Once upon a time, looking good was the sole motivator for many people to get (and stay) in the gym. These days, motivations are much broader, with more people working out to burn off stress, improve their mood, and support long-term health. Some recent reports have even suggested that aesthetics have totally fallen off the fitness goal priority list. But new research from Foresight Sports suggests otherwise, showing that achieving a better-looking physique still plays a significant role in why and how people train.
The study analyzed workout-related search data across the U.S. and found abs to be the most targeted muscle group among American gym-goers, accumulating over four million monthly searches. No other muscle group even came close to that number, not even arms.
New York was the state that researched abs training the most. Overall, more than seven million Americans are actively looking for ways to train their midsection, securing its spot as the top fitness focus of 2026. Similarly, core training came in second with 3.4 million searches, with an ever-so-slightly different approach that leans more toward functional strength.
Related: The Muscles Women Find Most Attractive on Men and How to Build Them, According to a Top Trainer
Next to the midsection, back workouts placed third, garnering over 2.5 million searches, with Alabama residents showing the highest interest. Chest training followed closely behind with 2.3 million searches (most of which came from Maryland).
“Americans clearly prioritize muscles they can show off,” a Foresight Sports spokesperson said. “Abs dominating makes perfect sense, they’re the ultimate fitness flex. What’s surprising is how well back training performs despite being harder to see. It shows people are getting smarter about building complete physiques, even if aesthetics still drive most gym decisions.”
Arms rounded out the top five with 1.7 million searches, many of which stemmed from Virginia. California appeared twice in the rankings, with top searches for both shoulders and glutes. Illinois and Arkansas showed the strongest interest in legs and lower-body development.
Overall, their findings show just how much appearance-driven goals continue to shape the way Americans approach workouts, even as conversations around fitness shift toward longevity and healthspan. Search interest continues to favor the most visible muscles, suggesting that for many, progress is still measured by what they see when they lift up their shirt in front of a mirror.
Related: The ‘Perfect’ Science-Based Full-Body Workout Routine for Men That Hate Spending Excessive Time at the Gym
This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health & Fitness section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.