Top 5 Fitness Trends for Summer 2026
Just a few seasons ago, it felt like we had our fitness routines on lock: the local gym, CrossFit, or training for a marathon, a triathlon, or a Spartan Race. But the pandemic, lockdowns, and social distancing completely flipped the script on our lifestyle, especially our relationship with exercise. We decided to dive into the current landscape to see which fitness vibes are dominating the scene for men right now. According to industry insiders and wellness experts, these are the five most popular services men are booking this summer.
"The post-pandemic man isn't just looking for big muscles; he's looking for longevity and mental clarity. We're seeing a massive shift toward 'lifestyle sports' that offer a community aspect," says Bryan O’Rourke, fitness industry analyst and GQ contributor.
Surfing and Wakesurfing
With international travel still catching its breath, the inability to hit the shores of Bali or Oahu has influenced more than just our mood—it’s reshaped our hobbies. This is especially evident in the explosion of inland surf parks and wakesurfing clubs across the States. From the wave pools in Texas to the lakes of the Pacific Northwest, surfing culture is officially everywhere.
This summer, any activity with "surf" in the name—wakesurfing, SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding), or traditional surfing—has skyrocketed to the top of the charts. The "main character energy" of catching a wave is real, and since the season is short in many northern states, guys are block-booking sessions to get their fix while the weather stays above 80°F. If you haven't tried it yet, grab some high-performance boardshorts and hit the water before the fall chill sets in.
Squash
It looks like the era of traditional tennis might be facing some stiff competition. According to recent booking data, squash has actually overtaken tennis in popularity this summer. Why? Because a regular squash session is a high-octane functional workout that hits every muscle group while keeping your heart rate in the red zone.
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While it shares some DNA with tennis, squash is a different beast entirely. It’s played in a closed court, there’s no net separating you from your opponent, and the rackets are much lighter. However, the goal remains the same: dominate the "T" and make sure your opponent can't return the ball. It’s basically Wall Street’s favorite way to burn 800 calories in an hour.
Functional Training & HIIT
The data is clear: just "pumping iron" at the local powerhouse is becoming a bit cheugy. Let’s be real—it’s kind of boring. While some still chase that "Instagram aesthetic" by grinding on isolation machines, men who view fitness as an escape from the 9-to-5 grind are pivotting to functional training.
There’s something far more engaging about winning a virtual race on a Concept2 rower, "cycling" through the Faroe Islands in a VR class, or hitting a high-intensity circuit designed by pro athletes. Studios like F45 and Barry’s have become the new town squares for guys who want results without the monotony of a traditional weight room.
"Functional fitness mimics real-life movements, making you not just look better, but move better. It's the difference between having 'show muscles' and 'go muscles'," notes Jeff Cavaliere of Athlean-X.
Cycling and Gravel Biking
Grabbing a bike and heading out for a weekend getaway or a sunset cruise through the city is a childhood joy that’s making a massive comeback. Cycling culture in the U.S. is reaching a fever pitch, moving beyond just the "Peloton craze" into real-world gravel biking and bikepacking. Men are increasingly choosing long-distance rides as a way to unplug from Slack notifications and urban stress.
Whether it’s a group ride to a local brewery or a solo trek through a national park, the physical benefits are undeniable. If you’re looking to upgrade your ride, brands like Specialized or Trek are seeing record demand as guys trade their gym memberships for two wheels and the open road.
Massage & Recovery
You might be asking: Massage? Is that even fitness? Technically, no—but you can't ignore the fact that American men are booking recovery services at record rates this summer. The "grind till you break" mentality is officially out. In its place is a new focus on emotional intelligence and listening to what your body actually needs.
The new norm is a balanced approach: hit the boxing gym on Tuesday, but hit the massage table on Friday. Sometimes, an hour in a quiet room with a professional therapist or using a Theragun for percussive therapy can do more for your long-term gains than another month of overtraining. It’s not just about pampering; it’s about biohacking your way to better performance.
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