Week 26 of 2026’s Fitness Equipment Industry Weekly News highlights covers major industry updates, including BLK BOX’s partnership with Fitness Park, Total Sports & Fitness’s expansion in India, calls for reduced equipment import duties in Nigeria, consumer protection action against Hajex Fitness, Sportsoul’s new folding hip thrust machine patent, Interactive Strength’s reverse stock split, and the successful Beyond Activ European Summit in Madrid.
1. Total Sports & Fitness Expands into Karnataka with New Bengaluru Store
Indian multi-brand sports and fitness retail chain Total Sports & Fitness has officially entered the Karnataka market with the launch of its first franchise store in Bengaluru. Located in Devasandra, Krishnarajapuram, the 1,400-square-foot outlet represents the company’s 20th store nationwide and is operated by franchise partner Vigneshkumar Ganesan. Designed as a comprehensive destination for active lifestyles, the store offers a diverse assortment of commercial and consumer fitness gear from over 300 global and domestic brands.
2. Nigerian Fitness Leaders Urge Government to Slash Equipment Import Duties
In response to a rising wave of sedentary lifestyle-related health crises, fitness industry leaders in Nigeria have made a direct appeal to the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigerian Customs Service to drastically reduce import tariffs on gym, exercise, and spa equipment. Sir Goodluck Obi, Chairman of Gategold Fitness Company Limited, stated that the current high tariffs categorize fitness machinery as luxury commodities rather than essential preventative health infrastructure. Industry advocates argue that adjusting these taxes is a critical step toward lowering the financial barriers to public cardiovascular and strength-training resources.
3. Consumer Protection B.C. Sanctions E-Commerce Retailer Hajex Fitness
Consumer Protection B.C., Canada’s regulatory authority, has issued a formal compliance order against Montreal-based online fitness equipment retailer Hajex Fitness following severe violations of provincial consumer protection laws. The investigation revealed that the company systematically delayed deliveries past the legal 30-day window, refused refunds, utilized invalid liability-shifting clauses, and threatened legal action or logistics blacklisting against consumers who attempted to claim their rights. Company director Junaid Khalid signed an official undertaking to overhaul its dispute and refund policies by June 15, 2026. Meanwhile, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) confirmed it has downgraded Hajex Fitness to its lowest “F” rating due to unaddressed complaints over the past three years.
4. China’s Sportsoul Secures Patent for Space-Saving Folding Hip Thrust Machine
The National Intellectual Property Administration of China officially granted a utility model patent to Qingdao Samports Health Technology Co., Ltd. (Sportsoul) for a new “folding hip thrust trainer” on June 19, 2026. Invented by a team led by Zhu Xilong, the design utilizes a right-angled triangular support base paired with a rotating U-shaped chassis. When in use, the frame sits parallel to the ground; when folded, the device rotates to sit on its shorter support rod. This design minimizes the machine’s footprint, making commercial-grade lower-body conditioning equipment viable for space-constrained facilities and home settings.
5. Interactive Strength Inc. Announces 1-for-7 Reverse Stock Split
Interactive Strength Inc. (Nasdaq: TRNR), the parent entity behind specialty fitness brands including Wattbike, CLMBR, FORME, and Ergatta, has announced a 1-for-7 reverse stock split of its outstanding common stock. Following shareholder approval on June 8 and final board determination on June 18, the split will become effective at the market open on June 30, 2026. The move reduces outstanding shares from roughly 3.6 million to approximately 0.5 million, adjusting equity awards and warrants proportionally. The corporate action aims to elevate the stock price back above the $1.00 minimum threshold required to maintain its listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
6. Beyond Activ Concludes Highly Successful Inaugural European Summit in Madrid
The international fitness, health, and wellness leadership platform Beyond Activ recently concluded its first European edition in Madrid, Spain. The two-day executive summit brought together global operators and decision-makers from major brands—including Planet Fitness, Gold’s Gym, RSG Group, VivaGym, and Fitness Park—alongside institutional investors, equipment manufacturers, and technology suppliers from over 30 countries. The conference agenda centered heavily on institutional investment, franchise expansion, digital transformation, and the integration of artificial intelligence into customer experience and facility operations, cementing the summit as a premier networking fixture for the European market.
About Fitness Equipment Industry Weekly News
Your Ultimate Supply Chain Radar & Industry Insights, Straight from the Heart of Fitness Manufacturing.
The FitGearSource Weekly Newsletter is a premium global business radar and manufacturing insider, curated by fitgearsource.com—the comprehensive information hub for the fitness equipment industry.
Strategically rooted in China, the absolute heart of global fitness equipment manufacturing, we capture the earliest pulses of the supply chain. We focus heavily on the production, R&D, and manufacturing phases, aiming to bridge information gaps and seamlessly connect top-tier Chinese manufacturers (OEM/ODM) with global distributors, fitness clubs, and commercial buyers.
💡 What We Deliver Every Week
- Curated Industry News: We filter out the noise to bring you 8–10 of the most commercially valuable global news stories each week, covering M&As, major product launches, international expos, and emerging export channels.
- Exclusive Market Insights: Leveraging our on-the-ground advantage, we provide deep-dive analyses into global market trends, helping you decode the business logic behind product iterations and shifting demands.
- Manufacturing Know-How: Every issue features practical insights on Product R&D (Knowledge) and Quality Management Standards, turning raw business intelligence into actionable production power.
🎯 Who Is It For?
- Global Distributors, Brands & Fitness Club Buyers: Direct access to the core of Chinese manufacturing, insights into supply chain technical innovations, and a first look at the next hardware blockbuster.
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- Industry Investors & Observers: Gain a clear view of the fitness and wellness landscape through the dual lenses of “smart tech” and “physical manufacturing.”
Once a week, straight to your inbox. Co-created by Roger Yao, a veteran industry consultant with over 20 years of experience in supply chain, R&D, and quality control, along with his professional team. We make “Made in China” understand the global market better, and help global buyers build stronger trust in Chinese manufacturing.
