1. SHUA Fitness Showcases Commercial Lineup at FITEX 2026 in Paris

SHUA Fitness made a significant impact at the recently concluded FITEX 2026—the Paris International Fitness Exhibition—held at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles. The Chinese fitness equipment brand unveiled a tailored portfolio of premium commercial products designed specifically for the European market, targeting fitness clubs, luxury hotels, and professional training institutions. Demonstrating its “local-for-local” operational strategy, SHUA highlighted exhibits such as the V10+ smart treadmill, which utilizes proprietary SRC algorithms for intelligent monitoring and personalized training to mitigate coaching shortages, alongside the ergonomic V9 series stair climber. The exhibition underscores SHUA’s long-term commitment to integrating deeply into the European fitness ecosystem.

2. IMPULSE and Divine Power Forge Strategic Strength Training Alliance

On July 3, 2026, leading Chinese fitness equipment manufacturer IMPULSE (stock code: 002899) officially signed a long-term strategic cooperation agreement with professional strength training brand Divine Power in Qingdao, China. The partnership fuses IMPULSE’s 30-year manufacturing heritage, scalable production capacity, and supply chain infrastructure with Divine Power’s specialized domain insights. Founded by prominent Chinese bodybuilder Lu Chenhui, Divine Power brings deep frontline insights into professional bodybuilding standards. Under the agreement, both companies will co-develop next-generation commercial strength training equipment and expand full-scenario fitness applications for the global market.

3. NordicTrack Ultra 1 Secures Prestigious 2026 Red Dot Design Award

iFIT’s flagship connected treadmill, the NordicTrack Ultra 1, was awarded the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026. This mark of distinction represents the machine’s third major accolade within a year, following recognition from Esquire and TIME. Tailored for residential integration, the Ultra 1 features a premium aesthetic that incorporates real walnut or maple veneer and knurled brass controls to mimic high-end furniture. Priced at $15,000, the unit features a quiet brushless motor, an impact-absorbing cushioned deck, and a 24-inch pivoting touchscreen integrated with the iFIT interactive platform. Leveraging this design success, NordicTrack has already expanded the premium aesthetic into Pilates equipment with the Ultra 1 Reformer and Reform RX-S.

4. Interactive Strength Inc. (TRNR) Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire STEPR

Interactive Strength Inc. (Nasdaq: TRNR) announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire STEPR, Inc., a prominent manufacturer of connected stair-climbing fitness equipment. The transaction, valued at a base consideration of $6.7 million plus performance-based incentives up to $16 million, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026. STEPR anticipates generating over $15 million in revenue for 2026 through a robust retail network that includes Dick’s Sporting Goods and Johnson Fitness. Following the acquisition, TRNR substantially raised its 2026 pro forma revenue guidance to over $50 million and projects achieving adjusted EBITDA profitability in Q4 2026, reversing its recent financial pressures.

5. Paddletek Group Expands Pickleball Portfolio with Pikkl Acquisition

Chicago-based pickleball paddle manufacturer Paddletek Group acquired rival brand Pikkl for an undisclosed sum. Under the new structure, Pikkl co-founders Mike Strommen and Dan Martinson will remain with the business to drive product expertise and sport growth. Concurrently, Paddletek Group announced the signing of professional pickleball athletes JW Johnson, Jorja Johnson, Julie Johnson, and Hurricane Tyra Black as brand ambassadors. Backed by private equity firm Thirty-5 Capital, Paddletek Group serves as the official paddle sponsor for Major League Pickleball and the US Open Pickleball Championships, managing a portfolio that includes Paddletek, ProXR, Padeltek, and Yobow.

6. Versant Media Group to Acquire Full Swing Simulator Platform for $530 Million

Versant Media Group agreed to acquire Full Swing, a major manufacturer of multi-sport simulators and training equipment, from a selling group led by Bruin Capital for approximately $530 million in cash. Backed by Tiger Woods since 2015, Full Swing delivers interactive simulation, launch monitors, and performance software for residential, commercial, and professional environments, and serves as the licensed simulator of the PGA Tour. Following the transaction’s expected closing in the second half of 2026, Full Swing will operate within Versant’s Digital Platforms and Ventures portfolio, integrating with its existing golf properties like the Golf Channel to scale a highly connected sports technology platform.

7. Omnigym Partners with Emmaüs Solidarité for Inclusive Outdoor Gym in Paris

Finnish outdoor fitness equipment specialist Omnigym partnered with the charity Emmaüs Solidarité to launch an outdoor gym installation at a homeless shelter on Boulevard Pereire in Paris. The facility features four specialized pieces of outdoor resistance equipment accessible to the shelter’s 209 residents. The initiative aims to democratize physical training and improve the physical and mental well-being of marginalized groups, directly addressing World Health Organization findings regarding low activity levels among disadvantaged populations. The project debuts amidst ongoing municipal efforts in Paris to enhance public health and inclusive urban infrastructure.

8. Whoop Appoints Former Nike CMO Dirk-Jan van Hameren as Chief Marketing Officer

Wearable fitness tracker and health platform Whoop appointed two-time Olympian and former Nike Global CMO Dirk-Jan van Hameren as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Van Hameren, who spent over 32 years at Nike leading high-profile product franchises and global Olympic marketing campaigns, will oversee Whoop’s global brand, media, and athlete partnerships. The executive appointment follows significant growth for the Boston-based firm, which recently surpassed three million global members. Whoop reported an 11-fold increase in international membership since January 2023, alongside rising demographic diversification among teenagers, women, and adults over the age of 60.

9. INNODIGYM’s OMNI X1 Surpasses $1.7 Million on Kickstarter

Smart home fitness brand INNODIGYM achieved a major crowdfunding milestone, with its OMNI X1 smart training system surpassing $1.7 million on Kickstarter. Launched by Innodigym International Limited, the space-saving, all-in-one compact system replaces standalone digital resistance machines and traditional free weights. The OMNI X1 features multiple digital resistance training modes, including standard, eccentric, spring, and isokinetic settings, allowing users to customize workouts based on training objectives. The system operates alongside a companion mobile application that monitors workout metrics, with scheduled future software updates aiming to deliver advanced personalized coaching.