Nt Etuk, founder and CEO, FitGrid, and cofounder and chairman, The BFS Network: “Barring macroeconomic shocks, 2026 will be a year of greater clarity, accountability, and strategic momentum. With better data and clearer guidance, it will be a breakout year for those willing to evolve.”

Tara Levitt, managing partner, ALTA Technology Group: “The HALO (health, active lifestyle, outdoors) sector offers two remarkable advantages. First, it makes a direct, positive impact on the health of our communities. Second, consumer trends, scientific advances, and technology keep the industry evolving, creating constant opportunities to be creative, take risks, and find new ways to serve members.”

Andy Peat, CEO, Fitness On Demand, and chief brand and product officer, Lift Brands: “My outlook is very positive. Fitness and wellness are only moving upward. That means more penetration, year after year.”

Brian Smith, managing director, consumer investment banking, Piper Sandler & Co.: “The fitness industry is getting increasingly competitive with new entrants as well as larger operators looking to grow aggressively. Tech and AI will be real catalysts going forward, and the wide-ranging benefits will span from highly personalized training programs to targeted member marketing ad retention tools. It’s an extremely exciting time.”

David Van Daff, vice president of industry development and public affairs, NASM: “The confluence of holistic fitness and wellness, personalized services, tech integration, and community positions the industry for continued growth and success in 2026 and beyond.”

Adam Zeitsiff, CEO, Dominique Dawes Academy; chair, National Health & Fitness Alliance; and board member, Physical Activity Alliance: “The outlook for youth fitness is exceptionally positive, driven by our country’s childhood obesity epidemic. Developing partnerships with healthcare providers and ‘edutainment’ programs that blend exercise with skill-building will encourage growth.”