The fitness industry is growing, but are operators fully capitalizing on the opportunity?

In this episode of All Things Fitness and Wellness, host Krissy Vann sits down with Anton Severin of the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) to unpack findings from the 2026 Global Report and Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report.

From rising membership and revenue to improving profitability, the latest data paints an encouraging picture for the industry. But the conversation goes beyond the growth figures to explore what's driving demand, where operators are finding efficiencies, and what could shape the next phase of expansion.

In this conversation:

• Why mature fitness markets are still experiencing significant growth
• The relationship between revenue growth, profitability and operational efficiency
• Why fitness spending is becoming a greater priority for consumers
• The rise of members holding multiple gym and studio memberships
• What the research reveals about technology investment and AI
• The untapped opportunity to reach consumers who aren't currently participating in structured exercise
• The growing intersection of fitness, preventive healthcare and public policy
• What gym operators should be thinking about heading into 2027

As the fitness industry looks toward its next chapter, Anton shares why sustainable growth may depend less on competing for existing members and more on making fitness accessible and relevant to entirely new populations.

Learn more about the Health & Fitness Association and its industry research: https://www.healthandfitness.org/

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Major acquisitions, franchise restructuring, AI-powered fitness technology and new opportunities for gym operators are making headlines across the global fitness and wellness industry.

This week on This Week In Fitness, host Krissy Vann covers seven business developments, including PureGym's expansion in Switzerland, The Picklr's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, HYROX's growing affiliate gym ecosystem and Google's latest fitness wearable.

THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES:

PureGym Acquires NonStop Gym in Major Swiss Expansion
PureGym announces an agreement to acquire 47 NonStop Gym locations, creating Switzerland's largest low-cost gym operator with more than 100 facilities expected by the end of 2026.

The Picklr Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
The indoor pickleball franchise's parent company enters restructuring following rapid expansion, supported by $4.5 million in proposed financing. The filing comes amid slowing U.S. pickleball participation growth and rising interest in padel.

HYROX Expands Sweatpals Partnership to Support Affiliate Gyms
HYROX is integrating event management, booking and payment capabilities into HYROX365, giving its network of approximately 20,000 affiliate gyms additional ways to generate revenue through training sessions, race simulations and local events.

REFORMD Announces U.S. Expansion With Large-Format Lagree Studio
Canadian fitness brand REFORMD is bringing its boutique fitness model to Calabasas, California, with 37 Lagree machines and integrated recovery services. The location is scheduled to open in January 2027.

Google Introduces Fitbit Edge With AI-Powered Health Coaching
Google expands its fitness wearable lineup with a new tracker offering advanced biometric monitoring, personalized AI coaching, built-in GPS and up to seven days of battery life.

Aescape Partners With Tom Brady on Robotic Massage Protocol
Aescape introduces the Brady Protocol, a 30-minute robotic deep tissue massage treatment starting at $39. The software-based offering will be available through existing Aescape equipment at participating fitness and hospitality locations.

NBA Signs Nutrition Partnership With David Beckham-Backed IM8
The NBA announces a multiyear partnership with IM8 across Australia and eight Southeast Asian markets, expanding the health and nutrition brand's international sports marketing presence.

ABOUT THIS WEEK IN FITNESS

Produced by All Things Fitness and Wellness (ATFW), This Week In Fitness delivers concise, business-focused coverage of the developments shaping the fitness and wellness industry.

From gym acquisitions and franchise operations to fitness technology, investment, recovery innovation and global expansion, ATFW keeps fitness executives, operators and industry professionals informed.

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

#ThisWeekInFitness #FitnessBusiness #FitnessIndustry #GymIndustry #PureGym #HYROX #Fitbit #Pickleball #WellnessBusiness #ATFW

What actually makes a city “fit” — and what does that mean for the fitness industry?

Dr. Stella Volpe joins All Things Fitness and Wellness to unpack the 2026 ACSM American Fitness Index and the factors shaping physical activity across U.S. cities.

The conversation goes beyond gym memberships and workout habits to look at the environments that influence whether people move in the first place: walkability, parks, infrastructure, access, community design and public policy.

For fitness operators and wellness leaders, the findings offer a broader look at the conditions that support active populations — and where the industry fits into the picture.

We discuss what the highest-ranking cities are getting right, where gaps remain, and what the data tells us about creating communities where physical activity is easier to make part of everyday life.