Garmin's 2025 fitness report reveals a surge in popularity for one specific activity

The 2025 Garmin Connect Data Report has been released, offering a detailed look at the exercise habits of millions of users who rely on the Garmin Connect app to track their workouts. This years report highlights several notable trends in physical activity.

Overall, Garmin users increased their exercise levels by 8% compared to 2024. Individual workouts like HIIT saw a 45% rise, while Pilates grew by 46%. Yet, one activity type far outpaced the rest with a staggering 67% surge in user participation.

Pickleball and the Racket Sports Boom

Racket sports, which include tennis, badminton, and similar games, experienced the largest increase in activity sessions year-over-year, climbing 67%. Experts suggest that this spike is largely driven by the growing popularity of pickleball. According to a 2025 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with over 20 million active players.

Pickleball is played with either two or four players on a smaller court with a lower net. Instead of traditional tennis rackets, players use paddles, and the ball resembles a wiffle ball. Its appeal comes from being both fun and low-cost, making it accessible for casual play or serious competition.

Other Rising Fitness Trends

Following the surge in racket sports, HIIT and Pilates, other activities saw notable growth as well: strength training (+29%), indoor running (+16%), diving (+16%), and hiking (+12%).

The report also highlighted some demographic patterns: women globally recorded lower stress scores than men, younger users aged 18-29 had the highest energy levels and completed the most outdoor running sessions, while those aged 50-59 led in indoor cycling. In addition to more active routines, Garmin users averaged more daily steps than in 2024, and Sleep Scores edged up by 1%, with a global average of 71.

Garmins 2025 data demonstrates not only a rise in individual fitness activities but also a remarkable surge in social and recreational sports, with pickleball emerging as the standout trend of the year.

Analysis: The Surge of Pickleball and the Growth of Racket Sports in 2025

The 2025 Garmin Connect Data Report brings to light significant shifts in the way people approach fitness, with particular emphasis on racket sports. Among the findings, the most striking is the overwhelming 67% growth in pickleball participation, a sport that is quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. This surge reflects broader trends in social and recreational sports, where accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and community engagement are key drivers of growth.

While activities such as HIIT and Pilates have also shown impressive increases, it's clear that pickleball is leading the charge. Its rise can be attributed to its lower barriers to entry, offering a fun and competitive option for a wide range of age groups and skill levels. Experts agree that the sport’s rapid growth in the U.S., with over 20 million active players, is a testament to its broad appeal and potential for sustained popularity.

Garmin’s 2025 report underscores how the rise of one activity can influence the broader landscape of fitness trends. As pickleball continues to gain traction, other activities like tennis and badminton also benefit from the increased interest in racket sports. This interconnectedness highlights a key pattern in fitness culture: when one activity gains momentum, others in the same category often follow suit, contributing to an overall increase in participation in both structured workouts and social sporting events.

Looking forward, it will be interesting to see if this trend is a lasting one, or if the popularity of pickleball eventually stabilizes. Either way, the findings point to a larger shift toward more inclusive, accessible forms of exercise that foster both individual wellness and community connection.

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• Garmin’s 2025 fitness report is out — and one activity in particular exploded in popularity