Health and Fitness Club Industry News
Sunday, January 18th, 2026
Echelon Appoints Alex Kaplan as President
Posted: September 22, 2021 in Suppliers
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Echelon, the connected fitness company revolutionizing the way people move, has announced the appointment of Alex Kaplan as President. Kaplan's appointment follows a series of investments, including a $65M round led by Goldman Sachs in addition to other investments from North Castle Partners and United Talent Agency. These investments have helped Echelon expand an already dominant footprint in the connected fitness membership space. Read More...
Planet Fitness, Home of the Judgement Free Zone, and the Coalition for Inclusive Fitness, Announce Accessible Exercise Equipment Commitment Benefitting People with Disabilities
Posted: September 21, 2021 in Chains
HAMPTON, N.H. - Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT), one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, National Council on Independent Living, and American Council of the Blind (collectively "Coalition for Inclusive Fitness" or the "Coalition") have announced a commitment to expand access to accessible exercise equipment. Planet Fitness is committed to providing inclusive equipment in all new clubs and adding it to existing clubs across the country as franchise owners replace current offerings, as inclusive commercial grade equipment becomes available for purchase and is approved by Planet Fitness for inclusion in its clubs. Read More...
Empire Portfolio Group Acquires 11 Orangetheory Fitness Studios Plus Area Development Rights in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Posted: September 21, 2021 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Empire Portfolio Group ("Empire"), a leading Area Developer and Franchisee of Orangetheory Fitness, the heart rate-based interval training fitness franchise, announced it has acquired eleven studios and the area development rights in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. The sellers include Alan Luchnick and Steve Kolakowski. This transaction marks Empire's fourth acquisition since partnering with Revelstoke Capital Partners ("Revelstoke") in December 2020 and strengthens Empire's position on the East Coast, which now includes a total of over 120 studios across nine states and Washington, D.C. Read More...
American Council on Exercise Names Sarah Beavins VP of Sales and Marketing
Posted: September 17, 2021 in Suppliers
SAN DIEGO, CA - The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has promoted Sarah Beavins to the role of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Beavins has more than two decades of marketing experience in higher education, nonprofit and advertising agencies. As the Vice President of Marketing, Beavins will oversee and drive ACE’s marketing of certification and education products and sales teams. She will be responsible for the global oversight of marketing strategy development, planning and management of the marketing function, market research, competitive analysis and sales support. Read More...
Mayfair Equity Partners Invests in EGYM
Posted: September 17, 2021 in Suppliers
MUNICH, GERMANY - EGYM, a leading global fitness technology developer, has received $41 million in a Series E financing round from Mayfair Equity Partners, a leading tech and consumer growth investor. Following the investment, Mayfair Equity Partners will own a minority stake, along with existing investors HPE Growth, Highland Capital Europe, Kreos and others. Additional financial details have not been disclosed. Read More...
USPTA Teams Up with String Ping for Multi-Year Partnership to Share the First Tennis Text Marketing Service Designed to Help Tennis Clubs, Retailers, Pros and Stringers Communicate Directly with Customers
Posted: September 17, 2021 in Suppliers
LAKE NONA, FL - The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), a global leader in tennis-teacher certification and professional development, has signed a multi-year partnership with String Ping. As part of the agreement, the USPTA and String Ping will work together to introduce the first tennis texting and marketing service featuring a suite of communication tools that enable USPTA members to share messages and branding using SMS, MMS or voice broadcasting. Read More...
Xponential Fitness Unveils New, Tech-Driven Production Studio to Elevate Streaming Platform GO
Posted: September 16, 2021 in Chains
IRVINE, CA - GO, the fitness streaming platform from Xponential Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: XPOF), a curator of leading boutique fitness brands, has announced the debut of its upgraded production studio, XSTUDIO, further staking a claim in the world of digital fitness that has exploded in popularity since the pandemic began. Read More...
SBA Offers Gyms Safe Harbors for Loan Forgiveness
Posted: September 16, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - If you were one of the gyms, health clubs or studios fortunate enough to receive a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan in the first round of PPP back in the spring of 2020, you are probably getting ready to file your application for loan forgiveness. If you, like many other gyms, clubs, and studios, particularly those in California, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington, were closed by state mandate or operating under severe capacity restrictions during the period of this PPP loan, you may be concerned about meeting the requirement that 60% of your loan be spent on payroll to qualify for full forgiveness. Read More...
Significant Changes to ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
Posted: September 16, 2021 in Suppliers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - ACSM's flagship publication, ACSM's Guideline's for Exercise Testing and Prescription, has been a key educational and practical resource for fitness professionals and students since it's original publication. With the publication of each new edition, the information is updated to reflect the most current scientifically based standards in exercise. To help guide the reader to the most significant updates in the latest, 11th edition, ACSM provides the following documents... Read More...
Crunch Franchise Announces Newest Location in West Cobb, Georgia
Posted: September 15, 2021 in Chains
WEST COBB, GA - Crunch Franchise has announced the upcoming June 2022 opening of Crunch West Cobb, a 32,000-square-foot fitness facility with state-of-the-art fitness equipment nestled in the heart of Marietta, Georgia. Crunch West Cobb is owned by Vince Julien, Geoff Dyer, Tony Scrimale, and Jeff Dotson, creating an ownership team with more than 100+ years of experience in the fitness industry. The Crunch team currently owns and operates 34 locations in Florida and Atlanta. Read More...
IHRSA Takes Additional Steps to Keep You Safe During IHRSA 2021
Posted: September 15, 2021 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - In an abundance of caution, IHRSA is taking every precaution to prevent the spread of the virus and prioritize attendee health and safety at the IHRSA International Convention & Trade Show (IHRSA 2021). We are continuing to closely monitor the situation for critical updates. We are committed to hosting a successful event by implementing new protective measures to help fitness professionals recover from this period of uncertainty, revive passions for their craft and reconnect with peers to move the industry forward together. In addition to the standard event steps listed, and updated frequently, on the health and safety page of the IHRSA 2021 website, our team has taken extra steps to ensure attendees feel protected. Read More...
World Gym International Adds Franchises in Two New Texas Markets
Posted: September 15, 2021 in Chains
LOS ANGELES, CA - World Gym International, the iconic global fitness brand, has big plans for Texas. World Gym has signed franchise agreements for brand new gyms in Kyle and Cleburne, Texas. The two new gyms join World Gyms in Ingram Park in San Antonio, Beaumont, North Dowlen, Texas City, Burleson and a previously announced gym in Houston. World Gym Kyle will be owned and operated by Leyon Greene, a former professor of meteorology who saw the pandemic as an opportunity to go into business for himself while doing something he loved. Greene is currently scouting locations for his World Gym and hopes to be open in just a few months. Read More...
VASA Fitness Expands to Wisconsin and Illinois Later This Year
Posted: September 15, 2021 in Chains
DENVER, CO - VASA Fitness has announced it will open three new clubs in Illinois and Wisconsin between November 2021 and January 2022, the first in these states. VASA’s clubs in Illinois will be located in Villa Park and Joliet. VASA’s first Wisconsin location will be located in New Berlin. VASA is actively hiring team members for these new locations. VASA employees get to work in a fun, uplifting environment, helping make positive changes in members’ lives every day. Read More...
Mindbody Announces Third Annual BOLD Partner Award Winners
Posted: September 15, 2021 in Suppliers
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA - Mindbody, a leading experience technology platform for the wellness industry, announced that the company has selected the recipients of the Third Annual BOLD Partner Awards. Presented annually at BOLD, the Mindbody Conference, the BOLD Partner Awards are awarded to the Company’s partners for their excellence across several distinct categories, including growth, innovation and overall success in the partner ecosystem. Each year, BOLD brings together business owners, practitioners and experts from across the wellness services industry for the biggest event in wellness and beauty. Read More...
National Academy of Sports Medicine Launches New Courses to Help Fitness Professionals Build Successful Careers in a Virtual World
Posted: September 15, 2021 in Suppliers
GILBERT, AZ - The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a world leader in fitness certifications, has launched two new courses to help expand career opportunities for fitness professionals. NASM’s new Social Media Fitness Influencer program provides expert guidance on how to leverage the latest tactics and strategies to build a strong and loyal following online. Additionally, with more people looking for ways to integrate exercise into their daily lives, NASM’s new Home Gym Design Specialization enables learners to design safe and effective in-home gyms on any budget. Both programs are designed to address the unique and evolving needs of today’s fitness professionals and enthusiasts. Read More...
Life Time Announces Filing of Registration Statement for Proposed Initial Public Offering
Posted: September 13, 2021 in Chains
CHANHASSEN, MN - Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. ("Life Time") announced that it has publicly filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering. Life Time intends to apply to list its common stock on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "LTH". Read More...
EoS Fitness Celebrates Seven Years, Forges Partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation to Further Mission of Fitness for All
Posted: September 13, 2021 in Chains
CARLSBAD, CA - EoS Fitness is celebrating its seventh year as the High Value, Low Price gym for all fitness levels by building on its commitment to make fitness inclusive and accessible to all with a new companywide, long-term partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). In the spirit of the company's commitment to better the communities it serves, EoS continues its legacy of working closely with a number of localized charitable organizations to support causes related to health, wellness and overall community improvement. Read More...
Ecore Names Clarence Porch Director of Sales for New Business Division
Posted: September 13, 2021 in Suppliers
LANCASTER, PA - Ecore, a company that transforms reclaimed materials into performance products that make people’s lives better, announces the hiring of Clarence Porch as Director of Sales, Strategic Accounts. Bringing more than 20 years of leadership and sales experience to Ecore, Porch possesses an extensive background in the healthcare, senior living, education and commercial flooring segments. Read More...
NSCA Foundation Announces The Hammer Strength – Life Fitness Equipment Grant For Junior and Community Colleges
Posted: September 13, 2021 in Suppliers
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The National Strength & Conditioning Association Foundation is proud to partner with Hammer Strength - Life Fitness to launch a new grant that will help junior and community colleges enhance their training facilities. The Hammer Strength - Life Fitness Equipment Grant will be awarded annually to an eligible institution that seeks to expand training opportunities for their enrollees and staff. The grant will provide up to $10,000 of new fitness equipment. Read More...
USTA Foundation Awards $60,000 in Scholarships to Youth Players
Posted: September 10, 2021 in Suppliers
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - The USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the USTA, has announced that Ivy Wilson of Jenks, Oklahoma, and Leena Bennetto of Vernon, British Columbia, have been named the 2021 Novo Nordisk Donnelly Scholarship national recipients, each receiving a $10,000 scholarship administered by the USTA Foundation. Wilson and Bennetto received their awards from Billie Jean King on September 2 when they joined the sports icon for a day of tennis at the U.S. Open. In 2021, the USTA Foundation will award a total of $60,000 in Novo Nordisk Donnelly Scholarship funds. Read More...
