The American Council on Exercise (ACE) expects artificial intelligence (AI) to be the leading health and fitness trend in 2026.
ACE released its list of top 10 trends expected to have a lasting impact and/or long-term changes in the world of health and exercise. Some of the trends carried over from 2025, while some are newer trends emerging in health and wellness. ACE used its scientific advisory panel to research and establish the list.
Leading health and fitness trends for 2026
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Artificial intelligence
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Better integration of data from fitness trackers
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Recovery methods
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Menopause
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Health span and longevity
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A focus on metabolic health
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Inclusive fitness
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Obesity medications
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More holistic approaches to healthy living
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Exercise communities as third spaces
“[AI] will become the backbone of programming, member communication, scheduling, personalization, and staffing,” according to ACE’s panel. “. . . Professionals who embrace this technology and incorporate AI tools [will] thrive in a rapidly evolving industry where technology is increasingly shaping both client experience and business operations.” For health professionals and users, this means learning how to embrace and use AI as a tool.
Aside from AI, ACE noted better integration of data from fitness trackers as a significant trend—pointing out that data will shift from tracking to programming—and the rise in popularity of recovery.
What Do You Expect from AI When It Comes to Fitness?
Knowing that artificial intelligence may have a formative role in health and fitness for this upcoming year:
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How do you see AI or AI-programmed apps reflected in your life (personal or professional)
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How do you see AI fitting into your fitness and wellness routines?
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Do you embrace AI-suggested workouts
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Do you embrace AI scheduling?
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What more would you like to learn about AI as a tool?
ACE is a leading nonprofit organization that certifies health coaches and exercise professionals and conducts research on various facets of health and lifestyle to help encourage exercise among the American population.
Resource
To read more research and ACE panel explanations on the trends in the list, go to acefitness.org/resources/pros/expert-articles/9043/10-fitness-trends-in-2026-and-beyond.