THE TOP 15 FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2026
The most popular fitness trends change every year. Compare the 2026 survey with last year’s post, The Top Fitness Trends for 2025.
For the 20th year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has published its annual Worldwide Fitness Trends forecast. The report is based on a survey of 2,000 clinicians, researchers and exercise professionals in the fitness industry, Here are excerpt from the 2026 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends: Future Directions of the Health and Fitness Industry.
The annual trends report helps exercise professionals, gym owners and their clients understand the findings in relation to their own work environment. Whether refining services in a fitness club, adapting training programs to meet specific health and fitness needs, shaping physical activity policies or researching implementation and impact, the results offer practical guidance to inform decision-making. Survey findings offer both a snapshot of current practices and insight into new priorities and growth areas across the health and fitness industry.
Here are the top 15 trends for 2026, with commentary from the authors of the report::
#1 Wearable Technology
Consistently a top trend over the last several years, Wearable Technology continues to evolve with advanced biosensors now capturing indicators such as fall or crash detection, heart rhythm, blood pressure, blood glucose and skin temperature. These are particularly important for a wide demographic, ranging from patients in rehabilitation, fitness beginners, athletes and aging adults. This trend held a top three rank in nearly all professions and age groups surveyed, reflecting its widespread appeal.
#2 Fitness Programs for Older Adults (active aging)
The baby boomer generation includes 73 million Americans, all of whom will be over age 65 by 2030, intensifying demand for age-appropriate, evidence-based exercise options. According to the 2023 IHRSA U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, adults 65 and older now visit gyms and studios more often than any other age group.
This ranking, along with recent industry data, points to growing engagement and opportunity within this population. A 2024 industry report found that programs labeled “low intensity,” “functional,” or “active aging” consistently attract more participants than those called “senior fitness.” These findings suggest rising demand and participation, though thoughtful program plans, instructor training and accessibility remain essential to designing effective offerings for older adults. Particularly useful approaches for this population include resistance training to preserve strength, balance and mobility exercises to reduce fall risk, and low-impact cardiovascular activity to support heart health.
#3 Exercise for Weight Management
Its highest position to date, the Exercise for Weight Management trend now includes increases in the use of obesity management medications such as GLP-1 RA. Obesity affects 42.4% of U.S. adults, while approximately 49% of those with obesity report actively trying to manage their weight.
Exercise remains essential to long-term weight management by supporting lean mass, physical function, and metabolic health. Research shows that individuals who continue to exercise during pharmacologic treatment maintain greater fat loss and preserve lean mass after stopping medication than those using medication alone. Exercise professionals should consistently reinforce the unique role of exercise in sustainable weight outcomes and position themselves as trusted partners in this process.
#4- Mobile Exercise Apps
Mobile Exercise Apps deliver on-demand, scheduled, live-streamed, or recorded workouts, offering users convenience and flexibility to exercise anytime, anywhere. In 2024, more than 345 million people used fitness apps, generating more than 850 million downloads. App users tend to be younger, female, college-educated, and living in urban areas, with lower adoption observed among older adults and individuals with limited digital literacy.
#5. Balance, Flow, and Core Strength
After a pandemic-related dip in group participation, these formats have regained momentum alongside increased interest in holistic health and mind–body integration. This trend has been reframed as a key component of a balanced fitness regimen, bridging movement quality with mental well-being.
Exercise professionals can integrate these formats to help clients improve posture, mobility and core control, which supports safer movement during strength and cardio training. Accordingly, research highlights the importance of such formats on improving movement control and injury prevention, especially in the aging population.
#6. Exercise for Mental Health
This trend’s rank is up two spots from last year. Each year in the U.S., more than one in five adults report experiencing a mental health condition, reinforcing the importance of movement-based strategies that support emotional well-being. One national survey found that 78% of exercisers cite mental or emotional well-being as their top reason for working out, ahead of physical fitness or appearance goals. Exercise offers an evidence-based, practical and scalable approach to improving mental health in both preventive and adjunctive contexts.
Regular exercise is one of the most effective strategies we have to improve mental health, build emotional resilience, and enhance overall-wellbeing. Its impact could rival some traditional clinical interventions and is certainly a strong supportive intervention. This holds true not only for the general populations, but also for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, youth, and older adults.”
#7 Traditional Strength Training
Despite its benefits, fewer than 30% of U.S. adults meet the recommended guidelines for muscle-strengthening activity. Resistance exercises use free weights such as barbells, dumbbells and kettlebells to improve muscular strength, endurance and function. It plays a key role in maintaining bone density, metabolic health, and mobility across the lifespan.
#8. Data-Driven Technology
More than 70% of wearable users have reported applying their output data to inform exercise or recovery strategies, and exercise professionals can use biofeedback to tailor intensity, assess readiness and reduce risk of overtraining.
Biofeedback has become an impactful tool – allowing both clients and exercise professionals the ability to personalize exercise while gaining real time insights to the body’s physiological response. In combination with wearable technology, data-driven technology can help in transforming exercise training into a more tailored, and responsive experience
#9. Adult Recreation and Sport Clubs
New to the top 20 in 2026, this trend reflects growing interest in activities that combine fitness with fun, flexibility and social connection outside traditional gym settings. The rising popularity of Pickleball, clubs and leagues involving less strenuous activities are examples of this trend.
By emphasizing enjoyment, camaraderie and consistent participation, adult recreation and sport clubs may help reduce barriers to exercise and improve long-term adherence. Group-based formats can be particularly effective for adults who are otherwise inactive, especially those motivated by connection or casual competition. Exercise professionals can support participation by integrating recreation-based programs into their offerings, leading community groups or collaborating with local leagues to reach adults who may not engage through traditional gym settings.
#10. Functional Fitness Training
The “fitness is function” movement rounds out the top 10. Functional Fitness Training includes strength, power, mobility and endurance movements designed to improve physical performance in real-world activities. Versatility makes it appropriate for youth, adults, older and athletic populations alike. Programs often emphasize movements such as squats, lunges and carries that transfer directly to daily life or sport.
Professionals can use functional training to improve joint stability, mobility, and sport-specific performance. Although often associated with older adults or injury rehabilitation, functional training also benefits athletic populations, as evidence shows improvements in strength, speed, power, and balance among athletes. Functional Fitness Training can be delivered with or without equipment and adapted to individual sessions, group formats, or hybrid models that prioritize movement efficiency and functional capacity over aesthetics or volume.
#11. Specialized Fitness Studios (Boutiques)
Specialized Fitness Studios offer focused, trainer-led experiences centered on specific modalities. Boutique offerings include cycling, rowing, group strength-based training, high-intensity interval training, Pilates, barre, and others, and they offer a curated alternative to larger gym settings. Connection is a major driver of long-term exercise adherence, according to the self-determination theory and the built-in social support from the boutique community and trainer team can provide a personalized level of accountability to drive consistency.
#12. High-Intensity Interval Training
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves alternating periods of high-effort activity (typically >85% of maximum heart rate) with lower intensity recovery periods (<65% HRmax). These intervals are repeated throughout the session and can be applied to a variety of aerobic exercises such as running, stair climbing, or cycling. HIIT is supported by a robust body of research as an effective training method for both healthy individuals and clinical populations.
#13. Group Fitness Classes
Instructor-led Group Fitness Classes offer a structured, motivating workout across formats like cardio dance, cycling, strength, yoga, and Pilates. Participation dipped during the pandemic but has since rebounded, especially in live, in-person settings. According to 2025 industry data, members who attend two or more classes per week are 50% more likely to stay engaged beyond their first year. Group fitness remains especially popular among younger adults, including Gen Z, who prefer social, instructor-led formats.
#14. Exercise for Chronic Disease Management
Chronic diseases are conditions that last 1 year or more, require ongoing medical care, and often limit daily activities. Examples include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and arthritis. In the United States, an estimated 60% of adults are living with at least one chronic condition. While not all chronic diseases are curable, many can be managed to improve function, independence, and quality of life. PA is a cornerstone of both disease prevention and management.
#15. Employing Certified Exercise Professionals
Certified and qualified exercise professionals bring formal training in exercise science, program design, and injury prevention. They meet established competency standards through rigorous education and examination, ensuring safe and effective programming across diverse populations. Their presence helps uphold quality, safety, and professional standards in fitness settings.