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New Year, New You Health, Fitness & Beauty Future fi tness


As we settle into a new year, Living360 explores what to expect in the world of health and fi tness. Words: Rebecca Crowe


I


n 2025, we realised that fi tness needn’t be confi ned to gyms. As run clubs and open-water swimming gained popularity,


fi tness transformed into something more than a means to look our best — it became intertwined with community and social connection. Here, we delve into what this will mean for 2026, as well as the other trends we expect to take shape.


Community-led fi tness In 2026 — as urban dwellers continue to seek social connection — we expect exercise groups to boom. Sophie Davis of Outdoor Adventure


Girls says, “Many more women in their thirties and forties are joining us because they want to form new connections — something that can be surprisingly diffi cult in adulthood. T ese group environments invite us to let go of preconceptions about ourselves and others, creating space for authentic connection.” Moving forward, community-led


fi tness might become a key facet of the lives of many — particularly those who spend hours in an offi ce or staring at screens.


Moderate movement as preventative health In 2025, lower-intensity cardio gained traction. Google searches for ‘walking yoga’ went up by 5,000%, while the Japanese walking method gained a following on TikTok, generating widespread coverage. According to an Ordnance Survey,


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18- to 34-year-olds have been 63% more likely to go hiking since 2021. Meanwhile, Google searches for mobility-related exercises are up 5,000%. Julie Dermer, CPT and Master instructor at SoulCycle, says, “People


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are tuning in to how their bodies actually feel — and discovering that slower, more mindful movement can deliver incredible results. Between stress, busy schedules and hormonal shifts, low-intensity workouts are giving us the balance our bodies have been begging for.”


Bone boom ‘Longevity’ became a wellness buzzword in the 2025 fi tness landscape. In 2026, we expect its infl uence to translate into a renewed focus on bone health. Becky Bolitho, menopause expert and PT at T rive, has seen a rise in clients wanting menopause-specifi c workouts. “Women often tell me that the diets and intense cardio that worked for them in their twenties aren’t quite the right fi t anymore.” Women are also noticing the


impact of perimenopause at a younger age, with 55.4% of those aged 30-35 reporting moderate to severe perimenopause symptoms, according to a study by the University of Virginia. Jenni Tardiff , Master Trainer


at T e Gym Group, says, “During the menopause, oestrogen levels drop and as a result, bone density naturally drops, too. Strength


Around 45% of


personal trainers are already integrating AI tools into their


training sessions for hyper-personalised programming


2026 New Year health resolutions


With January marking the start of a New Year, many are looking for ways to improve their wellbeing and establish habits that encourage long-term healthy living. Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at online pharmacist T e Independent Pharmacy, shares three key health resolutions he believes are worth prioritising in the year ahead.


ADOPT A SUSTAINABLE CALORIE- SMART LIFESTYLE Dr Grant explains that many people fail to hit their weight loss goals because they rely on short-term measures that don’t support lasting success. He advises shift- ing the focus from rapid weight loss to building habits that can be maintained all year round. According to Dr Grant, simple steps


such as daily walks, adding suffi cient protein to each meal


and reducing


liquid calories can signifi cantly support a healthier calorie balance. T ese habits are easier to sustain than highly restric- tive diets and provide long-term benefi ts for overall health.


ESTABLISH A SCALP CARE ROUTINE TO REDUCE HAIR LOSS RISK Hair loss risk naturally increases with age, but Dr Grant notes that a simple


scalp care routine can help support hair health and follicle strength. Gentle sham- poos, exfoliation and avoiding harsh heat tools are all benefi cial. He adds that stress is closely linked


to shedding, meaning eff ective stress management can play a major role in supporting healthier hair growth. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, practising mindfulness and staying physically active can all help support the body’s stress response and reduce stress-related hair loss.


STOP SMOKING BY BREAKING HABIT LOOPS Dr Grant acknowledges that quitting smoking is challenging for many, but the new year provides a timely opportunity to make a positive change. He recommends focusing on breaking the habit loops that drive nicotine cravings, rather than view- ing the process as simply ‘quitting’. Setting a quit date and using proven such as nicotine replace-


treatments


ment therapy can make the process more achievable. Dr Grant emphasises that stopping smoking off ers signifi - cant health benefi ts, including reduced disease risk and improvements in skin health and energy levels.


Discover expert health advice, treatments and support at The Independent Pharmacy. Start 2026 with healthier habits.


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training is a great way to combat this, as it helps to keep bones strong and maintain muscle mass. Focus on functional, weight-bearing exercises that mirror everyday life movements like squats, lunges, deadlifts and step-ups to build strength in key areas like the legs, hips and spine.”


AI personal training T e impact of AI on fi tness is impossible to ignore. In 2026, we predict that AI-powered personal training and fully automated gyms will become even more mainstream. Around 45% of personal trainers


are already integrating AI tools into their training sessions for hyper-personalised programming. According to 2025 insights by Create PT, 90% of people report better performance with AI-guided training, and users who follow AI- guided training show a 40% higher adherence to their fi tness goals. Andre Enzensberger owns an


AI-powered gym, called Fred Fitness. According to him, AI is helping to make fi tness and exercise more accessible than ever before. “AI-powered gyms are great for those who have previously experienced anxiety going to a gym as well as those who feel unsure what to do once they get there. T ese gyms can tell you exactly how much to lift and can track your progress.” It seems that Gen Z and


millennials in particular are keen to adopt AI-powered training into their routines, with an OpenAI survey reporting that 69% of them are now turning to AI to hit their fi tness goals. T is is an excerpt from Living360’s 2025 Health Report. To read the full report, visit living360.uk


theindependentpharmacy.co.uk


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