This study aims to address a gap in the longitudinal literature by examining the professionalization and working conditions of women within the Mexican fitness industry from 2020 to 2024. Furthermore, it identifies practice trends specifically reported by female professionals in the sector, contrasting these findings with industry growth and traditional gender stereotypes.
This study is based on a descriptive longitudinal design (trend study) over a five-year period, with a cumulative sample of 1,559 women, including specialists, instructors and coordinators in the sector. Since data collection was carried out through independent annual sampling, implying variability in the participants of each iteration, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Global Fitness Trends Survey was used as the instrument, adapted cross-culturally for the Mexican context. The resulting information was processed using descriptive statistics and mean calculations to monitor the temporal evolution of occupational roles, working conditions, and the prevalence of fitness trends.
The longitudinal analysis reveals a trajectory of sustained professional diversification, with women increasingly penetrating traditionally male-dominated domains such as functional fitness and personal training. A significant trend of educational over-qualification emerged, indicating that women are attaining higher levels of formal degrees than their male counterparts to secure comparable occupational roles. However, this increased human capital has not yet dismantled persistent structural barriers; the sector remains characterized by occupational segmentation and limited vertical mobility. Gendered logics – centered on body image and “care-based” service provision – continue to restrict women's access to decision-making positions and business ownership, suggesting that professionalization alone is insufficient to overcome the “glass ceiling” in the Mexican fitness market.
The study is limited by its reliance on self-reported survey data, which may introduce response bias, and by its focus on women currently active in the fitness sector, excluding those who left or never entered the field. Despite these limitations, the findings provide valuable insights into trends in women's professional participation, educational background and occupational roles in Mexico's fitness industry. Results highlight the need for policies and programs that support gender equity, professional development and the creation of inclusive spaces for women in fitness and wellness sectors.
The findings offer guidance for fitness industry stakeholders to enhance women's participation and professional development. Employers and program coordinators can implement training and mentorship initiatives to support career advancement. Policies promoting equitable pay, leadership opportunities, and inclusive workplace environments can help reduce persistent gender gaps. Additionally, insights on prevalent fitness trends allow organizations to design programs that align with market demand while fostering professional growth among women, contributing to a more diverse, skilled and sustainable workforce in Mexico's wellness and fitness sector.
The study highlights the evolving role of women in Mexico's fitness sector and its broader societal impact. Increased female participation and professionalization contribute to challenging gender stereotypes and promoting equality in traditionally male-dominated environments. By fostering inclusive workplaces and leadership opportunities, the findings support social empowerment and community engagement. Encouraging women's active involvement in wellness and fitness not only benefits individual health and career development but also strengthens social cohesion, diversity and equity within the broader Mexican society.
This work provides rare empirical evidence on the “professionalization” of the female fitness workforce in an emerging market. It moves beyond cross-sectional snapshots to offer a temporal view of how gendered labor dynamics evolve at the intersection of employment and physical culture.
