Fitness Equipment Industry News

News by Fit Gear Hub - 20250422

1. Fitness On Demand Partners with Olympian to Launch Rowing Workouts

Fitness On Demand has expanded its digital fitness portfolio through a collaboration with Row Like A Champion. The partnership introduces over 20 new rowing sessions, curated by two-time Olympic gold medalist Alex Gregory. These sessions, available in both studio and outdoor formats, aim to provide operators with premium full-body workouts. CEO Andy Peat highlighted Gregory's coaching as a strong fit for their 1,500+ class library. Additionally, new rowing content from Fitscope has been added to reinforce the platform's focus on cardiovascular health and endurance.

2. Technogym Debuts Sustainable Pilates Reformer Amid Revenue Growth

Technogym has unveiled its first Pilates Reformer, a response to surging interest in Pilates across studios and homes. Launched ahead of FIBO 2025, the "Technogym Reform" features eco-conscious materials like wood, aluminum, and vegan leather, and offers intuitive adjustability. The new equipment supports personalized programs via the Technogym app and comes in three colors. As the global Pilates equipment market eyes $146.3 million growth by 2028, Technogym continues its strategic expansion, backed by a record-setting €901 million revenue in FY2024.

3. Rep Fitness Launches UK Subsidiary, Ends Distributor Partnership

Following a strong $130 million revenue in 2024, Rep Fitness is expanding into the UK with a direct-to-consumer model, discontinuing its partnership with Fitness Superstore effective September 30, 2025. Martyn Jones will lead the UK operations, aiming to replicate U.S. customer experience and pricing. A new warehouse and showroom in Gloucester will support UK logistics by Q1 2026. The strategic shift aligns with Rep's ambition to become a global consumer-first brand, driven by innovation in product offerings and direct market control.

4. Peloton Appoints New COO and CCO to Steer Transformation

Peloton has named Charles Kirol as Chief Operating Officer and Dion Camp Sanders as Chief Commercial Officer. Kirol, a veteran of iRobot and Stanley Black & Decker, will oversee operations and IT, succeeding Andy Rendich, who transitions to an advisory role. Sanders, formerly Chief Emerging Business Officer, will now lead all commercial functions including retail, B2B, and international markets. The leadership shakeup supports Peloton's ongoing transformation and growth ambitions across global fitness sectors.

5. Solidcore and Whoop Team Up for Enhanced Strength Training Insights

U.S. boutique fitness chain Solidcore has partnered with wearable tech company Whoop to enable real-time tracking of reformer-based strength workouts. The integration addresses a gap in tracking low heart-rate but high-effort training. Members can now monitor strain and recovery, improving personalized fitness planning. Whoop also joins Solidcore's Core Collective program, offering exclusive perks. The collaboration reflects a broader trend of data-driven fitness personalization, with Whoop already adopted by elite athletes and military professionals.

6. FIBO 2025 Highlights Global Fitness Potential, Chinese Brands Ramp Up Presence

Held from April 10-13 in Cologne, FIBO 2025 welcomed over 150,000 participants from 129 countries. The event spotlighted strength training, AI-driven health tech, and sustainable innovations. A EuropeActive-Deloitte report revealed the European fitness market reached $39.8 billion in 2024, with projections of 100 million members by 2030. Chinese exhibitors like Shuhua, DHZ, MBH, and FEIER showcased new products, driven partly by trade tensions with the U.S. and a push for European market diversification.

7. Decathlon and Freeletics Partner for AI-Powered Fitness Ecosystem

Decathlon has formed a strategic alliance with fitness app Freeletics to launch an AI-driven, equipment-integrated training ecosystem. The collaboration addresses the issue of underused home fitness gear—nearly 70% of users misapply or abandon equipment. Starting April 7, co-branded products will be offered with Freeletics membership perks. Over 100 smart products are planned by 2026. The five-year partnership aims to personalize workouts and expand into areas such as yoga, boxing, and nutrition, creating a holistic fitness solution.

8. Interactive Strength Acquires Wattbike in All-Stock Deal

Interactive Strength, listed as TRNR on Nasdaq, has announced the acquisition of UK-based Wattbike. The all-stock deal includes performance-based milestones, with no cash component. The integration will combine Wattbike's elite indoor cycling systems with TRNR's brands like CLMBR and FORME. CEO Trent Ward emphasized the strategic synergy and potential for international expansion. Wattbike will gain access to TRNR's global distribution and operations across the U.S., UK, and Germany, enhancing its consumer and professional market presence.

9. Fitell Faces Nasdaq Delisting Risk, Plans Emergency Shareholders' Meeting

Australian fitness equipment retailer Fitell (Nasdaq: FTEL) is facing delisting due to prolonged share price weakness. The stock has remained below $1 for over 30 trading days, triggering a Nasdaq compliance notice. A special shareholders' meeting in Guangzhou on April 9 reviewed measures including a reverse stock split. Fitell raised $10M in February and aims to use funds for smart equipment R&D. With over 100,000 customers and 2,000 SKUs, Fitell plans to stabilize operations and maintain listing eligibility.

10. Fitbit Recall Issued in Australia Over Overheating Risk

Fitbit has initiated a recall for Sense and Versa 3 smartwatches in Australia due to potential battery overheating. Affected units were sold between August 2020 and September 2023. Users can install a firmware update remotely to address the issue, without returning the devices. The update activates a new battery management system. The ACCC urges consumers to verify their devices and update immediately to mitigate burn risks. Fitbit will offer compensation and compliance support per Australian consumer protection laws.