1 - ACTIVE AGING

AGE STRONGER, LIVE LONGER

Active aging continues to hold the number one spot as a leading health and fitness trend for 2025 (#1 in 2024), driven by a growing population committed to staying physically, mentally, and socially, engaged. As life expectancy rises, individuals are increasingly prioritizing quality of life by maintaining mobility, strength, and independence well into their late 70s, 80s , and beyond. This trend emphasizes tailored fitness programs that focus on functional movement, balance and stability training, as well as strength training to prevent age-related decline and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. From mobility programs designed to improve flexibility and movement patterns to resistance training programs that enhance bone density and muscle mass, active aging is redefining what it means to grow older. Jennifer Sawyer, founder and lead instructor at North End Fitness & Training and Sharon Mann Inspiration Award & Scholarship winner 2024 adds, “At North End Fitness, we embrace active aging by showcasing older adults engaged in strength conditioning. This reflects a shift toward lifelong fitness, inspiring younger generations and aligning with the needs of an active, healthy aging population.”

In addition to physical fitness, the active aging movement underscores the importance of mental health and cognitive sharpness. Research shows that regular exercise can enhance brain function, improve memory, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are common in aging populations. Group classes like yoga, aqua fitness, and dance not only provide physical benefits but also stimulate the brain through complex movement patterns and social interaction.

There’s a growing cultural shift that views aging as an opportunity, not a limitation. By embracing active aging, individuals are proving that age is just a number and that the journey to better health, vitality, and well-being never truly ends. “This underscores a positive shift toward proactive, lifelong health management,” says Claudiu Popa, personal trainer, active aging educator, and owner of WorkoutSmart.ca. As a result, active aging is more than a trend; it’s a lifestyle revolution inspiring people of all ages to rethink their potential and embrace the pathway to longevity. Trevor Pickett, founder of Offbeat Fitness and canfitpro PRO TRAINER adds, “Seeing this trend as number one inspires me to keep finding new and creative ways to serve this population. I hope, as an industry, we will continue to make this a top priority so that our aging population may thrive.”

“WITH THE AGING POPULATION STRIVING FOR FITNESS AND HEALTH, ACTIVE AGING WILL DOMINATE IN THE COMING YEARS. THE KEY WILL BE PROPER ASSESSMENTS OF THE BODY’S COMPLEX SYSTEMS TO GUIDE EFFECTIVE TRAINING, AND LEVERAGING AI WILL BE A GAMECHANGER FOR ACHIEVING FITNESS GOALS.

DR. KEN KINAKIN, DC, FOUNDER OF SWIS

AS FITNESS PROFESSIONALS, WE MUST PRIORITIZE EDUCATION AND INTENTIONAL PROGRAMMING, BECOMING THE TRUSTED VOICE IN AN INDUSTRY FLOODED WITH MISINFORMATION. WE HAVE THE POWER TO BE THE CHANGE, BUT IT TAKES DEDICATION AND A COMMITMENT TO SAFER, FUNCTIONAL TRAINING FOR ALL.

LESLEE BENDER, OWNER OF AGELESS MOVEMENT ACADEMY, CANFITPRO DELEGATES’ CHOICE SPECIALTY PRESENTER OF THE YEAR 2024 “