The boutique fitness sector closed 2025 with strong development activity, rising franchise performance and expanding global ambition. From aggressive unit growth and international expansion to brand partnerships that blend fitness, lifestyle and community, several leading concepts are signaling continued momentum heading into 2026. Here’s a snapshot of the latest news shaping the boutique fitness landscape.
Burn Boot Camp Ends 2025 with Strong Expansion Momentum
Burn Boot Camp closed out 2025 with significant development activity, signing 51 new franchise agreements and opening 36 new locations, including its first gym in West Virginia. More than 60% of new agreements came from existing franchisees, reflecting strong internal confidence in the brand’s operating model and long-term strategy. The brand continues to emphasize a community-first culture, supported by a franchise network made up of more than 80% female owners, as it positions itself for continued growth in a global fitness market projected to reach $203 billion by 2030.
HOTWORX Climbs to No. 58 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500
HOTWORX surged to No. 58 on the Entrepreneur Magazine 2026 Franchise 500 list, jumping from No. 95 in 2025. The ranking reflects the brand’s rapid growth, franchisee performance and expanding global footprint just eight years after launching in 2017. Founder and CEO Stephen Smith credited the recognition to the strength of the model, the commitment of franchisees, and the growing adoption of infrared fitness as a differentiated training experience in the boutique market.
JETSET Pilates Closes 2025 with 24 New Studio Openings
JETSET Pilates ended 2025 with 24 new studio openings, bringing its system to more than 270 studios open or in development. The brand expanded across major U.S. markets including Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Colorado and Washington, D.C., while also preparing for international growth with its first London studio. Heading into 2026, JETSET is prioritizing operational consistency, franchisee support and disciplined real estate strategy in both domestic and global markets.
BERO and Barry’s Announce Global Partnership
BERO, the premium non-alcoholic beer co-founded by Tom Holland, and Barry’s announced a global partnership positioning BERO as the official non-alcoholic beer of Barry’s and Barry’s as the exclusive fitness studio partner of BERO. The collaboration links performance-driven training with intentional lifestyle experiences, reframing the “after workout” moment as both social and wellness-oriented. The partnership spans U.S. and U.K. markets and reflects a broader lifestyle integration strategy that extends beyond the studio environment.
Trend Signal for the Global Fitness Industry
Together, this wave of expansion, franchising success, international growth and cross-industry partnerships points to a boutique fitness sector that is maturing into a more globally connected, lifestyle-driven ecosystem. Brands are no longer just building studios — they’re building platforms that integrate community, culture, performance and consumer lifestyle habits, signaling a shift toward more holistic, brand-centric fitness experiences worldwide.
