1. The “Exercise and Fitness for All Act” and a Related Bill Seek to Make Fitness Facilities More Accessible for People with Disabilities
Congressional Democrats are pushing for a bill that would require gyms and fitness facilities nationwide to provide equipment accessible to people with disabilities and potentially hire additional staff.
Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) introduced the bill to promote the provision of exercise machines, equipment, and fitness classes accessible to individuals with disabilities. This bill seems to be a companion to the “Exercise and Fitness for All Act of 2024,” introduced earlier this year by Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
Duckworth's bill mandates that gyms offer accessible equipment for people with disabilities and ensures that at least one staff member is trained to assist individuals with disabilities at all times.
2. Plus Fitness Expands Global Market, Entering the UK, Singapore, and the Philippines
Plus Fitness, an Australian fitness chain, has announced plans to expand into the UK, Singapore, and the Philippines under a new franchise agreement with parent company Viva Leisure. The first UK location is expected to open in 2025.
This expansion follows similar agreements with Viva Leisure to open gyms in Singapore and the Philippines, increasing Plus Fitness' global presence to six regions, including operations in Australia, New Zealand, and India. CEO Harry Konstantinou emphasized the UK's growth potential, noting the low-cost, high-return franchise model that appeals to consumers seeking affordable fitness options.
The UK agreement is a 10-year deal with the option of two additional 10-year terms. Plus Fitness views the UK as a market with significant potential, with only 15% of the population currently holding gym memberships.
Founded 25 years ago, Plus Fitness operates over 200 gyms and is well-positioned for further global expansion.
3. Google Fitness Trends for 2025
2025 fitness industry trends are shaped by the rise of remote personal training, the growing popularity of Hyrox events, and the emergence of the “30-30-30” rule.
Remote personal training saw a 414% increase in popularity in 2024, becoming the fastest-growing trend. Originally driven by the pandemic, this mode of training now offers flexibility and personalization that appeal to consumers with time and location constraints.
Hyrox events, a mix of endurance and functional strength challenges, also saw a 233% increase in search volume, reflecting a growing interest in competitive fitness events.
The “30-30-30” rule, promoted by TikTok influencer Gary Brecka, focuses on consuming 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, followed by 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise. This trend saw a 175% rise in searches.
Additionally, primitive fitness and quadrupedal movement (mimicking animal movements) saw a resurgence, with searches up by 174%.
4. Precor Resolute™ Cable Multi-Function Fitness Equipment Recall Due to Impact Injury Risk
Precor announced the recall of approximately 834 units of its Resolute™ cable multi-function fitness equipment (Model RMS905) due to a potential impact injury risk.
The issue arose from the pop-pin potentially failing to fully secure the vertical track, causing the pulley assembly to drop unexpectedly. Precor has received nine reports of such incidents, including two minor head injuries.
Consumers are advised to stop using the affected equipment immediately. Precor will arrange free repairs through qualified technicians at all known locations.
This recall highlights the importance of product quality and safety in the fitness equipment industry.
5. AES Fitness Expands Franchise Business in the U.S.
A.E.S. Fitness, a provider of fitness equipment maintenance and repair services, announced the launch of its franchise opportunity. The company, founded by Adam Schwalb, has built a reputation for its critical services that help keep fitness facilities running smoothly.
With growing demand, A.E.S. Fitness plans to expand in the northeastern U.S., including Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and other states. Schwalb sees the opportunity as a way to grow the brand nationally.
The fitness equipment repair sector is expected to continue its growth, providing franchisees with a business model that offers low overhead compared to other fitness businesses.
6. Drax Accelerates International Expansion with Acquisition of UK Fitness Brand Outdoor Fitness Concepts
Drax, a South Korean fitness equipment manufacturer, has officially entered the UK market by acquiring Outdoor Fitness Concepts and rebranding it as Drax Fitness UK.
This acquisition follows Drax's strategy of international expansion through acquisitions, having previously entered markets in Australia, Japan, and Germany.
Drax has also launched the digital fitness platform Draxfit, integrating AI technology to offer data-driven fitness experiences, further strengthening its position in the global market.
The acquisition of Outdoor Fitness Concepts signals a strong push into the UK market, where Drax will offer a full range of smart and traditional fitness equipment.
By Roger Yao (cs01@fitqs.com) from Taicang, Jiangsu, China
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the fitness equipment industry in next week's report.
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