While emphasizing that trends don’t just suddenly appear on the scene, but rather begin dominating conversations around fitness and wellness, the American Council on Exercise has released its 10 Fitness Trends in 2026. From artificial intelligence and fitness trackers to recovery methods and a focus on inclusive fitness, these are the top 10 fitness trends coming your way in the year ahead.
The top 10 fitness trends include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Better integration of data from fitness trackers
- Recovery methods
- Menopause
- Healthspan and longevity
- A focus on metabolic health
- Inclusive fitness
- Obesity medications
- More holistic approaches to healthy living
- Exercise communities as third spaces
Artificial intelligence has seemingly been taking the world by storm, and fitness is no exception. In its 2025 trends report, ACE CEO Cedrix X. Bryant, Ph.D., described AI as “central to fitness.” This year, Ted. Vickey, Ph.D., says it’s moving beyond “trend” status and will “… become the backbone of programming, member communication, scheduling, personalization and staffing,” with gyms relying on AI to reduce their labor costs, improve operations and gain insight into their members.
For a lot more detail on each of these trends and how they have developed from last year’s top trends, visit 10 Fitness Trends in 2026 and Beyond at the ACE website.