Health and Fitness Club Industry News
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
2019 World Gym International Convention Celebrates The Impossible, The Barbell and The Future
Posted: September 18, 2019 in Chains
LOS ANGELES, CA - World Gym International, the iconic global brand for bodybuilding and seriously fun fitness, gathered franchisees, coaches, vendors and partners from nine countries for the 2019 World Gym International Convention in Las Vegas, September 4 - 7, 2019. The annual gathering was held at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas with over 200 attendees, including gym owners, coaches and staff from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, The Cayman Islands, Mexico, Taiwan, The United States and Russia. Read More...
Update on ACSM CEO Search
Posted: September 16, 2019 in Suppliers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The ACSM Executive Search Committee is pleased to share an update on the search for ACSM’s next transformative leader. In April, a CEO Search Committee was formed. Past ACSM President Walt Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM, is serving as Chair of the committee. One of the first responsibilities the committee undertook was identifying an external executive search firm. The committee contacted multiple firms, interviewed the top two candidates and, ultimately, selected Korn Ferry, a nationally known firm with expertise in the health care, life sciences, nonprofit and associations sectors. Read More...
World Gym International to Relocate Global Headquarters and Open Premier World Gym Athletics Studio in Costa Mesa
Posted: September 12, 2019 in Chains
LOS ANGELES, CA - World Gym International, the iconic global brand for bodybuilding and seriously fun fitness, is moving full-speed into the studio fitness business with its new International Franchising Headquarters and its first corporate-owned World Gym Athletics Studio, scheduled to open in Costa Mesa, California by the end of the year. The Costa Mesa, California training center will be the flagship for the new World Gym Athletics Studio franchise model and the new global headquarters for World Gym International, which currently has more than 200 full-service, mostly-franchised gyms in over 20 different countries and territories. Read More...
EXOS and Mercy Sports Medicine Partner on New Facility
Posted: September 12, 2019 in Chains
PHOENIX, AZ - In partnership with EXOS, Mercy Sports Medicine is introducing a new, 4,300-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility within the Centene Community Ice Center in St. Louis, Missouri, home to the 2019 Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues. The new facility will feature new training equipment, 45 yards of turf and a dedicated space for Mercy Sports Medicine rehabilitation services where athletes can be treated in collaboration with the performance teams. Read More...
Anytime Fitness’ Parent Company Acquires The Bar Method, With Plans To Franchise Worldwide
Posted: September 12, 2019 in Chains
WOODBURY, MN - Self Esteem Brands, the parent company of Anytime Fitness, has purchased The Bar Method, a popular, low-impact fitness franchise with 123 studios across 30 states and Canada. Self Esteem Brands will initially offer new franchise territories throughout North America, while exploring additional franchising opportunities internationally. The Bar Method was developed by founder Burr Leonard and its flagship studio opened in San Francisco in 2001. Read More...
Crunch Franchise Announces its Newest Locations in Lakeland and Land O’ Lakes, Florida
Posted: September 10, 2019 in Chains
LAKELAND, FL and LAND O' LAKES, FL - Crunch Fitness announced the Spring 2020 opening of a $2 million, 24,000 square-foot fitness facility with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities in Lakeland, Florida. Crunch Fitness also announced the April 2020 opening of a $2 million, 23,000 square-foot fitness facility with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities in Land O' Lakes, Florida. Read More...
Ecore Promotes Schreiber to Chief Operating Officer
Posted: September 10, 2019 in Suppliers
LANCASTER, PA - Ecore, a manufacturer of safe, ergonomic and acoustic performance surfaces for commercial and athletic markets, announced that Mitch Schreiber has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer where he will be responsible for the overall efficiency and growth of the business, including all functions and satellite operations for the operating Unit. Read More...
Peloton Announces Launch of Initial Public Offering
Posted: September 10, 2019 in Suppliers
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Peloton Interactive, Inc. announced that it plans to commence the roadshow for its proposed initial public offering. Peloton has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer 40,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock to the public. Peloton also intends to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 6,000,000 shares of Class A common stock from Peloton. The initial public offering price is expected to be between $26.00 and $29.00 per share. Peloton has applied to list its Class A common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "PTON." Read More...
Challenges, Opportunities Presented at Annual TIA Tennis Forum
Posted: September 9, 2019 in Suppliers
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Nearly 250 tennis leaders, industry executives and tennis providers came together on the first day of play at the U.S. Open for the 12th annual Tennis Industry Association (TIA) Tennis Forum, held at the Grand Hyatt New York. The Tennis Forum had a deliberate mission to bring together top industry leaders to share the latest news and research about the state of the tennis and sports industries, including the current challenges, potential opportunities and collaborative ways to move the sport and industry forward. Read More...
More Than 900,000 Teens Logged Nearly 5.5 Million Workouts At Planet Fitness This Summer During Its ‘Teen Summer Challenge’
Posted: September 5, 2019 in Chains
HAMPTON, N.H. - Planet Fitness, Inc., one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. and home of the Judgement Free Zone, announced that more than 900,000 teens signed up for its national Teen Summer Challenge initiative, logging nearly 5.5 million workouts over the course of three-and-a-half months. The Teen Summer Challenge took place from May 15 through September 1, during which Planet Fitness opened its doors to high school teenagers ages 15 – 18 to work out for free at any of its more than 1,800 locations in the United States and Canada. Read More...
Blink Fitness Makes Strong Entrance into Chicagoland
Posted: September 5, 2019 in Chains
CHICAGO, IL - Blink Fitness (Blink) has announced that it is expanding throughout Chicagoland with an aggressive growth strategy, which initially includes five locations in the coming months. The first two of these opened last week in Merrionette Park, near the edge of the city's southwest side, and near Midway Airport. The additional three gyms will open in suburban Oak Lawn and Evanston, as well as in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. The fast-growing brand now has 90 gyms nationwide with locations coast-to-coast, including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Detroit and Boston. Read More...
Life Fitness Announces Changes to Executive Leadership Team
Posted: September 5, 2019 in Suppliers
ROSEMONT, IL - Life Fitness announced several changes to the company's executive leadership team. Effective immediately, Dan Wille will transition from Chief Commercial Officer to the position of Vice President of Global Marketing & Product Development, and Tim McCarthy and Frank van de Ven will both return to Life Fitness to assume the roles of Vice President of Sales, Americas and Vice President of Sales, International, respectively. Read More...
EōS Fitness Marks Five-Year Birthday Milestone, Supports Children’s Cancer Research Fund
Posted: September 4, 2019 in Chains
PHOENIX, AZ - With every birthday comes a wish, and EōS Fitness is marking its five-year birthday milestone with a wish to raise money for the Children's Cancer Research Fund. A leader in the fitness industry with its High-Value, Low-Price (HVLP) gyms, EōS Fitness is offering free activities for members and non-members in September. All funds raised will go toward the Children's Cancer Research Fund, which provides support to children suffering from cancer-related illnesses. With each dollar raised, EōS will match donations made up to $50,000 for a grand total of a $100,000 goal to support the nonprofit organization. Read More...
Netpulse and 49ers Fit Launch Native Gym App For Apple Watch
Posted: September 4, 2019 in Suppliers
MUNICH and BOULDER, CO - Netpulse, an eGym Company and a global leader in digital fitness guidance and technology, announced a partnership with 49ers Fit to introduce a gym companion app on Apple Watch. 49ers Fit selected Netpulse for its proven track record to deliver an app that optimizes the end-to-end user experience across check-in, class management, workout analytics and through long-term motivation. Read More...
ClubIntel Announces the Launch of 5th Annual International Health/Fitness Industry Trend Study – What’s All the Rage
Posted: September 3, 2019 in Suppliers
DALLAS, TX - ClubIntel, a global leader in conducting market research related to the health and fitness club industry, has announced the launch of the 5th Annual International Health/Fitness Industry Trend Study - What’s All the Rage. The study has launched through partnerships with a variety of leading global health/fitness organizations and publications. The survey is available in seven languages; English, French, German, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Read More...
Elite’s Wally Bronson Retires After 52 Years
Posted: September 2, 2019 in Chains
GLENDALE, WI - After a long and successful tennis career, Wally Bronson, Tennis Director at Elite-River Glen, has announced his retirement. What follows is the story of how he got started in tennis, his favorite moments at Elite and what he plans on doing next. Elite Sports Clubs would like to thank Wally for his many years of dedication and service, and Elite wishes him well in his retirement! Thanks Wally and good luck! Read More...
2019 IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit Lineup Announced
Posted: August 30, 2019 in IHRSA
BOSTON, MA - IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, has announced the lineup for the IHRSA Women’s Leadership Summit, hosted by Athletic Business, on November 14, 2019, in Orlando, FL. Debbie Peterson, business coach, author, and speaker, will kick off the event with a keynote titled “Mindset Strategies for Career Growth.” And, Michele Melkerson-Granryd, IHRSA Board Member and General Manager of Castle Hill Fitness 360 in Austin, TX, will moderate “People, Perspective, & Purpose,” a panel discussion with three influential industry leaders: Lynne Brick, Carol Nalevanko and Greta Wagner. Read More...
Genesis’ Kansas City Racquet Club Begins Major Renovation
Posted: August 29, 2019 in Chains
MERRIAM, KS - Genesis Health Clubs has announced that it has begun a multi-million dollar renovation on their Kansas City Racquet Club location. By the end of the project, members will see new flooring, finishes, equipment, amenities, and completely revamped and remodeled luxury locker rooms. Read More...
Olympia Weekend Announces Record Prize Money, Expanded Expo and Celebrity Appearances
Posted: August 29, 2019 in Other News
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The fitness industry's most celebrated tradition returns to Las Vegas September 12 - 15 with the world's most prestigious physique titles on the line. Olympia Weekend is set to award more than $1.4 million in prize money, eclipsing its previous mark, making this year's event the most lucrative bodybuilding and fitness championship of all time. Read More...
Blink Fitness Inks Multi-Unit Deals Representing Nearly 40 Units
Posted: August 28, 2019 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Blink Fitness, a premium-quality, affordable fitness concept that creates an unmistakable and incomparable Feel Good Experience, has hit its stride with multi-unit franchising. In the past few months, Blink has signed three major franchise development agreements representing nearly 40 units in Sacramento, Boston and Nashville. These deals increase the brand's franchise footprint by 50%. Read More...
