1. China Treadmill Export Industry Report for Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, China exported 4.42 million treadmills, a slight decline of 1.23% compared to the previous quarter but showing asignificant 51.69% year-on-year increase. The total export value reached USD 345 million, marking a 0.26% decrease from the previous quarter, but still reflecting a year-on-year growth of 28.77%. Europe remains the strongest export market, followed by the U.S., with emerging markets like Indonesia and Brazil showing impressive growth, particularly in Southeast Asia. The coastal provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong lead in treadmill exports, while inland provinces like Shanxi and Anhui are gaining prominence.
2. Adidas Partners with India’s Cult to Launch Strength+ Training Program
adidas has teamed up with India’s leading fitness brand, Cult, to introduce the adidas Strength+ program, a new initiative aimed at redefining strength training experiences in India. The collaboration will leverage adidas’s innovative products alongside Cult’s high-quality training services. Strength+ will be integrated across Cult's 150 gyms and digital platforms, aiming to increase engagement in fitness across India. Neelendra Singh, adidas’s General Manager for India, emphasized the brand’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle. This partnership is expected to revolutionize strength training and boost fitness culture in India.
3. TPG Considers $1.5 Billion Sale of Crunch Fitness Chain
Private equity firm TPG is contemplating the sale of Crunch Fitness, with an estimated valuation of over $1.5 billion. Crunch, known for its low-cost membership model, has attracted celebrity investors including Cristiano Ronaldo and James Harden. TPG acquired Crunch in 2019, and now, with the company’s significant expansion plans, it is seeking to sell the chain. In 2024, Crunch Fitness has seen rapid growth, with plans to open more gyms in the U.S. and Canada. TPG’s decision comes amid growing investor interest in the fitness sector, particularly low-cost and boutique gyms.
4. Latin American Fitness Market Shows Growth Potential
A recent survey highlights the growing fitness market in Latin America, revealing that 61% of urban residents engage in regular physical activities. Fitness clubs and studios are the preferred exercise venues for over 55% of active participants. Brazil, in particular, stands out with 80% of active residents holding gym memberships. The market is expected to grow as more consumers opt for affordable fitness memberships.Popular fitness brands like Orangetheory and F45 are making inroads into the region, with plans to expand further in Mexico and Brazil, both high-growth markets for fitness.
5. Peloton Launches Strength+ App for Equipment-Free Training
Peloton has introduced its new app, Peloton Strength+, designed for users who wish to engage in strength training without relying on expensive fitness equipment. Initially available on iOS, the app offers audio-guided strength workouts and features like personalized training plans, real-time voice coaching, and compatibility with Apple Watch. Peloton Strength+ caters to the growing trend of flexible and diverse workout options, offering users the convenience of training at home or in the gym. This move reflects Peloton's shift toward online subscription services, as the brand faces declining demand for its hardware products post-pandemic.
6. Spain’s Fitness Industry Sees Record Growth with 20 New Gyms in November
Spain’s fitness industry achieved a record-breaking month in November 2024, with the opening of 20 new gyms, nearly triple the number from the previous year. The expansion was particularly strong among low-cost gyms, such as Synergym, Basic-Fit, and Planet Fitness. Vivagym, in particular, led the way, having recently acquired Altafit and One Fit, significantly increasing its market share. The total number of new gyms in Spain for 2024 has reached 221, marking a 14.5% increase from the previous year. As Vivagym continues to expand, it is poised to become the leading brand for new gym openings in the country.
By Roger Yao (cs01@fitqs.com) from Shanghai, China
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the fitness equipment industry in next week's report.
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