Staying active is more enjoyable when shared with friends. In 2025, fitness challenges have evolved to be more engaging, accessible, and tailored to various fitness levels. Whether you’re aiming to boost your motivation, enhance your health, or simply have fun, here are some trending fitness challenges that you and your friends can embark on together.
1. Weighted Vest Walking: A Stylish Strength Builder
What it is: Walking with a weighted vest is gaining popularity as a low-impact way to increase calorie burn and build strength. This trend, especially favored by women, involves wearing a vest that adds extra weight, intensifying the walking experience.
Why it’s great for friends: It’s a social activity that can be done in parks or around neighborhoods, allowing for conversation while still getting a good workout. Plus, it’s adaptable to various fitness levels.
How to start:
- Begin with a vest weighing 5–10% of your body weight.
- Start with short walks and gradually increase duration and intensity.
- Ensure proper posture to avoid strain.
2. Quadrobics: Animal-Inspired Movement
What it is: Quadrobics is a fitness trend that involves exercises performed on all fours, mimicking animal movements like bear crawls and crab walks. This method promotes full-body engagement and functional fitness.
Why it’s great for friends: It’s playful and challenging, making it perfect for group workouts. The variety of movements keeps the sessions interesting and fun.
How to start:
- Incorporate movements like bear crawls, crab walks, and gorilla walks into your routine.
- Set challenges, such as completing a certain distance or number of repetitions.
- Use a timer to add intensity and competition
3. Hyrox: The Global Fitness Race
What it is: Hyrox is a global fitness race that combines running with functional workouts. Participants complete a series of exercises followed by running segments, testing both strength and endurance.
Why it’s great for friends: Training for and participating in a Hyrox event together can strengthen bonds and provide a shared goal. The supportive environment encourages everyone to push their limits.
How to start:
- Find a local Hyrox event or create your own version.
- Train together by incorporating running and functional exercises into your workouts.
- Track progress and celebrate achievements as a team.
4. AI-Personalized Fitness Challenges
What it is: Advancements in technology have led to AI-powered fitness apps that create personalized workout plans based on individual goals, preferences, and progress.
Why it’s great for friends: These apps can be used to set up joint challenges, track progress, and motivate each other. They provide structure and variety to workouts.
How to start:
- Choose an AI-powered fitness app that offers group challenges.
- Set shared goals, such as completing a certain number of workouts or achieving specific fitness milestones.
- Use the app’s features to monitor progress and encourage each other.
5. Million Moves Challenge
What it is: The Million Moves Challenge encourages participants to complete 75 daily movements over a period, promoting daily physical activity and healthy habits.
Why it’s great for friends: It’s a long-term challenge that fosters consistency and accountability. Completing it together can be motivating and rewarding.
How to start:
- Commit to completing 75 movements daily, which can include exercises like squats, lunges, or stretches.
- Track your progress using a shared calendar or fitness app.
- Celebrate milestones and support each other through the challenge.
6. Retro Workout Throwback
What it is: This challenge involves dedicating a week to old-school fitness styles, such as step aerobics, jazzercise, or Tae Bo. Participants dress in retro workout gear and engage in these nostalgic workouts.
Why it’s great for friends: It’s a fun and lighthearted way to exercise together, with the added element of nostalgia. The themed workouts can bring laughter and joy to the fitness routine.
How to start:
- Choose a retro workout style to focus on each day.
- Dress in vintage workout attire to enhance the experience.
- Follow online tutorials or join classes that offer these retro workouts.
7. Step-Up Challenge
What it is: This challenge involves performing step-ups onto a platform, alternating legs, to build leg strength and endurance.
Why it’s great for friends: It’s simple to set up and can be done anywhere, making it convenient for group workouts. The challenge can be adjusted to suit different fitness levels.
How to start:
- Use a sturdy platform or step.
- Set a goal for the number of step-ups to complete each day.
- Encourage each other to increase the number gradually.
8. Fitness Dice Game
What it is: Fitness dice are large dice with exercises and repetitions on each side. Participants roll the dice and perform the exercise and number that appears.
Why it’s great for friends: It adds an element of surprise and fun to workouts. The randomness keeps the sessions exciting and engaging.
How to start:
- Purchase or create your own fitness dice.
- Take turns rolling the dice and performing the exercises.
- Set challenges, such as completing a certain number of rolls or exercises within a time limit.
9. Plank Challenge
What it is: The plank challenge involves holding a plank position for as long as possible, aiming to increase the duration over time.
Why it’s great for friends: It’s a core-strengthening exercise that can be done anywhere. Competing to hold the plank the longest can be motivating.
How to start:
- Start with a duration that is challenging but achievable.
- Gradually increase the time as strength improves.
- Use a timer to track progress and encourage friendly competition.
10. Charity Miles Challenge
What it is: The Charity Miles app allows participants to earn money for charity based on the distance they walk, run, or bike.
Why it’s great for friends: It combines fitness with philanthropy, providing a sense of purpose to workouts. Working towards a common charitable goal can strengthen bonds.
How to start:
- Download the Charity Miles app and choose a charity to support.
- Set a group goal for the total distance to cover.
- Track progress and celebrate reaching milestones.
Conclusion
Engaging in fitness challenges with friends not only makes exercising more enjoyable but also fosters a sense of community and accountability. The trends in 2025 offer a variety of options to suit different interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay active or aiming to achieve specific fitness goals, these challenges provide opportunities to enhance your health and strengthen friendships. Choose a challenge that resonates with your group and embark on a journey of fitness and fun together.
References:
- Glamour. Weighted vest walking is taking over the world. https://www.glamour.com/story/weighted-vest-walking-is-taking-over-the-world
- Economic Times. Is Quadrobics the new fitness craze? Forget the gym – this animal-inspired workout needs no equipment. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/is-quadrobics-the-new-fitness-craze-forget-the-gym-this-animal-inspired-workout-needs-no-equipment/articleshow/123354611.cms
- Times of India. Join the fitness revolution: Why Hyrox is captivating Indian athletes. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/join-the-fitness-revolution-why-hyrox-is-captivating-indian-athletes/articleshow/123320722.cms
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