From Pilates popularity to cycling’s decline, fitness directors share group fitness trends and declines as we look ahead to 2026.
Trends come and go in the fitness industry, but 2025 brought a clear shift in what members want from group programming.
Over the past year, strength-based formats have become a cornerstone of workouts, mindful movement and mobility have gained attention, and community-driven experiences remain a driving force for retention. For operators, staying ahead of these shifts means more than just following group fitness trends — it’s about understanding what keeps members motivated and coming back.
Below, fitness directors from clubs across the U.S. share which group programming has been most popular in 2025 and which formats are beginning to lose traction.
What’s Trending
The trend toward strength training shows no signs of slowing down, and MOSSA’s strength-based formats are among the top-performing classes among these clubs. At Saco Sport & Fitness, Group Power, a barbell-based strength format, continues to draw high participation alongside Group Centergy, a yoga-Pilates fusion, and Group Active, a class blending step, strength, balance and mobility.
Those same MOSSA formats are also popular at Courthouse Club Fitness. Brittany Espinoza, the fitness director, said both strength and mobility classes have grown steadily in popularity.
“Power has definitely been climbing through social media and doctors recommending strength training,” said Espinoza. “Mobility has also become a trend. A lot of people are getting into something to help them with their mobility — especially if they’re doing another strength-based class.”
Beyond MOSSA programming, Pilates and mind-body classes are seeing a surge in interest. Melissa Densmore, the group fitness director at Saco Sport & Fitness, said their mat Pilates classes frequently have waitlists. Elise Stolzle, the fitness director at Stone Creek Club, agreed these are also among their top-performing classes.
What’s Losing Traction
As strength and mobility-focused workouts gain momentum, traditional high-intensity cardio formats are beginning to lose their popularity.
Espinoza noted highly aerobic programs such as Courthouse Club Fitness’ Group Blast have declined noticeably in recent years. “I believe people are realizing that strength training is what their body really needs, and high-intensity cardio is not necessarily what they’re looking for,” she said.
Stolzle has seen similar shifts at Stone Creek Club. Cycling classes are seeing smaller turnouts, which she attributes to the resurgence of strength training and growing popularity in mobility. “Trends are pulling away from traditional cardio routines and leaning more into circuit-style cardio and strength fusion classes or venturing out onto the weight floor,” she explained.
At Saco Sport & Fitness, both cycling and yoga classes have seen a dip in participation. While members still attend the classes, Densmore thinks a boom of mind-body programming during the COVID-19 pandemic and an oversaturation of cycling classes likely contributed to the decline.
These shifts show how members are choosing formats that feel efficient and purposeful over pure intensity. As strength and mobility trends keep growing in popularity, fitness directors must evaluate how to keep their programming relevant.
What’s to Come
Looking ahead, these directors agree that strength training, longevity and functional movement will continue to shape programming in 2026.
Stolzle emphasized how the strength resurgence isn’t just for younger members. “We’re seeing a rise in our older populations and strength training,” she said. “We understand the importance of weight-bearing exercise for longevity and are interested in classes that will provide them with a safe and effective workout.”
Beyond the programming itself, leaders agree that instructor engagement and member connection will be vital for long-term retention — regardless of the class format.
“Member engagement needs to be a priority,” said Espinoza. “You can have great instructors leading sessions, but if there’s not a sense of ownership and community people will move on.
Personal connection is a tool Stolzle believes should be prioritized daily.
“My best tools are watching and talking,” said Stolzle. “Closely monitoring group fitness class usage along with watching the fitness area in general gives me a strong indication of what is trending. Taking classes alongside members and opening up a conversation with them typically leads to other insights that the numbers don’t always match. Stay engaged with the members and open up a conversation to determine their needs.”
These trends show that the future of group fitness lies in programs that balance science, sustainability and connection. When clubs deliver consistent, high-quality experiences and foster authentic relationships between instructors and members, they’re not just following trends but building communities that last.
