The new partnership makes Life Fitness / Hammer Strength the sole distributor of Merrithew’s Pilates equipment in the U.S.
Life Fitness / Hammer Strength and Merrithew are joining forces to bring premium Pilates equipment to more operators across the United States.
Under a newly announced exclusive partnership, Life Fitness / Hammer Strength will become Merrithew’s sole U.S. partner for Pilates equipment distribution.
The agreement integrates Merrithew’s Pilates offerings into the Life Fitness commercial portfolio, expanding access to Pilates solutions across health clubs and gyms, hospitality, corporate wellness and institutional fitness markets.
For operators, the collaboration aims to simplify the process of launching or expanding Pilates programs as the modality booms. Facilities will gain access to Merrithew equipment alongside Life Fitness’ sales and support infrastructure, including studio design consultation, turnkey project support and post-install service. Optional education packages and instructor training will also be available to help clubs implement Pilates programming successfully.
Life Fitness / Hammer Strength CEO Jim Pisani said the partnership reflects growing operator demand for Pilates offerings.
“Today’s operators are expanding their offerings to support strength, movement quality and long-term performance as part of a well-rounded training environment,” Pisani said.
One of the world’s biggest Pilates equipment brands, the Toronto-based Merrithew is known for its science-driven methodology and equipment used by fitness facilities, rehabilitation professionals and elite athletes.
“This partnership represents an important step in expanding access to Pilates as a foundational movement system across the United States,” said Merrithew CEO Jim Heidenreich. “By aligning with Life Fitness / Hammer Strength as our exclusive regional partner, we can reach more facilities while maintaining the quality, consistency, and disciplined, market-led approach that defines Merrithew.”
The partnership comes as Pilates continues to gain traction across commercial fitness. Big-box gym operators including Crunch Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness and Amped Fitness have all added the modality to select clubs in recent months.
The Life Fitness / Hammer Strength-Merrithew partnership rollout begins this month, with Merrithew equipment, including its V2 Max Plus Reformer, set to be showcased at the HFA Show 2026 in San Diego.
