2026 health, fitness, and wellness trends you'll see everywhere, from interval walking to bio-syncing

view original post

From cosy cardio to collagen powder, we’ve tried just about all the health and wellness trends you can think of here at Cosmopolitan UK. And, we’re always excited about what’s coming next – which we’re not alone in feeling. Research from PureGym recently found that 76% of people say they ‘aspire’ to be fit and healthy. So, it should come as great news that 2026 is bringing a whole new set of health and wellness trends for us to get stuck into.

Scroll on for the details on the seven health, fitness, and wellness trends we’ll all be obsessed with in 2026…

2026 health trends

Next-gen gut health

In recent years, we’ve all been paying a bit more attention to our gut health, having realised what an impact it can have on our wellbeing in general. In 2026, there’s no sign of that stopping, and actually, gut health is going to be even more of a focus.

“We now understand that gut health is the foundation of overall wellness,” agrees Alex Glover, Holland & Barrett’s Global Product Formulation Lead. “As we’ve moved past simple biotics, we now understand how the entire gut ecosystem influences everything from our brain and mood to our skin.”

And speaking of moving past “simple biotics”, the way we look after our gut in 2026 will be quite revolutionary. In fact, the experts over at Holland & Barrett predict we’ll see a surge in gut-friendly formats like clever fibre blends, refreshing prebiotic drinks, and tasty fermented snacks.

Brain brilliance

Remember those brain-training games you used to play on your Nintendo DS? Well, think of 2026 like one big brain-training session. Whether you’re a student seeking sharper focus or a parent battling burnout, focusing on mental performance and cognitive resilience will be a big deal this year, according to the experts at Holland & Barrett.

“Brain health is such an important health concern,” says Rachel Chatterton, Product Director at Holland & Barrett. “It’s now its own emerging category,” she adds, noting that “brands are only just scratching the surface” when it comes to brain health.

2026 fitness trends

Interval walking

According to PureGym’s 2026 Fitness Report, interval walking (or, as it’s sometimes called, ‘Japanese walking’) is the fastest-growing fitness trend for 2026. The trend can be traced to a 2007 study at Shinshu University (which compared intervals of fast and slow walking) and went viral on TikTok last year.

Interval walking is a structured walking method that alternates between three minutes of fast, intense walking and three minutes of slow, recovery walking. This pattern is repeated for about 30 minutes in total, with the benefits of interval walking including improved heart health and increased fat burn.

Speaking about how walking is an accessible way to move consistently, Phil Carpenter, Personal Trainer and Assistant General Manager at PureGym Portsmouth, says: “Progress comes from finding movement in your day to day, whether it’s 7,000 steps, 10,000 steps – or just finding ways to be active in a way that suits your routine and lifestyle.

“Trying new workout trends such as Japanese walking could be the push you need to get going,” he continues. “It really is back to basics, finding simple ways like walking more in order to become fitter and healthier.”

Workout socialising

If the experts at Nuffield Health are to be believed, workouts will be the “social glue of modern life” in 2026. Per their research, 20% of all Brits say exercise is their main way of staying socially connected, while 52% of fitness community members say their social life has improved because of it, and 46% report reduced feelings of loneliness.

As well as finding community through our workouts, Nuffield Health’s experts say that the social aspect of exercise can actually enhance its impact. Their research showed that 56% of us stick to fitness better when it’s social, 57% feel more motivated, and 54% exercise more regularly. The experts at David Lloyd Clubs agree, reporting that members are “increasingly seeking connection and purpose” through shared health goals.

Another benefit of working out with a friend is reduced feelings of gym anxiety.

Bio-syncing

According to health and wellness group, David Lloyd Clubs, ‘bio-syncing’ your workout routine is going to be a top trend in 2026. Bio-sync training is, according to David Lloyd Clubs, when you align your workouts with your body’s circadian rhythm (AKA, your body clock).

“The next stage of personalised training will harness circadian biology – the science of how our internal body clock regulates daily cycles in energy, hormones, and metabolism,” an expert for the group explains. “In simple terms, it’s what makes you feel alert in the morning, sluggish mid-afternoon, or ready for rest at night.” As for how we’ll sync our workouts to it, the expert adds: “Smart tech and AI will recommend the best time of day to train, recover, and even fuel based on hormone cycles and energy rhythms.”

“In future, it will evolve to recommend training windows and recovery strategies that align with the users’ unique rhythms,” the expert goes on. “The result? They can expect improved sleep quality, reduced fatigue, and more efficient workouts as their training adapts to their biology.”

2026 wellness trends

Analogue everything

We’re already seeing the emergence of analogue as a trend on, ironically, social media. It refers to going offline and engaging in activities that do not require a screen or an internet connection. This could be opting for physical media, like reading a printed magazine, or journaling in a physical notepad rather than the notes app on your phone.

“In line with the trend of people seeking periods of quieter, gentler-paced, and tech-free moments during their working week, 2026 will see a rising demand for slower, analogue wellness practices,” note the experts at David Lloyds Club. Examples of that, they say, include mindful movement, breathwork, restorative yoga, and screen-free spaces to recharge.

Scent as a supplement

In 2026, those in-the-know predict we’ll introduce scent as a key element in our wellness routines. “Consumers are turning to natural scents not just for ambience, but for functional, science-backed benefits — from stress relief to hormonal balance,” suggest the experts at David Lloyds Club. This might see us turning to candles, essential oils, and diffusers, which use blends to target our cortisol levels, menstrual cycle, and sleep, among other areas of our health and wellbeing.

“As stress and burnout rise, scent-based rituals offer a non-invasive, emotionally enriching experience that feels both luxurious and therapeutic,” the experts explain.

Shop 2026 health and wellness trends

Fibe Soda Fruit Punch Drink 250ml

£1.99 at hollandandbarrett.com

Rheal Superfoods Gut Feel 150g

£20.00 at hollandandbarrett.com

Safr’Inside Saffron (30mg)

£9.89 at hollandandbarrett.com

Brain Health Trail Mix

£4.49 at hollandandbarrett.com

Lavender Organic Pure Essential Oil 9ml

£8.05 at hollandandbarrett.com

Clary Sage Pure Essential Oil 10ml

£10.00 at hollandandbarrett.com

You Might Also Like