An updated edition of the Sept. 21, 2026, article.

Health and fitness is becoming a regular part of how consumers live and spend, rather than a separate lifestyle choice. More people are paying attention to exercise, nutrition, preventive care and their overall well-being. This growing interest has expanded the market for fitness centers, nutritional products, healthcare services, workplace wellness programs and digital health tools.

Technology is making it easier for consumers to manage their health. Wearable devices and mobile applications help people monitor physical activity, sleep patterns and other health measures. Virtual coaching and connected fitness platforms also provide access to guidance based on individual needs. At the same time, concerns about obesity, chronic diseases and mental health are encouraging people to adopt healthier habits and take preventive steps before medical problems arise.

Major technology companies are investing in health-related services and products. Apple (AAPL Quick QuoteAAPL - Free Report) combines health tracking through the Apple Watch with workout programs offered on Fitness+. Amazon (AMZN Quick QuoteAMZN - Free Report) is expanding its healthcare offerings through One Medical, which provides access to virtual care and AI-supported services. These businesses are bringing fitness, medical care and consumer technology closer together.

The market also offers considerable room for growth. The global health and wellness market is projected to reach $7.76 trillion by 2035, seeing a CAGR of 4.94% from 2026. Greater spending on preventive healthcare, employee wellness programs and government initiatives aimed at improving public health are expected to support demand over the coming years.

Consumer demand is also shifting toward services and products that address specific health goals. Boutique fitness studios, premium wellness clubs, customized nutrition plans and connected health devices are attracting interest among people looking for more personalized options. Companies such as VF Corporation (VFC Quick QuoteVFC - Free Report) , Garmin Ltd. (GRMN Quick QuoteGRMN - Free Report) and Amer Sports, Inc. (AS Quick QuoteAS - Free Report) operate in different parts of this market, offering investors exposure to changing consumer preferences.

For investors, the health and fitness market offers opportunities tied to changing lifestyle habits, wider adoption of digital health tools and increased spending on preventive care. The Health & Fitness Screen identifies companies operating across these areas, helping investors find businesses with exposure to consumer spending on health and wellness.

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3 Health & Fitness Stocks to Buy Now

VF Corporation sells running shoes, outdoor clothing, technical footwear and related accessories through brands such as The North Face, Altra, Smartwool and Icebreaker. These products cater to consumers involved in running, hiking, skiing and other physical activities. The North Face offers protective outerwear, performance footwear and outdoor equipment, while Altra focuses on running shoes. Smartwool and Icebreaker provide functional clothing for outdoor use. Through these brands, VFC has built a business serving customers who need specialized products for exercise, sports and outdoor recreation.

The Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has gradually expanded its product offerings to reach more customers. The North Face has been developing running shoes alongside its established outdoor clothing business. In the first quarter of fiscal 2027, it introduced the Altamesa 2 footwear series, which received a positive initial response across regions. The brand is also working on additional spring and summer products to broaden its seasonal offerings. Its agreement to supply performance apparel to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team connects the brand with competitive winter sports. Altra, meanwhile, has expanded from trail-running footwear into road-running shoes, with models including Lone Peak, Torin, Experience Flow and Wild. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

These developments have contributed to growth in VFC's fitness-related businesses. In the first quarter of fiscal 2027, The North Face reported 4% revenue growth in constant currency, led by outerwear, shells and equipment. Altra maintained its growth momentum as road-running sales became larger than its trail-running business over recent quarters. Management sees further room to expand Altra in road running, a market it considers much larger than trail running. VFC continues investing in product development and brand awareness, particularly for Altra, while expanding The North Face's footwear and seasonal clothing offerings.

Garmin offers fitness smartwatches, activity trackers, cycling computers and GPS-enabled devices for people interested in exercise, sports and personal wellness. Its products cater to professional athletes, recreational fitness enthusiasts and individuals who want to keep track of their daily activities. Over the years, Garmin has expanded its fitness business from GPS-based sports devices to wearables that provide information about physical activity and overall wellness. Its Outdoor segment also offers adventure watches for running, hiking and other outdoor activities, giving the company a wider presence in the health and fitness market.

Garmin regularly introduces products with new features to meet different fitness needs. In the third quarter of 2026, the Zacks #2 Ranked company launched the CIRQA Smart Band, a screenless wearable that provides fitness and wellness insights. It also announced new Edge cycling computers, including the Edge 1060, which allows hands-free voice control through a built-in microphone and speaker. The Edge Explore 3 targets cyclists of different experience levels. Garmin also expanded its adventure watch collection with the fenix 9 and fenix 9 Pro, offering titanium case options and larger AMOLED displays.

Demand for Garmin's fitness devices has continued to grow. In the third quarter of 2026, Fitness segment revenues increased 16% year over year to $694 million due to higher wearable sales. Operating income reached $231 million, with an operating margin of 33%. The Outdoor segment also reported 20% revenue growth, supported by strong demand for adventure watches following the fenix 9 launch. Management expects Fitness to contribute the most to the company's overall revenue growth in 2026. Garmin continues to develop products for different types of users, from regular exercisers to experienced athletes.

Amer Sports sells sports equipment, footwear, technical clothing and accessories through brands such as Arc'teryx, Salomon, Wilson, Atomic and Peak Performance. Its products are used in activities such as running, hiking, skiing, tennis and other outdoor sports. The Zacks Rank #2 company operates through three business segments: Technical Apparel, Outdoor Performance, and Ball & Racquet Sports. Amer Sports was traditionally more dependent on sporting equipment, but footwear and apparel have become an increasingly important part of its business. This change has allowed the company to reach consumers who participate in sports, as well as those who prefer comfortable, functional clothing for everyday use.

Salomon provides a clear example of this shift. The brand started with ski equipment before expanding into trail-running shoes, hiking footwear, sportswear and sneakers. Arc'teryx, known for its technical outdoor clothing, has also been developing footwear and women's products. Meanwhile, Wilson has expanded beyond tennis racquets and other sports equipment into performance apparel and footwear. Amer Sports has supported these developments by opening more branded stores and expanding its online sales channels, giving customers more ways to purchase its products.

The growing contribution from footwear and apparel has changed the company's sales mix. These categories are expected to account for 75% of Outdoor Performance revenues in 2026 compared with 54% in 2022. Salomon's footwear and apparel business has recorded a compound annual growth rate of 30% since 2022. Wilson Tennis 360 has also expanded, supported by sales of racquets, clothing and shoes. Arc'teryx continues to develop its product categories and retail presence across different markets. Amer Sports is investing in these businesses while gradually reducing its reliance on traditional sports equipment.