Source: Exercise NZ
As Aotearoa heads into summer and the annual New Year reset, Exercise New Zealand says the industry is entering one of its most exciting and influential periods yet. Exercise New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie states:
“The trends emerging now will shape how New Zealanders experience exercise over the next decade. What’s clear is that the future of the sector is both innovative and deeply people-focused.”
Participation is growing, expectations are rising, and the role of exercise in how New Zealanders live, age and stay well has never been clearer. Looking ahead to 2026, gyms, studios and exercise facilities are set to evolve quickly, shaped by smarter technology, deeper human connection, and a stronger focus on long-term health and wellbeing.
To inform this outlook, Exercise New Zealand asked a range of industry leaders to share their predictions for 2026 and the key trends they believe the sector should be watching as it moves into the year ahead.
At a Glance: Top Trends for 2026
- Human connection and community as the key differentiator.
- Strength and functional training for longevity, especially for women and ageing populations.
- Growth of non-elite competitions and mass-participation challenges.
- AI, wearables and data-driven personalisation, supported by human expertise.
- Experiential facilities and recovery-focused offerings.
- Stronger alignment with preventative health and growing industry recognition.
What These Trends Mean For The Industry
- Connection Beats Convenience: As digital marketing and automation continue to rise, the in-person experience, relationships, coaching presence, belonging, and culture will become the defining factors for retention and results.
- Training for a Longer, Stronger Life: Expect increased demand for strength, grip, mobility and resilience-focused training, especially for people thinking about healthy ageing, menopause, bone density, independence, and overall longevity.
- Everyday Athletes, Real-World Challenges; The appetite for structured challenges (i.e. HYROX, 75-Hard) and community-based competitions are rising, with more members wanting a goal to train toward and a shared experience beyond traditional sport.
- Smarter Tech, Human Touch: AI, wearables and better data will continue to refine programming, feedback and engagement. But the industry’s value will remain anchored in coaching, accountability, motivation and trust.
- From Gym Floors to Wellbeing Spaces: Members are increasingly drawn to spaces that feel good to be in, alongside recovery options becoming mainstream, including mobility, breathwork, contrast therapy, guided recovery and mind-body classes.
- Exercise as Essential Health Infrastructure: There’s growing momentum around prevention, wellbeing, and stronger recognition of the exercise sector’s role in supporting New Zealand’s health system and population outcomes.
Exercise New Zealand says these shifts point to an industry that is innovative and people-centred, ready to meet demand, support healthier communities, and play an even bigger role supporting the health and wellbeing of Aotearoa through movement. For more information on this release or to arrange an interview, contact Richard Beddie at richard@exercisenz.org.nz or P: 0800 66 88 11, M: 027-520-5744.
Contributors (insights provided by):
- Owen Bisman – PT Manager, Jetts; EXNZ 2025 Leadership Award recipient
- Moana Williams – Owner of BodyFix, EXNZ 2025 Supreme Facility Award recipient
- Sierra Ryland – , Owner of Sparkle Fitness, EXNZ 2025 Personal Trainer of the Year recipient
- Richard Beddie – Chief Executive, Exercise New Zealand
- Ish Cheyne – Head of Fitness, Les Mills
- Dr Eric Helms – Senior Research Fellow in Sport & Exercise Science, AUT.
