The Chinese National Standardization Administration issued the "10 National Standards for Indoor Fixed Fitness Equipment," including one mandatory national standard and nine recommended national standards, which will officially take effect on October 1, 2027. The new standards, aimed at indoor fitness equipment for individuals aged 14 and older, set comprehensive requirements in areas such as structural safety, limits on harmful substances, electrical safety, reliability, and usability, with a particular focus on: safety protection against entanglement points, fall limit components (to prevent injuries from bench pressing/squatting), and limits on harmful substances in grips/seats.

Global high-end fitness equipment brand INTENZA was awarded the 2026 "Most Innovative Fitness and Wellness Company" title by Athletech News. With the core philosophy of "Born for Excellence," INTENZA serves high-end hotels, professional gyms, and other settings. In 2026, the brand launched a dual-track strategy of "commercial + home use" and introduced the new 350T treadmill, bringing commercial-grade standards to the home market. Key components feature reinforced craftsmanship, delivering an almost frictionless smooth running experience and significantly reduced noise.

The Starbucks RTD Coffee & Protein line launched a limited-edition Starbucks weighted vest on May 21, designed in collaboration with fashion brand KBB by Kahlana. Additionally, it partnered with Strava to initiate an in-app fitness challenge, this move aligns with the release of its new protein coffee beverages.

Fitness Ventures has acquired 22 clubs from Harman Fitness, a Los Angeles-based franchisee, in a deal that vaults Fitness Ventures to the top of the Crunch system in terms of unit count and puts CR Fitness Holdings, another leading franchisee group, in second place.

Nike announced a new artificial intelligence-powered shopping feature that allows U.S. consumers to discover and purchase Nike products directly through Google’s Gemini app and AI Mode in Search.

James Zheng, CEO of the globally renowned Finnish sporting goods multinational Amer Sports, Inc., reported that the parent company of Arc’teryx, Salomon, and Wilson sustained its “excellent momentum” in the first quarter of 2026, with all segments, geographies, and channels performing exceptionally well in Q1. He highlighted the quarter was driven by “exceptional” growth in Salomon Softgoods, robust Arc’teryx omni-channel performance, and solid growth in Wilson Tennis 360.

La Sportiva, maker of mountain gear, has added Coldstream Sales as its new sales rep for the Southwest. Led by Adam Selby, Coldstream Sales has “years of outdoor industry experience and a grounded understanding of the region’s specialty retail landscape” to grow La Sportiva’s presence in the territory.”

GSI Outdoors’ sibling founders – Don Scott, Ian Scott, and Kathy Scott – have reacquired the company, returning GSSI to a family-owned and operated business.

China’s fast-fashion platform Shein is acquiring U.S. apparel brand Everlane from its majority owner, L Catterton, in a deal valuing the U.S.-based ‌retailer at about $100 million, according to reports. Those with Everlane common stock, which is known for its sustainability focus, will not receive a payout, sources told Puck News and The Information.

Nike is re-entering the physical fitness space through a partnership with Australian boutique chain The Yard Gym, months after shutting down its own Nike Studios concept. The collaboration signals a more asset-light approach — partnering with established operators rather than building and operating facilities in-house.

Oura, the maker of popular smart rings that track health, fitness and sleep, has confidentially filed a draft of its IPO prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company announced on Thursday.

With over 30 years of experience in fitness equipment R&D and manufacturing, Sportsoul Fitness is making its debut at the 2026 China Sport Show. Based in Qingdao, Shandong, the company is one of China's most experienced fitness equipment manufacturers, holding more than 200 global patents. Its products are exported to over 40 countries, and it serves as a global strategic partner of French fitness equipment giant Decathlon.