Health and Fitness Club Industry News
Friday, July 10th, 2026
ACE and Inspire360 Join Forces to Shape the Next Generation of Health Club Education
Posted: January 21, 2026 in Suppliers
SAN DIEGO, CA - The American Council on Exercise (ACE), a leading nonprofit education and certification organization in the fitness industry, and Inspire360, the education technology that powers the world’s top fitness companies and health clubs announce a strategic partnership. Inspire360 has selected ACE as the exclusive beginner-level qualification and certification partner of Inspire360 Club, the new club education platform recently launched by Inspire360. Read More...
Crunch Fitness Takes #20 Spot In Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500
Posted: January 20, 2026 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Crunch Fitness, one of the fitness industry's leading high-value, low-price gyms, has ranked #20 overall in the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500, the world's first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Entering the top 20 and climbing the ranks from #32 to #20 overall, Crunch exhibits how the brand has successfully evolved to meet the unique needs of modern consumers and gym-goers. Read More...
Workout Anytime Appoints Savannah Baseball Star Kyle “KJ” Jackson as First-Ever Chief Aura Officer
Posted: January 20, 2026 in Chains
ATLANTA, GA - Workout Anytime, the premium 24/7 fitness franchise with more than 190 locations nationwide, has appointed the viral Savannah baseball star and influencer Kyle "KJ" Jackson as its first Chief Aura Officer, reinforcing the brand's commitment to intentionally leading culture, connection and community across its clubs. Read More...
Equinox Integrates Oura Ring Data Into EQX ARC, New Women’s Health & Performance Program
Posted: January 16, 2026 in Chains
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Equinox, an authority in high-performance luxury lifestyle, announces that ŌURA, maker of the world's most trusted smart ring, Oura Ring, has joined EQX ARC, complemented by its existing biomarker health partner, Function. Read More...
Playlist and EGYM Announce Agreement to Merge and $785 Million in New Equity Investments, Bringing Together Global Leaders in Fitness and Wellness Technology
Posted: January 15, 2026 in Suppliers
NEW YORK, N.Y. and MUNICH, GERMANY - Playlist, the newly launched parent brand of Mindbody, Booker, and ClassPass, and EGYM, a global innovation leader in smart fitness technology, AI-enabled workout programming, and corporate wellness solutions, announce a definitive agreement to merge. The transaction includes $785 million in new equity investments and values the combined enterprise at $7.5 billion. The new investment is led by Affinity Partners, with participation from a consortium of existing investors including Vista Equity Partners, Temasek and L Catterton. Read More...
Fitness World Canada Plans $50 Million of Capital to Accelerate National Growth and Franchise Expansion
Posted: January 14, 2026 in Chains
VANCOUVER, BC - Fitness World Canada is scaling up significantly, announcing a $50 million investment to accelerate its national corporate growth. Guided by an ambitious five-year strategy, the brand will open 25 corporately-owned clubs across Canada while launching its first-ever franchise program. It's a powerful one-two punch that positions and solidifies Fitness World as a major force in the fitness landscape. Read More...
ABC Fitness and Your Reformer Partner to Leverage Technology as a Growth Driver for Reformer Pilates Studios Worldwide
Posted: January 14, 2026 in Suppliers
DALLAS, TX - ABC Fitness, a leading software platform for fitness businesses, announces a strategic partnership with Your Reformer, the Australian-owned global Reformer Pilates-equipment company. Under the agreement, ABC Fitness will become Your Reformer’s exclusive club management software partner, offering studios and gyms a unified path forward that combines studio-grade equipment, intuitive scheduling, billing and member management, all in one system. Read More...
Top Crunch Fitness Franchisee Nears 100 Locations with Opening of State-of-the-Art Facility in Dr. Phillips, Florida
Posted: January 7, 2026 in Chains
TAMPA, FL - CR Fitness Holdings, the nation's leading and fastest-growing franchisee of Crunch Fitness, announces the upcoming grand opening of Crunch Dr. Phillips, Florida, its 61st location in the state of Florida. This brand-new, 37,000+ square-foot fitness center represents a $5 million investment and will bring Crunch's world-class fitness experience to the heart of Dr. Phillips for the very first time. Read More...
24 Hour Fitness Founder Mark Mastrov Returns to Accelerate Brand’s Next Era of Growth
Posted: January 7, 2026 in Chains
CARLSBAD, CA - 24 Hour Fitness announces that company founder and fitness industry trailblazer, Mark Mastrov, is returning as Owner and Executive Chair to accelerate the brand into its next phase of innovation and expansion. LongRange Capital and Mastrov have partnered to acquire 24 Hour Fitness and support the company's executive leadership team led by President and CEO Karl Sanft. Read More...
Planet Fitness Recognized For Exceptional Customer Service
Posted: January 7, 2026 in Chains
HAMPTON, N.H. - Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, has been named to USA Today's America's Best Customer Service List for 2026. The annual list, published by USA Today and research partner, Plant-A Insights Group, recognizes companies delivering exceptional customer service that go above and beyond for their customers. Among 750 final companies ranked through a rigorous, independent survey process, Planet Fitness ranked 38th overall and is the highest-ranking fitness brand. Read More...
