The new year is just around the corner, and that means new fitness goals. Maybe you’re ready to level up your strength game or are looking for a fun way to stay active and consistent. No matter your goals, 2026 is the time to reset and try something new.

The last decade has brought serious innovations to the fitness scene, a trend that will most definitely continue next year. Here are the top 2026 fitness trends to keep your eye on, from strength training with qualityweightlifting gear to group workouts that keep you accountable.

Gamified Fitness: Workouts As Play

If you can’t stand the thought of even one more hour plodding along on a treadmill, gamified fitness might be the motivation boost you’ve been looking for. Game-style elements like points, levels, leaderboards, and rewards make fitness feel more like fun than a chore. Apps likeZombies, Run! andSupernatural (VR workouts) have been around for a while, but the technology keeps getting better.

In 2026, expect more AI integration, personalized avatars, and full-body motion tracking to make workouts more immersive. Gamified fitness is especially helpful if you struggle with consistency—it gives you immediate feedback and turns progress into something you can see and celebrate.

Strength Training: Not Just for Gym Rats

Despite how beneficial it is,more than 80% of U.S. adults still don’t meet recommended strength training guidelines. With growing awareness, this is changing. In 2026, strength training is expected to gain ground across all ages and fitness levels.

Resistance training (using free weights like barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells) helps improve muscular strength, endurance, and function. It also supports bone density, mobility, and metabolic health. It’s one of the most efficient, effective forms of exercise out there.

Getting started doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you’re new to lifting, supportive gear likewrist wraps,weightlifting grips, andlifting belts can help you stabilize joints, protect form, and feel more confident under the bar. Use these devices in the gym or at home.

JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out

The opposite of FOMO, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out). Come again? Instead of feeling pressure to do everything, go everywhere, or chase what everyone else is doing, more people are leaning into mindfulness, self-care, and using their time more intentionally. In the fitness world, that means working out because you want to, not because it looks good on the socials.

You might skip that packed gym for a quiet trail run or swap your social feed for a weight training workout at home. JOMO encourages presence and purpose. It’s not about doing less or slacking off. It’s about doing things your way without apology.

Group Workouts: Connection to Keep You Consistent

Online workouts aren’t going anywhere, but in-person group workouts are one of the hottest new exercise trends for 2026. Group exercise builds community, connection, and helps keep you accountable.Research has shown that working out in a group can improve consistency and boost motivation to exercise.

Whether it’s a weightlifting circuit, spin class, or trail crew, the shared energy in a group setting pushes you harder and keeps you showing up. After all, it’s a lot harder to skip a workout when your crew is waiting for you.

Wearable Technology: Smarter Than Ever

Wearable devices do so much these days, from tracking recovery to optimizing your entire workout routine in real time. In 2026, these devices are more personalized, data-driven, and integrated than ever.

Here are some wearables to check out in 2026:

• Whoop 5.0: Focuses on recovery, strain, and sleep rather than just activity levels. Ideal for tracking how hard you should push (or when you should rest).
• Apple Watch Ultra 3: A rugged upgrade perfect for multisport athletes. Includes GPS, crash detection, and deep workout insights.
• Oura Ring: Tracks sleep, heart rate, and readiness in a discreet ring design.
• Garmin Forerunner: Designed for runners and triathletes, with performance metrics and real-time coaching.

Wearables can help you make smarter training decisions and build long-term habits. If you love data, this trend is for you.

Functional Fitness: Training for Real Life

Functional fitness is all about training your body to handle real-world movements more efficiently. Think lifting groceries, climbing stairs, chasing your kid across the yard. It may not seem like one of the latest fitness trends, but these activities demand strength, stability, and coordination.

In 2026, this style of training is front and center. It combines strength, mobility, and balance to improve everyday movement and reduce injury risk. You’ll see more gyms offering functional circuits using bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, resistance bands, and sleds.

Functional fitness is highly customizable, scalable for all fitness levels, and directly applicable to your life. Plus, it keeps workouts dynamic and engaging.

Recovery as a Priority

More people are treating recovery as part of the plan, not an afterthought. Recovery tools and practices like percussion massagers, infrared saunas, mobility sessions, and sleep optimization are all trending up.

You can’t grow stronger or get faster without rest. The rise of recovery-focused fitness is about training smarter, not just harder. You can speed recovery even more in 2026 and reduce your risks of injury by investing in quality workout gear, likeVersa Gripps and theVG Hyperbelt.

Hybrid Fitness Routines

Combining different training methods is likely to gain traction in 2026. It’s not about picking a single program and sticking to it. Instead, you might do strength training twice a week, add a cycling class on the weekend, mix in yoga or Pilates, and throw in a HIIT session when you need an energy boost.

This kind of cross-training keeps things fresh and balanced. It also helps reduce plateaus and supports well-rounded fitness.

Power Through Your Fitness Goals in 2026 With Versa Gripps

No matter how you plan to train in 2026, you need the right gear to optimize your workouts. VG products are engineered to support your grip, protect your joints, and help you push harder with good form.

• Versa Gripps: These innovative weightlifting grips replace traditional lifting straps and are like hooks, straps, and gloves all in one.Versa Gripps support all pushing and pulling movements. So, whether you’re hitting deadlifts, rows, or presses, they help reduce grip fatigue so you can execute each move with precision.
• Versa Wrapps: If you need extra wrist support for pressing movements or heavy overhead lifts,Versa Wrapps deliver a customized, secure fit that moves with you. No stiff, clunky wraps—Versa Wrapps are built for performance, comfort, and easy adjustments mid-workout.
• VG Hyperbelt: TheVG Hyperbelt redefines weightlifting belts. Designed specifically for hypertrophy-style training, it offers core support, adaptive comfort, and a tailored fit so you can wear it through your entire workout. More reps, more weight, more control.

Explore ourgear bundles to find the combo that fits your style and train better in 2026.