SFIA Data Highlights Surge in Strength, Pilates, and Padel The Sports & Fitness Industry Association reported that over 70% of Americans engaged in fitness activities through the first half of the year. The data shows strength training, reformer Pilates, and padel (+14.5%) capturing market share from traditional cardio and slowing pickleball growth. Source: Fitt Insider

Sword Health Moves to Acquire Headspace in All-Cash Deal Digital physical therapy and movement platform Sword Health announced plans to acquire mental health app Headspace. The move signals further consolidation between digital fitness/rehab platforms and AI-driven clinical mental health services. Source: Fitt Insider

Big-Box Gyms Accelerate Boutique & Functional Racing Integration Crunch Fitness is expanding its “Crunch Select” model to bring boutique studio layouts and premium amenities into its franchise footprint. Concurrently, EoS Fitness announced a partnership with HYROX to introduce official race training hubs across 25 locations, reflecting the growing demand for functional fitness competitions inside traditional gym memberships. Source: Fitt Insider

Boutique Pilates Franchises Hit Global Footprint Milestones Xponential Fitness brand Club Pilates surpassed the 1,500-studio mark across its domestic and international network. In the same segment, reformer brand BODYBAR Pilates officially opened its 100th studio location, highlighting strong franchise unit economics in boutique fitness. Source: Club Insider

Life Time Expands Beyond Gyms with Events-Driven Social Clubs Life Time launched a dedicated events-driven social club model designed to capture member spend across community programming, dining, and lifestyle experiences beyond workout floor access. Source: Fitt Insider