Health and Fitness Club Industry News
Monday, May 11th, 2026
Fitness Industry Leader Louis Welch Passes Away at 71
Posted: September 19, 2023 in Chains
IRVINE, CA - Fitness International, LLC ("Company") is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Louis Welch, Co-founder, President and Co-CEO of the Company after a two-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones. Louis’ impact on the Company and the health club industry cannot be overstated. He co-founded LA Fitness in Southern California in 1984. Read More...
EōS Fitness Surpasses One Million Members, Continues Nationwide Expansion
Posted: September 19, 2023 in Chains
DALLAS, TX - EōS Fitness, the fast-growing High Value, Low Price (HVLP) gym with more than 125+ locations open or on the way nationwide, celebrated a major milestone this month when its one millionth member joined the EōS family. The gym also announced three new locations as part of its ongoing aggressive growth strategy. Read More...
IHRSA Releases Best-selling Annual Global Report
Posted: September 18, 2023 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA --the Health & Fitness Association, a global community of health and fitness industry leaders-- has released the 2023 IHRSA Global Report, an annual review of the health and trajectory of the global industry. Data from a survey of IHRSA member health clubs, gyms and studios, as well as insights from federation leaders in 15 countries and industry partners show that the industry has demonstrated resilience despite facing social and economic challenges. Read More...
Empire Portfolio Group Debuts New Warren, New Jersey Orangetheory Fitness Studio
Posted: September 18, 2023 in Chains
WARREN, N.J. - Empire Portfolio Group ("Empire"), a leading Area Developer and Franchisee of Orangetheory Fitness, the heart rate-based interval training fitness franchise, announces it will open a new studio in Warren, New Jersey. This significant expansion solidifies Empire's presence in New Jersey, becoming their 14th location in the state. Read More...
Jonas Fitness and Critical Impact Partner to Innovate the Fitness Industry with New Solution
Posted: September 18, 2023 in Suppliers
WEBSTER, TX - In a strategic partnership to drive innovation in the fitness industry, Jonas Fitness Inc., a leading fitness software and billing service provider, has joined forces with Critical Impact, a dynamic leader in email and SMS marketing solutions. Together, they have created a new solution called Connect2 powered by Critical Impact. Read More...
Planet Fitness Announces Leadership Transition
Posted: September 15, 2023 in Chains
HAMPTON, N.H. - Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT) (the "Company"), announces that Craig R. Benson, a member of the Company's Board of Directors, has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Benson's appointment follows the decision by the Board to transition to new leadership, resulting in Chris Rondeau's departure as the Company's CEO. Rondeau will continue to serve as a member of the Company's Board of Directors and will be nominated for re-election at the Company's 2024 Annual Meeting. Rondeau will continue to serve the Company in an advisory role as contemplated under his existing agreements with the Company to help ensure a smooth transition. In connection with this transition, the Board is engaging a leading executive search firm to assist in a comprehensive search process to identify a permanent CEO, with both internal and external candidates being considered. Read More...
Life Time Continues Pickleball Expansion with Opening of 22 Courts at Life Time Kingwood in Humble, Texas
Posted: September 15, 2023 in Chains
HOUSTON, TX - Life Time (NYSE:LTH), one of the nation's premier healthy lifestyle brands and largest provider of pickleball courts, programming and leagues, is opening its largest outdoor pickleball development with 22 new courts opening adjacent to its Kingwood club in Humble, Texas on September 15. Life Time currently operates nearly 600 permanent pickleball courts across its network of athletic country clubs in North America. Read More...
ACSM Annual Meeting to Feature Yearly Spotlight
Posted: September 13, 2023 in Suppliers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Based on a Presidential task force recommendation, the Annual Meeting Program Committee has approved a decision to sunset ACSM's two World Congresses in favor of a new yearly “Spotlight” at the Annual Meeting, featuring sessions integrating basic science, applied science and clinical medicine. The inaugural Spotlight Theme for the 2024 Annual Meeting, as chosen by the new Spotlight subcommittee, is “Precision Health.” Read More...
Backed by $50M, PPA Tour, Major League Pickleball Agree to Merger
Posted: September 13, 2023 in Suppliers
AUSTIN and DALLAS, TX - Professional pickleball organizations MLP by Margaritaville (MLP) and Carvana PPA Tour (PPA Tour) announce an agreement to merge under a unified and definitive professional pickleball holding company. The consolidation of the two entities is backed by a $50M investment from SC Holdings, DC Pickleball Team owner Al Tylis, PPA Tour owner Tom Dundon, and a roster of existing MLP team owners. Read More...
IHRSA 2024 Convention & Trade Show Registration Is Now Open
Posted: September 12, 2023 in HFA
BOSTON, MA - Lights, camera, action! IHRSA --the Health & Fitness Association, a global community of health and fitness industry leaders-- has opened registration for the IHRSA Convention & Trade Show in Los Angeles March 6 - 8, 2024. More than 8,000 participants from around the world are expected to attend this premier event at the Los Angeles Convention Center for education, networking and purchasing, featuring an expected 350 exhibitors and 50 sponsors. The event will include three days of education sessions (March 6 - 8) and two days for the Trade Show (March 7 - 8). Read More...
