Wellness has long been a business of buzzwords and information overload. It’s hard to keep up with, let alone anticipate, changes in the industry. Which topics will trend? What new tech awaits? How will our understanding of wellbeing evolve? And how will we look cute at the gym?

To find out, Broadsheet spoke to a swathe of Australia’s most influential health and wellness figures about what the future might hold.

We asked luxury bathhouse owners, fitness app creators, biohackers, Pilates instructors, mental health experts and more what new directions their industry is taking and what excites them most about the changes.

Their insights form a picture of our nation’s wellness future – one that’s slower in tempo, more amped-up on data and built on communal activity.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity

There’s a shift away from wellness being purely about exercise and nutrition and towards focusing and regulating the nervous system. [People are] recognising the importance of slowing down in order to move forward. They’re starting to see that wellness begins with how well their nervous system can handle stress, recover and adapt. – Myles Sgammotta and Dr Evan Sgammotta (chiropractor), co-founders, Selph Health Studios

Elaborate wellness tools won’t cut it if your nervous system is already overloaded. Breathwork, sensory-based therapies, and hot and cold contrast therapy [will continue to become] mainstream because they help people transition from fight-or-flight into a regulated, resilient state. – Mia Basic, co-founder, EQ mindfulness facility

From a movement perspective, there has been a visible migration away from “training to failure”. The high-intensity, high-repetition way of moving is taxing on our nervous system, which not only impacts our energy levels but can cause long-term complications to our hormones, digestive system and emotional wellbeing. Now people are discovering the power of controlled, functional-based movement that doesn’t leave you feeling depleted after every workout. By changing the way we move to focus on correct muscle contraction, low repetition and mind-enhancing movements, we can build strength, improve performance and sustain energy beyond the Pilates mat. – Kirsten King, owner, Fluidform Pilates

Wellness is moving from stress management to nervous system mastery. People are no longer just looking for ways to relax – they want science-backed tools to rewire their nervous system for resilience, longevity and performance. We’ve adapted our treatments to support nervous system recalibration, integrating lymphatic drainage, thermal-based therapy (light-based therapies including red LED and infrared light) and breath-enhanced bodywork to help shift the body into parasympathetic (rest-and-repair) mode. – Gabrielle Ingle, director and founder, Blanc Spa

Wellness is shifting from solo routines to shared experiences – think run clubs, group cold plunges or book swaps. It’s a post-Covid reminder that we crave connection just as much as self-care. I’m excited to see this move away from hyper-individualised wellness to something more communal. – Diya Shahaney, director and founder, Junglo skincare

In the US, there’s a growing trend of high-end wellness clubs that combine fitness, recovery and social connection in beautifully designed spaces. These multi-functional studios integrate gyms, saunas, ice baths, indoor tennis courts, hangout lounges and holistic treatments, creating a seamless experience that blends exercise, social connection and wellness therapies. We expect to see this model begin in Australia soon. – Myles Sgammotta and Dr Evan Sgammotta (chiropractor), co-founders, Selph Health Studios

Places like Soma in Sydney, The Well in Melbourne and Total Fusion in Brisbane are redefining the way we work, rest and play. These spaces offer not just state-of-the-art gyms and recovery tools but also meditation pods, podcast rooms, work booths, networking events, and even biohacking technology like red-light therapy, salt rooms and hyperbaric oxygen chambers. The concept? To create an environment where members can seamlessly integrate wellness into their daily routines while fostering professional and social connections. – Neil O’Sullivan, CEO and co-founder, Nimbus Co wellness studios

This shift is about recognising that wellbeing isn’t an individual pursuit, it happens in relationships, in spaces where we’re seen and supported. Genuine grassroots yoga communities are starting to bring [this] back and it’s exciting because it feels so good to be in a real community. – Sammy James and Hope Windon, founders, Shared Space yoga

In my circles, we’ve been exploring the power of intergenerational wellbeing programs and retreats – bringing together different generations to share knowledge, strengthen connections and support collective healing. Elders are our living encyclopaedias, carrying profound wisdom and deep knowing. Last year [we helped run] a Grandmother, Mother and Daughter workshop. We rented a house, cooked meals together, sang and shared our arts and talents. Three generations sat by the fire, sharing their stories and experiences. It was powerful. – Caroline Kell, founder, Blak Wattle Coaching and Consultancy

The ancient practice of communal bathing is experiencing a revival, reflected in the growing popularity of bathhouses, saunas and spa facilities worldwide. The global sauna and spa market alone has seen remarkable growth, expanding from US$3.97 ($6.29 billion) in 2024 to a projected US$4.22 billion ($6.69 billion) in 2025.” – Anna Fahey, co-founder, Baina curated towelling

Breathwork, cold plunges and saunas with community spaces are fast becoming an amazing part of our communities. Currently in New York there is even a “Sauna Sober Club” where you go dance and sweat complete with a DJ. This is a great way to socialise with friends and partners instead of drinking or going out at a bar. – Sophie Marshall, owner, Gentle Habits mindfulness tools

Strengthening and maintaining mental wellbeing and resilience through breathwork and hot/cold water immersion is no longer just for elite athletes or private clubs. We love hosting local community gatherings first and foremost. But we also hold listening parties for established and up-and-coming musicians as we see music playing a big part in the future of wellbeing. – Will Slade, founder, Inner Studio wellness space

Ice baths have been a peak trend since Wim Hof stormed in, but quite often when trends mature, new and less extreme ones take their place. We are seeing people opt for the less freezing plunge these days and I see the trend continuing into 2025. Rather than chasing colder, chasing longer, splashing in for shorter durations then getting hot again seems to be doing the job (and is more enjoyable for many of us too). – Joanna Beecher, director, About Time bathhouse

Our chiros and physios are seeing a large number of people coming in with running-related injuries as they push past their beginner phase and start training for races. But what’s interesting is that many of them aren’t just running for fitness – they’re doing it for the community and the mental health benefits. We’ve even had two clients who met their significant others through these clubs! – Myles Sgammotta and Dr Evan Sgammotta (chiropractor), co-founders, Selph Health Studios

We’re seeing a rise in beginner runners taking on our three-kilometre and five-kilometre run programs. We know that 57 per cent of women stop running at the age of 15 due to self-image, lack of confidence and their changing bodies, [often] throwing back to defining moments, like the beep test or school cross-country, shaping whether or not we believe we are runners. It’s empowering to witness and support people as they overcome these self-limiting beliefs. If you are able to run, you are a runner. – Laura Henshaw, CEO and co-founder, Kic fitness app

We have seen things like ice-bathing, saunas and sound baths really infiltrate the mainstream in a positive way. We speak about this a lot at work and have given it the working title of “wellness wear”. It’s clothing that has a real ease to it, that you could chuck on after a massage or for a sound bath, but you don’t need to look like a parody of someone who’s planning to read Shantaram at Burning Man. You still want to feel cool as you navigate the city before and after. – Ben Mazey, design director, PE Nation

Ice baths, saunas and health spas are on-trend. Swimwear trends are crossing over with a variety of looks including more revealing swimwear, which makes sense for comfort and practicality. Water-friendly thongs, slides, dressing-gown styles and terry towelling make ideal garments that you can throw on and off after your steam, sauna or ice bath, so expect to see them in stores or online. – Dylan Best, founder and designer, Best

In 2025, the lines between gym life and everyday life are blurring. Women want fitness gear that keeps up with their dynamic routines – whether it’s crushing an HIIT session, grabbing a coffee with friends, or running errands. This “crossover fitness” trend reflects a shift toward versatile, all-day performance products that deliver both function and style. – Shane Sauvarin, head of merchandise, Reebok Pacific

We are seeing a big shift in low-profile silhouettes reminiscent of early 2000s styles. Designers have really embraced this trend and it’s coming through in sneakers in a big way. Adidas and Puma are leading the way, reaching into their archives and bringing back some of their most iconic looks. Adidas Tokyo – first released in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympic Games as a running shoe – is anticipated to rival the Samba craze. – Michael Harag, head of merchandise, Hype DC

The vis-tech trend is a merging of vintage with new running technology that is all about maximum visual impact. Colour is important, with vintage hits of red, orange, blue and green that offset black, grey and metallic bases. There’s a nostalgic 2000s feeling coming through: sneakers that were once cutting-edge performance [shoes] are now casual streetwear sneakers. Brands driving this trend include Asics, Nike, New Balance and Mizuno. – Michael Harag, head of merchandise, Hype DC

Certain colours are leading the fashion zeitgeist this year – they’ll have a strong application in active- and leisurewear. Chocolates, mochas, burgundies and olive will dominate. They’ll be worn head to toe in tonal combinations, in all-in-one catsuits and matching sets, and accented with bright whites or perhaps a pop of red or yellow in an accessory – think yoga mat, gym bag, ribbed socks, bag charm or baseball cap. – Ilana Moses, owner and creative director, Grace boutiques

From Miu Miu and Loewe to Chloe, Stella McCartney and Proenza Schouler, the designer sneaker has moved into a boxing-meets-ballet-influenced silhouette. What makes these sneakers so appealing is the fusing of the nimble aesthetic of a boxing shoe with the femininity of a ballet slipper, resulting in a super comfortable, refined sportiness that taps into a nostalgic ’80s moment, but in a fresh way. – Ilana Moses, owner and creative director, Grace boutiques

For decades, wellbeing has been something people felt they had to fit in. A 45-minute HIIT class, a “quick meditation”, a weekend retreat. But more and more, we’re seeing people move away from in-and-out methods and towards slow wellness – deeper experiences, consistency and space to integrate, not just passively consume. This is a broader shift across the industry. Gyms are adding meditation rooms, people are booking longer sessions and memberships that prioritise consistency and connection are on the rise. – Mia Basic, co-founder, EQ mindfulness facility

Longer yoga classes are making a comeback as a response to hyper-productive hustle culture. Yoga needs time. Stillness needs time. Dropping in takes time. We’re seeing a growing resistance to the “quick fix” mentality with more students craving longer, slower classes that allow them to actually land in their bodies and breathe. We offer 75- and 90-minute classes (even the occasional two-hour practice) because we believe yoga happens when we give our practice the time it needs. The future of wellness is about slowing down, not squeezing more in. – Sammy James and Hope Windon, founders, Shared Space yoga

Let this be the year we fully embrace rest without guilt. Call it therapeutic laziness, or simply reclaiming the right to slow down, this is a much-needed shift from burnout culture. – Annie Hart, owner, Gaga’s Gut Loving Ferments

At EQ, one of the most common issues guests report is feeling constantly exhausted, despite doing all the right things for their health. What excites me is how sleep has become a status symbol in the best way. Wearables like Oura, Whoop and Eight Sleep are gamifying deep sleep, and people are emphasising their sleep routine as much as their workouts. Blue-light blocking, sleep-inducing breathwork and temperature-controlling environments are becoming mainstream. Sleep is becoming the ultimate biohack, but in the simplest, most natural way. – Mia Basic, co-founder, EQ mindfulness facility

How we regulate our sleep will be a conversation none of us can avoid. Sleep management – be it AI-driven sleep coaching, personalised sleep supplements, or red-light therapy – will be widely recognised to improve our sleep. – Derek Quakernaat, general manager, Super-Young longevity clinic

Budgets are tight, and more people are exploring what it really means to live simply. The less is more approach is a big one this year – eating simply with quality produce, prioritising good sleep, and moving in nature. – Shani Lycett, master aromatherapist, Vessel Apothecary

My friend and I often joke that we can live to 101 if we just swim in the ocean every day. I have recently seen this pop up in retreats based around dusk and dawn swimming in great lakes and oceans globally. The power of the sea and its minerals and enzymes and, of course, the sun’s rays are surely a positive experience for all of us. You never regret an ocean swim! – Julia Ashwood, co-founder and creative director, Sun Ranch micro resort

Instead of chasing the latest imported superfood trend, people are taking a more balanced, holistic approach to nutrition – focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods and drinks that are sustainably sourced. We expect to see more people choosing products that support both personal health and the environment, rather than chasing the next big “miracle ingredient”. – Lozen McDiarmid, co-founder and creative director, Sobah

Emotional health is finally being recognised as just as important as physical health. We’re seeing a big increase in clients booking [treatments that help them] work through how past generational experiences shape their emotional state today. “Generational trauma” has become a bigger conversation, particularly with new research showing that trauma can be biologically inherited through epigenetics. – Myles Sgammotta and Dr Evan Sgammotta (chiropractor), co-founders, Selph Health Studios

Different movements, coaching styles and even specific language choices in class can support people with high cortisol levels, stress and trauma. Our newest yoga trainer specialises in trauma-informed practices. We use invitational language and structured cues to create an accessible space for those with mental health challenges, ensuring everyone feels supported. – Sabina Turner, owner and head coach, Alternative Movement Studio

There’s a growing trend of people using rituals and energy-clearing practices in their own homes. We’ve noticed a huge increase in sales of sage, palo santo and incense over the past few months, pointing to a shift in how people think about their space. Even if they don’t fully understand the deeper traditions, more people are spending time each morning to clear and reset the energy in their space and set intentions for the day. – Myles Sgammotta and Dr Evan Sgammotta (chiropractor), co-founders, Selph Health Studios

Engaging in a scent ritual like incense or ritual oils can serve as a mindful moment – bringing presence, self-care and a sensory escape from daily stress. Scent rituals can create a positive, gentle habit loop, where the brain associates a particular scent with relaxation, happiness, memory and even creativity. – Sophie Marshall, owner, Gentle Habits mindfulness tools

Optimising your health will be less about guesswork and more data-driven with the widespread adoption of baseline blood tests, genetic testing and other forms of marker checking so we can see the impact we are having visually, not just based on our feeling. – Derek Quakernaat, general manager, Super-Young longevity clinic

The “one-size-fits-all” approach has well and truly expired. Anti-aging technologies, DNA tracking and biohacking tools to “bulletproof” our lives – once exclusive to private wellness clubs – are becoming more accessible and available. Personalised movement programs, DNA-based diets and supplements, body scanning, sleep tracking, wearable devices and the rise of longevity clinics are opening the doors to more people for a prescriptive tailored approach to wellness. – Kirsten King, owner, Fluidform Pilates

The supplement industry is shifting from trendy wellness to personalised functional “medicine”. Consumers are biohacking their health with real-time data, using at-home testing kits, including omega-3 index testing, microbiome analysis and glucose monitoring; AI-driven health analytics for supplement personalisation; and precision-formulated supplement stacks tailored to biomarker insights. [This is] shaping the next era of wellness. – Gabrielle Ingle, director and founder, Blanc Spa

We are seeing more and more being invested into women’s health. Australian-founded app Ovum just raised $1.7 million in a pre-seed round to address the gender health gap, inclusive of using AI to tackle endometriosis – with the current healthcare system taking seven to 12 years to reach a diagnosis. – Laura Henshaw, CEO and co-founder, Kic fitness app

I live with endometriosis and adenomyosis myself. I’ve dabbled with endo-friendly class concepts before, but this year we’re going all-in with classes like Endoease Yoga, Endo Rrrock, B-Endo Stretch-o and Endo Warrior. We’re here to create a space where people with endo and other chronic pain conditions can move in a way that feels good. – Sabina Turner, owner and head coach, Alternative Movement Studio

Retreats for mothers [are on the rise]. The key concept is to restore and replenish women – mothers in particular – to encourage and allow pathways for new dreams and expressions outside of parenthood, honouring the mother, her body and mind. I am attending an incredible one in Majorca this May called Replenish, which includes movement, yoga and facials, a candle-dipping workshop, massage, bodywork and stargazing. – Julia Ashwood, co-founder and creative director, Sun Ranch micro resort

The menopause movement is a promising reverberation of the rise of women in leadership positions. No longer do we feel silenced or submitted to early retirement. As a result, brands are listening and responding to the female leaders driving change. Beyond the billions invested in supplements and programs and wellness products, the movement has started a conversation which will see long-term benefits for women from a medical, social and physical perspective. – Kirsten King, owner, Fluidform Pilates

I think this trend will continue with our growing focus on brain health and body optimisation. Alcohol just doesn’t support this, and there’s a new generation of non-drinkers, so this is just the start! – Sophie Marshall, owner, Gentle Habits mindfulness tools

People are moving beyond simply cutting alcohol – they want their drinks to add something positive to their lifestyle. We see huge growth in non-alcoholic beverages with functional benefits, from gut-friendly ferments to nootropic ingredients that support cognitive function and relaxation. At Sobah, we already incorporate Australian native botanicals like pepperberry and lemon aspen, which not only provide distinct flavours but also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Expect more brands to follow suit. – Lozen McDiarmid, co-founder and creative director, Sobah

Holistic health will be at the front of many people’s minds in 2025. It isn’t as much how you look, but more so how you feel. The balance of fast and slow movements has become more appealing, and people are seeing better results mentally and physically. Mind and body fitness will be given equal attention; after all, they’re connected, right? Rather than pounding the weights for seven days a week, it will be common for men and women to lift weights, go to Pilates, practise breathwork and enjoy a sauna all in the same week. Fitness isn’t just about burning calories. It’s for the mind, body and soul. – Rory Warnock, performance and wellness coach and breathwork specialist

[There’s] a reaction to wellbeing burnout. We were chasing our tails to achieve “wellness” while burning ourselves out in the process. My prediction for 2025 is this pressure will lift and shift to a mindset of “living in abundance” – what activities bring us joy and fill our cups? How do we harness opportunities and embrace possibilities, while caring for ourselves to live longer, happier lives? – Kirsten King, owner, Fluidform Pilates

Holistic health is the practice of nurturing our spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing, and embracing a more integrated approach to living with purpose, connection and balance – rather than focusing solely on productivity. This shift invites us to step away from the traditional “work-life balance” (where work often takes centrestage) and toward a broader, more holistic view that acknowledges the many joys, passions and purposes that truly enrich our lives. For me, it is about finding rest, spending time in nature/on Country, embracing silliness and laughter, sharing endless cuddles and cups of tea with loved ones. These simple acts connect us to the essence of wellbeing. – Caroline Kell, founder, Blak Wattle Coaching and Consultancy

In addition to the quoted experts above, the following wellness industry leaders helped shape our 2025 predictions: Rosemary Martin, GM ecomm and marketing, Rebel; Ben Mills, founder, Shelter luxury wellness studio; Anika Heron, co-founder, Kinology Gifts; Brooke Kelly, clinical nutritionist and cook; Henrietta Amevor, founder, The Good Gratitude journals; Natalie Guest, founder and managing director, Green Cup; Morgan Appleby, founder, Hunker squat stools; Frankie Cox, chef and owner, Green-On; and Caren Michaels, personal trainer, The Calile Hotel

This story is part of Broadsheet’s special Wellness Issue, which explores what it means to feel good in 2025.