Many of us have set goals for 2026, and we’ve either fallen off the wagon in these first few months, or we’re staying strong, or maybe somewhere in between. I try to err on the side of realistic optimism, but I’ve definitely been too ambitious in the past and given up pretty early into the new year.
Last year, I wrote about the 75-hard challenge, where for 75 days, you have to complete five critical daily tasks involving a rigid nutrition plan, sharpening your mental fortitude, and exercising twice a day. If you miss a task or don’t completely finish it, the clock restarts from day one, and you have to start all over again. It’s pretty strict, and most people won’t end up seeing it through. It can be difficult to distinguish the hype and the fads from the sustainable trends that actually hold value and are worth following. I spoke to top experts to get the 2026 fitness forecast and reveal the trends to look out for, from hybrid conditioning and Pilates to infrared workouts and the rise of AI and technology.
The experts:
- Stephen P. Smith is the Founder and CEO of HOTWORX — a unique sauna workout experience where you follow along with a virtual workout (from yoga to Pilates) while sweating in infrared heat.
- Clif Marshall is the Senior Director of Strength and Pro Training at D1 Training — quality training for youth and adults modeled after Division 1 Strength and Conditioning principles.
- Mike Poirier is the VP of Fitness for The Edge Fitness Clubs — known for a massive workout floor, boutique classes, and an expansive free weight area.
The top fitness trends to watch in 2026
Stephen P. Smith: Pilates was the biggest trend heading into 2026. That wave is already here, but it’s continuing to grow as more consumers look for strength and mobility without unnecessary strain. We’re also seeing a bigger focus on recovery-driven training, intentional glute and functional strength work, increased use of AI and technology, and a strong demand for variety within one
Clif Marshall: Hybrid conditioning involves a blend of strength and endurance. It continues to gain momentum as people recognize the value of being strong and well-conditioned, which supports real-world performance such as maintaining power under fatigue, improving work capacity, and sustaining consistent training over time. Recovery as part of the program is becoming more common than ever. From breathwork to sleep quality and mobility training, individuals are taking a more proactive, informed approach to recovery to support performance, longevity, and consistency.
Hyper-personalized training is becoming increasingly standard. As AI, fitness technology, and private training move further into the mainstream, more people are gaining access to customized programs that align with their individual goals, recovery needs, and performance.
Mike Poirier: In 2026, we’re seeing fitness evolve from volume-driven workouts to precision performance ecosystems. The biggest trends shaping the year ahead include:
- Bioadaptive training that adjusts workouts in real time based on biometric data.
- Infrared-integrated recovery and conditioning, like our Edge Infrared experience.
- Next-generation strength training rooms, equipment, studios, and classes that build community around strength, which is a shift away from the cardio-driven studio model of the past.
We’re also seeing a greater focus on whole-body performance integration, blending strength, mobility, recovery, and mindfulness, alongside the continued rise of community-powered fitness. This is where social connection and shared accountability, from run clubs to HYROX-style training, drive consistency and results. Together, these trends reflect a larger shift toward training smarter, not just harder.
The top trends are sustainable and human-centered
Stephen P. Smith: What sets these trends apart is their focus on sustainability. Fitness has always moved in cycles, like with weight training, aerobics, and high intensity, but the approaches that last are the ones people can maintain. These trends support the body instead of breaking it down, which helps people stay consistent, reduce burnout, and see better long-term results.
My personal favorite is recovery-supported training. When recovery is built into the workout environment, especially with infrared heat, it changes how the body responds to exercise. You feel better during workouts, recover more efficiently afterward, and that makes it much easier to stay consistent over time.
Clif Marshall: What sets these trends apart is their emphasis on long-term performance rather than short-term results. The trends we will see in 2026 will be rooted in principles that prioritize how the body functions, recovers, and adapts over time to support overall health and longevity. Hybrid coaching stands out as my personal favorite, though I find all the trends above to be equally important.
Hybrid training reflects how athletes truly train to develop strength and mental resiliency. From a coaching perspective, this approach builds confidence and durability while improving cardiovascular health and strength. The result is not just improved performance, but a greater sense of personal capability.
Mike Poirier: These trends are human-centered while remaining data-informed. Rather than pushing people to extremes, they meet athletes where they are on any given day, physically and mentally. Infrared technology supports circulation and recovery, smart strength systems reduce injury risk while improving efficiency, and adaptive programming encourages long-term progress instead of burnout. The real benefit is sustainability. These approaches help people train more consistently, recover faster, and perform better over time, which is what ultimately delivers meaningful results. At the same time, they foster connection and community in a healthier, more productive way than the nightlife-centric social models of the past.
My personal favorite trend is infrared-enhanced recovery and conditioning. I’ve seen firsthand how integrating infrared into training, not just recovery, fundamentally changes how the body responds. I recover faster between intense sessions, experience less stiffness, and feel more prepared, heading into high-performance workouts. It’s one of those technologies that quietly raises your baseline, and once it becomes part of your routine, it’s hard to imagine training without it. It also feels like productive multitasking, optimizing recovery while you train.
Staying on track and building long-term habits
Stephen P. Smith: The biggest mistake people make is trying to do too much too fast. The routines that last are consistent, effective, and enjoyable, and they leave room for recovery. When fitness fits into real life and feels good, it stops being a short-term resolution and starts becoming a long-term habit.
Clif Marshall:
- Establish a daily non-negotiable: Identifying one consistent action to do daily creates structure and helps prevent gaps in momentum, which can be as easy as walking for 10 minutes or light conditioning.
- What gets tracked gets improved: 10,000 steps a day keeps you moving, 8 hours of sleep helps with recovery, 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight fuels performance. None of these are complicated, but they require awareness. Champions don’t guess – they measure. Progress follows what you’re willing to track.
- Allow for flexibility without losing accountability: Social plans, work, family, etc., may get in the way of your workout plans from time to time, but don’t let a few days off turn into a long setback. Give yourself grace, but stay accountable.
Mike Poirier:
- First, focus on consistency over intensity. The best program is the one you can sustain.
- Secondly, prioritize recovery as much as training because that’s where adaptation happens.
- Thirdly, use data as a guide, not a judgment. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
- Fourth, train with community or accountability, whether that’s a coach, a group, or a shared goal.
- Finally, stay flexible. Progress isn’t linear, and the smartest athletes know when to push and when to pivot.
Fitness in 2026 is about longevity, resilience, and performance that fits real life, not perfection.
