This week on This Week in Fitness, we break down one of the largest technology deals in global fitness, as Playlist and EGYM announce a $7.5 billion merger. We also cover Fitness World’s $50 million expansion and franchise launch, major moves in women’s health programming, new data on menopause and GLP-1 users, and a protein-powered pizza test that shows how far wellness culture is reaching.

Stories Covered:
• Playlist × EGYM — A $7.5B merger backed by $785M in new equity aims to build a fully integrated global fitness and wellness technology platform.

• Fitness World — Announces a $50M investment to support national expansion and the launch of its first franchise program.

• Equinox — Launches EQX ARC, a women’s health initiative integrating biometric insights from ŌURA and clinical testing from Function.

• Peloton × Respin Health — New study data shows 84% of participants experienced symptom improvement during perimenopause and menopause.

• Purpose Brands — Survey data highlights shifting health priorities, generational differences in fitness engagement, and high activity levels among GLP-1 users.

• Papa Johns — Tests a one-day Protein Crust Pizza, signaling how protein-forward and wellness messaging is entering mainstream food.

Stay fit, stay informed, and keep your fitness business in shape.
#fitnessbusiness #fitnessindustry #gymowners

How should gyms engage and retain members using GLP-1 medications in 2026? Behaviour science expert Dr. Heather McKee joins host Krissy Vann to break down what operators must understand as motivation, willpower, and progress cues shift for this growing member segment.

As Myzone’s Motivation Science Advisor, Dr. McKee brings global experience designing behaviour-driven programs for more than 100 companies. In this episode, she explains:

• what GLP-1 members actually need when weight is no longer the main driver
• how reduced reliance on willpower reshapes habit formation and long-term adherence
• early behavioural signals that indicate satisfaction or disengagement
• how gyms can create supportive environments without requiring medication disclosure
• how to redefine progress so members still feel momentum as body changes stabilise

This conversation gives fitness operators, coaches, and executives a clear, science-backed playbook for keeping GLP-1 members engaged long term.

This Week In Fitness crunches the latest fitness business headlines, all in under five minutes. Hosted by Krissy Vann, the show delivers a fast, factual snapshot of what’s shaping the fitness and wellness industry for operators, executives, and decision-makers.

In this episode:

-24 Hour Fitness brings founder Mark Mastrov back as Owner and Executive Chair following an acquisition with LongRange Capital

-OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health, a new experience designed to help users navigate health information using connected medical records and wellness data

-Planet Fitness is named the top-ranked fitness brand on USA Today’s America’s Best Customer Service list for 2026

-PVOLVE enters the New Year with a campaign focused on consistency, adherence, and long-term movement

-Zumba launches a global campaign highlighting music-driven motivation and emotional engagement

-GymNation takes experiential fitness to new heights with the world’s highest gym class in Riyadh

-StarCruises partners with Under Armour to launch a fitness-focused cruise experience

-Plus, the launch of Smittyville, a new podcast for personal trainers hosted by Fitness World CEO Chris Smith and produced by All Things Fitness and Wellness

Stay fit, stay informed, and keep your fitness business in shape.

#fitnessbusiness #fitnessindustry #gymowners