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Wearable technology ranks as the top fitness trend heading into 2027 in the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual survey, marking its 10th time at No. 1 since 2016. Mobile exercise apps rose to second, balance, flow and core strength—including Pilates and mobility-focused exercise—ranked third, and group fitness climbed six places to seventh.
Wearable technology is the top fitness trend heading into 2027, according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual Worldwide Fitness Trends report, which also records gains for mobile exercise apps, Pilates-related training and group classes. The ranking marks the 10th time since 2016 that wearables have claimed the top spot in ACSM’s survey.
The report, published in ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, ranks trends fitness professionals expect to influence the industry in the coming year. Now in its 21st year, the survey places mobile exercise apps at No. 2, up from fourth, and balance, flow and core strength at No. 3, up from fifth. That third category includes Pilates, yoga, barre and mobility-focused exercise.
Group fitness classes made one of the largest moves, rising six positions from No. 13 to No. 7. Fitness programs for older adults ranked fourth, while traditional strength training moved up two places to fifth. Exercise for weight management was sixth, data-driven training technology held at eighth, and exercise for mental health and well-being remained in the top 10 for a fourth consecutive year.
ACSM says wearables—which include smartwatches and fitness trackers—can track activity, heart rate, sleep, recovery and other metrics. The report says wearables were the only trend to rank in the top three across every professional role, work setting and experience category it examined. That finding describes the survey’s rankings; it does not establish how many consumers use devices or whether the devices improve fitness outcomes.
The rankings put digital tools and in-person exercise side by side: wearables and apps lead, while group classes recorded a substantial rise and Pilates-related formats entered the top three. For gyms, studios and trainers, the results point to a mix of consumer interests rather than a shift toward technology alone. The report’s categories also include programs for older adults and strength training, indicating continued attention to exercise across different ages and goals.
These rankings are a forecast of trends, not a measurement of participation, sales or health outcomes. Still, they can help fitness businesses and professionals identify areas receiving attention in the industry. For readers, the list offers a snapshot of what professionals expect to shape fitness offerings in 2027, while leaving individual exercise choices dependent on personal needs and circumstances.
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How ACSM Builds Its Annual List
ACSM’s Worldwide Fitness Trends report is an annual survey-based ranking. It asks fitness professionals to identify developments they expect to influence the industry in the next year. The 2027 list therefore reflects respondents’ expectations; it is not a census of what every gym offers or what every consumer prefers.
Wearables first appeared as a category in the survey in 2016 and have now ranked No. 1 10 times, according to the report. The current results also show movement within the list: apps rose from fourth to second, the balance, flow and core category moved from fifth to third, and group classes advanced from 13th to seventh. The source report describes those positions but does not provide detailed survey figures or response counts in the material available here.
““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.””
— Cayla McAvoy, lead author and chair of ACSM’s Trends Workgroup
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What the Rankings Do Not Measure
The supplied report material does not state the number of survey respondents, the response rate, or the precise method used to calculate each trend’s position. It also does not quantify consumer participation, device sales or business investment. The rankings should not be read as evidence that wearables or any other listed trend cause better health outcomes.
It is also unclear from the available details how much of the rise in group fitness reflects actual attendance, anticipated demand or other factors in professionals’ expectations. The report identifies a six-place change but does not provide a participation baseline or explain what drove the movement. Its category descriptions and rankings are confirmed; broader explanations of consumer behavior remain interpretations.
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How the 2027 Trends Develop
The list is a forecast for the coming year, so its relevance will become clearer as fitness businesses set programming and professionals respond to demand. Gyms and studios may use the rankings as one reference when considering wearable-linked services, app-based workouts, Pilates and mobility classes, group sessions, strength training or programs for older adults. The report does not prescribe a particular business response.
Further detail on survey methods and participation data would help readers judge how representative the rankings are and compare the forecast with actual industry activity. Until such information is available, the confirmed development is the 2027 order of trends and the shifts from the prior year—not a guarantee that any category will grow or remain popular.
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Key Questions
What is the top fitness trend for 2027?
Wearable technology ranks No. 1 in ACSM’s 2027 Worldwide Fitness Trends report. The category includes devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Which trends rose most in the rankings?
Group fitness classes rose six places, from No. 13 to No. 7. Mobile exercise apps moved from fourth to second, while balance, flow and core strength advanced from fifth to third.
Does the ranking show that wearables improve health?
No. The report ranks trends that fitness professionals expect to influence the industry. The material provided does not establish that wearables cause better fitness or health outcomes.
What does ACSM mean by balance, flow and core strength?
The category includes Pilates, yoga, barre and mobility-focused exercise, along with activities intended to develop balance, flexibility, movement control and functional performance.
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