It’s been five years since the fitness industry reopened after the last lockdown – long enough to look back on the impact the pandemic had on the sector and what might come next. 

Wattbike has announced a new integration with EGYM, which enables the bikes to contribute to the Cardio BioAge score of individuals via a VO2 max result.

Les Mills has launched a reformer Pilates workout. The 45-minute workout blends traditional reformer movements and more contemporary exercises, choreographed to music. 

Girls in the UK are missing out on 280 million hours of sport every year compared with boys, according to research commissioned by Sky TV.

The inaugural HCM Invest event has opened applications for pitching slots ahead of its launch in London on 21 October 2026.

Strength training has never been more important for member retention, facility differentiation and long-term commercial success.

Everlast Gyms expands its footprint outside of the UK this month with the imminent launch of a club in Dublin.

The UK's four Chief Medical Officers have published a refreshed edition of Physical activity guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' report, updating the evidence that underpins the nation's physical activity recommendations and placing greater emphasis on strength, balance, reducing sedentary behaviour and, for the first time, supporting people taking weight loss medications.

Places Leisure has exchanged contracts to build and operate a flagship £60m water and leisure destination on behalf of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Anytime Fitness opened more than one club a day in 2025 and is on track to maintain this rate of growth this year, as parent company Purpose Brands targets further international expansion.

Sophie Lawler, CEO of Total Fitness, has launched a leadership coaching business aimed at helping women realise their professional potential.

The Republic of Ireland will become the latest market in PureGym’s expanding international portfolio, with the first launch planned for Dublin in 2027.

The £33.9 million Leighton Leisure and Community Centre has opened in Leighton Buzzard, UK, creating a next-generation public leisure, health and wellbeing hub for the local community.

The Gym Group, has announced that it's sustained positive trading momentum has continued through the first half of 2026 and the company remains confident about the outlook.

YogaSix, the yoga brand of Xponential Fitness, has launched a heated, Pilates-inspired class called Y6 Core.

US low-cost operator, Amped Fitness, has launched a flagship location in Texas, debuting its multi-sensory Amped Universe design architecture.

Hyrox has announced it will be working with a second charity in the upcoming season and offering charity spots in sold-out races.

Luxury boutique Pilates and wellness studio, X-Club, officially launches a 4,000sq ft flagship at Marylebone on 16 July Built around X-Club’s four pillars of wellness – mind, movement, nutrition and therapy – the facility features two group exercise studi

A new report puts physical activity at the heart of healthcare, reports Muir Gray

We must extend the reach of the industry to the next generation, says Liz Terry

HCM reports on findings from the 20th State of the Industry report as Leisure DB rebrands to Evolve

UK Active’s new CEO explains why he believes the sector can drive consumer engagement to double in size

The World Athletics president talks to Liz Terry about the launch of Run X, the World Treadmill Championships, in partnership with Technogym

Social fitness the missing link to member engagement, according to a new Myzone report

People on weight loss drugs reduce their activity levels, according to a team at St John’s Hospital Illinois

HCM talks to the owner of Stride Fitness about the takeover and reimagining of the coach-led, multi-fitness class brand

The LifeFit Group continues its buy and build strategy with the acquisition of the Fitness Sigmaringen club in the German state of Baden-Württemberg.

Operators need to be aware of new legislation that’s exposing weaknesses and potential liabilities in the handling of members’ data, says Andy Chesterman

The industry mourns the passing of one of the founding fathers of fitness

Software suppliers explain how AI, automation and connected digital experiences can work for the benefit of operators and members