This week’s fitness equipment industry weekly report, FitGearSource has selected 8 industry news items. We reviewed the recently concluded FIBO 2026, noted Vision Fitness’s ambitious new product plans for 2026, Tzumi’s large-scale recall, and Nike’s layoff plan.
1. Xponential Fitness Expands Club Pilates with Record Franchise Deal
Xponential Fitness has signed the largest development agreement in its history with Riser Fitness, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of boutique fitness.
Under the deal, Riser Fitness will develop 127 new Club Pilates studios over the next five years across six U.S. states, including California, Nevada, and Washington. This agreement further strengthens its position as the largest franchisee within the Xponential system, with more than 340 licenses globally.
The move reflects continued momentum in the Pilates segment, where Club Pilates—already operating over 1,400 studios worldwide—continues to scale through large, well-capitalized franchise groups. Beyond the U.S., Riser Fitness has also begun international expansion, including entry into Mexico and planned growth in Australia.
2. New York Sports Club Introduces AI Coaching Platform to Boost Member Retention
New York Sports Club has partnered with Zing Coach to launch MYCO, an AI-powered coaching solution aimed at improving member engagement and retention.
The platform provides personalized workout programs that adapt to user goals, schedules, and fitness levels, alongside features such as AI-driven coaching chats, progress tracking, and nutrition guidance. MYCO is positioned as a complement to human trainers rather than a replacement, helping bridge gaps between in-person sessions.
Available via subscription after a 30-day trial, the initiative reflects a broader industry trend: fitness operators integrating AI to scale personalization without increasing staffing costs, while addressing growing consumer expectations for tailored experiences.
3. Playlist Launches “Kite” Platform Targeting Multi-Brand Fitness Operators
Playlist—parent of platforms such as Mindbody and ClassPass—has introduced Kite, a new enterprise software solution designed for multi-brand fitness and wellness franchises.
Kite integrates key business functions including CRM, payments, marketing, analytics, and performance tracking into a unified system. It also automates complex processes such as royalty collection and multi-brand reporting, addressing operational challenges faced by portfolio-scale operators.
The launch highlights a growing demand for infrastructure tailored to large franchise ecosystems, especially as operators increasingly manage multiple brands and locations. This move aligns with Playlist’s broader strategy to build a full-stack digital backbone for the fitness industry following its merger with EGYM.
4. Vision Fitness Accelerates Product Expansion with 60+ Launches Planned
Vision Fitness, part of Johnson Health Tech, has announced an aggressive product roadmap for 2026, with more than 60 new product launches planned.
The expansion includes new cardio equipment lines, upgraded console options, asset management systems, and strength training products such as power racks and functional trainers. The company is also introducing a broader accessories category.
Interestingly, Vision Fitness is positioning itself against the industry’s heavy push toward high-tech features by emphasizing simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. This strategy targets operators seeking durable equipment without complex user interfaces, while still responding to rising demand for strength training solutions.
5. Tzumi Recalls 50,000 Adjustable Dumbbells Due to Safety Risk
Tzumi Electronics has issued a recall of approximately 50,000 FitRx SmartBell adjustable dumbbells following safety concerns identified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The recall was triggered by reports that weight plates could detach during use, posing a serious impact hazard. To date, more than 115 incidents have been reported, including multiple injuries such as fractures and lacerations.
The affected products were sold through Walmart channels in 2024 at around $100. Consumers have been advised to stop using the product immediately and request replacements.
This case once again highlights the critical importance of structural safety, testing validation, and quality control in fitness equipment design and manufacturing, particularly for adjustable weight systems.
6. Allied Market Research Predicts Massive Surge in Global Fitness Equipment Market to $18.4B by 2033
According to the latest market forecast report released by Allied Market Research, the global fitness equipment market is expected to grow steadily at a compound annual growth rate of 3.02% from 2024 to 2033, reaching a total size of US$18.4 billion (approximately RMB 133 billion) by 2033. The report highlights that strength training equipment, wearable health technology, and smart home fitness devices will be the fastest-growing segments, and that the Asia-Pacific region (especially China) will become the most important source of incremental demand.
7. FIBO 2026 Successfully Concludes: Nearly 155,000 Visitors Gather in Cologne
The world’s largest fitness trade show, FIBO 2026, was successfully held in Cologne, Germany from April 16 to 19. According to the FitTech Global exhibition report, this edition of FIBO attracted nearly 155,000 visitors from 129 countries, featuring over 1,200 exhibitors across 18 halls with an exhibition area exceeding 160,000 square meters. AI and Longevity Health (AI × Longevity) became the core theme of this event.
FIBO is the “weathervane” of the global fitness industry. The scale of participation and the topics set at this exhibition (AI infrastructure, equipment interconnectivity, longevity technology) indicate that the industry’s next competitive focus has shifted from product hardware to data ecosystems and software platforms. Over 100 fitness equipment companies from Ningjin, China also formed a delegation to participate, occupying an exhibition area of 5,000 square meters. On the first day alone, intended orders exceeded 12 million RMB, reflecting Chinese manufacturers’ active layout in the European market.
8. Nike Announces 1,400 Global Layoffs: Second ‘Win Now’ Restructuring Round Targets Tech and Operations
Nike, Inc. (NKE.N), the world’s leading sportswear brand, announced on Thursday it will cut approximately 1,400 positions globally, primarily affecting its technology and operations teams. This marks Nike’s second major round of layoffs in 2026, following 775 job cuts in January, as the company accelerates its “Win Now” turnaround plan under CEO Elliott Hill to reverse years of revenue decline.
The layoffs aim to streamline workflows and boost organizational efficiency across North America, Asia, and Europe. Nike is simultaneously reshaping its Air product manufacturing and supply chain integration as part of the strategic overhaul. Technology and global operations roles bear the brunt of the cuts, reflecting the company’s focus on building a leaner, more agile structure.
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