Fitness & Training

Courtyard Launches Mystery Sneaker Packs at $275 with Instant Buyback

New York – September 19, 2026 -- Courtyard has launched Courtyard Sneakers, a mystery-box style shopping format that lets buyers pay $275 for a randomly revealed pair of authenticated deadstock sneakers pulled from a curated vault.

Buyers get a surprise pair, then three choices

Once the reveal happens, shoppers can ship the sneakers home, keep them in Courtyard's secure vault, or sell them back instantly at fair market value. Sneakers can also be relisted on the Courtyard Marketplace.

Local Couple Brings High-Energy Pilates Studio to Craig Ranch

McKinney, Texas – September 19, 2026 -- Alex and Naomi Calle are opening Pilates Addiction, a boutique fitness studio, in the Craig Ranch neighborhood of McKinney, Texas, where the couple has lived for nearly 20 years.

The studio targets both Pilates veterans and total beginners

"We wanted to create a Pilates experience for people who have outgrown the basics, but also for people who have never thought Pilates was for them," said Naomi Calle, the franchise owner. Classes run 50 minutes and blend traditional Pilates with strength training, conditioning, mobility work and athletic intensity.

LA Fitness Reopens Indianapolis Club After $1.4M Renovation

Indianapolis – September 18, 2026 -- LA Fitness has reopened its Lawrence-Pendleton Pike club at 9930 Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis following a $1.4 million renovation, giving members new training spaces and upgraded amenities as of August 21.

New training zones target strength and coaching

The club now features dedicated Functional Training and Personal Training areas for guided workouts and individualized coaching. The LIFT free weights section has been expanded with a new multi-station rig system and specialized glute training equipment.

Pilates studio joins the fitness lineup

A new Pilates by LA Fitness studio has been added, aimed at helping members build strength and improve mobility. New cardio and strength machines have also been installed across the fitness floor.

Fitness 19 Breaks Down How to Time Workouts With Intermittent Fasting

Temecula, Calif. – September 18, 2026 -- Fitness 19 has released a new guide, "Is Intermittent Fasting Effective for Workouts?", aimed at helping gym-goers decide when to train while fasting.

Insulin drops accelerate fat burning during a fast

The guide explains that intermittent fasting is about timing meals, not restricting food types. When a person fasts, insulin levels drop, which speeds up fat burning. Many people notice an early dip in energy during fasted workouts, but Fitness 19 says energy levels typically stabilize after a transition period.

Muscle growth is not blocked by fasting, but protein timing matters

According to the guide, intermittent fasting does not hinder muscle growth on its own. People need to hit sufficient protein and calorie targets and schedule workouts either before or during their eating window to support muscle gains.

Rugby Star Ilona Maher Joins Burn Boot Camp as Strength Ambassador

Poway, California – September 18, 2026 -- Burn Boot Camp announced a new partnership with rugby star Ilona Maher, who joined a live workout at the brand's Poway, California location on September 9 to train alongside local members.

Maher took part in the brand's signature 45-minute structured Camp session, a format Burn Boot Camp uses across all of its locations to build strength training routines for women.

Maher says lifting heavy builds confidence beyond the gym

"I love being strong. I love lifting heavy things, I love seeing what my body can do, and I want more women to feel that way about themselves," Maher said. She added that Burn Boot Camp creates a space where women can show up as they are and leave feeling stronger and more confident.

SuperH 5K Marks 23 Years Funding Adaptive Sports at MedStar NRH

Washington – September 17, 2026 -- The SuperH 5K Run, Walk & Wheel returns for its 23rd year on Sunday, Sept. 20, kicking off at 8 a.m. at OneLife Fitness in Tysons, Virginia, with proceeds funding adaptive sports programs at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital.

Participants can choose between a full 5K course or a one-mile fun run, all in support of no-cost adaptive sports and fitness services for MedStar NRH patients.

Harry and Renie Freedman launched the event after a workplace accident recovery

The Freedmans started SuperH as a way to give back to the hospital following Harry's recovery from a workplace injury. Over the past 23 years, the event has raised more than $1 million for adaptive sports and fitness programs.

Why Your Muscle Mass Matters as Much as Your 401(k)

Fredericksburg, Va. – September 17, 2026 -- Retirement planning usually centers on savings and investments, but a lesser-discussed factor -- muscle mass -- can significantly shape how those retirement years actually play out, according to the co-founders of the Fitness & Finance Radio podcast.

"We spend decades building a financial portfolio for retirement, but we should be building our physical portfolio at the same time," said Jennifer Scherer, co-founder of Fitness & Finance Radio and founder of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. She notes that muscle protects the ability to move, stay independent, and enjoy the life people worked to build.

Solidcore Launches Heated Floor Workout 'Ascend' to Expand Strength Training Line

Washington, D.C. – September 17, 2026 -- Solidcore, the boutique strength-training chain known for its reformer-based classes, is launching a new heated, floor-based workout called solidcore ascend, giving members a second way to train within the same studio ecosystem.

The debut class runs 50 minutes and hits 90 degrees

The first ascend class, Strong50, is a full-body, 50-minute session built around hypertrophy, strength, and power. It takes place entirely on the floor using a custom weight and resistance station, with a coach guiding weight selection, tempo, and movement. Classes are heated to a target of 90 degrees using infrared heat, which the company says eases inflammation, aids muscle recovery, and improves blood flow.

ALLSWIFIT Launches ActiveRise+, a Carbon-Plate Shoe for Everyday Runners

New York – September 16, 2026 -- ALLSWIFIT will launch its new carbon-plate running shoe, ActiveRise+, exclusively on the brand's website on September 15, 2026, targeting everyday runners rather than race-day specialists.

The shoe weighs approximately 6.35 to 6.56 ounces in a US Men's Size 9 and delivers more than 80% energy return, according to the company. ALLSWIFIT positions ActiveRise+ as a more approachable alternative to aggressive race-day carbon-plate shoes, aimed at runners doing tempo runs, interval sessions, and long-distance training.

MERACH's New UltraWalk W60 Plus Treadmill Debuts at IFA Berlin

Berlin – September 16, 2026 -- MERACH has unveiled its new flagship treadmill, the UltraWalk W60 Plus, at IFA Berlin 2026, targeting people who want to walk more during work-from-home hours. The treadmill is available for pre-order in Europe until September 20, 2026, at €379.99, discounted €80 from its €459.99 retail price.

The treadmill runs on a brushless motor rated for 15,000 hours

The UltraWalk W60 Plus features a brushless motor with 3.5 horsepower peak output and a built-in Hall sensor for consistent speed control, even at slower walking paces. MERACH says the motor is designed to run for up to 15,000 hours.

Noise levels stay at 53 decibels during operation

The company built the machine for quiet use in home offices, citing a 53-decibel noise level during operation. A convection cooling system with two vents helps dissipate heat, and the treadmill is rated for three hours of continuous use.