# Brazil fitness market: expansion, technology and luxury > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-gym-chains-accelerate-expansion-in-2026 > Updated: 2026-09-10T15:26:23.000Z. Sources: 43. Developments: 15. The Brazilian fitness sector continues its rapid expansion, maintaining its position as the world’s second-largest market. While previous estimates projected over 70,000 locations by 2027, 2025 data from Sebrae indicates a significant scale, with 103,790 active companies and 186,592 jobs, representing a 12.7% increase in employment from the previous year. To meet diverse training goals, companies are adopting multi-activity models. Grupo Ultra, which manages over 100 units across 16 states and serves more than 300,000 students, has implemented this approach in Brasília. This model integrates bodybuilding with disciplines such as swimming and Pilates under a single roof. Despite this growth, the industry faces critical operational and retention challenges. Rapid expansion and seasonal surges often cause bottlenecks, such as long reception lines and slow registration. Carlos Alberto Machado de Souza, CEO of Genialtec, has noted that excessive administrative steps during enrollment pose a risk of losing customers. Furthermore, retention remains a major hurdle; a study of 5,240 participants revealed that 63% of new members quit before completing three months, with fewer than 4% remaining for over a year. In response, the market is bifurcating into high-tech and luxury segments. Companies like Movement have launched digital ecosystems using artificial intelligence to track student behavior and prevent churn. Simultaneously, a luxury segment is emerging, exemplified by the chain SIX. Led by Chief Growth Officer Renata Vichi, SIX utilizes a high-cost model with monthly fees reaching R$ 5,400, offering premium services like cryotherapy and aiming to scale to 15 units by 2028. ## Claims - The number of fitness centers in Brazil increased from 22,581 in 2015 to 62,718 in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Brazil is projected to have over 70,000 fitness centers by 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Brazil ranks second worldwide in number of fitness centers, behind the United States. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ultra Academias was founded in 2021 and operates more than 100 units across 16 states. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ultra Academias serves about 300,000 students. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Thirteen women lead 29 Ultra Academias locations. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Women franchisees and investors are influencing investment decisions in Brazil's fitness sector. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Cristiane Lopes, a franchisee in Brasília, says investors feel more secure when women lead the business. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The multi-activity model responds to a change in consumer behavior seeking comprehensive wellness solutions in one location. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Grupo Ultra operates more than 100 units across 16 Brazilian states. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The company serves more than 300,000 students. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The group utilizes a 'high value low cost' business model. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Brazil fitness market expands amid retention challenges and luxury growth Brazil's fitness market is expanding with over 100,000 companies, but faces high churn rates. Solutions include AI-driven retention tools and the rise of luxury gym chains led by new executive investments. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-fitness-market-expands-amid-retention-challenges-and-luxury-growth ### 2026-08-24: Brazil fitness market growth creates operational bottlenecks Brazil's fitness market has nearly tripled in a decade, leading to operational bottlenecks in gyms during peak summer enrollment periods. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-fitness-market-growth-creates-operational-bottlenecks ### 2026-08-19: Grupo Ultra expands multi-activity fitness model in Brazil Grupo Ultra is consolidating its multi-activity model in Brazil, integrating bodybuilding, swimming, and pilates into single locations to meet growing consumer demand for comprehensive wellness. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grupo-ultra-expands-multi-activity-fitness-model-in-brazil ### 2026-08-06: Brazil's boutique fitness studios drive rapid market growth Brazil's boutique fitness studios are growing 7‑9% annually—about twice the rate of traditional gyms—driving a surge to over 70,000 fitness centres by 2027, led by Grupo Ultra's The Flame and Spider Kick brands 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-boutique-fitness-studios-drive-rapid-market-growth ### 2026-08-05: Fitness initiatives launch in Recife and Águas Claras, Brazil Selfit partners with Boom Fit Club for live outdoor classes in Recife, while Mirante Incorporações launches the Arboreto Morning Run in Águas Claras, Brazil. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fitness-initiatives-launch-in-recife-and-guas-claras-brazil ### 2026-08-04: Women drive growth in Brazil's fitness chain Ultra Academias Brazil's fitness market, now over 62,000 gyms, sees women leading Ultra Academias' 100+ locations, influencing investment and growth. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/women-drive-growth-in-brazils-fitness-chain-ultra-academias ### 2026-07-27: Brazilian gyms AABB Fit and Smart Fit launch major modernization projects AABB Campina Grande opened its new AABB Fit gym, while Smart Fit expanded its São José location with new wellness zones and beach‑tennis courts, signaling broader upgrades in Brazil’s fitness sector. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-gyms-aabb-fit-and-smart-fit-launch-major-modernization-projects ### 2026-07-22: Brazil's fitness clubs prioritize consumer experience Brazilian gyms are shifting focus to experience and wellness, with Flex Fitness Center leading a Goiânia ranking and clubs adding services like recovery, nutrition and community spaces. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-fitness-clubs-prioritize-consumer-experience ### 2026-07-16: Brazil's fitness sector expands through apps and major Ph.D Sports‑Evoque merger Brazil's gyms adopt training apps for integrated management while Ph.D Sports merges with Evoque, creating a 275‑unit network to drive national expansion and efficiency. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-fitness-sector-expands-through-apps-and-major-phd-sportsevoque-merger ### 2026-07-15: Ultra Academia launches mascot Preguicildo to revamp fitness branding Ultra Academia introduced mascot Preguicildo to replace pressure‑filled messaging with a welcoming tone, driving higher engagement, >99% customer approval and a 25% rise in members over 45. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/megagym-completes-acquisition-of-brazils-tryex-fitness-brand ### 2026-07-08: Brazil's fitness boom drives niche gym concepts in Curitiba Brazil's fitness surge sees running's 'runner's face' myth debunked while Curitiba adds 44% more gyms, launching niche concepts for Christians, women, seniors and tech‑savvy members. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-fitness-boom-drives-niche-gym-concepts-in-curitiba ### 2026-06-24: Brazil’s fitness market sees major gym chain expansions Selfit invests R$12 million to open three gyms in Pernambuco by 2026, creating ~60 jobs, while My Legacy Gym launches its first São Paulo location with a R$5 million back‑stop and plans 50 gyms nationwide. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-fitness-market-sees-major-gym-chain-expansions ### 2026-06-10: Brazil's fitness market surges as firms like XP boost sports investment Brazil's fitness market grew 50% to R$17 bn, while XP uses sports sponsorships to engage its 5 million clients and drive business. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazils-fitness-market-surges-as-firms-like-xp-boost-sports-investment ### 2026-05-15: Contorno do Corpo invests R$30 million to launch four new gyms in Belo Horizonte Contorno do Corpo spent R$30 million to open four premium gyms in Belo Horizonte, expanding its Brazilian network. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/contorno-do-corpo-invests-r30-million-to-launch-four-new-gyms-in-belo-horizonte ### 2026-05-13: Allp Fit posts 75% revenue surge in Q1 2026 as Brazil gym chain expands Allp Fit's Q1 2026 revenue jumped 75% with 70 gyms in 15 Brazilian states, targeting 125 units by year‑end. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/allp-fit-posts-75-revenue-surge-in-q1-2026-as-brazil-gym-chain-expands --- Cite as: Brazil fitness market: expansion, technology and luxury. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-gym-chains-accelerate-expansion-in-2026