Hey Stronger Fam,
Let’s dive right in!
Ever heard of fitness trends? Of course, you have!
Since the ’70s, we’ve seen everything from the Thigh Master to 7-Minute Abs to a vibrator for your abs…..you name it!
And here we are in 2026; not much has changed. The tools might be different, but the fanaticism hasn’t waned.
Here’s my take on some of these trends, so you can avoid wasting your time and money:
Convenience Workouts:
We’re all busy!
With work and family, self-care gets crazy.
Enter home workouts, hybrid training, AI workouts, and fast classes. If you’re experienced, great! But if you’re new, be cautious! Diving in without guidance can lead to bad habits.
Wearables:
Apple Watches, Garmins, and Oura Rings are perfect for data nerds! While they provide helpful info (step count, heart rate, sleep analysis, activity tracking, stress, etc), they’re not infallible. Don’t get caught in “paralysis by analysis.” If you feel good but your stats say otherwise, it can mess with your mind.
The Recovery Movement:
Pittsburgh might be late to the party…..but we’re getting hip with longevity.
Recovery modalities are things like cryo chambers, saunas, cold-plunges, IV drips, and red-light therapy. They’re all the rage.
If you’re a paid or competitive athlete, go for it! But understand these only account for 5-10% performance improvement at most.
But for the rest of us mere mortals, prioritize nutrition, sleep, and proper programming. Without the right baseline, the rest are nil!
Group Fitness and HIIT Classes:
If there’s anything to stand the test of time it’s group classes.
Nothing is more attractive than 20+ sweaty people making Animal Planet like noises with loud music and the energizer bunny jumping around with a headset.
Who needs these?
People under 40 looking to get their ass kicked. They want to feel like their working muscles while getting their heart rate up. It’s high energy and high impact at a low(er) monthly cost.
However….
If you lack a good baseline and knowledge, there’s a downside. Some of these classes come with injury risks, minimal modifications, and jumping/running. If that’s not your cup of tea……there’s better options.
Functional/Holistic Training:
A shift is happening; aesthetics aren’t the main motivation anymore. We’re focusing on feeling stronger and more confident.
This style of training is fantastic for those over 40 who want accountability and proper guidance and with sustainable training comes carryover into daily living (and fun!).
The downside?
I have a saying….
“Not all gyms are for all people and not all people are for all gyms.”
This version isn’t as “sexy.” The energy is mildlyyyy lighter, the groups are smaller, and the motive is intentionality, not as ass kicking.
This style of training costs more money, and should be taken seriously as an investment.
Final Thoughts:
Trends come and go, often driven by boredom. Just because others are doing it, doesn’t mean it’s right for you!
If functional training appeals to you, reach out! I’m here to help guide you with personalized strategies that suit YOUR goals.
And if you want a deep dive into these trends, check out my Build Not Break Podcast for all the juicy details!
Remember: there’s no such thing as 7-Minute Abs!
Stay strong,
Doc