
Latest Fitness and Wellness Industry News
Lululemon Expands to Italy with New Milan Flagship
Lululemon enters the Italian market with a new flagship store in Milan, expanding its global footprint across EMEA. The two-level space blends technical innovation, local design influence, and community-building efforts—supporting the brand’s Power of Three ×2 growth plan.
Cravings, Confusion, and Concern: 74 Percent Say Ultra-Processed Foods Are Hurting Their Mental and Physical Health
A new survey of 5,000 U.S. adults reveals that 74% believe ultra-processed foods are negatively impacting their wellbeing. From confusion over food labels to rising concerns about mental health, the findings highlight growing public demand for clarity, transparency, and healthier options.
Planet Fitness Awards $250,000 in 'Judgement Free Generation' Scholarships to Youth Advocates of Kindness and Inclusion
Planet Fitness has awarded $250,000 in Judgement Free Generation® scholarships to 50 Boys & Girls Clubs teens across the U.S., recognizing youth who champion kindness, inclusion, and mental wellness. Since 2017, the brand has contributed over $1.65M through this initiative, reinforcing its long-term commitment to community impact and social-emotional development.
One in Three Canadian Adults Now Obese as Post-Pandemic Rates Climb, New Study
One in three Canadian adults are now classified as obese, according to new data from the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The study reveals a post-pandemic acceleration in obesity rates, raising important considerations for the fitness industry as it adapts to shifting public health trends and the rise of GLP-1 use.
iFIT and Samsung Health Announce Global Partnership
iFIT has partnered with Samsung Health to deliver personalized fitness content to millions of users globally. This collaboration brings iFIT’s interactive workouts to the Samsung Health app, integrating with Galaxy devices to support data-driven wellness and training.
Olympic Champion Sir Mo Farah Launches AI-Powered Running App URUNN
Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah has launched URUNN, a new AI-powered running app co-founded with Adam Clarke and FitTech company WithU. Designed for runners of all levels, URUNN delivers personalised training plans, real-time coaching, and elite-level insights to help users run stronger and smarter.
Samsung to Acquire Xealth, Signaling Deeper Push into Connected Health and Preventative Care
Samsung announces plans to acquire Xealth, a digital health platform used by over 500 U.S. hospitals, in a move to integrate wearable tech with clinical care and expand its connected health ecosystem.
Onelife Fitness Targets 15+ New Clubs in North Carolina Market
Onelife Fitness announces plans to open 15+ clubs in the Raleigh-Durham market, beginning with a 58,000 sq. ft. location in Durham-Chapel Hill. The expansion signals continued investment in large-format, full-amenity health clubs aimed at capturing growth in high-demand suburban regions.
Hims & Hers to Launch Affordable Weight Loss Program in Canada with Generic Semaglutide
Hims & Hers enters Canadian market with a digital weight loss program leveraging generic semaglutide, signaling increased competition and accessibility in the growing GLP-1 and obesity treatment sector.
Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC’s “Click-to-Cancel” Rule, Marking Major Win for Fitness Industry
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has vacated the FTC’s “Click-to-Cancel” rule, a major policy win for the fitness industry. Backed by two years of advocacy from the Health & Fitness Association, the ruling removes burdensome cancellation mandates and reinforces the importance of practical, consumer-friendly policies.
Club Pilates Partners with Disney for Nationwide Campaign Tied to Freakier Friday
Club Pilates teams up with Disney for its first film collaboration, launching a nationwide campaign tied to Freakier Friday. Themed classes, a premiere sweepstakes, and brand activations aim to boost engagement and visibility across the fitness and entertainment industries.
Ladder Expands Strength Portfolio With Launch of Jennifer Jacobs’ 'Team Endure' Program
Ladder launches Team Endure, a new strength program led by Jennifer Jacobs, as part of its expanding coach-led platform. With over $100 million in funding and projections to exceed 400,000 members by 2025, the company continues to scale structured, results-oriented training for the modern fitness consumer.
GymNation’s Ice-Cold Innovation Beats the Dubai Heat With “The Coolest Class”
GymNation launches “The Coolest Class in Dubai,” a temperature-controlled HIIT workout designed to help members stay active through extreme summer heat. With strong demand and a ballot-based registration system, the innovative concept blends performance, novelty, and climate-smart programming to boost member engagement and retention.
WeightWatchers and Novo Nordisk Expand Partnership to Improve Wegovy Access
WeightWatchers expands its partnership with Novo Nordisk to improve access to FDA-approved Wegovy for weight loss. The collaboration includes a limited-time price of $299, integrated pharmacy fulfillment, and a commitment to real-world research combining GLP-1 treatment with lifestyle support.
Syntis Bio Secures $33 Million to Advance Oral Weight Loss Therapies
Syntis Bio raises $33 million in Series A funding to advance its oral SYNT platform, including SYNT-101 for obesity and SYNT-202 for rare disease. With additional NIH grant support, the company aims to transform weight loss and metabolic health treatment through non-invasive drug delivery.
Fitness Industry Reacts to Exclusion of Physical Activity HSA Provision from Senate Bill
The Health and Fitness Association expresses disappointment after the Senate-passed reconciliation bill excludes the physical activity HSA provision. Modeled on the bipartisan PHIT Act, the measure would have allowed Americans to use pre-tax dollars for fitness expenses—supporting preventive care, reducing healthcare costs, and making healthy living more accessible.
World Gym Targets Brazil for Major Expansion with New Master Franchise Agreement
World Gym International signs a Master Franchise Agreement with Flag Holding LTDA to expand to 50 locations in Brazil, marking a major step in the brand’s global growth strategy.
Barry’s Announces CEO Transition and Global Expansion Plans
Barry’s announces leadership transition as it plans to double its global footprint. Joey Gonzalez becomes Executive Chairman, while JJ Gantt steps in as CEO to lead the next phase of strategic growth.
Zumba Cruise to Return in 2026 After Seven-Year Hiatus
Zumba Cruise returns in 2026 after a seven-year break, offering a branded fitness experience at sea with top instructors, themed workouts, and global community engagement aboard the Norwegian Pearl.
Pvolve Recognized on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500® List
Pvolve has been ranked No. 78 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list in the Top New & Emerging Franchises category. The recognition reflects the brand’s recent growth, hybrid service model, and expanding footprint in the boutique fitness sector.