2026 Future of Fitness Report: Experts from Coherent Solutions Turn Years of Fitness Industry Software Engineering Work Into a Guidebook on Future-proof Digital Transformation in Fitness

Coherent Solutions has published its 2026 Future of Fitness report, distilling years of hands-on experience building software for leading fitness brands into a practical guide for modernizing member engagement and unlocking sustainable digital value. Titled “The Future of Fitness: Winning with Digital Value Creation,” the report translates real-world project lessons and insights from fitness enthusiasts into a roadmap for the next era of hybrid, connected fitness.

Why this report matters now

The global fitness market is projected to exceed $257 billion as brands expand across regions and channels. The report argues that the strongest growth comes when technology is treated as a core driver of member value—not just an add-on—so that digital touchpoints meaningfully support the fitness community both inside and outside the club.

“Most people only spend 3–5 hours a week in a gym. That leaves 160+ hours where their choices and habits are influenced by digital touchpoints within what we call the Human Performance Economy. Modernization is about extending engagement into their lives,” said Igor Epshteyn, CEO of Coherent Solutions.

According to the report, the winners will connect ecosystems—content, wearables, club experiences, coaching, and workplace wellness—so members experience a seamless journey wherever they are.

“The long-term impact comes from connecting ecosystems, replacing individual gadgets. Link your home, your gym, your apps, and your workplace wellness program together into a continuous life experience,” said Karl Sandberg, Director of Delivery.

Key findings shaping the future of fitness

• Hybrid is the new baseline: Members expect frictionless movement between in-club, at-home, and on-the-go experiences. Hybrid is no longer a premium feature; it’s table stakes.
• Connected digital ecosystems: Clubs, apps, wearables, and coaching should interoperate so that data, programs, and progress flow naturally across environments.
• Personalization to combat retention pressure: Tailored programs, adaptive content, and timely nudges reduce churn by aligning with individual goals, behaviors, and context.
• Privacy and trust as differentiators: Transparent data practices and security-by-design earn loyalty and unlock responsible personalization at scale.
• Predictable value attracts investment: Platforms that demonstrate clear outcomes—engagement, retention, lifetime value—win capital and partnerships.

From gadgets to ecosystems

Many organizations struggle when technology investments accumulate as disconnected tools. The report emphasizes moving from gadget-first thinking to platform thinking: unify data, orchestrate experiences, and build services that adapt to each member’s journey. Wearables, content libraries, group classes, personal training, and corporate wellness can reinforce each other when integrated through shared identities, goals, and progress tracking.

In practice, this means:

• Implementing a member graph or profile that aggregates preferences, goals, and outcomes across touchpoints.
• Standardizing data flows from devices and apps to power coaching, recommendations, and insights.
• Designing content and programming that flex between at-home and in-club contexts without losing continuity.
• Embedding behavior design—timely prompts, streaks, and rewards—rooted in real-world routines.

Personalization and retention

Retention challenges intensify as consumer choice expands. The report outlines how personalization—built on trustworthy data and AI—can deliver targeted programming, habit support, and meaningful milestones. Clubs and platforms that anticipate member needs (for example, suggesting short recovery sessions after an intense week or recommending a new class that aligns with recent performance) create stickier relationships and measurable value.

Privacy, trust, and responsible AI

Data fuels personalization, but trust keeps it running. The report highlights the need for transparent consent, minimal data collection, and secure architectures. Clear value exchange—showing members how their data improves their experience—encourages ongoing participation. Responsible AI practices, including explainability and bias checks, help maintain confidence while scaling intelligent features.

Investor perspective: Value you can predict

Investors look for platforms that convert engagement into outcomes: higher retention, increased lifetime value, cross-channel monetization, and operational efficiency. The report encourages measuring the right signals—activation, frequency, depth of participation, and habit formation—and tying them to revenue and margin improvement. Predictability, not novelty, is what unlocks sustained investment.

Who should read this

This guide is designed for club operators, enterprise fitness platforms, and investors seeking a clearer blueprint for digital value creation. It synthesizes practical lessons from shipped products and complex integrations, offering strategic direction and implementation patterns without relying on one-off tools.

About Coherent Solutions

Coherent Solutions is a global digital solutions engineering firm founded in 1995. With teams across development centers in Europe and Latin America, the company brings decades of technology expertise and industry knowledge to deliver tailored digital products and platforms. Partnering with high-growth scale-ups and global brands, Coherent Solutions is recognized for quality, transparency, and innovation in delivering measurable business outcomes.