lifestyle
Broadmeadows Residents Adopt Wearables, Low-Impact Fitness for 2026
Wearable technology leads the way for 2026 while other trends support structured planning for local residents seeking mobility, mental health and low-impact options.
How we reported this
Wearable technology holds the top position among fitness trends for 2026, a ranking it has maintained since 2016 except for two years. This fact gives Broadmeadows residents a clear starting point when planning fitness activities that fit daily schedules and local facilities.
Why the trends matter for planning now
Fitness programs for older adults and active aging rank among leading trends for 2025-26, with emphasis on mobility, strength and longevity. Exercise designed for mental health also stands out, including workouts that target anxiety and depression. These patterns encourage residents to select sessions that combine technology tracking with structured movement suited to varied age groups and wellbeing goals.
Evidence from tracked growth in specific formats
Pilates and other low-impact, joint-friendly exercises show clear increases in demand. Pilates bookings rose 92 percent in 2023, while walking yoga is projected to grow 2,414 percent for 2026. Hybrid fitness models that blend in-person and online elements, together with personalised AI-driven workout plans, continue to shape participation both locally and on a wider scale. These figures help residents decide which class types or equipment to prioritise when organising their weekly routines.
Putting the trends into a practical plan
Start by selecting a wearable device that records steps, heart rate and recovery data. Next, identify sessions that incorporate active-aging principles or mental-health-focused movement, such as low-impact Pilates or walking yoga formats. Combine these with hybrid options where available so that missed in-person classes can be replaced by online versions. Review progress regularly through the wearable data to adjust intensity or duration. This approach keeps plans aligned with documented trends without requiring new facilities or unverified programs.
Residents who follow this sequence can build consistent participation that draws directly on the established rankings and measured growth rates. Adjustments remain possible as individual needs change over time.
References Sourced but Not Limited to:
- acsm.org · Acsm fitness trends
- globalwellnessinstitute.org · Eight global wellness trends
- mckinsey.com · Future of wellness trends
- acefitness.org · 10 fitness trends to look forward to in 2025
- campusrecmag.com · 2025 fitness trends insights into the top 10 trends shaping the future...
- ausactive.org.au · Emerging fitness trends for 2025