1. Bryan O’Rourke exits Core Health & Fitness after two-year turnaround

Core Health & Fitness confirmed that Bryan K. O’Rourke stepped down as CEO this week after a two-year tenure in which the company doubled revenue, delivered triple-digit EBITDA growth, and launched new products such as the APEX console. In his announcement, O’Rourke thanked Core’s 1,700-plus global team and said he will focus on Vedere Ventures and his presidency of the Fitness Industry Technology Council (FIT-C). In parallel with the leadership transition, Core’s M&A push continued this year when it acquired select assets of Aktiv Solutions and Gym Rax out of foreclosure, expanding capabilities in functional design and small-space ecosystems for hospitality, multifamily and corporate wellness.

2. AusFitness Industry 2025 set for ICC Sydney on Sep 19–20, co-located with Expo Sep 19–21

Australia’s flagship B2B gathering AusFitness Industry Trade Show & Summit runs Sep 19–20 at ICC Sydney, alongside the consumer AusFitness Expo (Sep 19–21). Organisers are offering free trade passes for verified industry professionals and have added new “Business of Fitness” roundtable sessions targeting owners, operators and executives. The combined event expects 150+ brands, strong retail activations and multiple live competitions, with organisers pitching it as the biggest annual meet-up for suppliers and gym decision-makers ahead of the southern-hemisphere summer.

3. HFA × Deloitte: India fitness market to more than double by 2030; value gyms strong, boutique fastest

The India Fitness Market Report 2025 from the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) and Deloitte sizes 2024 commercial fitness revenue at INR 16,200 crore (US$1.9b) with 46,500 facilities and 12.3m members (0.8% penetration). By 2030 the market is projected to reach INR 37,700 crore (US$4.5b) with penetration at 1.7%, underpinned by youth demographics, rising health awareness and urbanisation. Segmentally, value retains the largest base, while premium and boutique are set for faster CAGR through 2030. Headwinds include affordability and retention—especially outside tier-1 cities—yet opportunities span tier-2/3 expansion and corporate wellness.

4. Lefit (HILEFIT) ranks top-five globally by footprint; second by registered members

HFA’s 2025 Global Report lists HILEFIT (Lefit) among the world’s top five operators by locations with ~1,800 clubs as of end-2024 and ~14m registered members, second only to Planet Fitness by user base. The operator’s monthly subscription model—eschewing long-term prepaid contracts—plus a multi-brand portfolio (PT studios, strength-specialty, yoga/Pilates) and a coach-development pathway have supported rapid scaling across 40+ Chinese cities. The broader ranking places HILEFIT among global leaders alongside Anytime/Planet Fitness, indicating China’s low-cost, digital-first playbook is gaining global relevance.

5. Power Plate and Exos unveil strategic partnership across elite, corporate and tactical performance

Power Plate and Exos announced a wide-ranging collaboration to integrate Power Plate’s vibration technology into Exos’ elite training centers, corporate wellbeing, tactical readiness, and education. Plans include embedding content into the Exos app, expanding CEU-accredited courses to 15,000+ coaches, and standardising Power Plate protocols across Exos facilities. The tie-up extends earlier cooperation between the brands and aims to codify “prepare-perform-recover” workflows for athletes and employees alike.

6. Pulse Fitness × EGYM: connected training ecosystem links consoles, cloud and coaching

UK-based Pulse Fitness and EGYM confirmed an integration that syncs Pulse cardio consoles with EGYM’s Smart Strength/Smart Cardio ecosystem so member data flows between machine, app and cloud analytics. Operators gain real-time insights to personalise programmes and improve retention, while members receive guided workouts and feedback. The partnership launched publicly in August following a June rollout, with both sides framing it as finally delivering on the long-promised “connected gym.”

7. Panatta renews Powerhouse Gym partnership; secures 12,000-sqm Michigan flagship order

Italian equipment maker Panatta said over 30 Powerhouse centres worldwide have installed its kit in under three years and confirmed a major order for a 12,000-sqm Michigan facility—set to be among the largest and most innovative gyms in the U.S. The news follows parallel updates about Powerhouse’s ~120,000-sq-ft Partridge Creek flagship timeline in metro Detroit, underscoring the chain’s U.S. expansion and Panatta’s growing North American footprint in premium strength biomechanics.