Highlights from the Health & Fitness Association 2025 Global Report, which deep dives into the state of the industry globally.

Franchising is booming – Europe’s three biggest operators are planning to use this model to grow in new territories; Purpose Brands is opening a club each day and Crunch Fitness and Jetts Fitness have planted flags in India

Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 

GCC gym operator, Gymnation, has secured a $100 million private credit facility from HPS Investment Partners – part of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager.

Xplor Technologies has merged with Clubessential Holdings to create a global business with a new brand and visual identity, but still known as Xplor Technologies.

Playlist, parent company of Mindbody, Booker and Classpass, has merged with EGYM, supplier of AI-enabled workout programmes and corporate wellness solutions, to create an expanded entity with a US$7.5 billion valuation.

Beyond Activ  APAC took place at the Crowne Conference Centre in Melbourne, Australia from 2- 3 December, 2025.

With 400 locations and plans to enter new markets in 2026, the president of Fitness Park talks to Kate Cracknell about its €280m funding deal

Heart rate training and gamified technology are creating uplifting fitness experiences that keep members coming back for more, as Julie Cramer reports

US high-value, low cost operator, Crunch Fitness, has opened its first location in India, marking the brand’s entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness markets.

Greg Oliver, CEO of Fitness & Lifestyle Group (FLG), has just spoken live at the HCM Summit.

Club Pilates has signed a master franchise agreement in Thailand, for 20 studios in Bangkok, the municipality and Chonburi Province. The first studio opens in Bangkok next spring.

Huge opportunities exist in emerging markets, while Millennials and Gen Z are driving growth across the whole industry, says the HFA Global Report

Growth is on the cards for Fitness and Lifestyle Group as it adopts a premium value market positioning. Its CEO and MD talks to Kate Cracknell

The CEO of Purpose Brands on the company’s ambitious goal to reach 10 million members globally by 2030

With padel and pickleball experiencing exponential growth, how can health clubs tap into this golden opportunity? Padel’s Luigi Carraro and pickleball’s Karen Mitchell explain

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan in Ubud, Indonesia, has unveiled a new Fitness Hub, almost year after the property launched its redesigned Sacred River Spa at Sayan.

Australia has one of the fastest growing wellness economies in the Asia Pacific region, according to the first data collected about the country’s wellness industry by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI).

The 2025 HFA Global Report, which looked at almost 30 markets, shows that around the world more people are joining gyms and seeing fitness as essential, despite rising living costs.

The industry veterans are gearing up to launch a longevity concept franchise called Zenergie, as Kath Hudson reports

The Royal Borough of Greenwich will soon be opening its £80 million exemplar leisure centre in Woolwich town centre, which is central to the town’s regeneration.

Spanish private equity firm, Alter Capital Desarrollo, has increased its stake in Spanish operator, Wifit Gyms, and become the majority shareholder with a 55 per cent stake.

A new recovery brand – Re:set by Pure – will open its first studio in Hong Kong on 1 July.

The fitness, health and wellness veteran is co-founder of new social wellness brand 432. He tells us about the first launch in Amsterdam

The franchise segment is a fast moving and dynamic part of the industry. Kath Hudson rounds up some of the major deals and developments of the last 12 months, including former Xponential Fitness CEO, Anthony Geisler, arriving back on the scene.

HCM Handbook editorial director, Liz Terry and Kath Hudson predict key trends, influences and opportunities set to shape the sector, including vagus nerve resets, diagnostics and social prescribing.

Sweat-sensing wearable innovator, Epicore Biosystems has announced an additional US$6 million in Series B funding, bringing the total raise to US$32 million.

Ritz-Carlton is gearing up to launch its third superyacht – Luminara – in July. The vessel will be the largest to date.

Jetts Fitness, the gym franchise known for its no lock-in contracts, flexible access and value-for- money membership options, is expanding into India via its Jetts Fitness Australia business.

Boutique franchisor, Xponential Fitness has bolstered its senior leadership team with four new appointments, following the departure of key personnel last year.