Celebrating Strength: How Women Are Redefining Fitness in 2025
Gone are the days when fitness meant counting calories and squeezing into gym gear that didn’t move with you. In 2025 we are throwing out the rulebook and making fitness work for us - on our own terms, in our own time, and in ways that feel damn good.
From breaking records to breaking stereotypes, let’s talk about how women are shaping the future of fitness this year. We're breaking barriers but also setting new standards in health and wellness.
Strength Looks Different in 2025
Not long ago, fitness for women was all about looking a certain way. Now? It’s about feeling strong, powerful, and completely in charge of our body.
Strength doesn’t just come from lifting heavy (though we love that too); it’s about movement, confidence, and knowing your worth - whether that’s running your fastest 5K, smashing out a yoga session, or just getting through a Monday without losing your sh*t.🙃
Take Tia-Clair Toomey, for example - the most dominant CrossFit athlete ever, proving that women can be absolute powerhouses in strength sports. Or Ellesse Andrews, New Zealand’s track cycling rocket, who’s breaking speed records and proving that fitness isn’t about fitting in - it’s about pushing boundaries. And then there's Napheesa Collier who is dominating women's basketball. She also co-founded 'Unrivaled' a three-on-three league, aimed at providing WNBA players with opportunities during the off-season. Reflecting her leadership and commitment to advancing women’s sport.
The Fitness Trends Women Are Owning This Year
🚀 Cycle Syncing Workouts – We are finally saying bye to one-size-fits-all training. Instead of fighting our menstrual cycle, we’re learning to work with it - lifting heavier when energy is high, taking it slow when needed, and optimizing training for real results.
🔥 High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Many women are turning to workouts that fit in to their busy schedules. HIIT offers a fast and efficient workout in shorter timeframes.
💻 Tech & Fitness Takeover – Virtual workouts? AI-powered coaching? We're embracing tech to personalize our fitness journeys. The demand for flexibility in routines has never been greater, and let’s be real - if a virtual coach can help save time with our workouts, we’re here for it.
🧘♀️Mind-Body Practices: Women are seeking fitness programs that address physical strength, mental and emotional well-being. Holistic fitness programs (like yoga and Pilates) that focus on the body, integrating physical movement with mindfulness, breathing, and recovery practices are key in 2025.
💪 Redefining “Strong” – Forget chasing abs. In 2025, we're are focusing on lifting for longevity, building muscle to boost strength and confidence, and moving to feel unstoppable - not just to fit into last season’s jeans.
New Zealand Women Leading the Way
Here in New Zealand, our own wāhine toa are smashing barriers and proving that women's sport knows no limits!
🚣♀️ Dame Lisa Carrington: Our most decorated Olympian, who’s been redefining what peak performance looks like for years.
🏉 The Black Ferns are charging into 2025 and proving once again why they’re the queens of the rugby world. Their strength, skill, and pure determination show us what true passion looks like.
✨ Anna Grimaldi is the definition of unstoppable. This two-time long jump gold medalist showcasing pure grit and athleticism at the 2024 Paralympics. From overcoming injuries to smashing records, Anna’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and breaking barriers.
🔥 Genah Fabian, an absolute beast in MMA and Muay Thai, is showing the world that power comes in many forms - and women can more than hold their own in high-contact sports.
🏂🏼 Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, our snowboarding queen, who made history by bringing home NZ’s first-ever Winter Olympic gold medal. She’s redefining what it means to be strong.
At the 2024 Olympics, New Zealand’s female athletes absolutely dominated - out of 20 medals, 14 were won by women, including a massive 8 out of 10 golds! 🏆🔥 Talk about next-level inspiration. These powerhouse wāhine aren’t just making history; they’re paving the way for future generations of young girls.
Activewear in 2025.
As our fitness routines diversify, the demand for comfy, functional activewear has intensified. Let’s be real—your workout gear isn’t just about what the world sees. What’s underneath matters just as much (if not more!). Because there’s nothing worse than stopping mid-squat to fix a wedgie.
That’s where seamless workout underwear comes in. No lines, no chafing, no riding up - just ultimate comfort that moves with you. What to look for in your activewear, and undies?
🔥 No Distractions, Just Movement – Seamless designs mean no digging, rolling, or shifting. Just pure, stay-in-place comfort.
💦 Dampness be gone – Moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you fresh and dry, no matter how intense your workout gets.
👀 No Lines, No Problems – Smooth, laser-cut finish means no annoying VPL ruining your gym fit.
Investing in quality gym wear and gym undies isn’t just a luxury - it’s a total game-changer for feeling confident, comfortable, and completely focused on smashing your goals. Because when your underwear are doing their job, you can do yours.
How you can Celebrate Women’s Strength This March
March is all about International Women’s Day (March 8), and what better way to celebrate than by moving your body, supporting fellow women, and getting involved in something bigger?
💥 Women Leading Into the Future (Kerikeri, March 8) – A celebration of strong female leaders in NZ. Get inspired, make connections, and soak up some serious girl-power energy.
💥 IWD Panel at Parliament (Wellington, March 5) – A powerhouse discussion about progress, challenges, and the future of women’s rights and fitness.
💥 He Tohu Tour (Wellington, March 7) – Honoring the wāhine who paved the way for women's rights in Aotearoa.
💥 Watch Me Soar - Impact100 Wakatipu International Womens Day Event (Queenstown, 6 March) - A power packed event facilitated by Jill Brinsdon, we have four women who are blazing trails and flying high.
💥 International Women's Day (Auckland, 7th March) - Organised by BNZ & Business East Tamaki - a celebration of WOMEN in business and across all walks of life!
💥 Wairarapa International Women’s Day Hui (Masterton, 8th March) - Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 in Wairarapa—a day dedicated to empowering and uplifting women!
💥 2025 South Canterbury International Women's Day with Aoraki Foundation Women's Fund (Timaru, 8th March) - A night of inspiration and empowerment as we celebrate the incredible women of South Canterbury
💥 International Women's Day Run (Wellington, 8th March)
Join Zone Blue Run Club for a powerful celebration of movement, kai, coffee, community, and connection!
You can check out more events happening around the country HERE:
The Takeaway? Strength Has No Rules!
In 2025, fitness isn’t about what you should do - it’s about what makes you feel powerful. Whether that's lifting heavy, daily walks with the dog, or committing to stretching your body each day, you’re part of a movement that’s rewriting the definition of strength.
By breaking old stereotypes, drawing inspiration from trailblazers, and equipping ourselves with the right gear (starting with comfy workout underwear!) - we pave the way for a healthier, stronger, and more confident future.
So go ahead - run your race, lift those weight, try the new thing. The world’s watching, and trust us, you’re already winning. 💪🔥
