FIBO 2025 transformed Cologne into a center for fitness, health and visions for the future. From April 10 to 13, over 1,200 exhibitors and partners as well as 154,748 visitors from 129 countries came together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the world's leading trade fair. New records, exciting innovations and a strong signal for the social relevance of the industry made the four days a complete success.
"The strategic realignment of FIBO was a complete success. For four days, we set new standards with the trade show and offered inspiration for a healthy and active life," says Silke Frank, Event Director of FIBO.
Fitness as an economic factor: convincing figures
The fitness industry is developing more dynamically than ever. According to the latest surveys by DSSV and Deloitte, Germany recorded 11.71 million members last year, accompanied by a total turnover of 5.82 billion euros. At European level, the number of members rose to 71.6 million and the market volume now amounts to an impressive 36 billion euros.
"The population is becoming more health-conscious, they understand that fitness makes you healthy: Fitness makes you healthy. Especially among younger people, fitness is an integral part of life and we have achieved a market penetration of almost one third among the under-30s," explains Prof. Dr. Thomas Wessinghage, 1st Chairman of the DSSV.
This development was also tangible at the trade fair.
"FIBO has established itself as an indispensable business platform that impressively demonstrates the enormous dynamism and innovative strength of the international health and fitness markets. I am firmly convinced that FIBO will continue to play a central role in driving the growth and further development of these forward-looking industries in the future," says Michael Köhler, Managing Director of RX Germany.
International stage for politics, business and innovation
FIBO is also increasingly being used by political decision-makers as a platform to address key issues of the future of health. One of the most prominent voices was Antoaneta Angelova-Krasteva, Director for Innovation, Digital Education and International Cooperation at the European Commission:
"FIBO is where sport, the latest technology trends and innovation come together. This is where operators, political decision-makers and the industry come together to network, learn from each other and exchange different perspectives".
She also emphasized:
"Sport has become even more important under the current European Commission. It also plays a crucial role in promoting the competitiveness of the European Union by boosting economic growth, creating jobs and driving innovation through digital technologies."
FIBO as a driver of innovation: AI, smart devices & digital concepts
Technological developments shaped the image of the trade fair. From AI-controlled training systems to automated health analyses and personalized nutrition solutions, everything that shapes the future of fitness and health was represented. Companies such as Technogym, EGYM, Life Fitness, DRAX and milon presented advanced solutions that combine digitalization and individualization.
According to Bernhard-Stefan Müller, CEO of milon industries GmbH, concepts such as trainerless studios are becoming increasingly important. "In order to operate these efficiently, digital solutions are in demand - especially data-based training."
Longevity: live healthy, live longer
For the first time, an entire hall was dedicated to the topic of longevity, i.e. the pursuit of a long, healthy life. The topic was brought to life in Hall 1 - with cryo applications, longevity suites, Pilates offers and medical concepts. A particular focus: the interplay between health tourism, the hotel industry and high-tech wellness.
"This gives FIBO a further, medically based image, which can also be integrated into people's lives. While health and wellness have always been a topic, it is very new and exciting to now extend this to really healthy longevity with its medical roots," says Nina Ruge, Longevity Expert and CEO of staYoung Media GmbH.
The Longevity & Hospitality Summit featured exclusive keynotes and networking at C-Level. Exhibitor Landsberg First Class Aesthetic, sponsor of the new hall, drew a positive conclusion:
"We have been living the topic of longevity for many years. In this respect, we are naturally pleased that others are now also finding the topic and are looking forward to positive experiences with customers, potential customers and interested parties," says Martin Kunath, CMO at Landsberg First Class Aesthetic.
The community is alive - Challenges, Creators & Championships
What would FIBO be without its community? Over 500 influencers and creators, more than 12,000 athletes and tens of thousands of fans created a festival atmosphere in the Südhallen. Live challenges with brands such as ESN, More Nutrition, HYROX races and streams with social media celebrities such as Knossi and Montana Black drew in the crowds.
The FIBO Championships bodybuilding competition also celebrated a strong comeback - with a grand finale at the Tanzbrunnen. Particularly emotional: the long queues at the Meet & Greet with icons such as Jay Cutler and Derek Lunsford.
"We in sport in particular have a huge responsibility for the next generation. Every short meeting with a child can change a life. If we all went through the world with this understanding, we would have more people in the gyms, in the clubs and active people," said Patrick Esume, Commissioner of the ELF, at the opening.
Outlook: FIBO continues to set the pace for a growing industry
FIBO 2025 has impressively demonstrated how closely fitness, health and economic development are linked. It is not just a trade show, but an ecosystem for exchange, innovation and inspiration. We are already looking ahead:
The next FIBO will take place in Cologne from April 16 to 19, 2026.
Editorial team fitnessmarkt.de
Source and image source: FIBO Global Fitness
Published on: 25 April 2025