A few stories from the world of Lifting, Swimming, Running, Cycling and General Fitness Business News. A quick peak at a few stories I read this past week and thought you should also…

SET ONE – The Rise of The Fitness-Driven Hohe global wellness tourism market grew to $894 billion in 2024, driving hotels to integrate fitness facilities, recovery services, and nutrition programs as core offerings rather than amenities https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4132310/the-rise-of-the-fitness-driven-hotel

SET TWO – The Olympics These Were Not. Athletes at the Enhanced Games were bigger—but not exactly better. https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026/05/enhanced-games-sports-doping/687296/?utm_source=native-share&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share HOT TAKE – The games are just a very very expensive marketing campaign to sell their products. The problem with the brand is that it doesn’t know what it is. Is it a GLP and TRT store or is it a Protein and Supplement store? It’s message is murky. I don’t know what they sell or do.
SET THREE – Fitbit Air vs. Oura Ring: Wrist or Finger for the Future of Wellness? I tested both of these screen-free fitness trackers to determine whether the affordable Fitbit Air wristband or the stylish Oura smart ring is the better pick. https://www.pcmag.com/comparisons/fitbit-air-vs-oura-ring-wrist-or-finger-for-the-future-of-wellness

SET FOUR – Introducing Oura Ring 5: The World’s Smallest Smart Ring https://ouraring.com/blog/introducing-oura-ring-5/ HOT TAKE – I love my Oura Ring. I have a Gen 3 and I’d like to upgrade but not ready to spend $$$ yet. Before the ring I had a Whoop and I’ve said this before but “I felt like I was under home arrest with this thing on my wrist.”
SET FIVE – Samsung’s Galaxy Ring Can Now Adjust Your AC While You Sleep—but There’s a Catch You need both a Samsung AC and a Galaxy wearable to reap the benefits. https://gizmodo.com/samsung-galaxy-ring-can-now-adjust-your-ac-while-you-sleep-but-theres-a-catch-2000764790 HOT TAKE – No thanks. Appleboy/man here.
SET SIX – Why Social Fitness Is Replacing Traditional Nightlife. Patron co founder Brian Cho says communities like SweatPals and FORT reflect why run clubs, group workouts, and wellness driven experiences are becoming the new social spaces for younger generations https://www.mensfitness.com/news/why-social-fitness-is-replacing-traditional-nightlife HOT TAKE – I went to an event I found on SweatPals and look at the app to see what’s new. It’s good that I live an hour from Orlando so I can try some of them. It’s bad that I’m an hour away from Orlando as I see some I’d like to try but the time/travel doesn’t work.
SET SEVEN – The hidden business behind London’s run club boom https://www.londondaily.news/hidden-business-behind-london-run-club-boom/ HOT TAKE – I don’t know where I read or heard it but someone mentioned that as less people go to organized church they seek out other group activities. So maybe, just maybe, fitness is the new church.
SET EIGHT – FS8 Reaches Global Milestone, Opening Its 100th Studio Worldwide https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/fs8-reaches-global-milestone-opening-its-100th-studio-worldwide-1036199294 HOT TAKE – I see F45/F8 as the Barry’s of the suburbs. Barry’s won’t open in Topeka but F45 will. Yes, according to this article F8 is opening for the summer in the Hamptons but that is more of a pop up to get press.
SET NINE – He Started an Industry-Disrupting Business with Just $15K. Here Are His Secrets to Growth: ‘We’re On Our Way to $1 Billion’. Josh York wakes up at 3:24 a.m. every day and immediately heads into an ice bath. https://www.entrepreneur.com/buying-a-franchise/franchise-profile/he-started-gymguyz-here-are-his-secrets-to-growth
SET TEN   – HOTWORX® Earns Top Ranking Among Boutique Fitness Franchises in New Entrepreneur 2026 Industry Rankings https://www.franchising.com/news/20260529_hotworx_earns_top_ranking_among_boutique_fitness_franchises_in_new_entrepre.html HOT TAKE – Another brand I just don’t get. Working out in a Sauna, um, no thanks. But as I always say “If it gets people moving I’m all for it. I may not get it or like it but I can get behind it.
SET TWELVE