Fitness: The Main Trends for 2026

For the 20th consecutive year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has published its annual Worldwide Fitness Trends forecast, and the number one trend for 2026 is Wearable Technology. The report, based on a survey of 2,000 clinicians, researchers and fitness industry professionals, was published in the November/December issue of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®.

“We have seen dramatic changes in fitness trends over the past two decades, and this anniversary moment gives us a long-term perspective on how the field has evolved and influenced health and fitness,” said Cayla R. McAvoy, PhD, an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and lead author of the report ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends 2026: Future Directions of the Health and Fitness Industry.

“Over the years, we have seen trends relating to childhood obesity, online workouts during the COVID pandemic, addressing mental health, the rise of technology in fitness, medically integrated programmes and active ageing.”

The annual trends report helps exercise professionals, gym owners and their clients understand the results in relation to their own working environment. Whether it is a matter of refining services in a fitness club, adapting training programmes to meet specific health and fitness needs, formulating physical activity policy or researching implementation and impact, the results offer practical guidance for decision-making. The survey’s conclusions provide both an overview of current practice and insight into emerging priorities and directions for growth in the health and fitness industry.

Completing the top five fitness trends after Wearable Technology are Fitness Programmes for Older Adults, Exercise for Weight Management, Mobile Exercise Apps, and Balance, Movement Fluidity and Core Strength.

TOP 10 FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2026

1. Wearable Technology

A constant presence at the top of the trends list in recent years, Wearable Technology continues to evolve, with advanced biosensors that can monitor indicators such as fall or accident detection, heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose and skin temperature. These features are particularly important for a wide audience, from patients in recovery and people starting out in fitness to athletes and older adults. This trend ranked in the top three for almost every profession and age group analysed, reflecting its broad appeal.

Application:

As wearable technologies evolve, exercise professionals need to stay informed about differences in device accuracy and user experience. Although guidelines exist for evaluating these technologies, the rapid pace of innovation often outstrips validation processes. Even so, these tools can significantly support self-monitoring, accountability and long-term engagement. When used intentionally, wearable devices can improve personalised training and reinforce healthy habits over time.

Expert comment:

“Almost half of US adults now own an activity tracker or smartwatch, so the question is no longer whether people will use these devices. What matters is teaching them how to use them in ways that support health and behaviour change.” – Cayla R. McAvoy, PhD

2. Fitness programmes for older adults (active ageing)

The baby boomer generation includes 73 million Americans, all of whom will be over 65 by 2030, which intensifies demand for age-appropriate, evidence-based exercise options. According to the IHRSA U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report 2023, adults over 65 attend gyms and studios more often than any other age group.

Application:

This ranking, alongside recent industry data, indicates growing engagement and opportunity among this population. A 2024 report shows that programmes labelled “low intensity”, “functional” or “active ageing” consistently attract more participants than those called “senior fitness”. This data suggests growing demand and participation, but careful programme planning, instructor training and accessibility remain essential.

3. Exercise for weight management

This trend reaches its highest position to date and includes the growing use of medications for obesity management, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Obesity affects 42.4% of US adults, and around 49% of people with obesity say they are actively trying to manage their weight.

Application:

Physical exercise remains essential for long-term weight management, supporting muscle mass, physical function and metabolic health. Studies show that people who continue to exercise during drug treatment better maintain their lean mass and fat loss after stopping the medication.

4. Mobile exercise apps

Mobile fitness apps offer on-demand, scheduled, live-streamed or recorded workouts, giving users the flexibility to exercise anytime and anywhere. In 2024, over 345 million people used fitness apps, generating more than 850 million downloads.

5. Balance, fluidity and core strength

After the drop in group participation during the pandemic, these formats have regained popularity, alongside growing interest in holistic health and mind–body integration.

6. Exercise for mental health

This trend has climbed two places compared with the previous year. In the US, more than one in five adults reports a mental health problem each year, and physical exercise is recognised as an effective and accessible strategy for supporting emotional well-being.

7. Traditional strength training

Despite its benefits, fewer than 30% of US adults meet the recommendations for muscle-strengthening activity. Resistance training uses free weights such as barbells, dumbbells and kettlebells.

8. Data-driven technology

Over 70% of wearable device users say they use the data obtained to adjust their training and recovery strategies.

9. Recreational and sports clubs for adults

This trend appears in the top 20 for the first time and reflects growing interest in activities that combine movement with fun, flexibility and social connection.

10. Functional fitness training

The concept that “fitness means functionality” completes the top 10 for 2026. Functional training includes strength, mobility and endurance movements designed to improve performance in everyday activities.

Source: https://acsm.org/top-fitness-trends-2026/