The dawn of a New Year has sparked a familiar surge in fitness ambitions, with gym memberships soaring and workout gear flying off the shelves. For 2026, the commitment to health remains a dominant theme, mirroring a powerful trend from the previous year.
The Drive for Healthier Habits in 2026
Recent data underscores this collective drive. According to a Statista survey, 48 percent of Americans are dedicated to exercising more in 2026, while 45 percent aim to eat healthier. This follows a significant precedent set in 2025, where the Health & Fitness Association reported that health and fitness goals led New Year's resolutions, with a staggering 96 million U.S. adults planning to prioritise health, fitness, or exercise.
Whether inspired by Lauren Sánchez's transformative Pilates journey, Ivanka Trump's weightlifting regimen, or the biohacking trends favoured by figures like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kim Kardashian, the focus on longevity and physical wellbeing has never been sharper. To make your new routine more engaging, why not take a cue from Hollywood's fitness favourites?
Star-Studded Workout Essentials
From wearable weights to high-tech trackers, several key pieces of equipment have earned the seal of approval from A-listers, offering both function and style for your fitness journey.
Bala Bangles: Wearable Weights
For those looking to intensify walks or add resistance to toning exercises, Bala Bangles are a celebrity staple. These sleek, wearable wrist and ankle weights, secured with a Velcro strap, are championed by Victoria Beckham, Hailey Bieber, and Kim Kardashian. Available in weights from one to three pounds and a variety of colours, they offer simple integration into any routine. The brand's impressive trajectory, which began with a $900,000 deal on Shark Tank from Mark Cuban and Maria Sharapova, saw its valuation reach $10 million by July 2025.
The Versatile Stakt Mat
Portability meets functionality with the Stakt Workout Mat. This lightweight, foldable mat doubles as a yoga block, eliminating the need for extra equipment. Its popularity has soared among influencers like Alix Earle and was showcased by the Kardashian-Jenner family during a yoga session on their reality show. Available in trendy hues, it's designed for the style-conscious exerciser.
Resistance Bands: A Trainer's Top Pick
Beloved by NFL legend Tom Brady, resistance bands are a versatile and powerful tool for strength training. Fitness expert David Plasse, owner of Plasse Strength and Fitness in New York, praises their adaptability for exercises like band pull-aparts, which he notes are crucial for improving posture by strengthening the upper back. "They're absolutely worth having as a tool," Plasse advised, though he cautions they should not fully replace free weights.
At-Home Pilates Reformers
The Pilates craze, credited by Lauren Sánchez for 'changing' her body, continues to thrive. While traditionally studio-based, compact reformer machines are now accessible for home use, with options available from retailers like Target for under $75. The century-old method, developed by Joseph Pilates, is renowned for building core strength, flexibility, and balance.
Tracking Wellness in Style
No modern fitness regimen is complete without data, and the Oura Ring leads the trend in wearable wellness. This stylish piece of tech monitors sleep, recovery, and key biomarkers like heart rate variability. Adopted by wellness advocates from Gwyneth Paltrow to Prince Harry, its value is endorsed by experts. "If someone actually uses that data to improve their sleep and habits, it can be very valuable," confirmed David Plasse, highlighting sleep as a critical metric for overall health.
As we settle into 2026, blending proven fitness goals with innovative, celebrity-tested gear could be the key to maintaining those resolutions long after January's enthusiasm fades.
