The American College of Sports Medicine released its 2027 fitness trends on Tuesday, October 20, and one result might surprise anyone who spends most of their gym time lifting weights.
Pilates, yoga, barre, and mobility-focused workouts now rank No. 3 worldwide, ahead of traditional strength training at No. 5. Wearable technology remains No. 1, while mobile exercise apps climbed to No. 2.
The rankings suggest fitness professionals are seeing growing interest in workouts that emphasize how well people move, not just how much weight they can lift.
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Why Pilates and Mobility Training Are Climbing
The category officially called “Balance, Flow, and Core Strength” jumped from fifth place in 2026 to third for 2027.
These workouts emphasize stability, coordination, mobility, and muscular endurance. Rather than replacing weightlifting, they can complement resistance training by addressing movement skills that heavy lifting alone may not fully develop.
Cayla R. McAvoy, PhD, an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and the report’s lead author, explained the broader shift:
“Technology continues to shape how people approach fitness, but this year’s rankings also highlight the value of shared experiences and programs that fit different stages of life.”
The report also identified a renewed appetite for instructor-led workouts. Group fitness classes climbed six positions, reaching No. 7.
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Strength Training Still Has a Major Role
Traditional strength training actually improved its position, rising from seventh to fifth.
Fitness programs for older adults ranked fourth, reflecting continued professional interest in maintaining physical function and independence with age.
Exercise for weight management followed at No. 6, with the report highlighting muscle preservation as obesity medications become more widely used.
McAvoy emphasized the importance of turning fitness trends into sustainable habits:
“For exercise professionals, the opportunity is to translate that interest into accessible, evidence-based programs people can sustain.”
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What the Rankings Really Mean for Your Workout
More than 1,400 fitness professionals evaluated 50 potential trends based on their industry visibility, not their effectiveness.
That distinction matters. Pilates outranking strength training doesn’t mean Pilates builds more muscle or delivers better overall results.
For most people, the practical approach is to combine progressive resistance training with exercises that develop balance, mobility, and coordination.
The takeaway: Don’t abandon the weights because a different workout climbed the rankings. Use the findings to identify what your current training routine might be missing.
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