A strategic partnership unites two iconic strength-focused brands, connecting American fitness heritage with Italian engineering excellence

Recently, Panatta has announced a global strategic partnership with World Gym International, under which the Italian manufacturer becomes the official equipment supplier of one of the most iconic and long-standing brands in the global fitness industry. The agreement formalizes a collaboration built on shared values: a deep respect for strength training, a strong connection to training tradition, and a long-term commitment to quality, innovation, and technical excellence.

Founded in 1976 by fitness pioneer Joe Gold in Santa Monica, California—adjacent to the legendary Muscle Beach—World Gym is widely recognized as one of the birthplaces of modern strength training and bodybuilding culture. The original World Gym quickly became a training hub for elite athletes and bodybuilders who would later define an era, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Dave Draper. More than a fitness facility, World

Over nearly five decades, World Gym has evolved into a truly global franchise network while preserving its original DNA. Today, the brand operates approximately 300 franchised clubs across six continents, maintaining a clear focus on strength training, bodybuilding, and serious physical preparation. Even as the fitness industry expands into wellness, functional training, and digital solutions, World Gym has remained firmly positioned as a benchmark for traditional strength-based training, continuously upgrading its clubs to meet modern expectations for safety, performance, and member experience.

A significant milestone in the company’s development occurred in 2024, when World Gym International was acquired by World Gym Taiwan, the brand’s largest and most established regional operator. Following the transaction, global brand ownership and management were transferred to Taiwan, and the international headquarters were relocated to Taichung. This acquisition marked a new phase in World Gym’s globalization strategy, combining its historic American roots with a strong Asia-based operational platform to support structured international expansion and long-term brand development.

Within this context, the selection of Panatta as World Gym’s official global equipment supplier represents a natural and strategic alignment. Panatta is internationally recognized for its high-end, Made in Italy strength equipment, known for advanced biomechanics, engineering precision, durability, and meticulous attention to detail. With decades of experience in designing professional strength machines, Panatta has established itself as a preferred partner for premium gyms, elite athletes, and high-performance training centers worldwide.

Under the agreement, World Gym clubs globally will have access to Panatta equipment designed to meet the demands of professional bodybuilders and advanced users, while also delivering high levels of safety, ergonomics, and training efficiency for a broader membership base. At a time when strength training is experiencing renewed growth—driven by scientific research, longevity-focused health strategies, and renewed interest in resistance training—the partnership reinforces a clear message: strength remains a foundational pillar of fitness.

Commenting on the agreement, Edoardo Panatta, Vice President of Panatta, described the partnership as “another important step in our growth journey,” adding that becoming the official supplier of “such a prestigious chain—a true global sanctuary of bodybuilding—represents a source of great pride.” He noted that the collaboration reflects Panatta’s steadily increasing international recognition and acceptance across global markets.

For World Gym, the partnership further strengthens its positioning in the premium strength training segment, reinforcing its commitment to authentic training environments supported by high-quality, performance-driven equipment. In an increasingly competitive global fitness market, the combination of heritage, community, and technically advanced equipment offers a powerful point of differentiation aligned with the brand’s identity.

Beyond its immediate commercial impact, the alliance also carries symbolic significance for the industry. It represents the meeting of American fitness history and European engineering, uniting two complementary visions that share respect for the past and ambition for the future. In spaces where bodybuilding legends were once forged, next-generation strength technology will now help elevate training standards worldwide.

About Panatta

Panatta is an Italian company specializing in the design and manufacture of high-end fitness and bodybuilding equipment. Founded in Italy, the company is internationally recognized for its focus on biomechanics, technological innovation, and structural quality. Panatta combines industrial tradition, Italian design, and advanced engineering to deliver professional solutions for commercial gyms and high-performance training centers, with the aim of optimizing training experience and athletic performance.

About World Gym

World Gym International is one of the world’s most iconic strength-focused fitness brands. Founded in 1976 in Santa Monica, California, by Joe Gold, World Gym has played a defining role in the development of modern bodybuilding and strength training culture. Today, the brand operates approximately 300 franchised clubs across six continents, serving a global community of fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and strength-training professionals.

In 2024, World Gym International was acquired by World Gym Taiwan, marking a new chapter in the brand’s global development. With its international headquarters now based in Taichung, Taiwan, World Gym continues to expand worldwide while preserving its core identity as a global benchmark for strength training, bodybuilding, and authentic gym culture.