One in two women say 2025 will see them at their strongest, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 women explored their health and wellness goals, as well as their priorities, and found 58% are dedicating themselves to being mentally the strongest they’ve ever been.
Results showed reducing stress or anxiety as the number one mental goal for women in the coming months.
Losing weight (43%), improving sleep quality (40%) and developing better eating habits (36%) were the most common health goals for women, followed closely by increasing physical strength (29%).
The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Burn Boot Camp, found 43% of women have never lifted weights at the gym.
Among those who have, 55% feel intimidated and worried about how they look, while 42% lack the confidence to lift in front of others.
The biggest reason to prioritize strength from those who are doing so was increasing bone strength (72%), while the aim to improve posture and balance was the second most commonly cited reason.
“So many people, women in particular, are finding themselves overwhelmed by anxiety and frustration around body image, fed by unrealistic ideals and quick-fix promises that tie worthiness to weight,” said Morgan Kline, CEO & co-founder of Burn Boot Camp. “Let’s be clear: People aren’t failing at fitness — fitness is failing them. Instead of perpetuating those hollow, disconnected messages in the fitness industry, we should be focusing on true empowerment through challenging workouts and mental resilience. By focusing on real empowerment — challenging workouts and mental resilience — we help women realize they can break any barrier.”
What’s most likely to throw your best plans off track? The average woman surveyed felt the biggest barrier to not hitting health and wellness goals was overcoming a lack of motivation (43%).
Interestingly, nearly a quarter (22%) said a lack of confidence was a prominent barrier to achieving health and fitness goals.
But what do women feel can support them in their pursuit of physical and mental fitness? Support from friends and family topped the list as the biggest influence (28%), while having a workout buddy or fitness community (23%) ranked among the top three.
That sense of community resonates with respondents and 59% either already belong to a fitness community or would consider joining one to help achieve their health goals if it was the right fit.
“Seeing women embrace strength training and push themselves to new physical limits is truly inspiring,” added Missy Franklin, Olympic Gold Medalist, Hall of Fame Swimmer and Burn Boot Camp Brand Ambassador. “As an athlete, gold medalist, I know firsthand how setting those goals and becoming stronger doesn’t just change you—it changes everyone around you. It empowers not only the individual but also their families, too, creating a ripple effect of confidence, strength, and resilience.”
WOMEN’S TOP HEALTH GOALS
- Lose weight (43%)
- Better sleep quality (40%)
- Improve eating habits (36%)
- Increase physical strength (29%)
- Improve flexibility or mobility (28%)
- Improve mental health (27%)
- Improve energy levels (27%)
- Prioritize self-care and stress management (22%)
- Be consistent with nutritional supplements (9%)
- Try new types of workouts like free weights, yoga, and pilates (8%)
WOMEN’S TOP MENTAL GOALS
- Reducing stress or anxiety (64%)
- Developing a positive mindset (45%)
- Increase mental focus (34%)
- Push through negative self-talk (34%)
- Practice meditation (28%)
- Practicing self-compassion (27%)
- Improving work-life balance (20%)
- Seeking professional mental health support like therapy and counseling (14%)
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American women; the survey was commissioned by Burn Boot Camp and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Feb. 19-24, 2025.
