NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As training culture continues to evolve, ANIMAL by Universal Nutrition is sharing its perspective on the performance and nutrition trends shaping how athletes will train in 2026, based on observed shifts in behavior, formulation priorities, and athlete expectations.

"Strength training remains the foundation, but the way athletes approach progress is changing," said Jason Budsock, Vice President of Product Innovation at Universal Nutrition. "People care more about how often they can train well; not just how hard they can train once. That has made recovery, formulation quality, and consistency central to performance."

ANIMAL notes that strength training, women's performance, and recovery are no longer separate conversations. They are increasingly viewed as integrated parts of sustainable training systems that prioritize long term progress over short term intensity.

According to Budsock, athletes are moving away from products built around short term stimulation and toward formulas designed for repeatable performance outcomes.

"Clinically relevant dosing and ingredient synergy matter because athletes expect results they can feel over time," Budsock said. "Innovation only matters when it improves training quality and recovery, not when it simply adds novelty."

Creatine and protein continue to lead the category, supported by better formats, smarter pairing, and broader everyday use. Recovery focused ingredients, GLP-1 related support, and mental performance are gaining attention as athletes focus on muscle preservation, output quality, and consistency.

"These categories are not being replaced," Budsock said. "They are being refined. The growth is coming from execution, not reinvention."

Training behaviors are also reshaping format expectations. Quick use packets, daily routine packs, chews, and ready-to-drink options are expanding because they reduce friction in real world training schedules.

"Formats now influence whether athletes actually stay consistent," Budsock said. "If a product fits into a routine, it has a better chance of delivering results."

As one example, ANIMAL offers creatine in multiple formats, including flavored and unflavored powders, capsules, and chews, allowing athletes to choose the option that best fits their day-to-day training routines.

ANIMAL also observes that trends driven primarily by aesthetics, influencer momentum, or novelty tend to fade quickly when performance outcomes do not follow. Underdosed formulas, unsupported claims, and trend-first quickly lose credibility with educated consumers. Transparency and clinically relevant dosing are mandatory expectations across the category.

"Athletes want to understand what they are taking and why it works," Budsock said. "Trust comes from clear connections between ingredients, doses, and outcomes. Earned strength still matters," Budsock said. "Results, rigor, and respect for the work are what continue to last."

To learn more about ANIMAL products and performance nutrition support, visit animalpak.com or find ANIMAL at major retailers including GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe.

About ANIMAL: ANIMAL is a premium sports nutrition brand with over 4 decades of history, making a wide range of supplements. With a focus on performance, quality, and innovation, ANIMAL supports athletes pushing past limits. Learn more at animalpak.com.

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SOURCE ANIMAL