HFA EXPO 2026 : Pendulum Squats, Pilates and the " Legosaurus"
Mar 20th 2026
I just returned from San Diego after attending the HFA (Health & Fitness Association) Show, and I have to say—the energy this year was on another level. While the San Diego location always brings a more relaxed, optimistic vibe compared to LA or Vegas, the innovation on the floor was anything but laid back.
As an equipment-driven person, I spent my time walking the booths to see what’s actually changing for gym owners and trainers. Here are my top takeaways from HFA 2024.
1. The Year of the Pendulum Squat
If there was one "must-have" piece this year, it was the Pendulum Squat. It felt like every single manufacturer—from the giants like Life Fitness, Matrix, and Precor to the newer Chinese manufacturers—had one in their booth.
While some designs felt like copies of one another, others stood out for their massive footprint and smooth mechanics, like the Panata and Hammer Strength versions. It’s clear that manufacturers are finally listening to gym owners who want high-intensity, biomechanically sound leg equipment. Is it overkill? Maybe. But it’s definitely the trend of the moment.
2. Pilates Goes Mainstream
Perhaps the biggest surprise was the explosion of Pilates equipment. Historically, Pilates has been a boutique niche, but this year it officially hit the mainstream.
Major players like Matrix and Technogym are now integrating Pilates reformers into their lineups or forming strategic partnerships. This shift signals a broader move toward "wellness" and boutique-style classes within traditional commercial clubs. As the demand for low-impact, high-results training grows, expect to see more reformers in your local gym.
3. Innovation in the Details
Beyond the big trends, a few specific innovations really caught my eye:
- Pro Maxima’s Reversible Stacks: This is a stroke of genius for facility design. They’ve created machines where the weight stack can be moved to either the left or right side, allowing you to place equipment against any wall without compromising the layout.
- Jim Laco’s Sleek Engineering: Their leg press has an incredible, minimalist design with no visible supports holding it up—yet it’s one of the smoothest rides I’ve tested.
- The "Hammered" Look: Jim 80 and DHG showcased equipment with a unique hammered-texture finish. It’s rugged, different, and perfect for gyms looking to differentiate their aesthetic.
4. Nostalgia Wins: The "Legosaurus"
The show-stealer at the Hammer Strength booth wasn't a new piece of tech, but a blast from the past: a refurbished H-Squat, affectionately dubbed the "Legosaurus."
Seeing this massive, iconic piece in brand-new condition was a reminder of the industry's roots. It’s a legendary machine that still commands a $20,000+ price tag on the secondary market for a reason—it’s built like a tank and hits like nothing else.