According to the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) 20th annual Worldwide Fitness Trends projection, wearable technology will be the top trend in 2026. The report was released today in the November/December issue of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal® and was based on a poll of 2,000 fitness industry professionals, researchers, and exercise specialists.
The lead author of 2026 ACSM Worldwide Fitness Trends: Future Directions of the Health and Fitness Industry, Cayla R. McAvoy, PhD, an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist, stated, “We’ve witnessed significant shifts in fitness trends over the past 20 years, and this milestone gives us a long-term perspective of how the field has evolved and impacted health and fitness.” “Over the years, we’ve seen fitness trends associated with active aging, mental health, the rise of fitness technology, medically integrated programs, childhood obesity, and online training during the COVID pandemic.”
The yearly trends report assists gym owners, fitness specialists, and their patrons in comprehending the results about their own workplace. The findings provide useful advice to guide decision-making, whether it is improving fitness club services, customizing training plans to fit certain health and fitness requirements, developing physical activity regulations, or studying implementation and effects. The results of the survey provide an overview of present procedures as well as new goals and opportunities for expansion in the fitness and health sector.
Following wearable technology, the following five fitness trends complete the list: Balance, Flow, and Core Strength; Exercise for Weight Management; Fitness Programs for Older Adults; and Mobile Exercise Apps.
According to McAvoy, wearable technology is the top fitness trend for 2026. “The question of whether people will use wearables is no longer relevant, as nearly half of U.S. adults now own a fitness tracker or smartwatch,” he added. Teaching individuals how to use them in ways that best support their health and behavior change is what matters now.
The 20th anniversary trends report now includes:
- Each of the 20 trends on the list has real-world applications. These applications, which deal with practice, programming, or policy, are meant to assist in interpreting which trends are becoming more popular as well as how they might be used in practical contexts.
- Over the past 20 years, the language used in fitness has evolved. The term “trend” now refers to a broadly accepted and/or persistent pattern in professional practice, industry services, or participation in health and fitness. Trends, as opposed to fads, show quantifiable involvement, market presence, or long-term influence and endure beyond fleeting enthusiasm. In order to encompass a wider variety of objectives, such as weight loss, maintenance, and growth, the trend known as “exercise for weight loss” has been renamed “exercise for weight management.”
- The popularity of pickleball and the desire for social interaction while exercising led to the first appearance of Adult Recreation and Sport Clubs on the list of top trends.
These are the top ten trends for 2026, along with the writers’ professional analysis (including a video) and useful applications for both the general public and fitness professionals:
- Technology for Wearables:
With sophisticated biosensors now recording data like fall or crash detection, heart rhythm, blood pressure, blood glucose, and skin temperature, wearable technology—which has been a top trend for the past few years—continues to advance. These are especially crucial for a broad range of people, including athletes, fitness novices, elderly individuals, and patients undergoing rehabilitation. This trend’s broad appeal is demonstrated by the fact that it ranked in the top three across almost all age groups and professions.
“Wearable technology is an effective way to monitor health and fitness. While some metrics may be experimental or incorrect, other data may be accurate and valuable. Certified fitness experts can offer assistance in interpreting the data, which is frequently helpful for monitoring trends or changes over time. – FACSM, ACSM-EP, EIM, PhD Sarah M. Camhi
2. Active aging fitness programs for senior citizens:
By 2030, all 73 million Americans in the baby boomer generation will be over 65, increasing the need for age-appropriate, scientifically supported fitness programs. Adults 65 and older now visit gyms and fitness centers more frequently than any other age group, according to the 2023 IHRSA U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report.
Soon, the number of older adults in the United States will surpass all previous records, necessitating the services of trained fitness professionals to offer safe and efficient exercise to this demographic. The trend’s ranking highlights the significance of improving our industry’s comprehension of how to cater to this demographic. Paul M. Gallo, EdD, FACSM, ACSM-CEP, ACSM-EP, ACSM-GEI, EIM, chief editor of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal
3. Exercise to Help Control Weight:
Increases in the usage of obesity control drugs like GLP-1 RA are now part of the Exercise for Weight control trend, which is at its greatest point to date. 42.4% of American adults are obese, and 49% of those who are obese say they actively work to control their weight.
Application: Because it promotes lean mass, physical function, and metabolic health, exercise is still crucial for long-term weight management. Compared to people using medicine alone, research indicates that those who continue exercising while on pharmacologic therapy maintain higher fat loss and keep lean mass after ceasing medication. Exercise specialists should present themselves as reliable collaborators in this process and continuously emphasize the special contribution that exercise makes to long-term weight loss.
4. Apps for Mobile Exercise:
Mobile exercise apps give customers the convenience and flexibility to work out whenever and anywhere they choose by providing on-demand, planned, live-streamed, or recorded workouts. Over 850 million fitness apps were downloaded in 2024, with over 345 million users. App usage is lower among older folks and those with poor levels of digital literacy, while app users are more likely to be younger, female, college-educated, and urban dwellers.
Application: By providing self-monitoring tools, organization, and convenience, mobile apps can encourage exercise adherence. According to research, users appreciate tools that help them set goals and monitor their progress, which could lead to longer-term engagement. Long-term use may be further supported by apps that include habit-forming components like social features, prizes, or reminders. Although there has been evidence of short-term increases in physical activity, further study is required to fully comprehend long-term effects. Apps can be used as auxiliary tools by fitness experts, especially for clients who want tech-enabled, flexible workout options.
5. Core Strength, Flow, and Balance
Together with a rise in interest in mind-body integration and holistic health, these formats have gained traction after a decline in group membership brought on by the pandemic. This trend has been reframed as an essential part of a well-rounded fitness program that connects mental health and movement quality.
Application: By using these formats, fitness instructors can assist clients in enhancing their posture, mobility, and core control, all of which promote safer movement during strength and aerobic training. As a result, studies emphasize how crucial these formats are for enhancing movement control and preventing injuries, particularly in the elderly population.
6. Physical Activity for Mental Well-Being
Compared to previous year, this trend’s ranking is up two points. More than one in five persons in the United States report having a mental health illness each year, which emphasizes the value of movement-based techniques that promote emotional health. According to a nationwide poll, 78% of exercisers say that their primary motivation for working out is their mental or emotional health, not their desire for physical fitness or beauty. In both preventive and adjunctive settings, exercise provides a scalable, realistic, and evidence-based strategy for enhancing mental health.
Read more fitness updates here
