College Fitness Trends 2025: Wellness Takes the Lead
Fitness trends among college students are undergoing a significant shift. While resolutions remain at the forefront of students’ goals, there’s an increasing emphasis on overall wellness rather than solely physical fitness. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of the importance of addressing holistic health needs.
As part of its leadership in managing campus recreation facilities, CENTERS continues to innovate to meet students where they are. Through its Program of Systems and Standards (POSS), CENTERS gathers cross-location campus rec professionals monthly to share best practices in fitness programming, mental health, risk management, and more. This collaborative approach ensures every CENTERS-managed location can adapt to evolving trends and implement innovative solutions to benefit the students and communities they serve.
Fitness vs. Wellness: Understanding the Difference
According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), fitness focuses on physical components like muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, cardiovascular health, body composition, and power. Wellness, however, goes beyond the physical to encompass a balance of health-related elements, such as sleep, mindfulness, emotional well-being, and occupational satisfaction.
This broader perspective on wellness is shaping how recreation centers engage students, offering a mix of programs and services designed to support their overall health goals year-round.
Top 3 Fitness and Wellness Trends Among College Students in 2025
- Mental Wellness: Universities are placing a heightened focus on mental health. At CENTERS at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), registered dieticians and counselors collaborate with student peer educators to provide information on topics ranging from healthy recipes to coping strategies. These efforts help reduce the stigma around mental health and ensure students are aware of the resources available to them.
- Stress Management: Sensory-diverse spaces and stress-relief programs are increasingly popular. At CENTERS at Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC), activities like table tennis, badminton, and pickleball give students a chance to relax and connect socially, offering a fun outlet to manage stress and anxiety.
- Fitness Accessibility: Creative campaigns are helping students re-engage with recreation centers, especially at the start of the year. For example, at CENTERS at DePaul University, the new Breakfast Crew campaign encourages students to check in before 9 a.m. during January. The program, loosely themed around the iconic movie The Breakfast Club, rewards the top 50 participants with coveted Join the Movement crewnecks. This initiative builds a sense of community while fostering healthy habits.
Recreation Centers: Meeting the Needs of Today’s Students
Recreation centers are evolving to embrace a broader approach to wellness. At CENTERS at Cleveland State University (CSU), the Shine Well program helps students explore various dimensions of wellness—mental, emotional, and physical—and integrate them into daily life. Complementing this initiative is Midweek Mindfulness, a 30-minute Wednesday class offering quick, effective strategies for stress relief.
Laura Garvin, a Mental Health First Aid-certified staff member, has also implemented early warning strategies within rec center programming to support students’ mental well-being. These efforts, paired with accessible fitness programs, create inclusive environments that foster holistic health and self-care for all students.
Collaboration with Campus Professionals
Partnerships with campus professionals are a cornerstone of CENTERS’ approach. Recreation centers often serve as a “third home” for students, and by collaborating with counselors, nurses, and dieticians, they can promote services that might otherwise go unnoticed. At CENTERS at UMSL, these partnerships ensure students receive education and support that empower them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Investing in Wellness Spaces
Investment in wellness spaces highlights the growing importance of supporting holistic student health. At CENTERS at CSU, a 7,000-square-foot rooftop garden connects students to nature, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress. Other CENTERS facilities are incorporating sensory rooms, meditation spaces, and wellness zones to create environments that encourage balance and well-being.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
As wellness trends continue to evolve in 2025, students are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing all aspects of their health. Supporting these efforts requires recreation centers to innovate, collaborate, and adapt to changing needs. Through the Program of Systems and Standards, CENTERS ensures its facilities remain leaders in fostering wellness, delivering programs and spaces that help students thrive.
This shift toward a more holistic approach to health is here to stay. By meeting students where they are and embracing their wellness journeys, CENTERS continues to play a vital role in shaping a healthier, more engaged student community.
About the Author: Daniel Provencio is a Certified Personal Trainer with ACSM, and a Certified Peer Educator Instructor with NASPA. With a Master’s in Nutrition and Exercise Science, he has over 10 years of experience in fitness programming and 4 years in wellness programming. Daniel oversees student wellness initiatives for CENTERS at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), where he supervises the peer educator program and group fitness instructors.