The fitness industry is closing out the year with major executive shifts, bold expansion strategies and new research shaping how operators serve the next generation of members. From global franchising momentum to cutting-edge health partnerships and emerging consumer behavior trends, here’s what health club leaders need to know this week.
Equinox Expands Partnership with Function, Bringing Advanced Testing Into the Member Journey
Equinox is deepening its collaboration with Function, giving members preferred access to 160+ advanced lab tests, FDA-cleared AI insights, and continuous Medical Intelligence tools. The expansion includes a subsidized premium membership offer and integration into EQX ARC, Equinox’s women’s health program.
Luxury fitness continues to push into preventative health and diagnostics. Expect more premium operators to integrate biomarker testing, personalized programming, and health data into member experiences.
World Gym Corporation Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth
World Gym Corporation (2762.TW), Taiwan’s largest fitness chain with 139 locations, reported November revenue growth of 14.24% YoY and surpassed NT$10B YTD — driven by high-margin membership and international franchising revenue. In 2024, the company acquired World Gym International, securing global brand rights.
At its Investor Conference on December 9, the company outlined a 2026 strategy focused on high-value services and global expansion. Key initiatives include:
• Pilates expansion: New specialized one-on-one and small-group Pilates coaching rolled out across all 136 Taiwan locations.
• Digital health integration: A new Health Management portal launching with a major Taichung medical partner, enabling users to track 50+ biomarkers, access nutrition tools, and receive AI-generated personalized reports.
“Driving same-store sales growth at all 136 corporate-owned locations will be a core priority for 2026, supported by high-value, AI driven services which complement and enhance the member experience,” said president John Caraccio.
ClassPass Look Back Report Reveals 2025’s Biggest Fitness Trends
ClassPass released its annual behavior report, showing:
• Pilates remains the #1 global workout (+66% YoY)
• Midday workouts grew 38%
• Food and beverage ordering within the app jumped 121%
• Play-based fitness — racquet sports, HYROX, parkour — saw explosive growth
• Viral cultural moments drove booking surges, including nearly 30,000 Swift-themed classes
Member habits are shifting toward convenience, social experiences and hybrid wellness routines. Operators should consider mid-day programming, recovery add-ons and playful formats to meet evolving demand.
Les Mills + ukactive Release Report on GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs & Muscle Mass Risk
A new global review by Les Mills and ukactive highlights significant lean mass loss (20–50% of total weight lost) among GLP-1 users and calls for mandatory strength training and lifestyle support.
With millions using weight-loss medications, clubs have a major opportunity to offer strength-focused programming, wraparound coaching, and partnerships with nutrition and healthcare providers. The report urges government, pharma and fitness sectors to collaborate on sustainable support models.
Chris Rondeau Joins Panobianco Academia as Shareholder and Strategic Advisor
Former Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau has joined Panobianco Academia — Brazil’s largest gym franchisor — accelerating the brand’s aggressive Latin American expansion. With 400+ locations (160 opened this year alone), Panobianco aims to reach 600 by 2026.
Rondeau’s low-cost scaling expertise built during his days as CEO of Planet Fitness suggests Panobianco could become a dominant regional force. Their new model focuses on financial support for franchisees, stronger governance and a shift toward multi-unit operators.
Aligned Fitness Acquires 13 Club Pilates Studios Across the Southeast
Aligned Fitness — a portfolio company of Eagle Merchant Partners — has completed four significant add-on acquisitions totaling 13 Club Pilates studios across North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
These deals bring Aligned’s footprint to 47 Club Pilates locations, reinforcing its position as one of the largest Club Pilates operators in the U.S. and advancing Eagle Merchant Partners’ strategy to build scaled, high-growth wellness platforms.
