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.

Author: Aiden Foster