Health and Fitness Club Industry News
Thursday, July 16th, 2026
Widening Health Divide Among U.S. Cities Revealed in 2026 ACSM American Fitness Index
Posted: July 14, 2026 in Suppliers
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The gap between America’s healthiest and least healthy cities is growing wider, according to findings from the 2026 ACSM American Fitness Index (Fitness Index), released by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Elevance Health Foundation. Read More...
ISSA Releases 2026 Fitness Hiring Report, Revealing Structural “Readiness Gap” as the Greatest Challenge to Global Fitness Industry Growth
Posted: July 14, 2026 in Suppliers
PHOENIX, AZ - The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), the world's most connected fitness and wellness ecosystem, announces the publication of The 2026 Fitness Hiring Report: Closing the Readiness Gap: A New Era for Fitness Careers. Drawing on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ISSA's nationwide gym partner survey and insights from the inaugural ISSA Global Summit, the report reveals that the primary challenge facing gym operators is a structural talent readiness gap rather than a simple labor shortage. Read More...
CR Fitness Holdings Earns Six Awards at 2026 Crunch Convention
Posted: July 13, 2026 in Chains
TAMPA, FL - CR Fitness Holdings, one of the largest and fastest growing franchise groups of Crunch Fitness, was recognized with six awards at the 2026 Crunch Fitness Convention this June in San Antonio, Texas, honoring excellence in operations, leadership, growth and member experience. CR Fitness Holdings continues to expand under an experienced leadership team focused on operational excellence and sustainable growth. Read More...
VASA Fitness Opens New Green Bay Club, Bringing Premium Fitness, Recovery and Wellness Amenities to Northeast Wisconsin
Posted: July 13, 2026 in Chains
GREENBAY, WI - VASA Fitness, one of the nation’s fastest-growing fitness operators, will officially open its newest Wisconsin location on Saturday, August 15 in Green Bay. The new East Town club is VASA’s 73rd location nationwide and fourth in Wisconsin, expanding access to affordable, full-service fitness for residents across Northeast Wisconsin. Read More...
HFA Submits Comments to USTR Regarding Trade Policy
Posted: July 13, 2026 in HFA
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) submitted comments to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) on two important trade policy dockets that could have significant implications for exercise equipment manufacturers, suppliers and fitness facility operators. Read More...
National Strength and Conditioning Association Announces 2026 Election Results
Posted: July 10, 2026 in Suppliers
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) announces the results of the 2026 NSCA Elections, as selected by NSCA Members. Nominated for their dedication and contributions to the NSCA and professional community, these elected leaders will help strengthen the organization, support NSCA Members and advance the strength and conditioning profession. Read More...
Life Time Opens New Athletic Country Club at Brea Mall; Tenth California Location and Fourth in Orange County
Posted: July 9, 2026 in Chains
BREA, CA - Life Time (NYSE: LTH), one of the nation's premier healthy lifestyle brands, has opened its highly anticipated Life Time Brea Athletic Country Club, in North Orange County, marking the 10th destination in California. Located at Brea Mall, the new club expands Life Time's Orange County presence while reinforcing the company's role as a leading anchor within leading retail and lifestyle environments. Read More...
Playlist Launches AI Concierge, a 24/7 Front Desk Assistant for Fitness and Wellness Operators
Posted: July 8, 2026 in Suppliers
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Playlist, the parent company behind Mindbody, ClassPass, Booker, EGYM and Kite, announces the launch of AI Concierge, the first product in a new suite of AI-powered solutions designed for its portfolio of vertical SaaS brands. Read More...
ACE CEO to Be Inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame
Posted: July 8, 2026 in Suppliers
SAN DIEGO, CA - The American Council on Exercise (ACE) announces that Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, Chief Executive Officer of ACE, will be inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in August 2026. This distinguished honor recognizes Dr. Bryant’s decades of contributions to the health and fitness industry, as well as his leadership in advancing evidence-based practice, professional standards and inclusive health initiatives. Read More...
USTA Foundation Partners with Chase to Award $250,000+ to Community Organizations
Posted: July 8, 2026 in Suppliers
PURCHASE, N.Y. - The USTA Foundation announces that, for the 13th consecutive year, it has partnered with longtime sponsor Chase to award 12 community organizations nationwide over $250,000 in grants to support year-round tennis, education and mentorship programs. Read More...

