Industry Pulse

Megacore Pilates, a manufacturer based in Taishan, China with 23 years of history, publicly reveals its full business profile: annual production of over 10,000 Pilates Reformers, 100+ professionals, serving 150+ countries and 500+ studios. The product line includes two models—C26 (stainless steel frame, 2.5mm/3mm wall thickness, designed for high-intensity commercial use) and K20 (aluminum alloy, designed for lightweight/rehabilitation scenarios). Core technical specifications: grade 10.9 high-strength bolts, 5mm steel cables (1.47-ton load capacity), 88/22/8/4 lb spring combination, POM 50mm roller system, and electrostatic powder coating with German equipment (3-year anti-rust warranty). Full OEM/ODM customization services are available, along with a 3-year frame warranty, 1-year accessories warranty, and factory-direct after-sales support. A Guangzhou showroom is available for on-site experience by distributors and studio owners.

At the ATN Innovation Summit 2026, Fitness World Canada CEO Chris Smith announced plans to open operating clubs in the United States by the end of 2026. The initial phase of expansion will focus primarily on a franchise model. Earlier this year, Fitness World announced a $50 million investment to accelerate growth—opening 25 new company-owned clubs and selling franchise licenses for the first time. The company currently has 18 clubs, all in British Columbia, a team of 700 employees, and plans to add 1,000 jobs over the next five years. Smith, a former 24 Hour Fitness executive and former HFA board chair, believes international operators can bring fresh innovation to the U.S. market, such as the biweekly billing model commonly used in Canada. He acknowledged that the U.S. HVLP market is highly competitive, but believes Fitness World’s key differentiator is its profitable personal training business, with average monthly PT revenue exceeding $90,000 per club.

Yeti has opened its first flagship store in Europe in Munich, Germany. Spanning 150 square meters (1,600 square feet), the store is at Georg-Kronawitter-Platz 2 in downtown Munich.

In a statement, Yeti said, “The location was deliberately chosen. Munich combines urban sophistication, a strong commitment to quality, and immediate proximity to nature – from the Isar River to the high mountains. This makes the city the ideal environment for Yeti, whose products not only impress with their design but are primarily engineered for intensive use.”

China’s Xtep International Holdings, Ltd. has opened its first stand-alone Saucony store in Hong Kong, with more stores are planned for the region.

Xtep acquired full ownership of the Saucony brand and intellectual property rights across Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau in early 2024. Xtep and Saucony’s parent company, Wolverine Worldwide, initially formed a joint venture in 2019 to expand the brand in the region. It holds similar rights to Merrell, also owned by Saucony’s parent, Wolverine Worldwide.

Australian activewear cult brand Stax has been placed into receivership by the National Australia Bank, with FTI Consulting appointed as managers to reassess operations and recover amounts owed to creditors.

Founded in Perth by Don Robertson and his wife Matilda in 2015, Stax built a following through collaborations with local influencers and the fitness community as well as celebrity endorsements, including Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo, Hailey Bieber, Ashley Graham, Rita Ora, and Addison Rae.

S&P Global Ratings raised the debt ratings of  Life Time Inc. as the fitness club operator continues to deliver strong EBITDA growth and reduce debt leverage due to healthy demand and membership trends.

S&P also expects the company will increase revenue 10 percent-12 percent, in line with management’s guidance for 2026. The rating agency expects Life Time will adhere to its net leverage target of 2x or less, translating to S&P Global Ratings-adjusted leverage at or below its 3.75x threshold.

S&P saidraised all of its ratings on Life Time, including its issuer credit rating to ‘BB’ from ‘BB-’ and issue-level rating on its senior secured debt to ‘BBB-’ from ‘BB+’. The stable outlook incorporates expectations that increased revenue and EBITDA will reduce S&P Global Ratings-lease-adjusted leverage to the mid- to low-3x area through 2027.

One LDN, a U.K.-based gym brand that has a partnership with Nike, is opening its first-ever funding round to fuel its expansion plans across London.

The operator is looking to raise funds for two new locations in London to meet growing demand among the consistent and loyal membership base it’s cultivated. The round also marks the first opportunity for external partners to invest early.

Crunch Fitness has appointed Chequan Lewis as chief executive officer, effective immediately, succeeding Jim Rowley, who has transitioned to executive chairman of the high-value, low-price fitness operator.

The move comes roughly 14 months after Crunch received a strategic investment from Leonard Green & Partners, a private equity firm that acquired a majority stake from TPG Growth and Crunch’s minority shareholders in a deal that reportedly valued Crunch at over $1.5 billion, including debt.

Lewis, a Howard University and Harvard Law School graduate who joined Crunch in 2024 as president, steps into the top role after helping drive the company’s growth to more than 550 locations worldwide. He came to the high-value, low-price (HVLP) gym giant from Pizza Hut, where he served as chief operating officer and first chief equity officer.

Planet Fitness, Inc. appointed Sudhanshu Priyadarshi as chief financial officer and president, international, effective immediately. Most recently, Priyadarshi served as CFO and president, International, of Keurig Dr. Pepper, and previously served as Vista Outdoor’s CFO.

At Keurig Dr. Pepper, he co-led the development of the company’s enterprise-wide strategic plan and led its global finance, IT and international operating organization, according to Planet Fitness.

Club Pilates is still on an expansion tear, signing a new 70-unit deal with entrepreneur and developer Saber Ammori and the newly formed Renew Fitness franchise group to operate and grow existing and future locations.

Ammori, who currently owns and operates 14 Club Pilates locations in the New York City area, has united with Cohere Capital to create the group, now making Renew Fitness one of the boutique brand’s largest multi-unit franchisees, with 84 potential studios.

Target markets include Michigan, Maryland and New York, where Renew Fitness is planning to acquire and develop studios as part of the deal.

“The goal has always been to keep growing with Club Pilates — my team and I are extremely passionate about this empowering, inclusive brand,” Ammori said. “There is still so much whitespace for Pilates in the U.S., and the formation of Renew Fitness will help us unlock that next phase of growth.”

Playlist, the parent company of Mindbody, ClassPass, Booker, EGYM and Kite, has named Palantir Technologies chief financial officer David Glazer to its board of directors, roughly two months after Playlist closed its $7.5 billion merger with fitness tech firm EGYM.

The deal brought ClassPass and Mindbody’s software together with EGYM’s smart strength training equipment under what the company calls the world’s largest full-stack fitness and wellness operating system.

It also included $785 million in new equity funding led by Affinity Partners, with participation from Vista Equity Partners, Temasek and L Catterton.

Playlist CEO and co-founder Fritz Lanman appeared on stage at the ATN Innovation Summit 2026 in New York City this week, alongside EGYM co-founder Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer and L Catterton managing partner Marc Magliacano, to walk through the merger and what’s ahead.

Pulse Fitness, the UK-based equipment manufacturer, announced several additions to its U.S. team to accelerate expansion in the region. Leading the U.S. expansion is Jamie Burton, (pictured right) president, Pulse Fitness USA, and global development, who will oversee strategic growth initiatives, international partnerships, and market development.He has been country general manager for the U.S. region since January 2024. He formerly worked for Chisel Fit, New Level UK Limited and Johnson Health Tech UK.

British fitness equipment manufacturer Pulse Fitness has announced its official entry into the U.S. commercial fitness equipment market, appointing Jamie Burton as President of U.S. and Global Development to lead a core team that includes Chief Revenue Officer Mike Kelly, Sales Director Andrew Graham, and Vice President of Operations Ed Kurzontkowski. Pulse Fitness differentiates itself through “inclusive fitness,” offering equipment designed to accommodate people with varying levels of mobility, including low-impact treadmills, ellipticals, upright/recumbent exercise bikes, and adjustable step platforms. The brand has already installed equipment at venues such as Third Space Wimbledon, a high-end fitness club in London, and the Royal Air Force base at Brize Norton.

The first day of the Athletech News Innovation Summit 2026 was held in New York, covering 16 topics including investment, recovery science, strength-training innovation, and the commercialization of longevity. Key signals:

① Investment trends — Pilates and HVLP gyms are the most favored by capital; 2025 is a catalyst year for major brand deals (multi-billion-dollar Crunch/EoS transactions), 2026 is expected to be a period of “slight reset,” and deal flow is projected to recover in 2027;

② The Recovery 2.0 era — the field is moving from single-method approaches (such as cold-water baths) to a personalized, data-driven stage;

③ Peloton expansion — the company is transforming from a bike brand into a full-category connected health company, reaching 290 million users through its partnership with Spotify;

④ Strength-training space design — reducing beginners’ intimidation (placing squat racks in the back) and designing the member experience starting from the “pre-journey”;

⑤ HVLP chains must prove profitability in non-metropolitan markets in order to continue attracting capital.

Australian functional training franchise brand Fitstop has signed a multi-location agreement in Houston, Texas, entering its third U.S. state after California and Pennsylvania, with Austin and San Antonio to follow. Fitstop has more than 170 locations worldwide (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the U.S.) and is known for team-based strength training—2-4 person groups supporting one another, with structured strength training programs as its core offering. Founder and CEO Pete Hull (a former professional motocross rider) said the U.S. market is shifting from “passive wellness” to “structured, results-driven training.” Next month, Fitstop will hold its Global Games event in Los Angeles.

Former Planet Fitness long-time CEO Chris Rondeau has officially invested in Absolute Recomp (AR) and joined as a partner, board member, and chief growth officer. AR was founded by 28-year-old Nabil Saeed in Dallas-Fort Worth and is positioned as a “pure-strength premium gym” built specifically for experienced lifters. It currently has 5 locations, with each gym ranging from 35,000 to 65,000 square feet, and is fully equipped with top-tier strength machines from Watson, Arsenal, Panatta, Rogers, New Tech, and others, including 120 leg machines and 30 glute/hip machines. Membership fees are $65–80 per month, and female membership has grown from 30% at opening to 43–45%. The company plans to open 4 new locations in 2026 and 10–15 the year after, with joint venture projects underway in Colorado and Illinois. Rondeau describes AR as the “reverse Planet Fitness” — while PLNT targets beginners with a beginner-friendly entry market, AR serves heavy users among Gen Z whose “training hunger far exceeds that of millennials.”

EoS Fitness has piloted Reformer Pilates classes at three of its locations in Las Vegas, Tempe, Arizona, and Houston, targeting its mid-tier membership level priced at $24.99–$29.99 per month, with plans to expand the rollout in 2027. The classes include three proprietary formats (Re:Fine classic / Re:Mix off-equipment strength / Re:Build athletic performance) plus Les Mills Reformer classes. Backed by TSG Consumer Partners, EoS Fitness has more than 2 million members, making it the fourth chain brand after Crunch Fitness, Vasa Fitness, and Planet Fitness (Australia pilot) to bring Reformer Pilates into HVLP big-box gyms.

ASICS announced the establishment of the ASICS Institute of Sports Science Europe (ISS Europe) in the Netherlands, marking its second overseas R&D base following ISS America, which will open at the end of 2025. At the same time, it announced a strategic partnership with the French sports research center HumanFab, initially focusing on tennis performance. HumanFab has an advanced indoor tennis-court laboratory that can conduct full-scale sports analysis on a regulation-size court, accurately capturing key data such as ball speed and spin. ASICS President and COO Mitsuyuki Tominaga said that Europe is a key growth market for ASICS and also a hub for its signed athletes, and that the local R&D base will shorten the cycle from athlete data to product development.

June 17, 2026, American sportswear company Under Armour has confirmed plans to close its Portland corporate office and relocate key functions, including parts of its footwear development operations, to Baltimore and other locations such as New York. The company described the move as part of a broader organizational restructuring aimed at improving collaboration and aligning teams more closely with its headquarters. While the Portland office will be closed in its current form, Under Armour stated that it will continue to maintain a presence in the city and retain some innovation-related activities there.

AI startup Midjourney Inc. announced its first hardware project at an event in San Francisco, outlining an unexpected move into the personal health and medical industries.

Chief executive officer David Holz revealed what he described as a “full-body ultrasound machine” called the Midjourney Scanner. “No such device has ever been built until now,” he claimed, touting the new technology as superior to MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in numerous ways.

“Our goal is to build a fleet of 50,000 of these scanners,” Holz said, declining to specify how much the product will cost. “We’re not even using any AI in this yet — just really cool hardware and software.”

PARIS, FRANCE – June 18, 2026 — Kinomap, the leading interactive indoor training platform, today announced a strategic global partnership with world-renowned group fitness brand Les Mills. Starting September 2026, the collaboration will introduce a unique bundled subscription plan, creating a comprehensive fitness ecosystem within a single solution.

Through this new offering, users can subscribe to both platforms directly via Kinomap at a highly competitive price point. The bundle seamlessly merges Kinomap’s immersive, real-world geolocated video routes for cycling, running, and rowing with Les Mills’ globally recognized non-cardio programs, including strength training, HIIT, and yoga.

Leadership Perspectives
"By combining Kinomap’s immersive cardio with Les Mills’ world-class workouts, we are creating a unique, high-value proposition for fitness enthusiasts everywhere," said Philippe Moity, CEO of Kinomap.

"Consumers want flexible, complete wellness experiences," added Marina Nola, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Les Mills. "This convenient bundle makes it easier than ever for people to stay motivated and achieve their goals."

The bundled subscription is scheduled for global release in September 2026.

On June 15, Pon.Bike, one of the world's largest bicycle manufacturers, announced that it will close its Cannondale European assembly plant in Almelo, Netherlands, by the end of 2027. This move is part of the group's new "multi-brand integrated production" strategy. Production capacity will gradually transition to existing European hubs in Germany and Lithuania. The company emphasized that this relocation will not disrupt bike deliveries to dealers or consumers.

The facility currently employs approximately 120 staff members and specializes in single-brand assembly for Cannondale. Because the plant cannot accommodate the group's future vision for "one-stop" multi-brand production, Pon.Bike decided on the closure, offering a generous 18-month transition and relocation plan for the affected workforce.

Global group exercise specialist, Les Mills, is inviting operators to sign up to its Workout for the World event on 20 June, in support of UNICEF.

Les Mills has already raised more than US$2 million for the charity which helps children in areas impacted by wars or sudden natural disasters, providing clean water, medicine, nutrition, and psychological support.

American professional outdoor gear retailer Outdoors, Inc., a local landmark with 52 years of history, announced in May 2026 that it would cease operations and held a closing clearance sale at its last store on Poplar Ave in Memphis and online.

Founded in 1974 by Joe Royer and Lawrence Migliara, Outdoors, Inc. had four locations as recently as 2019, according to its website. The retailer offers hiking, camping, paddling, climbing, cycling, and skiing gear and is known for organizing and sponsoring major community sporting events, including the Outdoors, Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race on the Mississippi River and the Cyclocross Championship.

Australia’s budget-friendly gym chain Revo Fitness is steadily growing its footprint down under, surpassing 75 locations nationwide with the opening of three new locations across Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. As Australia’s low-cost gym market heats up, this budget gym is becoming more ambitious. It plans to expand its number of gyms to 100 by 2027 and further advance its mission of making fitness more accessible to more Australians.

Global bicycle manufacturer Giant Group’s shipments in May 2026 increased 5.8% year over year to NT$5.36 billion, marking the first monthly year-over-year growth since February 2025 and the second positive-growth month since August 2024. The company had previously experienced a continuous decline: sales in Q1 2026 fell 20.3% year over year to NT$16.06 billion, full-year 2025 sales fell 15.4%, and 2024 sales fell 7.4%. The decline in April sales had already narrowed to 1.8%, and May turned positive, widely viewed as a turning-point signal that the industry’s inventory destocking is nearing its end and demand is recovering.

On June 9, 2026, wearable fitness brand Pepper officially launched its dry EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) fitness suit, which has received FDA certification in the United States, and announced its entry into the U.S. market. Unlike traditional EMS devices that require moist skin to conduct electrical impulses, Pepper’s dry solution significantly lowers the barrier to use. The product activates up to 90% of muscle fibers simultaneously through electrical impulses (about three times that of traditional training), allowing 20 minutes to achieve the effect of one hour of strength training. The hardware is equipped with 20 integrated electrodes and a central control box, the Powerbox; a single charge supports 10 training sessions. On the software side, it syncs in real time with the Pepper App, includes more than 100 guided courses, and uses AI algorithms to generate personalized training recommendations based on users’ exercise data. The product has already been used in 30 countries.

BLK BOX has appointed Timo Garrels as its Germany country manager — the latest move in its broader European expansion strategy on June10, 2026.

Germany has been a key market for BLK BOX, with existing projects including adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach, Eisbären Berlin, and KB Sports Düsseldorf. Garrels brings local market knowledge and experience working with operators, sports organizations, and gym owners. In his new role, he will lead growth across Germany, overseeing client relationships and delivering complete solutions covering equipment, layout, storage, flooring, and installation.

Garrels noted that Germany values quality, precision, and long-term value — qualities he said align well with BLK BOX's approach to equipment and facility design. Founder Greg Bradley emphasized that having dedicated local leadership helps maintain brand standards while building long-term partnerships.

The appointment reflects BLK BOX's ongoing investment in local expertise across Europe, without compromising the global consistency that defines its training environments.

Chinse Fitness equipment brand, Merach,  has introduced its latest line of magnetic stair climbers, designed to offer a more convenient, space-saving, and budget-friendly option for home fitness enthusiasts.

The new series features magnetic resistance technology for smooth, low-noise operation, making it suitable for apartment living. With a compact and foldable structure, the equipment can be easily stored when not in use, addressing common space constraints in modern homes.

Positioned as an accessible entry point for indoor stair climbing workouts, the series aims to help users improve cardiovascular health and lower-body strength without the need for bulky gym machines.

The launch reflects Merach's continued focus on bringing practical, space-efficient fitness solutions to the home market.

The UK has announced a public-private partnership with China to advance healthy ageing, bringing together Prudential plc and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA). The collaboration, finalized during Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's visit, will establish local "Healthy Ageing Hubs" under the new AI Wellness Project.

Based on NICA’s "City of Longevity" model, the hubs will deploy UK-developed innovations in Chinese communities, offering free support to residents and promoting mobility, healthier lifestyles, and social connections. This initiative opens new opportunities in China’s rapidly growing silver economy while strengthening the UK’s leadership in global health innovation.

British Ambassador Peter Wilson highlighted strong demand for UK life sciences expertise in China, noting that projects like "City of Longevity Beijing" create growth opportunities for British firms and reinforce the UK’s reputation as a world leader in health innovation.

Source: https://agetechworld.co.uk/news/uk-to-support-healthy-ageing-hubs-in-china/

Club Pilates, the Pilates chain brand under U.S.-based Xponential Fitness, has announced an accelerated expansion in Spain, planning to increase the number of operating studios to 50 over the next 12 months. Club Pilates has already established a presence in multiple Spanish cities through a master franchise model, and plans to open at least six new locations in the second half of the year. The brand expects revenue in Spain to reach 15 million euros in 2026, a 50% increase year over year.

England's squad will all wear Whoop fitness trackers during the 2026 World Cup to monitor player recovery, manage training load, and cope with North American travel and heat. The decision was driven by head coach Tuchel, with the Netherlands and Portugal national teams making the same choice. Whoop's screenless design allows wear during matches, tracking key metrics like heart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, and recovery scores in real time. Reports say England views recovery as a "tactical weapon," with Whoop data directly guiding player rotation and training intensity decisions.

Lululemon Q1 revenue hits $2.5B (+4%), with China surging 30% while North America slips 3%. Net profit down 25%. Despite strong China sales, Q2 and full-year guidance are weak, triggering analyst downgrades and a sharp stock drop.

Meta announced that its VR fitness app Supernatural will be spun off as an independent company, Supernatural Health, led by the original Supernatural founders and coaching team.

Smart wearable brand Amazfit launched two new smartwatches during the Hyrox New York event on June 3: the flagship Balance Ultra and the lightweight Balance 3.

The deep integration of wearable devices with major fitness event IPs is accelerating: (1) As an official Hyrox partner, Amazfit has built event-exclusive features into its devices, pioneering a new "event-specific directional development" model; (2) The HybridCharge system breaks the traditional single-dimension health assessment paradigm of wearables, marking the upgrade of wearable devices from "data recorders" to "training decision-support tools"; (3) The rapid growth of the hybrid fitness market (running + strength + functional training) is driving wearable device capabilities toward multimodal evolution, placing higher demands on the interconnectivity of fitness equipment.

Portugal’s leading operator SC Fitness is celebrating a milestone by reaching 100 gyms.  The company now has 35 Solinca gyms in Portugal, 52 Element Gyms in Portugal, and 13 Element Gyms in Czechia.

Investment firm Brand Velocity Group (BVG) has acquired RCX Sports, which operates league-licensed youth sports properties including NFL Flag, Jr. NBA, MLB Pitch, Hit & Run, and NHL Street. The platform was previously owned by The Raine Group’s investment arm.

On June 4, Orangetheory Fitness, a major global boutique fitness studio chain from the United States, officially announced its first entry into the Italian market, with plans to open multiple studios in the Rome metropolitan area over the next four years. In conjunction with this launch, the Italian fitness equipment giant Technogym was selected as the supplier of strength training equipment to support the chain's full-scale establishment in Italy. This move marks a further expansion of the international footprint of Purpose Brands, the parent company of Orangetheory.

Portuguese online fitness equipment brand BOOMFIT (founded in 2016, handling over 1,000 orders/day and serving thousands of gyms) officially launched its multi-brand digital platform, BOOMFIT Marketplace, on June 3. The initial lineup features 350+ devices and around 30 international brands, including Concept2, Therabody, WaterRower, Withings, RDX, BenchK, TEQBALL, and others, covering a full range of categories such as fitness, combat sports, recovery, health, yoga & pilates, and interactive training. CEO Vítor Brandão stated that the next phase aims to expand to 100 brands, establishing the platform as the benchmark in fitness equipment discovery in the Iberian Peninsula.

Workout Anytime has opened a new 22,000-square-foot flagship store in Homestead, Florida, serving as the pilot location for introducing the EGYM Intelligent Strength Training System. EGYM is an AI-driven smart strength training system that automatically records workout data, adjusts resistance, and provides personalized training programs. This flagship store is positioned as the "store of the future" model for Workout Anytime.

EGYM is the largest smart fitness equipment company in Europe. Its collaboration with the U.S. chain Workout Anytime marks the official entry of AI strength training equipment into the affordable 24/7 chain market in the United States.

NEW YORK, June 2, 2026, Crunch Fitness, one of the fitness industry's leading high-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms, today announced the launch of Crunch Reform Pilates™, a new reformer Pilates studio concept designed to bring one of the fitness industry's fastest-growing boutique modalities into the accessible mainstream gym environment without the premium price tag. Launching across 20 locations in California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan, Crunch's Reform Pilates™ group fitness class combines a hands-on, instructor-led class experience with integrated virtual guidance, delivering a modernized Pilates offering built for today's fitness consumer and gym-goer.

On June 2, Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning announced the signing of a major endorsement deal with one of the brightest stars of the NBA, Stephen Curry. The 10-year agreement covers plans for basketball, athleisure, and golf products. Both parties have established a long-term partnership, aiming to develop new products together and planning to open Curry Brand stores in both China and the United States.

Media analysis suggests that this agreement will not only open the door for the NBA star to reach China's vast consumer base but also provide Li-Ning with the greatest opportunity yet to enter the U.S. sportswear market.

Technogym founder and president Nerio Alessandri officially launched the Technogym School, with classes held at the Technogym Village campus in Cesena, Italy. The school offers two master's programs: the Wellness Master (training Wellness Managers™, focusing on health industry operations management) and the Healthness Master (training Healthness Doctor, focusing on preventive medicine and longevity). The curriculum covers cutting-edge fields such as health and longevity, epigenetics, AI, and biomarker analysis, with an international faculty of medical, academic, and corporate experts. Two formats are available: a one-year Executive Master (weekend classes) and a three-month Intensive Master.

The world's top fitness and health industry exhibition RiminiWellness 2026, kicks off in Rimini, Italy, with an exhibition area exceeding 190,000 square meters, covering 30 halls. Key highlights of this edition include the expansion of the Innovation Area to feature 30 startups, focusing on four main areas: AI training, wearable devices, functional nutrition, and proactive longevity. A "Reverse Pitching" session and school training programs are introduced for the first time.

A vibrant atmosphere at the SHUA booth throughout China Sport Show 2026. Visitors from around the world stopped by to experience SHUA equipment, connect with the team, and share great conversations on-site. A few energetic days in Xiamen filled with hands-on moments, valuable connections, and plenty of highlights.

Oura has launched Oura Ring 5, its newest smart ring as the company, which was recently valued at $11 billion and is prepping for an IPO, looks to defend its lead in the increasingly competitive wearables market and push further into preventive health.

The new ring is 40% smaller than Oura Ring 4, with redesigned sensing architecture, week-long battery life and a slimmer form factor designed to make the device easier to wear continuously. Oura says the Gen 5 ring is the world’s smallest smart ring.

After Aescape’s original corporate entity entered insolvency proceedings with more than $150 million in unsecured debt, the brand’s new CEO, Frank Britt, is pushing back on the idea that the AI-powered robotic massage company is out of business.

Britt said Aescape Recovery, the new operating company that now owns Aescape’s technology, intellectual property, hardware and partner network agreements, is trying to move the business forward under a different capital structure, leadership team and go-to-market model.

Dick’s Sporting Goods has partnered with Adobe to launch “Coach by Dick’s,” an agentic AI-based personal assistant designed to “support customers throughout their entire shopping journey in its mobile app beginning in June 2026.”

Peloton Interactive, Inc. has appointed Siddharth (“Sid”) Thacker, formerly CFO at Rent the Runway, as the company’s chief financial officer. Effective June 22, at Peloton, Thacker will oversee the company’s global finance organization and strategy.

The Chinese National Standardization Administration issued the "10 National Standards for Indoor Fixed Fitness Equipment," including one mandatory national standard and nine recommended national standards, which will officially take effect on October 1, 2027. The new standards, aimed at indoor fitness equipment for individuals aged 14 and older, set comprehensive requirements in areas such as structural safety, limits on harmful substances, electrical safety, reliability, and usability, with a particular focus on: safety protection against entanglement points, fall limit components (to prevent injuries from bench pressing/squatting), and limits on harmful substances in grips/seats.

Global high-end fitness equipment brand INTENZA was awarded the 2026 "Most Innovative Fitness and Wellness Company" title by Athletech News. With the core philosophy of "Born for Excellence," INTENZA serves high-end hotels, professional gyms, and other settings. In 2026, the brand launched a dual-track strategy of "commercial + home use" and introduced the new 350T treadmill, bringing commercial-grade standards to the home market. Key components feature reinforced craftsmanship, delivering an almost frictionless smooth running experience and significantly reduced noise.

The Starbucks RTD Coffee & Protein line launched a limited-edition Starbucks weighted vest on May 21, designed in collaboration with fashion brand KBB by Kahlana. Additionally, it partnered with Strava to initiate an in-app fitness challenge, this move aligns with the release of its new protein coffee beverages.

Fitness Ventures has acquired 22 clubs from Harman Fitness, a Los Angeles-based franchisee, in a deal that vaults Fitness Ventures to the top of the Crunch system in terms of unit count and puts CR Fitness Holdings, another leading franchisee group, in second place.

Nike announced a new artificial intelligence-powered shopping feature that allows U.S. consumers to discover and purchase Nike products directly through Google’s Gemini app and AI Mode in Search.

James Zheng, CEO of the globally renowned Finnish sporting goods multinational Amer Sports, Inc., reported that the parent company of Arc’teryx, Salomon, and Wilson sustained its “excellent momentum” in the first quarter of 2026, with all segments, geographies, and channels performing exceptionally well in Q1. He highlighted the quarter was driven by “exceptional” growth in Salomon Softgoods, robust Arc’teryx omni-channel performance, and solid growth in Wilson Tennis 360.

La Sportiva, maker of mountain gear, has added Coldstream Sales as its new sales rep for the Southwest. Led by Adam Selby, Coldstream Sales has “years of outdoor industry experience and a grounded understanding of the region’s specialty retail landscape” to grow La Sportiva’s presence in the territory.”

GSI Outdoors’ sibling founders – Don Scott, Ian Scott, and Kathy Scott – have reacquired the company, returning GSSI to a family-owned and operated business.

China’s fast-fashion platform Shein is acquiring U.S. apparel brand Everlane from its majority owner, L Catterton, in a deal valuing the U.S.-based ‌retailer at about $100 million, according to reports.

Those with Everlane common stock, which is known for its sustainability focus, will not receive a payout, sources told Puck News and The Information.

Nike is re-entering the physical fitness space through a partnership with Australian boutique chain The Yard Gym, months after shutting down its own Nike Studios concept. The collaboration signals a more asset-light approach — partnering with established operators rather than building and operating facilities in-house.

Oura, the maker of popular smart rings that track health, fitness and sleep, has confidentially filed a draft of its IPO prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company announced on Thursday.

Renowned manufacturers at the China Sport Show 2026 series 3:

Shua Fitness

DHZ Fitness

Zhejiang Arcana Power Sports

Xiamen Kpower

Guwow Fitness, a manufacturer from Shandong, China, showcased its new brand at the 43rd China Sport Show. The company presented Astra, the fitness equipment officially designated for the China stop of the world’s top and most prestigious professional bodybuilding competition, the Joe Weider Olympia Amateur.

Kpower is holding the China sport show gala dinner in Xiamen And the general manager of kpower , Jacky Wei welcomes friends and business partners from all over the world

Xiamen Mydo Sports showcased its latest innovations at the 43rd China Sport Show, featuring treadmills with exclusive features. Highlights included a fully foldable treadmill and a “smart” treadmill equipped with full-feature screen projection.

Renowned manufacturers at the China Sport Show 2026 series 2:

Zhejiang Zhengxing Fitness Equipment Co., Ltd.

Merachfit

Zhejiang Ypoo Health Technology Co., Ltd.

HSM

Renowned manufacturers at the China Sport Show 2026 series 1:

• Johnson Health Tech
• Nantong Iron Man Sports Fitness
• Brightway Fitness

SPORTSOUL CO., LTD exhibited at the 43rd China Sport Show. At this event, Sportsoul showcased a variety of products.

The 43rd China Sport Show opening ceremony is happening now...

On May 20, the Chinese Olympic Committee and Shuhua Sports held a signing and press conference in Xiamen, officially announcing Shuhua Sports as the fitness equipment supplier for the Chinese Olympic Committee/Team China for 2026–2028. Since first partnering with the Chinese Olympic Committee in 2013, Shuhua has been featured five times in the Olympic “China House”—including the Sochi Winter Olympics, Rio Olympics, PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Paris Olympics, and Milan Winter Olympics.

As a manufacturer deeply dedicated to the fitness equipment industry for many years, Xiamen K-life Sports Equipment Co., Ltd. aim to inject fresh energy into commercial gyms market and will make a striking debut with 5 brand-new photoelectric series professional equipments. With innovative photoelectric design and robust product capabilities, They sincerely invite global new and long-standing customers to visit thier booth to jointly explore new trends in photoelectric fitness and discuss a future of collaboration.

Exhibitors are setting up their booths.

The exhibition staff is busy preparing.

Selkirk Sport, best known for its pickleball paddles, has acquired competitor Bread & Butter Pickleball Company in a move to help Selkirk “reach a broader and increasingly diverse base of pickleball players.” With the inclusion of Bread & Butter, Selkirk “expands its portfolio with a differentiated brand that speaks to a distinct consumer segment.” The acquisition also enhances both companies’ platform of services as they scale internationally.

U.S. high-end outdoor sports equipment brand Yeti's wholesale sales grew by 19% in Q1 2026, the company raised its full-year earnings and sales outlook regardless. CEO Matthew Reintjes characterized Yeti’s competitive advantages as “durable and defensible,” pointing to brand trust, scalable product platforms and a diversified global omnichannel model.

UFC GYM is entering the Pakistani market with two new locations in Islamabad and Lahore. The expansion is led by Premier Sports Group, the official master franchisee, which was recently established to bring global sports and fitness brands to the country.

The initial plan includes a premium venue in Islamabad and a flagship club in Lahore.

on May 17: Information from the China National Intellectual Property Administration shows that Shua Sports has applied for a patent titled “倒蹬挂片训练器” with authorization announcement number CN309985121S, and the authorization announcement date is May 15, 2026. The application number is CN202630185661.X, the publication date of the application is May 15, 2026, and the filing date is April 20, 2026.

Escape Fitness Limited, the Peterborough-based functional fitness equipment supplier operating across 80 countries with over 1,000 global clients, has entered administration as of April 27, 2026, marking an alarming end to its 25-year legacy in the commercial fitness industry.

The fitness equipment factory Zhejiang Qiaodeng Industry and Trade Co., Ltd. will launch new products at the 2026 China Sports Expo, including exercise bikes, treadmills, and mini steppers.

Life Time Fitness, a high-end U.S. fitness chain, has announced that it will expand the size of its clubs to accommodate more premium facilities and services. This strategic adjustment reflects the broader trend in the fitness industry toward “experience-based” and “lifestyle-oriented” models. Life Time plans to use larger spaces to integrate more functional areas, including boutique studios, recovery facilities, food and beverage services, and collaborative workspaces, in order to meet members’ diverse health needs.

Amazon is recalling approximately 2,900 sets of Amazon Basics 55-lb. adjustable dumbbells due to safety concerns. Users are advised to stop using the product immediately and follow Amazon’s instructions for return or replacement. Amazon says it has received at least eight reports of the weight plates failing to lock properly during weight adjustment and dislodging, though no injuries were reported.. but the recall highlights the importance of checking exercise equipment for defects.

Virgin Active has announced that it will reopen its club in Mayfair, London, in July 2026 as the brand’s first “Social Wellness Club” in the UK. The new concept goes beyond the traditional gym model by integrating private meeting rooms, a coffee bar, recovery spaces and boutique training zones, and will be locally tailored to the characteristics of the UK market. Virgin Active plans to roll out this concept across other parts of the UK and into developed markets worldwide.

Xiamen Mydo Sport has announced it will showcase three original, independently developed treadmill innovations at the upcoming 43rd China International Sporting Goods Show, taking place from May 21–24 at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center.

The first product is an installation-free folding treadmill featuring a proprietary, one-click folding mechanism designed for rapid space-saving storage in both residential and commercial settings.

The second product is a smart UI screen-casting treadmill that allows seamless wireless mirroring of phones and tablets, integrating user entertainment with live workout metrics.

The third product is a patented five-in-one multifunctional treadmill that consolidates regular running, backward walking, resistance walking, vibration, and balance training into a single unit, targeting multi-generational fitness needs.

Italian top-tier fitness equipment manufacturer Technogym released its Q1 2026 financial report, posting revenue of €236.8 million (up 10.1% year-on-year), the best first-quarter performance in the company’s history. The B2B segment grew 10.8%, while the B2C segment grew 7.9%. The company is accelerating its multi-year strategic partnership with Google Cloud’s Gemini AI, integrating large models into its fitness equipment ecosystem.

On May 7, 2026, Google announced that the Fitbit app would be officially renamed Google Health and that it would launch a Gemini-powered Google Health Coach AI health coaching subscription service on May 19, starting at $9.99 per month ($99 per year). The AI coach will integrate fitness guidance, sleep analysis, and health consultation into one offering, marking Google’s full transformation from wearable fitness tracking to a comprehensive health management platform.

With just one month left on the countdown to the opening of the expo, the bell has sounded to spur us forward and we are striding into a new journey. As of now, overall exhibitor recruitment for the 2026 China SportShow has successfully concluded. The exhibition area will exceed 200,000 square meters, with more than 2,000 participating companies—both figures setting new records in the history of the China SportShow. At the same time, all aspects of preparation for the event have been refined and completed, and everything is in place as we await a new chapter.