Recent data indicate that nearly 40 percent of men now participate regularly in structured group fitness classes—a significant rise in popularity. The 2025 Men’s Health Group Fitness Awards highlight how group training has evolved into a science-backed, goal-oriented experience that blends measurable results with social motivation.
Top winners in this year’s awards reflect the diverse strengths and purposes of modern group classes. MADabolic clinched the award for strength, offering structured interval workouts over a 12-week training cycle that emphasize progressive overload and consistency. Solidcore earned recognition for strength and mobility hybrid classes, using slow-tempo Pilates-inspired movements to build core stability and form awareness. Orangetheory’s Tread50 stood out in the treadmill-based cardio competition category, incorporating varied intervals to make running both motivating and performance-driven. Mayweather Boxing + Fitness was honored in the stress-relief category, blending boxing drills, cardio bursts, and bodyweight exercises for a cathartic workout experience.
Beyond the winners, the broader awards showcase the increasing sophistication of group classes. F45’s Benchmark class helps participants push personal records in max lifts. Cyclebar provides performance stats for riders. RowHouse combines rowing and strength training. Corepower Yoga’s StrengthX merges heated yoga with weight training. Othership blends recovery practices like saunas and guided breathwork. Equinox’s Fully Vested uses weighted vests for added resistance on treadmills. Lifetime Alpha mixes Olympic lifting with conditioning for a hybrid challenge.
This shift reflects a wider transformation in men’s fitness culture. Gone are the days of random sweat sessions—today’s group programs center on principles like progressive overload, time under tension, and strategic training cycles. Training is now about sustainable strength gains, measurable improvements, and community accountability.
The growing popularity of group fitness among men is supported not only by awards but by social science. Classes offer structured guidance, expert instruction, and a sense of belonging, making workouts both effective and enjoyable. Data suggest that nearly 40 percent of men join group classes each year, motivated by both results and the social aspect.
Industry trends are reinforcing this direction. Hybrid models—combining in-person and virtual classes—wearable tech for performance tracking, and inclusive programming are reshaping the fitness space. These elements create accessible, personalized and socially engaging options that keep men committed over the long term.
In summary, the 2025 Men’s Health Group Fitness Awards signal a pivotal moment: group fitness for men is no longer about generic routines or superficial sweat—it’s about structured, scientifically sound training wrapped in community and accountability. The winners like MADabolic, Solidcore, Orangetheory, and Mayweather Boxing exemplify a results-driven model that combines strength, mobility, cardio, and recovery. This evolution aligns with broader fitness trends that prioritize longevity, measurable progress, and social engagement.
Men’s Health 2025 Awards affirm that group fitness has matured into a meaningful tool for men seeking sustainable results—and the evidence shows the trend is only accelerating.
