Therme Group’s Romanian bathing resort Therme Bucharest is currently hosting its Herbarium Festival (4-17 May), offering guests a chance to explore sauna and steamroom experiences performed by 92 aufguss sauna masters and therapists from 26 countries.

A research initiative has found small lifestyle changes impact longevity

Five minutes more exercise each day and half an hour less sitting time each day could help millions of people live longer, according to an international study.

As the popularity of ice bathing and sauna as a recovery tool grows, how can operators best embrace the trend? Kath Hudson reports

Across Europe there are encouraging signs that governments are waking up to the value of exercise and the services the fitness sector provides.

Ongoing investments in group training and member experience is leading to member growth, higher activity levels and increasing revenues at Nordic operator, SATS.

Treningshelse Holding has consolidated all its health club operations under a new brand –  Sporty – to create what is now the second biggest health club operations business in Norway.

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

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.

Global boutique franchisor, Xponential Fitness has posted a net loss of US$98.7 million for the full year and is re-stating its 2023 financial position. This was against a profit of US$37.5 million in 2023.

Australian franchise, Body Fit Training (BFT) has broken into the Scandinavian market, signing a master franchise agreement in Norway.

Improvements in life expectancy in Europe have slowed according to a study published in The Lancet Public Health Journal, with England showing the largest deceleration.

On releasing Q4 2024 results, SATS has said that the positive momentum of last year has continued into 2025, with elevated activity levels among its members.

Purpose Brands – the company formed via the merger of Orangetheory Fitness and Self Esteem Brands – has appointed Lauren Cody as brand president Orangetheory Fitness.

Everything you need to know about the HCM Summit 2024, including click-to-play links to all the speaker presentations on-demand

Third quarter revenues are up by 8 per cent on last year at SATS; price increases have led to record-high profitability, while club upgrades have resulted in happy, active customers.

Dublin-based wellness company Järvi has introduced the Sauna Bottle, a heatproof water bottle designed to stay cool to the touch and keep water icy cold, even in saunas reaching 90°C, all without using plastic.

SATS, which runs 274 clubs in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, increased revenues in Q2 2024, thanks to product improvements following investment and price increases.

Equinox, has teamed up with health platform, Function Health, to offer 100 comprehensive laboratory tests, giving members vital insights into their internal health.

Barry’s – known for its HIIT workouts combining treadmills and weights – is thought to be looking at strategic options, including taking on a new backer.

Norwegian health club operator, Treningshelse Holding, which owns the Aktiv365 and Family Sports Club fitness chains, has acquired fellow Norwegian operator, Aktiv Trening.

As data shows health spend correlates with longevity, experts discuss how this insight is driving new industry priorities

New research from scientists in Norway and Sweden reveal how regular exposure to low temperatures and swimming in icy water may bring benefits that include a boost in healthy ‘brown fat’ and reduced cancer risk

Swedish fitness operator, Actic Fitness, has sold its German subsidiary – Actic Fitness GmbH – to German franchised fitness operator, Injoy Quality GmbH, a subsidiary of fitness and wellness group ACISO Holding.

HITIO Gym, which has experienced major success in Scandinavia, entered the UK market in 2022 with two franchisee clubs opening in Orpington and Hoxton.

Results from SATS' Q4 2022 report show that membership numbers grew to record levels in 2022, reaching 721,000 overall, including an increase of 13,000 during the last quarter.

Norwegian startup Play Pulse is preparing to launch its indoor gaming bike in April 2023.

Cold is the new hot in spa circles, but sceptics question whether the benefits of such practices are proven.

Scandinavian fitness chain SATS has reported Q2 results showing a 53 per cent increase in revenue of NOK 1,022m (£85,591,015). The group’s EBITDA also demonstrates a strong operating performance over the last 12 months as it is now NOK 83,000,000 (£6,965,182) compared with NOK -113 million (- £9,498,447) in the corresponding quarter last year.

A new report by Deloitte highlights the far-reaching impact of the fitness industry on the global economy and GDP and on people’s health outcomes