2026 Wellness Industry Predictions 🔮

I’ve spent the first couple weeks of 2026 browsing through various reports and prediction lists about the future of the wellness industry. And I’ve noticed quite a few commonalities: longevity clinics, anti-polyester fashion, in-person events to return to an “analog” lifestyle.

So I decided to throw my hat in the ring and pull together a list of lesser-discussed trends and predictions that I believe we’ll see in the coming year.

Let’s dive in ⤵️

🎶 Prediction #1: The Convergence of Music and Wellness

You’re probably no stranger to a well-curated playlist as an integral component to fitness events and activations. Picture this: a DJ is in the corner spinning their latest house music mix while you’re holding your plank on a nearby mat. But I predict that we’ll see this elevated to another level.

I think more live musicianship, from instrumentalists to singers, will be incorporated into wellness activations in 2026. To take it a step further, I could foresee music festivals integrating wellness activations into the on-grounds experience. When you want to step away from the chaos of large crowds, you could escape to a calming meditation lounge or a space to test out wellness products and services.

Savvy music artists may also incorporate a wellness strategy into their new projects. We’ve seen this successfully done in the past few years through Jhene Aiko’s mantras and Sleep Soul album. I would even argue that Andre 3000’s highly-critiqued New Blue Sun album was ahead of its time.

💪🏾 Prediction #2: At-home Pilates Reformer Classes

Boutique Pilates studios are popping up left and right, offering an intimate, community-based workout experience. But for people who love Pilates and want to keep up their practice at home, mat Pilates is usually the only option.

I believe that more equipment manufacturers will develop an at-home Pilates reformer with built-in screen technology, making it easier to take classes in the comfort of your own home. Think the Peloton of Pilates.

At the time of writing this, I discovered that NordicTrack is preparing to release a new model in its Ultra 1 Reformer Series. The new, smaller model has a starting price-point of $4,999. So while it’s not accessible for most, I think this advancement in technology will hopefully encourage more brands to release models and competition will drive the price down.

🇨🇳 Prediction #3: Focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine

Okay, this one is technically cheating because I’m writing these predictions after we’ve already entered the new year. But I can’t help but ponder on the “in my Chinese era” trend on TikTok. I would personally recommend choosing different wording, but thousands of users have been inspired by the simple, holistic habits that are promoted through the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM.

I think we’ll likely see more clinics, brands, and businesses influenced by TCM popping up as a result.

🍵 Prediction #4: The End of Matcha Mania

This is probably my hottest take in this entire list, but I think that the matcha craze will start to dissipate toward the end of this year. May this drink continue to be a staple on some cafe’s menus? Sure. But I think that another health-conscious drink will enter the trend cycle and begin to upstage matcha on a global consumer scale.

I actually wrote all about the drink’s history and where it’s heading in the Jan 15 edition of Origins of Wellness (subscribe to read it!). And when I asked social media users what they thought the next big thing could be, here’s what they said: “sparkling mocktails,” “okra water,” and “pomegranate as the star ingredient.”

📲 Prediction #5: Creator-led Wellness Brands Will Win

Maybe I’m biased as a media founder and newsletter writer, but the wellness entrepreneurs that are winning are visible! Whether your medium of choice is short-form video (think TikTok), long-form video (think YouTube), professional posts (think LinkedIn), or long-form writing (think Substack), there’s a variety of ways that wellness consumers are finding their next favorite purchase. And visibility into the founder’s journey and background is definitely playing a role.

I predict that the next big wellness product darling will be build publicly, with crowdsourced input from an online community.

Are there any wellness predictions that you would add to this list? Feel free to comment below ⤵️