1. Peloton Cuts 11% of Workforce as Turnaround Efforts Continue
Peloton has reduced its global workforce by approximately 11% as part of an ongoing cost-cutting and operational efficiency push, according to company statements and media reports. The layoffs, announced by CEO Peter Stern, primarily affected engineering teams involved in technology and enterprise initiatives.
As of June 30, 2025, Peloton employed more than 2,600 people. The company said the move was intended to streamline operations while preserving investment in growth-critical areas. The restructuring follows a series of actions under Stern’s leadership, including product lineup adjustments and price increases across hardware and subscription offerings.
Peloton is scheduled to report quarterly earnings in the coming week. The company’s shares were down more than 9% month-to-date, following a nearly 30% decline in 2025.
2. iFIT and Huge Launch AI-Generated Cinematic Fitness Series
iFIT has partnered with design and technology firm Huge to launch Realms You Can’t Reach, a new category of AI-generated, cinematic treadmill workouts.
Powered by Google’s Veo 3 video generation technology, the series features five immersive running, jogging, and walking experiences set in fantastical environments that would be impossible to film using traditional production methods. Each workout runs 20–30 minutes and combines first-person video, custom sound design, and long-form scene transitions.
The content was officially introduced to iFIT members on January 12, 2026, and expands the company’s library of more than 10,000 workouts, which already includes interactive formats such as Trainer Games and SmartAdjust. Both companies positioned the project as a use of AI to expand creative possibilities rather than replace coach-led programming.
3. Tonal Expands Yoga and Pilates Content for 2026
Tonal announced an expansion of its digital content strategy for 2026, placing greater emphasis on yoga, Pilates, and live programming alongside its core strength-training focus.
The update includes the launch of Pilates Precision and Power on February 13, developed by trainer Kristin McGee. The program combines Pilates principles with strength training, focusing on alignment, control, and balance during compound movements. Tonal also confirmed the gradual addition of advanced Pilates exercises such as Teaser, Coordination, and Rollover.
In parallel, Tonal has added new instructors, including New York-based Pilates coach Katie Yip and yoga specialist Pilin Anice. From February 2, Tonal’s live training schedule, Recomp Roadmap, has also begun incorporating live yoga sessions for the first time.
4. India’s Cult.fit Raises $50M as IPO Preparations Advance
India-based fitness technology company Cult.fit has raised approximately $50 million (₹4.2 billion) in a new funding round led by Temasek, according to reports from Tech in Asia.
The financing values Cult.fit at around $1.6 billion and represents the first tranche of capital raised as the company prepares for a potential public listing. Cult.fit operates more than 700 fitness centers across India and has signaled plans to expand further into South Asia.
For fiscal year 2025, the company reported revenue growth of 50% year-on-year to $147 million, while narrowing its EBITDA loss to $15 million, highlighting improving operating leverage ahead of a possible IPO.
5. Life Fitness / Hammer Strength Opens Nieto-Jones Innovation Center
Life Fitness and Hammer Strength have officially opened the Nieto-Jones Innovation Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, establishing a centralized hub for product development, testing, and performance validation.
The facility brings together mechanical, electrical, software, quality assurance, and reliability teams into a single R&D environment, supporting rapid prototyping and extensive lab testing. It is named in honor of Life Fitness founder Augie Nieto and Hammer Strength founder Gary Jones.
The opening also marked an expanded partnership with Harper College, enabling joint research and real-world equipment testing through the college’s Performance Insights Lab.
6. BLK BOX Appoints Maëva Begue as General Manager for France
Northern Ireland-based strength equipment manufacturer BLK BOX has appointed Maëva Begue as General Manager of France, reinforcing its European expansion strategy.
Begue brings extensive experience in fitness and wellness and will lead BLK BOX’s commercial development across France, working with gym operators, performance facilities, and partners. The company has already completed several high-profile projects in the country, including a new HYROX training area at Fitness Park Paris.
BLK BOX said the appointment reflects its commitment to investing in local expertise while maintaining consistent global standards, with a consultative, long-term approach to facility design and equipment deployment.
7. Sword Health Acquires Kaia Health in $285M Digital MSK Deal
Sword Health has acquired German musculoskeletal care platform Kaia Health in a transaction valued at $285 million, significantly expanding its AI-driven care platform.
The acquisition strengthens Sword’s presence in Europe and provides access to Germany’s digital health reimbursement pathway, covering up to 70 million people. Sword, which has expanded beyond MSK care into mental health and women’s pelvic health, now serves more than 500,000 members and 1,000 employer partners globally.
CEO Virgílio Bento indicated the company is seeking to raise up to $500 million in additional capital in the first half of 2026 to fund further acquisitions in the US and Europe.
8. 360 Hoops Secures Strategic Investment from Geno Auriemma
Florida-based start-up 360 Hoops has received an undisclosed investment from UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma, who will also serve as a strategic advisor.
360 Hoops has developed a patented three-in-one basketball system featuring circular-court gameplay and three scoring baskets, designed to increase player movement and decision-making. The company plans an official commercial rollout in the second quarter of 2026 following pilot programs conducted in 2025.
The company said Auriemma’s involvement is expected to support product validation, community adoption, and long-term scaling in youth and recreational sports markets.
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