1. Les Mills Enters Reformer Pilates Category to Expand Group Fitness Offerings
Global group fitness provider Les Mills has officially launched Les Mills Reformer, marking its debut in the reformer Pilates category. Taught across its partner network of over 22,000 facilities worldwide, the new music-driven, pre-choreographed program aims to help commercial gym operators capitalize on the growing demand for low-impact strength and mobility training. Designed with a standardized curriculum, the program allows facilities to scale reformer classes efficiently without relying on freestyle instructors. Initial pilot testing demonstrated strong commercial potential: a UK trial showed that 57% of new members joined their facility specifically for the program, while a test in New Zealand featuring a $5 per-class surcharge saw a 21% increase in average class attendance.
2. Maldives and India Sign Agreement for Island Fitness Equipment Procurement
The Maldivian government signed an agreement with India to procure fitness and recreation equipment for 42 islands under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), supported by Indian grant funding. Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu, and Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian executed the accord at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male. The initiative aims to expand access to healthy living and recreational activities across local communities, with a particular focus on driving sports participation among women and youth.
3. Garmin Expands Ecosystem via Acquisition of TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic
Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) has acquired digital performance platforms TrainingPeaks and TrainHeroic to strengthen its software ecosystem for endurance and strength athletes. The transaction adds 120 associates from the Colorado-based platforms to Garmin’s workforce, integrating customizable coaching tools and performance metrics into Garmin’s hardware suite. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition aims to enhance direct connections between athletes and professional coaches while deepening data-driven training integrations across Garmin’s device network.
4. Garmin Debuts Screenless CIRQA Smart Band to Target Subscription-Free Market
Garmin launched the CIRQA Smart Band, a screenless health and activity tracker priced at $199.99 with no ongoing subscription fees. Positioned as a companion device for continuous biometric tracking, the 20-gram fabric-wrapped band utilizes Garmin’s Elevate Gen 4 optical sensor to track heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), Body Battery, sleep stages, and VO2 Max across more than 80 activities. The device offers up to 10 days of battery life, 5 ATM water resistance, and ANT+/Bluetooth broadcasting to sync live data with external cycling computers and gym equipment. Orders open July 24 across North American and European markets.
5. KPM Berlin Collaborates with Sucuk & Bratwurst on Kettlebell Teapot Release
German porcelain manufacturer KPM Berlin collaborated with Berlin design studio Sucuk & Bratwurst to launch “SporTea: the Kettlebell Teapot,” a limited-edition art tableware collection. The design mimics the shape and scale of an 8 kg strength-training kettlebell, integrating classic kettlebell contours with functional teapot elements such as a spout, lid, and platinum-embellished handle. Handcrafted at KPM’s Berlin facility, the porcelain series is released in Royal Blue and Energetic Orange, limited to 100 numbered pieces per colorway globally at a retail price of €600 each.
6. China Targets RMB 7 Trillion Sports Industry Scale in 15th Five-Year Plan
China’s General Administration of Sport released the “15th Five-Year Plan” for Building a Sports Powerhouse, establishing structural economic targets through 2030. The policy projects China’s national sports industry market size to exceed RMB 7 trillion (approx. USD $970+ billion), supported by key metrics including a targeted per capita sports venue area of 4 square meters and a regular physical exercise participation rate of 40%. The strategic framework outlines 38 priority tasks focused on expanding urban public fitness infrastructure, youth athletic pipelines, outdoor gear manufacturing, and specialized consumer sectors such as senior fitness equipment.
7. KSOC and Fitflex Host Equipment Donation Ceremony at Jincheon Training Center
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), led by President Lee Kee-heung, hosted a formal donation ceremony with fitness equipment manufacturer Fitflex at the Jincheon National Training Center. Fitflex delivered 90 units of strength and conditioning accessories, including specialized training grips and protective gear, to support national team athletes. Representatives from both organizations confirmed that the donated equipment will be deployed immediately to assist with injury prevention, strength conditioning, and daily performance preparation for national team members.
8. EGYM Integrates Wattbike VO2 Max Data into Digital Health Ecosystem
EGYM and Wattbike announced a technology integration that automatically syncs VO2 max test results from Wattbike indoor cycles into the EGYM digital platform. The integration routes cardiorespiratory data, workout distance, and caloric expenditure directly into the user profile to calculate EGYM’s “Cardio BioAge” score. By automating the transfer of aerobic capacity metrics, the joint solution allows commercial facility operators to deliver objective cardiovascular health tracking and personalized training programming without manual data entry.
9. Gym Plus Introduces Compact “Icon” Functional Trainer for Space-Constrained Facilities
Australian strength equipment brand Gym Plus introduced “Icon,” an all-in-one functional trainer engineered for home gyms, apartments, and small studio spaces. The unit combines a dual cable pulley system, a 7-degree angled Smith machine, and a half rack within a footprint measuring 1.54 meters by 1.24 meters. Constructed with chrome-plated uprights and aluminum pulleys, the trainer incorporates storage for attachments and is offered in Matcha Green, Pink, and standard chrome finishes. Gym Plus will showcase the unit at the Sydney Fitness Expo in September following its initial product launch.
