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Boasting over 1,200 exhibitors and partners as well as 154,748 visitors from 129 countries, Germany’s FIBO fitness industry trade show FIBO, held from 10th to 13th April 2025, in Cologne celebrated new records for its 40th anniversary. 

Silke Frank, Event Director of FIBO noted “the strategic repositioning of FIBO was a tremendous success. Over the four days we have set new standards with this trade show inspiring healthy and active living.”

The fitness industry is a relevant economic factor and a central lever for social health with Michael Köhler, Managing Director at RX Deutschland, the organiser of FIBO sharing “FIBO has become an indispensable business platform that impressively visualises the enormous dynamism and innovative power of international health and fitness markets.

“I am firmly convinced that FIBO will also play a pivotal role in future for decisively driving the growth and further development of these forward-looking sectors.”

Prof. Dr Thomas Wessinghage, Chairman of DSSV, explains the driving force behind this growth as “Health awareness among the population is growing, people have understood that fitness makes you healthy. Especially for younger people fitness forms an integral part of life and we achieve an almost one-third market penetration among people up to the age of 30.”

Bridging Fitness and Politics
Frank added “I am particularly happy to note that FIBO also serves as a point of contact for international policy makers, who actively use this trade show to address key future topics.”

The trade show was opened by among others Antoaneta Angelova-Krasteva, Director for Innovation, Digital Education and International Cooperation at the European Commission who stated “At FIBO sports meet with the latest technology trends and innovations. Here, operators, political decision-makers and the industry get together to network, learn from each other and swop different perspectives.” 

Angelova-Krasteva also emphasised the industry’s enormous relevance for people’s health but also for business noting “Under the current European Commission sports have increased even further in importance. In addition, sports play a decisive role in promoting the competitiveness of the European Union, by boosting economic growth, creating jobs and driving innovation through digital technologies.”

Business, Trends & Innovations
FIBO 2025 impressively reflected this growth. Larger exhibition areas, international brands and a markedly extended offering made the trade show a genuine marketplace for the industry. 

Andrej Murnik, Managing Director Technogym Germany shared “for both club operators and end users FIBO is a fantastic opportunity to experience the world of fitness with all its facets hands on – from exercise to business. We welcomed many visitors from the club sector, hospitality but also from the home-fitness segment – so both B2B and B2C target groups.” 

The newest addition to the Technogym ecosystem - dubbed ‘Technogym Reform’ – was launched at FIBO 2025. Developed in collaboration with leading Pilates instructors. Designed for enthusiasts of all levels, the Reformer features easy, intuitive adjustments to enhance accessibility and performance.

Companies such as Technogym, EGYM and Milon, DRAX and Life Fitness also demonstrated impressively how digitalisation, AI and personalisation are shaping the future of health.

According to Bernhard-Stefan Müller, Chief Executive of milon industries GmbH, there is growing focus on such concepts as instructor-less gyms or operations with reduced staff deployment. To be able to efficiently run these, he says, digital solutions are needed – especially data-based exercise.

Longevity as a Growth Driver
Longevity was a standout theme at FIBO 2025, deeply integrated into the offerings and encapsulated in the new Hall 1. The focus ranged from Longevity Suites in hotels to Pilates workouts and cryotherapy. Industry leaders, including tourism and hospitality figures, explored the commercial potential of longevity.

To Nina Ruge, longevity expert and Chief Executive of staYoung Media GmbH, this is an exciting trend adding “this gives FIBO another, medically based image, which can also be integrated in people’s lives. While health and wellness always were an important topic, it is new and exciting to now extend this to include really healthy longevity with its medical basis.”

Community, Challenges & Champions Inspire
Beyond being a trade fair, FIBO is the heartbeat of a passionate community. Over 500 influencers, creators, and 12,000 athletes turned the exhibition halls into an electrifying hub of global fitness enthusiasts.

The energy was palpable across various events and challenges, from HYROX races and ESN, More Nutrition & Oace, to live streams by stars like Knossi and Montana Black. The return of the FIBO Championships, with an epic finale at Tanzbrunnen, drew significant excitement. Fans also queued for meet-and-greet sessions with legends like Jay Cutler and Derek Lunsford, finding inspiration in personal interactions.

Patrick Esume, Commissioner ELF, NFL expert and TV presenter during the FIBO opening noted “Especially in sports we have a great responsibility for the next generation. Every short encounter with a child can change a life. If we all shared this understanding in the world, we would also welcome more people to gyms, clubs and among active sports enthusiasts.”

Fitness Is the Future
FIBO 2025 powerfully illustrated the interconnectedness of health, economy, and societal progress. Positioned as a central platform, FIBO actively supports and shapes these advancements. The next FIBO will take place in Cologne from 16th - 19th April 2026. More information at fibo.com 

All images (except Technogym Reformer) Credit: FIBO/Jannik Hammes Fotografie; Technogym Reformer at FIBO 2025. Credit: Technogym

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