A week that moves more than just you.

© United let’s move

A week that moves more than just you.

FIBO supports “United let’s move.” – from 23 to 30 September 2026, the fitness industry across Germany and Austria will open its doors for free workouts

Cologne, 23.09.2026 – From 23 to 30 September 2026, thousands of gyms and partner locations across Germany and Austria will open their doors to everyone. As part of the “United let’s move.” initiative, non-members can work out free of charge and with no obligation for one week. FIBO, the world’s largest trade show for health, fitness and wellness, is supporting the initiative as a partner. The reason behind the campaign: According to the Robert Koch Institute, around 40 per cent of adults in Germany do not get enough exercise.¹ By joining forces, the fitness industry aims to send a powerful message and invite people to discover exercise and fitness for themselves.

Physical inactivity is one of the greatest health challenges of our time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most EU countries are not on track to meet the target of reducing physical inactivity by 15 per cent by 2030. At the same time, the social and economic value of physical activity is becoming increasingly clear – from disease prevention and mental well-being to fewer days lost to illness.² “United let’s move.” harnesses the collective strength of an entire industry to make it as easy as possible for people to take the first step towards a more active life.

The challenge often lies not in understanding the importance of exercise, but in getting started: crossing the threshold of a gym, wondering whether gym-based training is the right choice or hesitating to make an immediate commitment. This is precisely where “United let’s move.” comes in. For one week, the barriers to getting started are deliberately removed: no membership, no fees and no obligation. Anyone who is curious can try out different types of training with no strings attached, taking a first step towards incorporating more movement into everyday life – and towards achieving the WHO recommendation of at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.³

As the global platform for the health, fitness and wellness industry, FIBO brings the entire sector together in one place every year – from international brands and gym operators to the fitness community. “United let’s move.” brings this very idea into people’s everyday lives: For one week, an industry whose businesses ordinarily compete with one another joins forces to inspire more people to get active. FIBO is supporting the initiative through its reach and communication channels, carrying the message into its international network of exhibitors, partners and community members.

“An active, healthier life often begins with a first step – and that is exactly what ‘United let’s move.’ makes as easy as possible. When gyms across Germany and Austria open their doors, our industry demonstrates the positive impact it can have on society. FIBO has always stood for bringing the fitness and health industry together, which is why we wholeheartedly support ‘United let’s move.’ Together, we are turning conviction into tangible action and creating the opportunity for one week of activity to lead to lasting change,” says Silke Frank, Event Director of FIBO.

“United let’s move.” takes place as part of the European Commission’s European Week of Sport (#BeActive) and will be held under the patronage of Fitness First in 2026. What makes the initiative special is that fitness companies, regional providers, independent gyms and other industry stakeholders pool their reach in pursuit of a shared goal. The focus is not on any individual brand, but on how to inspire as many people as possible to become more active. In 2026, the initiative will be implemented across Germany and Austria for the first time. It will be supported by coordinated PR, social media, creator and performance marketing activities, as well as by the communication channels of participating companies and partners.

Support for the initiative continues to grow each year. During the 2025 campaign week, 2.7 million gym visits were recorded, with around 120,000 non-members discovering the fitness and sports activities offered by participating facilities. Building on this success, “United let’s move.” will be developed further in 2026.

Taking part for free is easy

1. Find a gym: Visit unitedletsmove.org, open the gym finder and select a participating gym near you.
2. Visit the gym: Go to your selected gym during the campaign period. The on-site team will help you get started and explain the options available.
3. Start training: Work out free of charge and with no obligation from 23 to 30 September.

“United let’s move.” 2026 at a glance

• Campaign period: 23 to 30 September 2026
• Where: Thousands of participating gyms and partner locations across Germany and Austria
• Offer: Free, no-obligation workouts for non-members
• 2026 patron: Fitness First
• Part of: European Week of Sport #BeActive
• Website and gym finder: unitedletsmove.org

About FIBO

FIBO’s vision is a strong and healthy society. As a global network, it makes an essential contribution to helping people live long and fulfilling lives. The annual FIBO Show therefore brings together all stakeholders from the fitness, wellness and health sectors, creating a leading hub for innovation, investment and trends that support an active lifestyle. Over four days, FIBO combines first-class business opportunities, networking and professional development with a wide range of exciting and impressive live experiences. The next FIBO Show will take place in Cologne from 8 to 11 April 2027.

Further information: fibo.com

About “United let’s move.”

“United let’s move.” is a collaborative physical activity initiative organised by the fitness and health industry as part of the European Week of Sport #BeActive. From 23 to 30 September 2026, participating gyms across Germany and Austria will open their doors to non-members, providing free and no-obligation access to their training facilities and services. In 2026, the initiative will be held under the patronage of Fitness First. “United let’s move.” is supported by DSSV e. V. – the Employers’ Association of German Fitness and Health Facilities – and the Professional Association of Leisure and Sports Businesses within the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. Its aim is to inspire more people to become physically active, lower the barriers to getting started with fitness and highlight the fitness and health industry’s importance to society.

Further information: unitedletsmove.org

About RX

RX is a leading global provider of trade shows and events. By strategically combining industry expertise, data, and cutting-edge technology, RX drives business growth for individuals, communities, and organizations. With a presence in 25 countries and across more than 41 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually.

RX is passionately committed to fostering an inclusive work environment for all employees. By leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions, the company empowers businesses to achieve sustainable success. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision-making tools for professional and business customers.

For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

Press Contact FIBO

Leonie Ophey

Product Marketing Manager

Leonie.Ophey@rxglobal.com

Sources

1. Robert Koch Institute: German Health Update (GEDA), published in the Journal of Health Monitoring – proportion of adults who do not meet the WHO recommendations on physical activity.
2. World Health Organization (WHO): Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030 – target of reducing physical inactivity by 15 per cent by 2030; status reports on progress towards this target in the EU.
3. World Health Organization (WHO): WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour, 2020 – recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults.