The fitness trends hitting Central Bedfordshire leisure centres in 2026

The centres, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council, are welcoming a raft of new and returning users this month.

Those include Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre, Flitwick Leisure Centre, The Dunstable Centre, Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre, Sandy Sports Centre and Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre.

No fewer than 76 per cent of people in the UK aspire to be fit and healthy and while many turn their attention to health and wellbeing in January, the way in which people work out and their end goals and motivations are constantly evolving.

Here we look at the top trends set to play a big role in activity at leisure centres in Central Bedfordshire, impacting people across the local community.

Strength training

The popularity of strength training will continue to rise in 2026, with people of all ages and abilities adding it to their workout routine or increasing the amount they do.

Gym attendance is on the rise in Central Bedfordshire, which has led to gym remodels and expanded weights areas.

From building muscle mass and strengthening bones to improving heart health and boosting mood, the benefits to strength training are numerous.

Senior users, exercise referrals and those looking to lose weight will find lower-intensity work useful for protecting their bodies for the long term.

Exercising for mental health

According to Mind, one in five adults in England are living with a common mental health problem and rates are on the rise.

Therefore, people are heading to the gym not just to improve their physical health, but to improve their mental wellbeing as a priority. This is supported by a raft of research which shows that regular exercise helps mood and reduces symptoms of depression.

Walking or jogging on a treadmill and strength training are among the particularly effective options for the 34 per cent of the population who want to improve their mental health.

Recovery

Increasingly, local people are recognising the value of recovery following a workout, reflecting a wider trend nationally.

Stretch areas to aid cooling down are becoming more commonplace, as are the use of Theraguns, which relieve muscle pain and soreness.

Demand for yoga and Pilates in Central Bedfordshire is on the rise, with these sessions boosting muscle repair, as well as improving flexibility and circulation.

New hydro beds at Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre and Flitwick Leisure Centre have proved extremely popular, while Reformer sessions at Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre have been a big hit.

Exercising for better sleep

The average UK adult gets only three days of good-quality sleep a week, according to The Mental Health Foundation. Meanwhile, 31 per cent of people signing up to Everyone Active’s You+ membership in 2025 cited improving sleep as their area of most need.

In 2026, there will be a rising focus on types of training and the times that training takes place, in order to help people get the sleep they need.

Swapping a high-intensity evening gym session for an evening recovery session could be an example we see more of.

Personalisation

There is an increasing desire to adopt tailored exercise programmes appropriate to the individual, rather than following broad advice.

While people can enjoy a variety of activities in their local leisure centre, the idea of a specifically-tailored routine that brings this together is growing in popularity.

Reflecting this change, Everyone Active’s You+ membership considers an individual’s health ‘age’ and provides a bespoke plan for each member to improve their health and wellness.

Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are so excited to welcome new and returning customers to our centres and to show them the fantastic facilities on offer.

“Getting active offers an incredible range of benefits to people from across the local community, regardless of their age, interests or ability.

“We want to help everyone find the routine that suits them in 2026, in our gyms and beyond, enabling them to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.”

For more information on your local Everyone Active centre, click here