"Wearables aren’t just about counting steps any more - they’re about interpreting human physiology in context." - Dr. Cayla McAvoy
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has once again published its annual fitness trends forecast - and the 2026 list offers clear signals not just for gyms and coaches, but for anyone serious about training smarter and healthier this year.
Here’s how the trends are shaping up, and what they could mean for your training.
1. Wearable technology continues to lead
Fitness trackers and smart devices are everywhere, but now they’re not just recording steps - they’re measuring heart rhythm, blood pressure, glucose and more.
This means training is becoming data-driven, so athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike can tailor intensity and recovery windows using real biological feedback.
"Wearables aren’t just about counting steps any more - they’re about interpreting human physiology in context and using that information to inform behaviour change." says Dr. Cayla McAvoy, an exercise physiologist and lead author of the trends report.
That touches on programming in training: heart rate variability, sleep quality and stress markers now all factor into daily readiness, influencing whether a session should be high intensity or restorative.
2. Fitness for weight management (not just weight loss)
The ACSM has rebranded the focus from weight loss to weight management - a shift that reflects broader public goals around long-term metabolic health.
For athletes, this translates into training that supports sustainability over cycles of competition and rest.
3. Programs for older adults grow
With an aging population staying active longer, training programs are diversifying to include older adults, emphasising mobility, balance and functional strength.
Experts say this demographic is helping reshape how strength and conditioning professionals think about longevity and lifelong training.
4. Mobile exercise apps and remote coaching
AI-powered programming and remote coaching tools are blurring the lines between elite training and community access.
Online guidance now means individuals can get near-pro level programming tailored to their data and goals without a physical coach present.
5. Balance, flow and core strength
The report highlights increased interest in training that emphasises balance and core stability - not just maximal load.
Practices such as Pilates, integration circuits, and foundational control work are becoming mainstream complements to strength and power sessions.
Why it matters for 2026 training
The ACSM trends list shows a clear shift: training is becoming contextual, data-informed, and inclusive. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, the trends suggest coaching methods and personal programmes will increasingly:
- Use biological signals over feel or general plans
- Incorporate technology to personalise training decisions
- Value movement quality (such as balance, core, or flow) as much as output
What you can do now
- Use your wearable to monitor sleep and readiness and adjust session intensity
- Integrate balance and core work into strength blocks
- Try app-based programmes that use your data to adapt week-to-week
The bottom line
This looks set to be a year where intelligence in training - how we measure, tailor, and respond - takes priority over volume or intensity alone.
The future isn’t just heavier lifts or longer runs. It’s smarter, more responsive training informed by real physiology.
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