By Lisa Leath Turpin, Wellness Coach
As a personal trainer here on the Emerald Coast, I’m always keeping an eye on where the industry is headed so I can keep my clients ahead of the curve. The ACSM 2026 Fitness Trends report has dropped, and it’s clear that this year is all about “working smarter, not just harder.” This list is exciting for someone like me that has been in the game a long time. It confirms and vindicates what I have believed and learned for decades and applies to my efforts to help others.
If you’re planning your 2026 fitness goals, here are the three big shifts I’m seeing:
- Fitness for Longevity
The biggest takeaway this year is the massive rise in Programs for Older Adults. It’s no longer just about looking good in a swimsuit; it’s about “active aging.” My clients are asking for workouts that help them stay mobile, prevent falls, and keep up with their grandkids. We’re moving away from high-impact “ego lifting” toward functional strength and balance. Functional exercises help by training in movements that mimic daily activities, keeping our bodies strong and ready. Walking: It’s important to build up your endurance for walking. Seems simple, but that’s what training is about—doing something regularly and consistently enough to progress (strength/endurance). If we are strong conditioned walkers, we can take those trips, endure parking a mile away from a sporting event, or just enjoy together time walking the beach with a loved one. Same with anything we want to get better at such as balance. Exercises that keep your ankles fluid, nimble and STRONG will massively help your feet to be prepared for that uneven surface, roots or obstacles and help you gracefully avoid falls. Try using “balance trainers” such as a BOSU or balance disc for a variety of movements.
- The Data Revolution
Wearable Tech is still holding the #1 spot, but it’s getting way more personal. It’s not just about hitting 10,000 steps anymore. In 2026, we’re using data to track recovery, sleep, and even how our bodies react to stress. If you aren’t using a tracker yet, now is the time to start—it’s like having a secondary coach on your wrist.
- Social Fitness is Back
One of my favorite newcomers to the Top 10 list is Adult Recreation and Sport Clubs. People are tired of solo workout sessions. Whether it’s pickleball, local run clubs, or group strength classes, there is a huge craving for community. Many people never lost this desire, but the pandemic forced isolation. Now, everyone is realizing the loneliness problems and the lack of motivation when you rely only on yourself. Group training is energizing and fulfilling; definitely a way to also boost your mental health. A major shift toward “peer performance” means training where motivation comes from the group. Formats like indoor cycling, boot camps, and functional circuit training are treated as social events with high-fives and team-oriented goals. Also, look for community-led projects, aka: “Active Socializing,” that are increasingly tied to purposeful movement, such as community garden projects, park clean-ups, and charity “fun runs” or walk-a-thons. Fitness in 2026 is a team sport!
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or just want to feel better mentally, the 2026 trends show that there is no “one size fits all” approach. If you’re ready to get started, you can find a certified pro to help build a plan that actually sticks. Let’s make 2026 your strongest year yet! For more information, visit the American College of Sports Medicine at ACSM.ORG
2026 Top Ten (out of 20) ACSM Fitness Trends:
- Wearable Technology
- Fitness Programs for Older Adults (Active Aging)
- Exercise for Weight Management
- Mobile Exercise Apps
- Balance, Flow, and Core Strength
- Exercise for Mental Health
- Traditional Strength Training
- Data Driven Technology
- Adult Recreation and Sport Clubs
- Functional Fitness Training
