10 wellness-business trends for 2026 and beyond

A practical, research-backed guide for independent studio founders, instructors, retreat leaders and coaches.

The wellness industry in the UK is shifting fast. Consumers are more informed, more intentional and more selective about where they spend their time and money. For independent studios, instructors, coaches and retreat leaders, this is both an opportunity and an invitation to evolve. I’ve brought together the strongest, most evidence-backed trends shaping the sector, along with clear, practical advice on how you can use them to strengthen your offer, attract the right clients, and build the most relevant and secure business.

1. Hybrid offerings (in-person + digital) are now expected

Hybrid is no longer a fleeting trend - it’s a long-term behaviour shift. The UK wellness apps market is forecast to grow by more than 16% between 2025 and 2030, and digital health coaching is expected to almost double over the same period. Consumers want in-person connection, but they also want flexibility, convenience and the option to keep training when life gets in the way. This blended approach is now a central part of how people maintain their wellbeing rather than an add-on.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Pair your studio classes with livestream or on-demand options.

• Create a “library” of class recordings that can become a subscription or packaged digital product.

• Build clear, distinct programmes so your digital offer has its own identity, rather than feeling like a copy

• Reuse recorded content across your website, funnels and social media.
  

2. Independent, community-led studios continue to rise

More than 1,000 new independent clubs have opened in the UK since 2019, and boutique studios continue to grow. High-street studios offer something people are actively seeking: recognition, consistency, belonging and a clear teaching identity. Retention tends to be higher in independent spaces because the relationships are personal and the experience feels more intentional.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Focus on community touchpoints: pre-class conversations, socials, workshops and themed events.

• Develop a signature teaching style or class format that people associate with you.

• Track retention and member engagement - your existing clients are more valuable than new sign-ups.

• Make your studio feel rooted in its local area through partnerships, local suppliers or place-led programming.
  

3. Premiumisation and personalisation are reshaping expectations

With UK health and fitness revenue rising to £5.7bn in 2024, more consumers are choosing higher-quality, experience-led wellness. Premium gyms charging £200+ per month continue to grow, and personalised coaching programmes (especially for mental wellbeing, performance, rehab and nutrition) are one of the fastest-growing digital categories. People want offerings that feel tailored, intentional and aligned with their goals - not generic classes.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Offer specialist programmes such as pre/postnatal, reformer for rehab, beginner strength, perimenopause, stress recovery or nutrition for energy and focus.

• Build hybrid coaching bundles: 1:1 sessions + group classes + digital check-ins.

• Use structured onboarding or assessments so clients feel genuinely seen.

• Create “transformational journeys” rather than endless drop-ins — programmes with a start, end and clear outcome.
  

4. Stress recovery and nervous-system regulation are becoming core needs

Burnout affects 88% of UK workers, and stress-related illness costs businesses £28bn a year. Younger generations in particular exercise for mental health; 76% cite this as their main motivation. As awareness grows around the nervous system, sleep quality and the impact of stress on performance, people are actively seeking restorative practices that help them regulate and reset - not just train harder.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Add restorative classes to your schedule: breathwork, yin, yoga nidra, guided relaxation, sound healing.

• Offer mini “recovery workshops” or short series to help clients build regulation skills.

• Incorporate recovery moments at the end of more dynamic classes.

• Build retreats or day events centred on restoration, rest and resilience.
  

5. Corporate wellness is shifting: generic perks are declining, targeted solutions are growing

Employer spending on broad wellbeing benefits has fallen by 13% since 2022 as companies move away from generic perks. However, there is strong growth in targeted, outcomes-focused wellbeing - especially stress management, performance coaching, and personalised digital support. AI-powered wellness platforms (like CloudFit, reported in the FT) are gaining momentum, showing that companies still value effective wellness solutions, just not one-size-fits-all offers.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Pitch specific programmes with measurable outcomes: stress reduction, improved focus, or movement for productivity.

• Offer hybrid solutions: a mix of on-site workshops and digital content.

• Tailor packages by team or department rather than pitching a single offer to the whole company.

• Create “on-demand" digital libraries for corporate clients to license.
  

6. The retreat market is booming across themes, formats and destinations

Wellness tourism is one of the strongest growth areas globally and is forecast to reach US$1.4 trillion by 2027. It’s expanding at nearly double the rate of general tourism. UK travellers are increasingly choosing short, meaningful, themed retreats - from breathwork and cold water to creative reset weekends and slow-living escapes. Sustainability, purpose and community are top priorities, and solo travel is up almost 30% year on year.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Create retreats with a clear theme, outcome or narrative.

• Partner with eco-friendly venues and local suppliers.

• Offer 2-4 day “micro-retreats” in the UK - these are growing fast.

• Build alumni communities who stay connected and return year after year.
  

7. Nutrition, gut health and UPF awareness are shaping consumer behaviour

Interest in nutrition is evolving quickly, moving towards gut health, fibre, microbiome diversity and the long-term impact of UPFs. Over 60% of the UK diet is ultra-processed (The Lancet), and fibre intake is 50% below recommended levels. Searches for gut health have grown more than 350%, and personalised nutrition tools are becoming mainstream.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Offer workshops or short courses linking movement, mood, energy and nutrition.

• Collaborate with registered nutritionists for co-created programmes.

• Create digital guides or seasonal meal templates.

• Integrate digestion-friendly practices (breathwork, mindful eating) into your programmes or retreats.
  

8. Children’s health and youth wellness are becoming urgent priorities

Children’s activity levels in the UK have declined for the fourth year in a row (Sport England), and schools are increasingly recognising the need to support mental health and emotional regulation. Parents are looking for trusted, structured activities that offset rising screen time and support wellbeing. Demand for children’s yoga, mindfulness, movement and SEN-friendly sessions is growing rapidly.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Offer children’s yoga, beginner-friendly fitness, or movement for emotional resilience.

• Create after-school or weekend programmes.

• Partner with schools, councils or youth centres.

• Develop simple family-friendly workshops or online resources.
  

9. Diversification of income streams is becoming essential

With rising costs and increased competition - including from boutique studios, online platforms and global digital instructors - relying solely on in-person classes is increasingly risky. The most resilient wellness businesses are those with multiple income streams that support each other: studio offerings, digital products, retreats, workshops, coaching and collaborations.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Combine classes with retreats, digital libraries, short paid programmes or coaching.

• Create seasonal offers (winter strength series, summer reset programmes).

• Use your expertise to produce guides, e-books or downloadable plans.

• Build a blend of recurring income (subscriptions) and higher-ticket experiences.
  

10. High-quality teaching and professionalisation are key differentiators

With more than 1,000 new boutiques entering the market since 2019, quality is increasingly what sets instructors apart. Consumers are becoming more discerning about safety, expertise and teaching philosophy. They want instructors who are knowledgeable, grounded and clear in their approach - not generic class leaders.

How you can make the most of this trend:

• Invest in continued education and specialist training.

• Articulate your method clearly: what you teach, why you teach it, and the outcomes it supports.

• Use testimonials and case studies to demonstrate impact.

If you would like support in evolving your business to make the most of these trends, send me a message today and let's chat.