AUSactive has unveiled the Top 20 Australian Fitness Trends for 2025–26, revealing continued growth in wellness-focused and inclusive exercise options across all age groups.

For the second year running, fitness programmes for older adults have taken the top position, reinforcing the importance of maintaining strength, mobility and independence as Australia’s population continues to age.

Now in its sixth year, the annual AUSactive Fitness Trends Survey provides a snapshot of what exercise professionals and business operators across the country are seeing among their clients and members, and how the industry continues to evolve to meet diverse health and lifestyle needs.

AUSactive’s general manager, industry standards and development, Chris Alexander said the 2025–26 results show that Australians are embracing a more holistic approach to fitness, with a focus on both physical, social and mental wellbeing.

“Keeping active means different things to different people, and this year’s results reflect that,” he says. “From Pilates and mental health-focused exercise programmes to mobility training and specialised studios, the fitness landscape continues to expand in exciting and meaningful ways. Australians are recognising that regular movement, in any form, plays a vital role in maintaining long-term health and happiness.

“The continued presence of trends such as employing Registered Exercise Professionals; mobility and recovery training, and exercise is medicine shows how the industry is evolving to support both preventive health and long-term wellbeing.”

Top 20 Aus trends are:

Fitness programmes for older adults

Pilates

Exercise for mental health

Traditional strength training

Wearable technology

Group fitness classes

Specialised fitness studios

Exercise for weight management

Employing Registered Exercise Professionals

Mobility and recovery training

Functional fitness training

Commercial/multi-purpose gyms

Yoga

Personal training

HIIT

Flexible membership options

Exercise is medicine

Low-impact/joint-friendly exercise options

Small group training

Exercise in physical rehabilitation and adaptive training