The tradefair for a strong and healthy society

MODYN was present at FIBO Fitness Expo 2026, the largest fitness trade fair in Europe.

Across the show floor, a shift in the fitness landscape became increasingly visible: the industry is moving from purely performance-driven equipment toward a broader, more experience-led ecosystem that blends training, wellness, and lifestyle.

Within this shift, positioning is becoming increasingly important. Brands are no longer differentiated by function alone, but by the way they express identity through aesthetics, materials and technology in one elevated experience.

Key Takeaways

Identity, technical vs approachable

A clear distinction is emerging between traditional strength training and the growing wellness/lifestyle segment. It feels as a difference between day and night. On one side, performance-driven equipment remains bold, mechanical, and rooted in strength culture. On the other, wellness spaces position themselves as soft, inviting, and lifestyle-oriented, often hiding mechanical parts. This is no longer just a product difference, it’s a branding and positioning choice.

The quest for distinction

In softer categories such as Pilates, recovery, and smart fitness, products present themselves as more approachable and less intimidating compared to strength-training equipment.

We see rich palettes in natural, beige-like tones and extensive use of materials such as wood, often blending the apparatus with the environments they operate in. As a result, these spaces are becoming increasingly spatial and experiential. While this direction enriches the overall experience, differentiation within the segment appears to be stagnating, with many brands converging toward a similar visual language.
This raises an important question: what is the future of lifestyle and wellness design?

Our takeaway?

A wider range of materials is being introduced to create a softer, more approachable feel, while design lines increasingly reflect brand identity. Additionally, thoughtful variations in form are being used to elevate the user experience—for example, shapes that prevent the product from rolling away. We invite you to read all highlights in the MODYN-report FIBO 2026.