Focusing on fitness can be a chore, so infusing in some fun is a win. This year, 54% of people want to try new ways to get fit, including strength training in the gym, according to the Les Mills 2026 Global Fitness Report. Among those who plan to newly employ strength into their workout, over half of respondents say that conflicting advice has them stumped on where to begin. In addition, 50% are intimidated by the weights area of the gym.

Enter a new slew of classes that sneak strength in, often in female-friendly formats. Pilates Fusion, Warrior Sculpt, Life Barre Core and EDG Sculpt all provide a hybrid strength-meets-endurance and cardio formats at Life Time Fitness. In a 2026 Life Time Wellness Survey of over 750 consumers and club members, 42.3% said that their goal for this year is to get physically stronger.

To accommodate this shift in attitude from working out to lose weight to exercising to gain strength (and possibly slow age-related decline) means a change in how consumers dress for classes. While you may be spinning and lifting weights in one class; running on a treadmill and doing HIIT moves in another; and practicing hot yoga and sculpting somewhere else; what is a person to wear?! We’ve asked brand execs to give us their best hybrid fitness apparel, accessory and footwear options for arenas where textiles matter.

HANDFUL

In addition to more research being done on its overall value, Handful Founder Jennifer Ferguson tied the excitement around strength training to “finally having studies and data conducted on women.” For hybrid classes, the exec notes that it is important to have a versatile bra. The Handful Adjustable Bra has thin straps that can adjust multiple ways. The low impact bra is designed for yoga, hiking and everyday life. Lights Out Bra Pads are washable and removable. The recycled polyester/spandex offering accounts for 40% of the brand’s overall sales. For endeavors requiring a higher impact solution, say running or HIIT, the Y-Back Bra has stay-put racerback straps and is hardware-free.

TRACKSMITH

“A person who runs all the time can be more injury prone,” explained Sarah Clark, senior director of apparel at Tracksmith, adding, “cross-training helps prevent that.” For bottoms that can go from running to yoga and Pilates, the Turnover Collection is well-suited. A short, crop and full-tight for women “aren’t super-compressive and don’t bit or pinch,” said Clark. An Italian-made polyamide/elastane fabric called the Inverno Blend offers comfort and breathability over longer distances. The bottoms feature a smooth, yet durable, face that wards off light precipitation, and a soft brushed back offering a barrier between skin and the fabric for temperature regulation and quicker drying. For men, offerings include a tight and half tight.

33THREADS

It was at a Julie DeAnda’s recent annual physical that her doctor commended her exercise routine, but “emphasized that a multifaceted regimen that includes strength training offers the greatest physical benefits.” The visit prompted the VP of Design at 33Threads and her team to do some of their own research on the subject – reaching out to friends, colleagues and customers – and finding that once folks incorporated strength, “they noticed the biggest positive difference in both their workouts and daily lives.” The message dipped into product design (adding to their strength training and barefoot fitness focus), with sweat-wicking and quick-dry grip socks. ToeSox Tec Low Rise is an antimicrobial Silver Ion five-toe product, with individual toes anchoring the foot in place.  TAVI Tec Aria has internal and external grip to keep the sock stable and secure on the foot both in and out of the shoe. In apparel, TaviSculpt performance leggings feature fabrics designed to move with the body for fusion classes and feature sweat-wicking and quick-dry technology, along with a customizable laminate hem.

REEBOK

Reebok’s Director of Training Footwear, Tal Short, described hybrid training as “aligning with modern workout behavior: efficient, varied and community-driven.” Combining strength and performance maximizes limited time and improves total body performance. “Studio formats also deliver a strong social component that builds accountability and motivation. The variety keeps workouts engaging, which is key as consumers seek experiences that hold attention and deliver results,” the exec added. The FloatZig Tread is the firm’s first performance shoe designed for treadmill running (and also works for HIIT studio classes). Its dual-density Zig midsole provides cushioning and energy return, while a lower platform provides stability during speed intervals and floor transitions. A full-rubber outsole adds grip, and a breathable engineered upper keeps feet cool. For strength and functional hybrid training, the Nano X5 Edge features a zoned midsole for heel stability and forefoot responsiveness. A performance collar aids with lateral stability.

TIEM

The Slipstream Cycling Shoe features a running-inspired breathable mesh toe box, slip-on construction and single-strap closure system for adjustability. A stable rubber outsole and recessed SPD cleat assembly allow for secure clipping-in and also natural walkability off the bike – adding ease into transitions including lunges without needing to change shoes. “When TIEM launched the Slipstream, we helped pioneer the hybrid cycling category by bringing running-shoe innovation into performance cycling,” offered Tracey McLeod, CEO of TIEM. The newer Lynx style offers an OrthoLite insole that molds to the foot, provides enhanced moisture wicking, comfort, plus antimicrobial protection. For McLeod, her brand is built on more than just a trend. “Hybrid workouts reflect how people actually live now. Most people don’t have 90 minutes to dedicate to a single modality - they want efficient, well-rounded movement in one session,” she commented.