Great Expectations: Trends to Watch in 2026
Industry experts see abundant opportunities for the year ahead.
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January 2026 Issue: The Trends Issue
HFB dives into the trends to watch in 2026 from technology to programming to investment to longevity and more. Read what thought leaders say the industry should expect in the year ahead.
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Playlist and EGYM Announce Agreement to Merge and $785 Million in New Equity Investments, Bringing Together Global Leaders in Fitness and Wellness Technology
With an aggregate enterprise value of $7.5 billion, the combined company will unite software, connected hardware, consumer platforms, and corporate wellness solutions to create a global destination for wellbeing. NEW YORK/MUNICH, January 15, 2026—Playlist, the newly launched parent brand of Mindbody, Booker, and ClassPass, and EGYM, a global innovation leader in smart fitness technology, AI-enabled workout programming, and corporate wellness solutions,…
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US Fitness Industry Extends Record Visitation Streak Through 2025
HFA data show gyms and studios delivering 19 consecutive quarters of foot traffic growth. WASHINGTON, DC—January 15, 2026—US commercial fitness facilities closed out 2025 with record fourth-quarter foot traffic, extending the industry’s growth streak to 19 consecutive quarters, according to new data from the Health & Fitness Association (HFA). Findings from HFA’s US Fitness Industry Traffic…
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Intenza Targets North America’s Strength Training Surge with Launch of Acclaimed ‘Design-First’ Strength Portfolio
Vancouver, Washington – Intenza, a global leader in design-led fitness solutions, today announces the official North American launch of its Intenza Strength line. Scheduled for Q1, this expansion follows a highly successful international debut in Germany at FIBO 2025, where the collection was lauded for its “Art of Training” philosophy—a vision that replaces industrial intimidation with boutique sophistication. The launch marks a pivotal…
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The 2026 HFA European Congress Heads to London September 24–26, 2026
The 23rd HFA European Congress will bring global fitness leaders together at the historic London Stadium. Washington, DC–January 13, 2026–The Health & Fitness Association’s annual HFA European Congress will take place September 24–26, 2026, at the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The venue, originally built for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games,…
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Americans Treat Exercise as Essential Spending Heading Into 2026
82 million Americans plan to spend $60 billion in support of health, exercise and fitness goals. Looking ahead to 2026, Americans view health and fitness not just as key goals for the new year but also as essential household investments—expenses that are unlikely to be among the first to be cut when households face financial…
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Responding to a Changing Market
HFA research confirms that attendance is growing, but consumers are diversifying their exercise options.
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The HFA Show 2026: A Sneak Peek
The conference and trade show is still coming together, but it’s already generating buzz.
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Five Reasons Gym Design Is Changing
Fitness facilities are evolving to meet a new generation of members.
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Americans Plan to Invest $60 Billion in Health and Fitness in 2026
New HFA survey shows exercise remains the top New Year’s resolution for Americans. Washington, DC–December 22, 2025–A new nationwide survey from the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) finds that Americans plan to spend $60 billion in 2026 to support health, fitness, and exercise goals and New Year’s resolutions. Among the 56% of US adults who…
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December 2025 Issue: The Buyer’s Guide
HFA’s annual Buyer’s Guide takes a longer view of industry trends as technology and consumer behavior continue to challenge industry suppliers to stay a step ahead of market demands.
