5 top fitness trends to know in 2026

As the new year approaches, you might be thinking about how you can take better care of yourself and your loved ones in the next 12 months. To help guide and inspire you, we got the lowdown on the big wellness trends set to shape 2026, and rounded up tips and ideas for how you can best adopt them into your life.

Each year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), an organisation of certified fitness professionals, publishes an annual fitness trend report to provide insight on how the industry is evolving. Still, evolve as it might, two core elements remain prominent, asserts Nerio Alessandri, who as founder and CEO of fitness equipment brand Technogym has been a leader in the industry for more than 40 years. 

“Health longevity and strength training will continue to stand out as the most influential trends,” Alessandri says. There is also a growing awareness of the outsized role exercise plays in improving one’s health-span: “People increasingly want to live not just longer, but longer in good health and in good physical shape.”

What will 2026’s fitness trends be? 

1. Joining fitness clubs and communities 

ACSM includes sports clubs as a new addition to its list of the top 20 fitness trends, reflecting the rising popularity of activities that emphasise enjoyment and social interaction, like pickleball. Alessandri suggests factors that contribute to “emotionally engaging experiences” can help “create highly motivating environments that help keep people on track” with their health goals.

If you want to dip your toes in the water of social sports, a wellness holiday can be the perfect way to start. 1Million Dance Studio in Seoul offers group beginner lessons where K-pop enthusiasts (and anyone who’s ever wanted to learn) can master basic dance routines in a friendly setting. Meanwhile, The Ashram , just west of Los Angeles, is framed as a “boot camp” retreat offering plenty of opportunities to bond with others, whether through a friendly game of beach volleyball or while sitting around a camp fire.

Further south, Australia’s eastern coast is famed for its natural beauty and residents’ love of the outdoors – the ideal place to get more active. In the Sydney area, OzSquad Fitness  is an outdoor fitness training group hosting strength and cardio sessions right next to incredible views of Manly Beach.

2. Personalised, data-driven health plans 

Alessandri is no stranger to data-led programming; Technogym offers personalised workouts through its smart equipment. Alessandri foresees precision training – which emphasises quality over quantity – becoming the standard for workouts in 2026, while “AI-driven personalisation will remain a major trend.” This could include tailored programmes that adapt in real time based on an individual’s performance.

SHA Spain , a health clinic and wellness retreat on the country’s southern coast, offers hyper-personalised programmes that aim to optimise health based on individual needs and goals. Guests may address various health issues through the programme’s recommended treatments, like physiotherapy for discomfort, cryotherapy for better muscle recovery and yoga for improved sleep – all in the lush surrounds of the spa.

3. Longevity training for older adults 

“We now have strong scientific evidence proving that regular physical activity – especially strength and functional training – plays a decisive role in maintaining independence, preventing frailty and improving cognitive resilience,” says Alessandri on the importance of functional fitness for older adults. 

He recommends those looking to start their fitness journey focus on strength training to preserve muscle mass, cardio to support cardiovascular and metabolic health, mobility and balance to reduce the risk of falling and cognitive exercises to maintain brain health.

Unsure where to begin? A change of scenery might help. Absolute Sanctuary a retreat hugged by beaches and jungle on the Thai island of Koh Samui, offers dedicated wellness programmes for mature groups, aged 50-65 or 65-75. Itineraries feature consultations, nutritional coaching, stretching and aquatic fitness, among other activities.

Overlooking misty forests and the tranquil West Lake, The Silk Lakehouse, Shangri-La Hangzhou welcomes guests to learn the ancient Chinese practices of tai chi and qigong, known to improve balance and core strength, and reduce tension. 

4. Integrating fitness into our lifestyles 

Wellness is more than just “an isolated activity” says Alessandri, “it’s embedded throughout the day”. He recognises that people want to continue their fitness journey whether they’re at home, at the gym, at work or while travelling. 

That’s where portable or connected equipment comes in: it makes it easy for users to incorporate fitness into any part of their day, wherever they may be, picking up right where they left off. Take the Hyperice Hypersphere Go , a palm-sized massage ball, which offers powerful vibration therapy to support the recovery of tired muscles, including hard-to-reach places like the back. You can use it post-workout or when you start feeling stiff at your office desk. It’s also TSA carry-on approved, so you can take it with you whenever you travel.

5. Using wearable tech 

Wearable technology allows us to get a better sense of our health by consistently tracking certain indicators like heart rate, sleep cycle and skin temperature, and even detecting falls or crashes. Monitoring our physiological data can help us stay engaged, motivated and accountable on the journey towards our health goals. The Apple Watch 11 and the Samsung Watch 8 are both sleek options for those who want a range of health-tracking features, and are respectively integrated in the wider Apple and Android ecosystems.