From Al workouts to smart gear: What to expect in 2026

Innovation is going to be the name of the game in fitness as technology reshapes what it means to be active

- Shrenik Avlani

The best way to be fitter and healthier in 2026, irrespective of what influencers and marketing campaigns try to tell you, will remain a pair of dumbbells, barbell, pull-up bar, pool and a running route. Having said that, we are still going to come across plenty of innovation in the wellness and fitness space in the next 12 months. Here are four trends to watch out for:

AI WILL DESIGN IT FOR YOU

In the coming year, AI will become more embedded in the wellness and fitness world. While it won't do the workouts and eat for you, it will very much decide all of it for you. If you are among those who turn to apps for your training, it will be AI designing your exercise regimen. Garmin and Strava’s Runna already provide running training using AI coaches that tweak the programme based on performance, effort, intensity and frequency. Even personal trainers are likely to turn to AI to help them design workouts for their client in 2026.