The rise of community-based fitness in the workplace

At HealthFitness, we support 180+ clients across 400 sites, giving us a unique, real-time view into how workplace fitness, wellness and injury prevention are evolving. With more than 1 million participants engaging in our programs, we see firsthand what employees want, need and expect from their workplace experience.

Across these sites, seven key developments are emerging that are reshaping how organizations design and deliver wellbeing programs — from community-based fitness to more personalized, persona-driven engagement.

What’s clear is this: your workforce is not one homogeneous population. It includes distinct personas, from competitive Athletes and consistent Everyday Exercisers to Health Seekers, Social Movers, Hesitant Beginners and Skilled Laborers—each with different motivations and needs.

We begin with one of the most visible shifts: the rise of community-based fitness.

A growing shift toward connection

One of the most powerful shifts we’re seeing across our sites is a renewed desire for connection. In a screen-saturated world, employees are craving real, in-person interaction. Fitness and wellness are becoming less about solo treadmill miles and more about shared experiences that create belonging, camaraderie and purpose.

Across HealthFitness sites, participation in recreation services increased 38 percent in 2025. But this isn’t just an increase in activity — it’s a shift in how employees want to engage.

What this looks like in practice

Run clubs: social, structured and successful

Run clubs are a prime example. Our leading sites don’t just invite employees to show up and run. They organize structured pacing groups based on skill level, assign a coach or ambassador to guide each group and embrace shared goals ranging from 5Ks to marathons. Branded shirts, milestone celebrations and team recognition turn these sessions into social events.

A typical run club week includes a guided group run on Tuesday, a social check-in or mini-workshop midweek and a weekend challenge or timed run for those training for events. And yes, they are showing up for each other on the weekends.

For competitive Athletes, the focus is performance and challenge. Social Movers find accountability and friendship. Even Hesitant Beginners gain confidence in a supportive group environment. 

Recreation leagues as cultural anchors

Recreation leagues are also becoming cultural anchors within the workplace. Pickleball, volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf and co-ed leagues bring employees together across departments. 

Leading sites run seasonal competitions after work and on weekends, post standings internally and host championship events with leadership present, turning participation into a shared workplace experience.

This structure engages employees who may not typically use the gym: Social Movers thrive on camaraderie, while Skilled Laborers enjoy team competition in a way that feels achievable and rewarding.

Event-based training and group challenges

Event-focused programs, including Hyrox competitions, obstacle course prep and endurance training, are organized as multi-week sessions with coaching, progress tracking and milestone recognition. Teams train together, build camaraderie and track goals publicly.

The most successful fitness and wellness challenges operate on the same principle. Departments or co-workers compete in teams, progress is posted weekly and small celebrations recognize achievements. The design intentionally taps into motivation for multiple personas: Everyday Exercisers enjoy structured progress and Health Seekers gain confidence from guided participation.

Why this matters

Community-based fitness works because it’s intentional. Employees who feel connected are more engaged, participate consistently and view wellness as part of the culture. 

The organizations seeing the strongest engagement aren’t asking, “How do we get more people into the gym?” They’re asking, “How do we create experiences employees want to be part of?” That intentional design is what makes community-driven fitness a multiplier for employee engagement.

Learn more

This is just one of seven major developments we’re seeing across our 400 sites and 1M+ participants that are shaping the future of workplace fitness and wellness.

To explore the full picture — and understand how these shifts connect across different employee personas — download The State of Corporate Fitness and Wellness.

Discover all seven developments and what they mean for organizations looking to build more inclusive, effective, and engaging wellbeing strategies.

Get access to the full report.