The gym industry is charging forward with strategic expansion, boutique scaling and major financial moves shaping the market’s future. From new club openings and multi-location growth plans to significant refinancing announcements and the continued rise of AI-powered fitness tech, here’s what you need to know from this week in gym industry news.
Anytime Fitness Accelerates Asia Growth with New Regional Agents in Taiwan
Anytime Fitness — with 5,600+ clubs across 40 countries — is ramping up expansion in Asia through Inspire Brands Asia (IBA), its master franchisee for eight markets. With over 520 clubs and one new territory sold every two days, Asia is now the brand’s fastest-growing region. This week, IBA appointed two seasoned leaders — Kelly Lei and Derrick Calixto — as regional agents for Taiwan, one of Asia’s strongest and most mature fitness markets. Backed by IBA’s scale, the duo plans to open a dozen new clubs within the next year, strengthening Anytime Fitness’ presence and meeting growing demand for accessible, community-based 24-hour gyms.
HOTWORX Celebrates Major Milestone with 800th Studio Opening
HOTWORX, the rapidly expanding 24-hour infrared fitness franchise, has officially surpassed 800 studios worldwide — an impressive achievement just eight years after launching its first location. Founder and CEO Stephen Smith credits the milestone to dedicated franchisees and the strong consumer demand for efficient, science-backed infrared training. The brand continues to grow across the U.S. and internationally, recently adding a master franchise in Mexico and expanding into Dubai, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Ireland. The 800th studio opened in Salem, New Hampshire, owned by Phillip and Michelle Sundman, who are bringing the innovative HOTWORX concept to their local community.
Planet Fitness Announces Refinancing Strategy
Planet Fitness, Inc. has proposed a major refinancing transaction involving a new series of securitized debt and repayment of its existing Series 2022-1 Class A-2-I Notes. The company plans to issue $750 million in new Series 2025-1 Fixed Rate Senior Secured Notes — with potential to upsize to $850 million — to reduce existing debt, fund reserves, cover transaction costs and support general corporate initiatives, including possible share repurchases. As of September 30, 2025, the company held approximately $2.2 billion in outstanding securitized debt.
Fitness App Market Surges with AI-Driven Growth
The global fitness app market — valued at $10.59 billion in 2024 — is expected to grow to $33.58 billion by 2033, driven by heightened health awareness, AI integration and the lasting influence of digital-first wellness behaviors post-pandemic. With 858 million downloads in 2023 alone, apps catering to running, yoga, cycling and comprehensive fitness tracking continue to boom. Market standouts include MyFitnessPal, Strava and AI-powered Runna, which now operates in over 180 countries and has secured more than $9 million in venture funding. Wearable tech adoption, personalization and convenience are powering the next wave of fitness engagement — both inside and outside the club.
VASA Fitness Expands in Illinois
VASA Fitness celebrated the opening of its newest location on November 22 in Matteson, Illinois — marking its 66th club nationwide and eighth in the state. The brand continues its rapid expansion with another location planned in Rockford before the end of 2025, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable fitness options across the U.S.
Crunch Fitness Grows in Connecticut
Fitness Holdings North America, one of the largest and fastest-growing Crunch Fitness franchise groups in the country, has signed its second lease in Connecticut, bringing a new Crunch Fitness flagship to Torrington. Set to open in Summer 2026, the 30,000+ square-foot club will showcase Crunch’s next-generation 3.0 design, featuring advanced training zones, immersive experiences, and the brand’s signature blend of serious fitness and fun.
CoreHaus Fitness Scales Boutique Footprint with Club Pilates
CoreHaus Fitness is positioning itself as a major leader in boutique wellness, announcing plans to develop 50 to 100 Club Pilates studios over the next 5 to 10 years. With multiple thriving locations already, CoreHaus is expanding both nationally and internationally, prioritizing modern design and community-first environments centered around the Club Pilates reformer-based training model.
“CoreHaus Fitness was built on the foundation of creating opportunity — for our members, our teams and the communities we serve,” said Kory Angelin, president and COO of CoreHaus Fitness, in a statement. “Our goal is not only to expand the Club Pilates brand but to elevate what it means to deliver a world-class experience. Every new studio represents our belief that movement changes lives.”
