Fitness and Health
Fitness Trends 2027: What the ACSM Top 10 Means for Your Workouts
What fitness trends will be big in 2027, and which ones are worth your time? The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) released its 2027 list on October 20, 2026, and wearable tech held the top spot again. Apps, balance and core work, strength training and group fitness also made the top 10. [1] Popular is not the same as effective, though. ACSM itself says the list shows what fitness pros think will be popular, not what works best.
Short answer
- Top trend: wearable tech, like smartwatches and rings.
- Also big: fitness apps, balance and core work, strength training, group classes.
- Biggest climber: group fitness, up to No. 7 from No. 13.
- What actually works for most women: strength training two to three times a week, plus walking or cardio you enjoy.
The 2027 top 10
ACSM's survey of more than 1,400 fitness professionals ranked: [1]
- Wearable technology
- Mobile exercise apps
- Balance, flow and core strength
- Fitness programs for older adults
- Traditional strength training
- Exercise for weight management
- Group fitness classes (up from No. 13)
- Data driven training technology
- Exercise for mental health and well being
- Influencer or ambassador led fitness programs
ACSM notes the list reflects what professionals expect to be visible and popular. It is not a ranking of what is most effective. [1]
Which trends are worth copying (original)
Strength training: yes. Building muscle helps your shape, strength, bone health and how your clothes fit. It is the one trend almost everyone benefits from.
Balance and core: yes. Pilates, yoga flows and core moves help posture and back comfort. Pair them with weights, not instead of weights, if you want visible change.
Group fitness: yes, if it keeps you going. Classes add structure and people who notice when you skip. The jump to No. 7 suggests a lot of people want that. [1]
Wearables and apps: maybe. They help if you use the data to show up more. They hurt if you obsess over every sleep score.
Weight management exercise: depends. Exercise helps, but food and sleep matter more for weight. Use exercise to get strong and feel good.
Influencer led fitness: careful. Some creators are great coaches. Others sell extreme plans. Check if the person has real training credentials and if the plan is something you could do for a year.
A simple weekly plan built on the trends (original)
| Day | Workout | Time | |---|---|---| | Mon | Full body strength | 40 min | | Tue | Walk or easy cardio | 30 min | | Wed | Pilates or core and balance | 30 min | | Thu | Full body strength | 40 min | | Fri | Group class you enjoy | 45 min | | Sat | Long walk, hike or sport | 60 min | | Sun | Rest or stretch | 15 min |
Beginner strength moves (original)
- Squat to a chair
- Hip hinge or Romanian deadlift with dumbbells
- Push ups on a bench or wall
- Dumbbell rows
- Glute bridges
- Farmer carries
Do 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps. When the last two reps feel easy, go heavier.
How to use your wearable without obsessing (original)
- Track one thing, like steps or workouts per week.
- Look at weekly averages, not single days.
- Ignore calorie burn numbers. They are often off.
- Take it off sometimes and train by feel.
Fitness for mental health
Exercise for mental health made the list at No. 9. [1] Many people find a walk, a lift or a class lifts their mood and helps them sleep. That is a good reason to move even on days when looks are the last thing on your mind.
Red flags in fitness plans (original)
- Promises of fast, dramatic results.
- Very low calorie plans paired with hard daily workouts.
- "No rest days" as a rule.
- Pain that is sharp or gets worse. That is a stop sign, not weakness.
Quick takeaway
ACSM's 2027 list is led by wearables, apps, core work and strength training.
The list ranks popularity, not results.
Strength training 2 to 3 times a week is the trend most worth copying.
Use classes and tech to keep showing up, not to obsess.