Our 2026 ins and outs fitness tips

The start of a new year can give you an opportunity to begin fresh with updated fitness goals. But before you get stuck into the year, consider what's worth your energy in 2026 and what deserves to stay in the past.

What's in for 2026

Listening to the same song on repeat

Science backs what gym-goers have known forever: your favourite banger actually boosts performance. Listening to your preferred music during exercise improves motivation and performance. In the same vein, music you don't like can actually make performance worse.

When you find that one track that gets you hyped, there's zero shame in putting it on loop. Your brain creates positive associations with that song, making it the perfect mental trigger to power through tough sets.

Comfy gym outfits

Goodbye, restrictive activewear that cuts off circulation. Hello, outfits that actually let you move. The 2026 vibe is all about feeling good while you work out, not performing for an Instagram audience. Think:

• breathable fabrics
• stretchy waistbands, and
• gear that supports your workout instead of distracting from it.

Training hip flexors

Your hip flexors do more heavy lifting than you think. These often-neglected muscles are crucial for everything from running to simply getting off the couch.

Strengthening them:

• improves posture
• reduces lower back pain, and
• makes everyday movements feel easier.

Plus, strong hip flexors mean better performance in almost every popular workout you throw at them.

Active recovery days

Rest doesn't mean doing absolutely nothing. Active recovery involves low-intensity movement that helps your muscles repair faster while keeping you in the habit of moving. Think gentle yoga, walking, or swimming. Your body and your fitness routine will thank you.

Consistency over intensity

Here's a fitness tip that'll change your game: showing up regularly beats going hard sporadically. Real progress comes from consistency. The health trends that stick are the ones you can actually live with long-term.

Sucking at something new

Being a beginner is underrated. Trying new things, even when you're terrible at first, builds resilience and keeps fitness fresh. Whether it's a Barre class where your flexibility is tested or Grid Training where you're lifting the lightest weights, embrace the awkward phase. Growth lives there.

What's out for 2026

2+ hour workouts

Unless you're training for something specific, spending half your day at the gym isn't sustainable (or necessary). Longer doesn't always mean better. Quality beats quantity, and you can get incredible results from shorter, focused sessions that don't monopolise your entire schedule.

"No days off" energy

The hustle culture mentality has no place in fitness anymore. Your body needs rest to build muscle, prevent injury, and avoid burnout. Constantly pushing without recovery isn't dedication, it's a fast track to injury and exhaustion.

Chasing soreness

Soreness isn't a reliable indicator of a good workout. You can have an incredibly effective session and be able to walk the next day. Stop using pain as a measuring stick for progress. Focus on how you're getting stronger, not how sore you are.

Comparing your chapter 1 to someone's chapter 12

Everyone's fitness journey looks different. Comparing yourself to others is a guaranteed way to feel rubbish about your own progress. The person crushing weights next to you might be years into their journey. Remember, comparison is the thief of joy.

Procrastinating

The perfect time to start doesn't exist. Waiting until you have the perfect plan, the perfect outfit, or the perfect motivation means you'll be waiting forever. Imperfect action beats perfect planning every single time. Just start.

Negative self-talk

The way you speak to yourself matters. Constantly criticising your body or beating yourself up over missed workouts creates a toxic relationship with fitness. Swap harsh judgement for encouragement. You wouldn't talk to a mate that way, so don't do it to yourself.

Ready to embrace these fitness trends 2026 style?

Whether you're team "comfy gym fits" or ready to try a new fitness class these shifts are all about making fitness work for you, not the other way around.

Want to put these fitness tips into action? Virgin Active's Cycle classes are the perfect place to start. No judgement, no comparison, just you and the bike. Book your spot and see what consistency, not intensity, can do.