This week’s newsletter features 9 global fitness equipment industry highlights selected by FitGearSource, covering personnel changes, M&A, market analysis, and new product launches, aiming to provide reference for you and your company in product development and market strategy.
1. HFA Announces Leadership Transition as CEO Liz Clark Steps Down
The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) has confirmed a leadership transition, with CEO Liz Clark set to depart the organization at the end of her contract in July 2026. The transition process has already begun, and Clark will remain in her role during the interim period to ensure continuity.
To support this transition, HFA has appointed Greta Wagner, executive director and vice president of Chelsea Piers Connecticut, to work closely with the board of directors. The organization has also initiated a national search for a new president and CEO.
Clark joined HFA in 2021 during one of the most challenging periods for the fitness industry, at the height of the pandemic. During her tenure, she strengthened the association’s advocacy efforts and helped position the fitness sector as a key contributor to preventive healthcare policy at both state and federal levels.
HFA described the leadership change as a strategic move aligned with its next phase of growth. The organization noted that it now enters this transition from a position of strength, with increased policy influence and industry recognition.
2. China Releases New National Fitness Data Interface Standard
China’s General Administration of Sport has officially approved and released a new industry standard titled “National Fitness Sport Code Application Interface” (TY/T 1012—2026). The standard will come into effect on September 15, 2026.
The standard defines service types, interface specifications, and application requirements for fitness-related digital systems. It aims to enable seamless integration, data exchange, and operational coordination across different fitness applications and platforms.
A key feature of the standard is its multi-level verification framework, ranging from basic business validation to advanced identity and biometric verification. This allows it to support a wide range of use cases, including facility booking, event registration, and training enrollment.
From an industry perspective, the unified interface is expected to eliminate data silos, reducing integration costs for equipment manufacturers, fitness app operators, and venue managers. It is also expected to enable new service models such as online coaching and personalized training programs.
At a broader level, the standard will support more efficient aggregation of fitness data, enabling better planning of public sports infrastructure and services. Authorities expect the rollout of the system to accelerate the development of a nationwide connected fitness ecosystem.
3. Peloton Wins Dismissal of Investor Lawsuit Over Bike Recall Claims
A U.S. federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit accusing Peloton of concealing quality and safety issues related to its exercise bikes prior to a major recall.
In a ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Margo Brodie in New York, the court found that shareholders failed to prove that Peloton had defrauded investors. The plaintiffs had alleged that the company knowingly concealed defects, including corrosion in seat frames and reports of breakages, while publicly emphasizing its commitment to safety and product quality.
The lawsuit also claimed that Peloton underestimated the cost of recalling approximately 2.2 million bikes in the U.S. However, the judge ruled that these allegations did not establish liability, even if the company had been aware of certain complaints.
The case referenced an internal project reportedly known as “Project Tinman,” related to corrosion issues. Despite this, the court concluded that the available evidence did not support claims that a full recall was inevitable at the time.
The dismissal represents a legal win for Peloton as it continues to navigate the aftermath of past product safety challenges.
4. Centr and HYROX Launch New Product Line with Academy Sports + Outdoors
Centr has announced the launch of a new CENTR | HYROX sporting goods line in partnership with Academy Sports + Outdoors, targeting the rapidly growing HYROX fitness segment.
The new product line brings competition-grade equipment used in HYROX events to retail customers, both in-store and online. The offering is designed to support hybrid and functional training, aligning with current home gym trends.
The retail concept highlights key strength and conditioning movements central to HYROX competitions, creating a structured and accessible training experience for consumers.
The launch was supported by HYROX athlete Lauren Weeks, the reigning North American champion, who participated in the opening event and demonstrated training techniques across different performance levels.
The partnership reflects growing commercial interest in hybrid fitness formats and the increasing integration of competition-based training into mainstream consumer fitness products.
5. Playlist and EGYM Complete Merger to Build Global Fitness Operating System
Playlist, the parent company of Mindbody, Booker, and ClassPass, has completed its merger with EGYM, forming what the companies describe as the world’s most comprehensive fitness and wellness operating system.
The combined entity is valued at $7.5 billion, following $785 million in new equity investment led by Affinity Partners, with participation from Vista Equity Partners, Temasek, and L Catterton.
The merged platform now includes over 40,000 Mindbody-powered businesses, 88,000 ClassPass venues, 33,000 EGYM-connected fitness locations, and more than 20,000 corporate partners through EGYM Wellpass.
By integrating software platforms, smart equipment, and AI-driven training systems, the new company aims to streamline operations and enhance user experiences across the entire fitness journey—from discovery and booking to in-gym training.
Executives from both companies emphasized that the merger creates new opportunities to connect fitness, wellness, and healthcare ecosystems, while enabling more personalized and scalable services globally.
6. Nike Closes Its Boutique Fitness Studios Across the U.S.
Nike has shut down its Nike Studios boutique fitness locations across the United States, marking the end of its entry into the premium, technology-driven group fitness market.
The closures, which took place on March 27, affected locations including West Hollywood and Austin. The decision was made abruptly and has drawn criticism from trainers and members.
Nike Studios, launched in 2023 and operated in partnership with FitLab, offered classes such as HIIT, treadmill running, and strength training. The concept was designed to test Nike’s role in the in-person fitness experience.
Industry observers suggest that the closures highlight broader challenges within the boutique fitness segment, including high operating costs and difficulty achieving sustainable profitability without strong membership bases or investor support.
The outcome reflects the ongoing complexity of scaling niche fitness concepts, even for globally established brands.
7. Eleiko Launches Space-Efficient Lat Pull & Low Row Combo Machine
Swedish fitness equipment manufacturer Eleiko has introduced a new cable-based machine, the Lat Pull & Low Row Combo, designed to optimize space and functionality in commercial fitness environments.
The machine combines two fundamental exercises—lat pulldown and seated row—into a compact unit, addressing a key need for gyms and training facilities seeking to maximize training variety within limited space.
It features a 1:1 resistance ratio and high-precision aluminum pulleys, delivering smooth and consistent movement. The design allows quick transitions between exercises, improving training efficiency and user experience.
The equipment integrates with Eleiko’s Prestera ecosystem, enabling compatibility with existing racks, accessories, and training setups. Its modular design also supports a wide range of exercise variations.
Built with durability in mind, the machine includes robust construction, chrome elements, and PUR cushions suitable for high-traffic environments.
8. Technogym Surpasses €1 Billion Revenue Milestone
Technogym has reported record financial results for 2025, with total revenues exceeding €1 billion, representing a 13% increase year-over-year. Adjusted net profit rose by 33% to €120 million.
The company experienced strong growth in its commercial segment, which increased by 14.9%, alongside solid performance in Europe—particularly Italy—and the Americas.
Technogym also continued its role as the official supplier to the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the tenth time, reinforcing its global brand positioning.
CEO Nerio Alessandri described 2025 as a milestone year and emphasized that the company sees this achievement as a foundation for further growth. He highlighted increasing global focus on prevention and healthy longevity as key drivers of future demand.
Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, Technogym stated it will continue investing in wellness and health markets to support long-term expansion.
9. U.S. Sporting Goods Wholesale Sales Reach $130 Billion Milestone
According to the SFIA’s 2026 report, U.S. sporting goods wholesale sales reached $130 billion in 2025, marking a 3.7% increase year-over-year and a 34.7% rise since 2020.
Pickleball remained the fastest-growing category, with a 22% increase, while traditional sports such as baseball and softball grew by 7.9%, supported by increased participation.
Team uniform sales rose by 5.4% year-over-year and 75.9% since 2020, reflecting the recovery of organized sports.
Athletic footwear remained the largest category, totaling $24.1 billion, while apparel and licensed products also recorded gains.
The report highlighted a divergence in fitness trends: commercial equipment demand increased, driven by investment in gyms and health clubs, while parts of the home fitness market declined, indicating a shift back toward in-person fitness experiences.
SFIA noted that participation-driven growth continues to support the industry, even as companies navigate economic pressures such as trade and tariffs.
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