Wearables Once Again Claim Top Spot in ACSM’s Top Fitness Trends

Mobile fitness apps, Pilates and group exercise are gaining ground as technology, strength training and healthy aging continue to shape the fitness industry

Wearable technology is once again the top fitness trend heading into 2027, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), but the growing popularity of Pilates, mobility training and group fitness suggests consumers are increasingly prioritizing movement quality and social connection alongside technology.

ACSM’s annual Worldwide Fitness Trends report, published Tuesday in ACSM’s “Health & Fitness Journal,” ranks wearable technology No. 1 for the 10th time since the category debuted in the survey in 2016.

Mobile exercise apps climbed from fourth to second place, while balance, flow and core strength — a category encompassing Pilates, yoga, barre and mobility-focused exercise — rose from fifth to third.

Group fitness classes made one of the biggest jumps, climbing six spots from No. 13 to No. 7, reflecting renewed interest in instructor-led workouts and the social benefits of exercising with others.

Now in its 21st year, ACSM’s annual report identifies the trends fitness professionals expect to have the greatest influence on the industry in the coming year.

“Technology continues to shape how people approach fitness, but this year’s rankings also highlight the value of shared experiences and programs that fit different stages of life,” said Cayla McAvoy, lead author of the report and chair of ACSM’s Trends Workgroup.

Here are the top fitness trends for 2027.

1. Wearable Technology

Smartwatches, fitness trackers and other wearable devices continue to dominate the fitness landscape, allowing consumers to monitor activity, heart rate, sleep, recovery and other health metrics.

Wearables were the only trend to rank among the top three across every professional role, work setting and experience category examined in ACSM’s report.

2. Mobile Exercise Apps

Mobile fitness apps climbed two places to No. 2, highlighting continued demand for accessible, personalized fitness experiences.

From on-demand workouts to virtual coaching and training plans, apps are giving consumers more ways to exercise outside traditional gyms while helping operators and trainers extend their reach beyond physical locations.

3. Balance, Flow & Core Strength

Pilates, yoga, barre and mobility-focused workouts continue gaining momentum, pushing this category into the top three.

The ranking reflects the ongoing Pilates boom, which has seen boutique studios and major gym chains alike expand their offerings, particularly around reformer Pilates.

The category also encompasses exercises designed to improve balance, flexibility, movement control and functional performance.

4. Fitness Programs for Older Adults

Fitness programming designed for aging populations remains a major industry priority, ranking in the top five for the fifth consecutive year.

These programs focus on preserving strength, mobility, balance and independence as consumers seek to maintain their health and physical function later in life.

The trend also presents opportunities for gym operators and fitness professionals to develop more specialized offerings for older adults.

5. Traditional Strength Training

Traditional resistance training climbed two spots to No. 5, reinforcing the continued importance of strength-focused workouts.

ACSM highlights the benefits of structured strength training for maintaining muscle mass, bone health and physical function across different populations.

The ranking comes as strength training increasingly becomes a centerpiece of programming at both commercial gyms and boutique fitness studios.

6. Exercise for Weight Management

Exercise for weight management remains a top trend as the growing use of GLP-1 and other obesity medications reshapes how consumers approach weight loss.

ACSM emphasizes the importance of exercise for preserving lean muscle, maintaining strength and supporting long-term physical function, particularly among people taking weight-loss medications.

“Exercise remains essential in weight management, including for people using anti-obesity medications, but its value extends far beyond the number on the scale,” McAvoy said. “Individualized programming can help preserve muscle, improve strength and physical function, and support long-term health.”

7. Group Fitness Classes

Group fitness made one of the biggest moves in this year’s rankings, jumping from No. 13 to No. 7.

The resurgence points to the appeal of instructor-led workouts that combine structured exercise with community, accountability and social interaction.

As consumers increasingly seek connection through fitness, group classes remain an important tool for gyms and studios looking to improve engagement and retention.

“We often focus on the type of exercise someone is doing, but whether they’ll actually stick with it matters tremendously,” said ACSM Trends Workgroup member Rachelle Reed. “Group fitness can provide social support, accountability and enjoyment — all factors that can help turn exercise from a one-time effort into a consistent behavior.”

8. Data-Driven Training Technology

Data-driven training technology held steady at No. 8, reflecting continued interest in using biometric information to personalize workouts.

Metrics such as heart rate variability, sleep quality and training load are increasingly helping fitness professionals tailor exercise intensity, monitor recovery and adjust programming based on individual needs.

9. Exercise for Mental Health and Well-Being

Exercise for mental health and well-being remains in the top 10 for the fourth consecutive year.

The category reflects growing recognition of physical activity’s role in supporting mood, managing stress and improving psychological well-being. For fitness operators, the trend reinforces the importance of positioning exercise as part of a broader approach to health rather than solely a means of improving physical appearance or performance.

10. Influencer/Ambassador-Led Fitness Programs

Returning to the top 10 after falling outside the top 20 in 2026, influencer- and ambassador-led fitness programs round out this year’s rankings.

The trend highlights the growing influence of social media creators and fitness personalities in shaping workout habits and introducing consumers to new training programs.

ACSM notes that these programs can make exercise more accessible by reaching audiences outside traditional fitness settings, while also underscoring the importance of credible, evidence-based guidance.