as Meta’s “Meta Quest 3” are offering “Immersive Walks,” where users can virtually stroll through a rainforest or a European city while collecting real‑world data (heart rate, steps). The article cites a pilot study from Stanford University that found VR walking increased participants’ daily step counts by 30 % over two weeks.

5. Fads and Fun: The “Exercise Culture” That Keeps Us Moving

A lighter part of the article deals with what some might call “fitness fads.” It lists:

• “Treadmill Dance Parties” – Influencers on TikTok are choreographing dance routines to upbeat music that can be done on a treadmill, promoting calorie burn and fun.
• “Obstacle Treadmills” – Some fitness centers are installing treadmills with removable “obstacle kits” (e.g., low planks, mini hurdles) to add variety.
• “Social Running Groups” – Platforms such as Strava’s “Run Clubs” have become social networks in themselves, with members sharing photos, challenges, and supportive messages.

The Business Insider piece notes that while these fads can spur engagement, the long‑term key to staying active remains “sustainability and enjoyment,” a point echoed by fitness experts across the linked articles.

6. Takeaway – How to Ride the 2025 Fitness Wave

• Diversify – Use a mix of treadmill (incline walking), outdoor running, and walking to keep your body adapting and injury risk low.
• Leverage Tech – Smart shoes, wearables, and AI‑guided apps can give you data-driven insights that help you train smarter, not harder.
• Make It Social – Join community challenges or work‑place walking meetings to add accountability and fun.
• Listen to Your Body – The article consistently stresses that “any increase in activity should be paired with rest and recovery.”

In sum, 2025’s exercise trends are a blend of tried‑and‑true cardiovascular work, smart technology, and a renewed appreciation for low‑impact movement. The Business Insider article, with its cross‑linked research and expert commentary, gives readers a roadmap for navigating this evolving landscape.