Fitness and wellness experts offer tips for staying active, healthy and present in the new year
Each dawn of a new year inspires legions of resolution-makers to commit to a new fitness or wellness routine that promises to help them live better in the coming months.
"Good Morning America" got the chance to ask several experts and influencers about their 2026 plans in those areas and more, thanks to a new initiative called the "Zappos in Motion" campaign.
According to a press release, this campaign "marks a pivotal shift for Zappos, from retailer to lifestyle brand focused on performance, wellness, and community connection, aligning with the cultural rise of mindful movement and 'third spaces' for belonging."
To help with that goal, the brand tapped five key figures in the fitness and wellness spaces to offer advice and insight into what their plans are for this year, as well as recommendations for shoes, activewear and more to help achieve these goals.
Below, learn more about the project and what each person involved has planned in the new year and beyond.
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Christian Diaz tips and picks
Christian Diaz, co-founder of the Coconut Grove Run Club, is not only sticking to his busy schedule of movement and fitness for 2026, he's recommitting himself to pouring his efforts into his community and helping others.
"I want to continue pouring into others and creating space for the Coconut Grove Run Club community to stay active," Diaz told "GMA" via email, adding, "I'm always in motion, but my true passion is sharing my knowledge and experience to help others improve their lives and become the best version of themselves. Simply put, my health goals are to see others achieve their health goals."
Diaz's shopping recommendations naturally center on running shoes, including his go-to, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5, but he said he also loves "a clean button-down for daytime wear" and called Zappos his one-stop shopping destination.
Mohamed Fofana tips and picks
Mohamed Fofana, a handball player, runner, and ambassador for the Los Angeles marathon, is taking on uncharted territory when it comes to his 2026 plans and goals.
"The habit I am fostering going into the new year is curiosity -- curiosity about elevating my fitness goals and intentionally pushing the boundaries of what my body is capable of," he told "GMA."
One way he said he plans to achieve this goal is to participate in the Speed Project, a 300+ mile relay race that starts in Santa Monica, California, and ends in Las Vegas. He said he believes the experience will allow him "to connect with [my] community members at a once-in-a-lifetime event."
In addition to providing some top picks to shop at Zappos, Fofana praised Zappos for involving real community members in this initiative rather than prioritizing looks or stats when selecting representatives.
"As a community leader, I see brands prioritize looks over impact all the time," he explained. "With this campaign, the community members were the real highlight, which was great to see."
Rachel McClusky tips and picks
Rachel McClusky, aka Rachel Recharged on Instagram, said she is enthusiastically putting herself first for 2026.
"My morning and evening routines are staples for me (my magic 3 is meditation, movement, and journaling), and I hope to create more space and time to build on the routines that I already have," she told "GMA."
For McClusky, this includes taking more classes and carving out time for herself to recharge and refill her own cup before she pours into others -- something many folks will relate to in this busy world.
When suggesting pieces that allow the freedom of movement to chase these goals, McClusky chose from her favorite brands like Beyond Yoga, FP Movement and Splits59, noting she is "a believer that a cute workout set will be that extra motivation when you need it!"
Evelynn Escobar tips and picks
Evelynn Escobar, founder and executive director of Hike Clerb Inc., has a platform centered on motherhood, hiking, community, and honoring her Black and Indigenous roots as part of reconnecting to what she says is "the source" in her content: nature.
Her picks include Merrell and Hoka shoes that offer support and safety on outdoor adventures.
Lucy Nelles tips and picks
Lucy Nelles, co-founder of Coffee & Chill Miami, centered her 2026 resolutions on rest, recovery, and long-term health and wellness.
She told "GMA" in an email, "I want to continue moving my body every day and deepen my breathwork practice. I am aiming to expand my circle of mentors and practitioners to educate me and hold me accountable, including personal coaches who can provide individualized, holistic guidance based on my bloodwork and body type."
Her plans also include preventative care and staying on top of medical appointments, as well as leaning into Zappos' must-haves, like the Nike Calm recovery slides to relieve post-workout strain, as well as buttery soft activewear from one of her favorite brands, Beyond Yoga.
