The fitness industry entered 2026 with momentum across multiple fronts, from executive leadership appointments and franchise growth to new club openings and fresh consumer research. Brands continued to invest in expansion, experience-driven facilities and strategic partnerships, while new data offered a clearer view into how members want to engage with fitness moving forward. Below is a look at the latest developments shaping the week.
VASA Strengthens Growth Leadership to Support National Expansion
VASA Fitness announced the appointment of Chris Tarrant as chief growth officer. A longtime member of the VASA board, Tarrant brings more than 30 years of experience in market planning, real estate, design, construction and development for major consumer brands. In his new role, he will lead VASA’s Real Estate and Development teams, overseeing site selection, construction and scalable growth as the HVLP operator continues its national expansion.
Amped Fitness Brings Reformer Pilates Into the HVLP Gym Model
Amped Fitness opened its new Columbus, Georgia location on January 26, introducing Reformer Pilates into its high-value, low-price fitness model. The facility debuts Aura Pilates, a Reformer-based Pilates program focused on strength, mobility and core control, marking a first for the brand in bringing this traditionally boutique offering into the HVLP space. Alongside Aura Pilates, the club features immersive training zones and amenities including LED-charged workout areas, women-only and tactical training spaces, recovery tools such as cold plunges and saunas, advanced body scanning, elite cardio and strength equipment, certified personal training and a Kids Club option.
New Global Research Highlights Demand for Human-Led, Community-Driven Fitness
Les Mills released its 2026 Global Fitness Report, based on responses from more than 10,000 consumers across five continents. The research shows widespread use of technology for tracking performance, alongside a continued preference for human-led workouts and community-driven experiences. Key findings include that 54% of people want to try new ways to get fit, 62% of Gen Z and millennials prefer workouts that push their limits, and gym members are 46% more likely to report high personal wellness than non-members. The report also highlights ongoing barriers to strength training, including intimidation and conflicting guidance.
Burn Boot Camp Announces Kevin Hart as Executive Partner and Franchisee
Burn Boot Camp announced a strategic partnership with entertainer and entrepreneur Kevin Hart, who joins the company as an equity partner, franchisee and its first-ever executive partner, brand and growth. The announcement comes as the franchise continues to scale, with more than 620 open and awarded territories and average annual unit revenues exceeding $700,000. The brand is also expanding its digital ecosystem through Burn On Demand to complement its in-gym offering.
D1 Training Closes 2025 With Accelerated Franchise Growth and Operational Investment
D1 Training closed 2025 with strong growth across its franchise system. The brand awarded more than 90 new franchise agreements, opened over 40 locations and now operates more than 165 facilities nationwide. Alongside expansion, D1 invested in operational infrastructure by growing its in-house construction project management team, achieving over 10% in cost savings, and internalizing equipment procurement to improve efficiency and consistency for franchisees.
Chuze Fitness Expands Colorado Footprint With New Lakewood Club
Chuze Fitness opened a new 38,400-square-foot club in Lakewood, Colorado, marking its 10th location in the state. The facility offers a range of amenities, including a Lift Lab for strength training, Studio IR heated classes, infrared saunas, a turf training area, Chuze Cinema and a smoothie bar. Memberships at the Lakewood club start at $9.99 per month, continuing the brand’s accessible pricing strategy.
What it Signals
Taken together, these developments point to an industry balancing rapid growth with deeper investments in leadership, infrastructure and experience. Operators are scaling through disciplined expansion, enhancing facilities with recovery and specialty training, and reinforcing the value of human connection alongside technology. As brands move into 2026, the focus appears centered on sustainable growth, community engagement and delivering differentiated experiences across both physical and digital platform
