With the arrival of 2026 comes new fitness trends to keep a sharp eye on. That’s why for the 20th year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has published its annual Worldwide Fitness Trends forecast. The number one trend for 2026 is wearable technology. The report is based on a survey of 2,000 clinicians, researchers and exercise professionals in the fitness industry.
This look at the top fitness trends for 2026 provides insights into how wearable technology, fitness programs for older adults and more are revolutionizing the industry. These trends offer valuable guidance for community rec professionals aiming to meet the diverse needs of members and promote holistic health. Here’s the top 10:
1. Wearable Technology
Wearable technology continues to be the leading trend for 2026, a position it has held nearly every year for the past decade. Devices such as fitness trackers, heart rate monitors and smartwatches provide real-time feedback on physical activity, health markers and more, encouraging positive behavior changes in users. However, industry leaders must stay informed about the differences in device accuracy and user experience. Although guidelines exist for evaluating wearables, rapid innovation often outpaces validation. Overall, these tools can meaningfully support self-monitoring, accountability and sustained engagement.
2. Fitness Programs for Older Adults (active aging)
This trend rises from its No. 3 spot in 2025, as the baby boomer generation includes 73 million Americans, intensifying demand for age-appropriate, evidence-based exercise options. This new ranking implies rising demand and participation from this group. Therefore, thoughtful program plans and training remain essential to designing effective offerings for this age group. According to ACSM, 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
This is the highest ranking yet for this trend on ACSM’s yearly list. Part of the reason why is due to the increases in the use of obesity management medications such as GLP-1s. Obesity affects 42.4% of U.S. adults, while approximately 49% of those with obesity report actively trying to manage their weight. Rec leaders should consistently reinforce the unique role of exercise in sustainable weight outcomes and position themselves as trusted partners in this process within their communities.
4. Mobile Exercise Apps
In 2024, more than 345 million people used fitness apps, generating more than 850 million downloads. Users of this trend are younger, female, college-educated, and living in urban areas, with lower adoption observed among older adults and individuals with limited digital literacy. Research shows users value features that support goal setting and progress tracking, which may drive sustained engagement. You can leverage apps as supplemental tools, particularly for members who prefer flexible, tech-enabled fitness options.
5. Balance, Flow and Core Strength
These types of exercise formats have regained momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic along with 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. Centers can integrate these formats to help members improve posture, mobility and core control, which supports safer movement during strength and cardio training.
6. Exercise for Mental Health
Up two spots from last year’s ranking, more than one in five adults in the U.S. report experiencing a mental health condition. One national survey found 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. Specific formats may be especially appropriate for supporting mental health outcomes like low-intensity, mindfulness-based formats such as yoga may offer additional value for stress reduction and emotional well-being.
7. Traditional Strength Training
Less than 30% of U.S. adults meet the recommended guidelines for muscle-strengthening activity. Center leaders can address existing participation gaps by offering strength training programs that are progressive, inclusive and accessible to diverse populations. Messaging should emphasize long-term health benefits and functional outcomes, not just aesthetics or performance. To improve participation, strength training can be integrated into group classes, low-cost programs or hybrid formats that reduce intimidation.
8. Data-Driven Technology
Given the high ranking of wearable tech and mobile apps, it’s no surprise members care deeply about data. More than 70% of wearable users have reported applying their output data to inform exercise or recovery strategies. Regardless of fitness level, members can benefit from personalized adjustments. Effective usage requires translating data into actionable steps, communicating clearly with members, and designing programs that align with individual goals and readiness.
9. Adult Recreation and Sport Clubs
New to ACSM’s Top 10 trends this year, this trend growing interest in activities that combine fitness with fun social connection outside traditional gym settings. Pickleball, is one such example of this trend seeing a large spike in interest. Rec centers can support participation in these activities in the community by integrating recreation-based programs into offerings, leading community groups or collaborating with local leagues to reach adults who may not engage through traditional gym settings.
10. Functional Fitness Training
This trend includes strength, power, mobility and endurance movements designed to improve physical performance in real-world activities. Programs often emphasize movements such as squats, lunges and carries that transfer directly to daily life or sport. While highly associated with older adults or injury rehabilitation, functional training also benefits athletic populations. This 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.
