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As the year draws to a close, speculation is running high over what fashion, home and beauty trends will define 2026 – but we’re curious to know what will dominate the fabulous world of fitness.
Reformer Pilates, HYROX and Paddle rule the fitness sector and us Instagram This year’s feed, however, a fresh wave of workout trends is on the horizon.
We spoke to several fitness experts who shared their predictions for which activities are going to grow in popularity over the next year.
trail running
If you’re looking for an activity to boost your cardiovascular health while soaking up the UK’s stunning natural landscapes, trail running may be for you.
“We’ve seen huge growth in road running and an explosion in run clubs this year, but I think trail running is going to be huge in 2026,” says the personal trainer and running, strength and conditioning coach. erin barber“Trail running has less emphasis on fixed speeds over different distances, as that varies completely based on terrain and altitude, and it’s more about being in nature,
“I know there’s also been a push to try trail running in the Olympics, so I think that in itself will bring trail running more to light and increase its popularity.”
Lots of run clubs across the UK offer trail running sessions.
“I’ve recently seen a lot of running clubs in town doing day-out trail running,” he says. Barberwho is also the marketing and partnerships manager at a personal training course provider fitness group“Going in a group is a good idea because it’s safe and it helps you get to know what the trails and terrain are like,”
Hot Yoga and Pilates
Many people enjoy the results of sweating in a sauna, but did you know you can experience similar benefits in a hot yoga or Pilates class?
“I’ve seen a lot of hot Pilates studios opening up around manchester And I think its popularity is going to increase in 2026,” says Barber. “Pilates and yoga are generally considered low-impact exercises, so adding the element of heat increases heart rate, sweat and a feeling of being more accomplished.”
Nick Higgins, Co-Founder and Head of Teaching hot pod yogaAgree and say that hot yoga classes attract a wide variety of demographics.
“Our classes attract people from their late teens to their late 60s for all kinds of reasons,” says Higgins. “From a physical point of view, I think a lot of young people use it as a recovery tool to counter high-impact activities like running for example, and are doing so because it helps to release stress built up in the body. It also helps people stay fit and is very therapeutic from a mental health point of view.
“I think there will be a lot of hybrids of different physical exercises in hotter environments and I think that’s a great thing.”
The co-founder says that Hotpod yoga classes are held at around 37 degrees Celsius with humidity levels ranging from 40% to 60%.
“It takes a few tries to get used to the positions and moves, but I guarantee you’ll feel incredible once you do,” says Higgins.
pickle ball
“We’ve seen an increase in the popularity of paddle this year and last year and I think there’s going to be a big trend of adults getting involved in pickleball, which is really popular in America right now,” Barber says. “The rackets are thin and like table tennis rackets and you play on a tennis net.
“I think it’s going to be big because it’s not as power-based, it’s a much softer game, so more accessible. It’s a lot easier for people who are maybe older and want to get into pickleball, or maybe people who want an easier introduction into racquet sports.”
Triathlon and Aquaathlon
“Triathlon, previously viewed as a high-level recreational sport, has become extremely popular among the general public,” says Barber. “I’ve noticed a lot of people are also doing aquathlon (swim and then run), which takes out the cycling element which can be expensive, so it’s considered more accessible in terms of cost.
“Also, triathlon and aquathlon involve open water swimming and a lot of people are actually taking the plunge and swimming in cold water for health and wellness reasons.”
virtual fitness classes
While Martin Franklin, CEO Les Mills UKHe predicts that in-person exercise classes will remain popular in 2026, he also recognizes the growing appeal of virtual classes.
“Virtual classes offer accessibility and flexibility and at Les Mills we have virtual classes in one facility, so video livestreams a class, and people can take that content and do it anywhere, even at home,” says Franklin. “Now with the flexibility of working life, where people aren’t getting a fixed lunch break and the beginning and end of the work day has become more fluid, having a virtual class that you can do whenever, wherever is great.”
He sees virtual classes as a complement to in-person training.
“We’re still seeing people doing two or three live classes or Live Experience workouts a week to get the connection and benefit of in-person coaching, but we’re also seeing people doing one or two virtual or home classes as well,” says Franklin.
Virtual classes are also considered attractive for beginners.
“The scope of offering virtual classes is growing in our market as it brings new people into the industry and fitness,” says Franklin. ,People Those who are afraid of going to a live experience where they don’t know the choreography or don’t know the exercises can try a class at home virtually in the safety of their own environment.