Executive Summary:
This week’s global fitness equipment industry news highlights significant international trade gatherings, strategic retail partnerships, product launches, regulatory enforcement, and corporate M&A activity. In China, the 7th Shandong Sports Goods Expo wrapped up with over 50,000 visitors and strong international procurement participation. Leading specialty retailer Johnson Fitness & Wellness teamed up with Nike Strength to roll out an eco-conscious resistance line across North America. Innovation in space-saving and pneumatic technology continues to accelerate, evidenced by KingSmith’s global debut of its G5i foldable incline treadmill and HUR Group’s expansion into commercial facilities via its new VOA Fitness brand. Meanwhile, regulatory scrutiny hit the equipment accessories market as the EU issued a chemical safety recall for gym gloves. Chinese manufacturer Impulse Fitness expanded its ECP Evolution Curve Series footprint across Latin America, Escalade acquired pet housing manufacturer ASL Solutions under its US Weight Group portfolio, and e-commerce giant Amazon established a global partnership with the Hyrox fitness series.
1. The 7th Shandong Sports Goods Expo Concludes Successfully in Linyi
LINYI, China — The 7th Shandong Sports Goods Expo successfully concluded its three-day run at the Linyi International Expo Center on August 29. Jointly hosted by the Shandong Provincial Sports Bureau and the Linyi Municipal People’s Government, the event centered on building an international procurement hub while leveraging the momentum of the 26th Shandong Provincial Games.
Spanning 40,000 square meters across six themed exhibition zones, the expo convened 516 sports enterprises and source manufacturers, including major brands such as Taishan, Impulse, Luxis, Qiangmeng, Youguan, and Jinling. The showcase covered the full spectrum of sports equipment, from commercial fitness hardware and venue facilities to outdoor gear and athletic apparel. Over its three-day duration, the expo attracted more than 50,000 visits from domestic buyers across 30 Chinese provinces alongside overseas trade representatives.
International buyer matchmaking sessions held on August 27 and 28 drew 152 overseas buyers from 38 countries and regions across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Utilizing a “Exhibition + Events + Forums” format, the show featured concurrent events such as the 7th China Sports Intelligent Manufacturing Competition and the National Pickleball Invitational, alongside 12 high-level industry forums.
2. Johnson Fitness & Wellness Partners with Nike Strength for Retail Expansion
COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. — Driven by sustained growth in commercial and home strength hardware, specialty retailer Johnson Fitness & Wellness (JFW)—the retail division of Johnson Health Tech—has entered into a major strategic partnership with Nike Strength Equipment.
Under the agreement, Nike Strength’s full portfolio is launching immediately across select JFW retail showrooms and online via JohnsonFitness.com, with a phased rollout planned for nearly 100 U.S. brick-and-mortar storefronts. The launch begins across 25 tier-one retail locations in key regions, including the Midwest, East Coast, Texas, and West Coast.
The curated launch lineup includes dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, power racks, utility benches, and functional accessories. Flagship offerings highlight the Nike Grind Eco-Collection—which utilizes upcycled footwear manufacturing scrap across dumbbells, kettlebells, and bumper plates—alongside Nike Strength Shield Barbells and ergonomic rubber-coated kettlebells. Within JFW’s multi-brand portfolio, the Nike Strength line complements established offerings from Matrix Fitness, BowFlex, Peloton, Tonal, and Force USA.
3. KingSmith Launches WalkingPad G5i Foldable Incline Treadmill Globally
BEIJING, China — Home fitness innovator KingSmith, developer of the WalkingPad series, has officially launched the G5i—the company’s first space-saving treadmill featuring a fully powered incline system. Engineered for compact living spaces, apartments, and home offices, the G5i combines an 18% powered incline deck with a frame that folds down to a 10.2-inch profile for vertical or flat storage.
The G5i offers 25 adjustable incline levels designed to elevate metabolic expenditure without forcing higher running speeds. Technical highlights include integrated SpeedDial™ controls on the console, a proprietary SoftStep Incline™ absorption cushioning system to mitigate joint impact, and a zero-assembly deployment frame utilizing a foot-operated unlocking mechanism with built-in transport wheels.
4. HUR Group Launches VOA Fitness to Bring Pneumatic Technology to Commercial Gyms
KOKKOLA, Finland — Finnish strength equipment manufacturer HUR Group has announced the launch of VOA Fitness (“Vision on Air”), a commercial equipment brand created to introduce advanced pneumatic strength technology to mainstream commercial fitness clubs, spas, and longevity facilities. Building on HUR’s 35-year background in medical rehabilitation, VOA aims to broaden access to progressive strength training.
The core lineup comprises 17 commercial machines powered by HUR’s proprietary Aerokin pneumatic system, replacing traditional iron weight stacks and motors with controlled air pressure. Key features include digital micro-adjustments in 100-gram increments, unilateral independent movement arms, and ergonomic back supports designed to eliminate user intimidation.
The line connects to an open digital ecosystem via the VOA Journey Hub, which automatically adjusts machine parameters to member profiles via wristband integration. Structurally, removing weight stacks significantly reduces machine mass and floor loading requirements while using 96% recyclable materials in production.
5. EU Safety Gate Issues Chemical Hazard Recall for POWER SYSTEM Gym Gloves
PRAGUE, Czechia — The European Commission’s Safety Gate warning system has issued a product safety notice (Alert SR/02337/26) regarding POWER SYSTEM Pro Grip Evo Gym Gloves produced in Pakistan. Czech public authorities ordered the immediate market recall and withdrawal of the product due to severe non-compliance with European Union REACH chemical safety regulations.
Laboratory testing revealed that the plastic components of the gloves contained 24.7% by weight of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a restricted phthalate linked to reproductive toxicity. Additionally, tests detected Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) at a total concentration of 7.35 mg/kg, presenting a dermal carcinogenic risk during prolonged physical activity. The enforcement action applies specifically to item number 2260BK-6 (Model: POWER SYSTEM-GLOVES PRO GRIP EVO-BLACK-XXL, Barcode: 8595713100564) distributed online and through third-party retail channels.
6. Impulse Fitness Expands ECP Evolution Curve Strength Series in Latin America
QINGDAO, China — Publicly listed fitness equipment manufacturer Impulse Fitness (SZSE: 002899) is expanding the commercial distribution of its ECP Evolution Curve Series across Latin America. Tailored for commercial gyms and sports performance facilities, the line comprises plate-loaded strength machinery targeting major muscle groups.
The current regional catalog features 20 distinct models, including the ECP101 Shoulder Press, ECP103 Standing Lateral Raise, ECP201 Chest Press, ECP301 Pulldown, ECP617 Hack Squat, and the ECP721 Smith 0°/7° Switchable. Several units offer multi-functional configurations, such as the ECP204 Chest & Decline Chest Press, the ECP307 Multi Lat Pulldown with 360-degree rotating independent grips, the ECP624 Multi Squat, and the ECP713 Dual Hack Squat/Leg Press. All models feature heavy-duty steel construction designed for intensive commercial use.
7. Escalade Acquires Insulated Pet Shelter Manufacturer ASL Solutions
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Outdoor recreation and sporting goods manufacturer Escalade, Inc. has acquired the assets of ASL Solutions, an Illinois-based manufacturer of insulated rotational-molded dog and cat houses. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
ASL Solutions will be integrated into Escalade’s US Weight Group portfolio, which manages fitness, domestic manufacturing, and safety hardware lines. Escalade noted that ASL’s rotational molding expertise expands the company’s domestic manufacturing capabilities beyond its existing injection and blow molding platforms, while establishing an entry point into the pet products sector. Escalade’s existing portfolio includes Lifeline fitness products, Goalrilla basketball systems, Onix pickleball, and Brunswick Billiards.
8. Amazon Secures Global Partnership Deal with Hyrox Fitness Series
LONDON, United Kingdom — E-commerce giant Amazon has signed an official global partnership agreement with the Hyrox fitness race series, establishing dedicated online storefronts, curated workout content, and on-site event activations. Additionally, Amazon served as the title sponsor for the Hyrox London event.
As part of the rollout, Amazon launched dedicated Hyrox storefronts across key European markets—including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands—offering wearables, recovery tools, athletic accessories, and sports nutrition products. Amazon Music launched station-specific training playlists, while physical event activations featured “Gear Grab” booths with interactive product testing. The partnership leverages the global growth of functional fitness racing to provide centralized retail access for participating athletes.
Source: SGB Media
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