1. NRG Gyms Expands with Pump Gyms Acquisition

UK-based NRG Gyms has acquired Pump Gyms, expanding its estate from 7 to 12 sites and nearly doubling its membership base. The move, backed by Puma Growth Partners and HSBC, positions NRG among leading HVLP operators in the UK. Pump Gyms is known for 24/7 access and contract-free membership. NRG also plans to launch premium services with HealthHero’s telehealth support.

2. Flex Secures $15M for HSA/FSA Payments Platform

Payments startup Flex raised $15M in Series A funding to expand its HSA/FSA checkout solution. The company has grown its client base fivefold, adding partners like Therabody, NordicTrack, and Balanced Body. The capital will drive enterprise expansion and platform upgrades, addressing the $150B in underutilized U.S. HSA/FSA funds. Retailers using Flex report higher order values and conversion rates.

3. Oura to Manufacture in Texas, Boosting Defense Role

Oura will build a Fort Worth factory by 2026 to support its largest client, the U.S. Department of Defense. Since 2019, tens of thousands of Oura rings have been deployed for soldier fatigue, resilience, and recovery programs. The investment highlights Oura’s dual role in personal health and defense readiness while raising questions about future civilian applications and data security.

4. Nuna Pendant Launches as AI-Powered Emotional Wearable

Hong Kong startup ThingX unveiled the $299 Nuna Smart Pendant, a necklace that tracks emotional health using multimodal sensors and AI. It measures HRV, breathing, voice tone, and environmental context to provide mood insights. The pendant resembles jewelry, offers 48-hour standby, and requires no subscription, aiming to push wearables beyond fitness and stress monitoring.

5. Reebok Strength Expands in Latin America with São Paulo Showroom

Reebok Strength opened a 400 sqm showroom in São Paulo during Fitness Brasil Expo 2025, showcasing cardio, strength, and functional training solutions. CEO Alejandro Birnbaun said the facility is a hub for gyms, hotels, and distributors. The company is expanding across Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia, with Chinese suppliers playing a key role in product innovation and quality.

6. Brooklyn Fitboxing Reaches 200 Clubs in Spain

Boutique operator Brooklyn Fitboxing celebrated the opening of its 200th Spanish club in Ponferrada. The chain now counts over 260 clubs globally, aiming for 275 by year-end. Its new “Fitboxing Go” format offers lower investment entry for towns under 30,000 residents. With 70,000 active users, the brand is expanding across Europe and Latin America while leveraging patented tech and its Hit4Change foundation.

7. China Targets ¥7 Trillion Sports Industry by 2030

China’s State Council issued guidelines to boost sports consumption and industry development. The plan aims to cultivate globally influential enterprises and events, raising total industry scale above ¥7 trillion by 2030. Measures include expanding outdoor and winter sports, upgrading equipment supply, digitizing sports services, and strengthening financial and talent support.

8. New National Standard for Outdoor Fitness Equipment in China

On September 1, China implemented the revised GB 19272-2024 safety standard for outdoor fitness equipment. The update introduces stricter rules on safety, eco-friendly materials, senior- and child-friendly design, and load testing. The standard replaces the 2011 version and is expected to enhance product reliability, prevent injuries, and drive industry upgrades across the country’s 1.1 million outdoor fitness paths.

9. SportScheck Creditors to Recover Up to 65%

Creditors of German sports retailer SportScheck will recover up to 65% of claims, exceeding initial expectations. The outcome follows the smooth takeover by Italy’s Cisalfa Group. SportScheck filed for insolvency in 2023 amid the collapse of its owner Signa, but the acquisition helped stabilize operations and reduce creditor losses.

10. Nike Strength Debuts in UK at Gymbox Farringdon

Nike’s new strength training line was launched in the UK at Gymbox Farringdon, part of Urban Gym Group. The range includes grind plates made from recycled materials, squat racks, and barbells. Urban Gym Group CEO Neil Randall said the partnership combines precision engineering with sustainability, offering members an elite training experience.