ClassPass is closing out 2024 having expanded into food and beverage offerings and is gearing up for an initial public offering, but before the year wraps up, the fitness and wellness platform is taking a moment to reflect on the year’s top workout and wellness trends.
Here are some highlights from the ClassPass Annual Look Back report, which covers trends based on reservation data from October 2023 to October 2024.
Pilates, Ice Skating & Massage Top the Charts
Pilates saw an +84% increase in bookings this year, according to ClassPass, paving the way for the popular fitness method to secure the top spot for the second year. In the home fitness space, Pilates equipment also shows significant promise – as seen by connected Reformer maker Reform RX, Merrithew and Basi Systems.
Notably, low-impact training also saw an increase in reservations (109%), demonstrating an interest in more fitness-newbie-friendly and accessible fitness.
While Pilates dominated, ice skating took center stage as the year’s breakout trend, with a 698% increase in reservations. Its rise reflects a broader interest in unique and non-traditional fitness activities, spurred by cultural moments like the Winter Olympics and increased social media visibility. Team sports like volleyball and soccer also saw significant growth, with volleyball bookings increasing by 256% and soccer by 158%. These trends highlight a resurgence in community-oriented and recreational fitness.
In the wellness space, massage retained their title as the most-booked appointment, with a 39% increase in reservations globally. However, new data-driven practices like body scans surged by 159%, as users sought precise insights into their health and fitness progress. Similarly, cosmetic treatments grew by 133%, and body sculpting increased by 90%, reflecting a growing interest in targeted, results-focused wellness services.
Global Booking Habits: Who Works Out & When
ClassPass data revealed intriguing patterns in booking behavior. Tuesday emerged as the most popular day for workouts, with Friday dominating as the top day for wellness appointments. Weekday workouts peaked at 5:30 p.m., aligning with post-work schedules, while weekend sessions were most commonly booked at 10:00 a.m., reflecting a more relaxed start to the day. September overtook October as the busiest month for fitness, signaling a “back-to-business” mindset at the end of summer.
The most fitness-forward cities included New York Metro, which led all global markets in total reservations, followed by Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam and Singapore. Travel also influenced booking habits, with 7.7% of ClassPass users participating in fitness activities while on the road. U.S. travelers led the way, with 14% of users booking classes outside their home market, followed closely by Germany at 13%.
Specific cities showcased unique trends: Zürich residents were the most likely to book fitness classes more than three days in advance, while Basel led in lunchtime workout reservations. Outdoor workouts saw a surge in Santa Cruz, California, which topped the list for on-the-go fitness in scenic locales.
Pop Culture & Recovery Practices Shape 2024
Pop culture remained a driving force behind fitness trends. Themed classes continued to thrive, with Taylor Swift-inspired sessions drawing over 15,000 reservations. Beyoncé, Drake and Justin Bieber were also top picks for music-driven workouts.
Recovery practices gained renewed attention, with yoga, sauna sessions and massages frequently booked as post-workout activities. For example, sauna use was particularly common after Pilates, while yoga was a top choice for runners looking to stretch and unwind.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The report forecasts a continued shift toward hybrid wellness routines that combine physical fitness with mental health practices. Wearable health monitors and AI-driven tools are poised to play an even bigger role, offering users personalized insights to optimize performance and recovery. Community-focused and creative fitness experiences are also expected to thrive as individuals seek meaningful ways to connect while pursuing their wellness goals.
ATN staff writer Courtney Rehfeldt contributed to this article.
