Our Takeaways from the 2026 Health and Fitness Association Show in San Diego
Earlier this month, the Roombldr team headed down to the San Diego Convention Center for The HFA Show 2026 (presented by the Health & Fitness Association). While the event draws plenty of commercial gym operators, we zeroed in on trends that directly enhance residential new construction. Today’s homebuyers expect intentional rooms from day one, and these takeaways highlight opportunities to create on-trend, high-value fitness and recovery spaces that showcase health and wellness.
1. The Explosive Growth of Pilates
The US pilates market continues to explode, with some analysis estimating equipment sales revenue at approximately $70.77 million in 2025, growing to about $153.98 million by 2033. The highlight of the show was the beginning of the implementation of Life Fitness / Hammer Strength’s exclusive U.S. partnership with Merrithew, expanding access to premium reformers, studio solutions, and programming. Other manufacturers, like Technogym, continued to build momentum with its Reform line, while numerous emerging companies debuted innovative new machines.
2. Manufacturers Are Dabbling in AI
Life Fitness highlighted its Auggie AI platform, while eGym presented the Smart Strength Series 3 with Genius AI that adapts in real time to each user’s performance. Additional brands showcased connected systems offering real-time coaching, progress tracking, and automated adjustments. Where this leads… we shall see.
3. More Innovation in Wellness & Recovery
A clear trend at the show was mainstream fitness brands expanding beyond cardio and strength into full-spectrum wellness and recovery solutions. Echelon stood out by broadening its catalog with saunas, cold plunges, and contrast-therapy options-all designed to integrate seamlessly with its connected equipment lineup. Companies like WellnessSpace Brands pushed innovation further with standout products such as the PolarWave Dry Plunge (a full-body cold experience without water, plumbing, or cleanup) and the RedZone Sauna that combines infrared heat with red light therapy in a single unit.
4. Strength Training Equipment Keeps Expanding-More Design-Friendly and Versatile Options for Dedicated Zones
Customize-able frame and upholstery colors turn premium exercise equipment into standout features in a home. Pictured: Hammer Strength benches in charcoal frames and wheat upholstery.
HOIST and Booty Builder exemplified brands that continue to grow their catalogs and booth footprints year after year. New functional trainers and training stations, targeted lower-body machines, and space-efficient designs gives builders and specifiers more tools to create comprehensive strength zones without needing commercial-scale space.
For residential new construction: Strength remains foundational, and these evolving options make gym-like setups doable at home.
5. Gym Flooring Has Never Looked Better-Designer-Friendly and High-Performance
The flooring category shone with solutions that blend seamlessly into modern homes rather than looking purely utilitarian. Ecore led with advanced recycled surfaces offering superior shock absorption, noise control, and durability-now available in more patterns and finishes that complement contemporary interiors.
For residential new construction: High-performance flooring lets home gyms feel like natural extensions of living spaces instead of hidden areas. Ecore-style options provide joint protection and sound dampening (critical for multi-story homes) while maintaining aesthetic flexibility. We’re specifying these surfaces across all fitness projects for safety, quiet operation, and elevated design quality-an easy win that significantly raises perceived home value.
Final Thoughts
These HFA Show insights reinforce a larger shift: wellness is becoming a core expectation in new residential construction. At Roombldr, we’re actively incorporating these developments-AI-enhanced training zones, Pilates-friendly layouts, integrated recovery suites, expanded strength options, and beautiful performance flooring-into our upcoming projects.
The outcome? Homes that don’t just shelter residents but actively promote healthier, more balanced lives.
