Fitness trends 2026: Community workouts, walking yoga and the rise of recovery

As a new year approaches, fitness goals are once again being set, but the landscape of how people move, train and stay active is evolving.

While the past year saw the rise of Hyrox competitions, running clubs and healing practices, the year ahead looks set to push fitness further towards connection, accessibility and sustainability, rather than a focus on intensity alone.

Here are some of the biggest trends expected to shape how people approach movement in 2026.

Community-first fitness

Running clubs surged in popularity last year and that momentum is expected to continue into the new year. Although the health benefits of running are well documented, renewed interest in the sport highlights a broader cultural shift towards what Mohamed Bodiat, senior vice president of brands – sports at GMG, describes as a “community-first fitness ecosystem.

“Running continues to grow as the most accessible and inclusive entry point into fitness, appealing across ages, abilities and lifestyles, and helping people integrate movement into everyday life,” he says.

This year's Dubai Run saw a record 307,000 participants. Chris Whiteoak / The National

He adds that brands and organisers are increasingly putting together run clubs, community runs and major events as platforms not only for exercising, but also for connection and long-term habit-building.

This is reflected in record-breaking participation across the region. Dubai Run attracted 307,000 runners – a 307 per cent increase since its inaugural event in 2019 – while Riyadh Marathon reached capacity with 40,000 participants, doubling year on