All Things Fitness and Wellness

This Week in Fitness: Crunch the latest fitness business headlines in under 5 minutes with host Krissy Vann. IKEA’s sleep study reveals a global rest crisis, Pickleheads secures $2.5M to fix pickleball’s growing pains, TRX targets physical therapy, and Planet Fitness reshapes its leadership team.  

IKEA Sleep Study Reveals Global Rest Crisis
IKEA’s largest-ever sleep study finds people worldwide lose an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes of rest per night, adding up to 20 full days of lost sleep per year. Stress, screen time, and financial concerns are top disruptors.  

Pickleheads Secures $2.5M to Solve Pickleball’s Growing Pains  
With 36.5 million U.S. players, pickleball is booming—but crowded courts and mismatched games are a challenge. Pickleheads, the leading pickleball app, just secured $2.5M to enhance game organization, matchmaking, and facility management.  

TRX Expands Into Physical Therapy Market  
TRX is positioning its functional training tools as rehab solutions for physical therapy clinics. Its new initiative includes PT-approved equipment, an online education program, and app-based recovery content to help patients regain mobility.  

Cold Plunge Hype Faces New Scrutiny
Cold water immersion is trending, but a new *PLOS One* review questions its long-term benefits. While stress levels drop 12 hours post-exposure, no lasting effects have been confirmed, raising doubts about its role in long-term recovery.  

Planet Fitness Restructures Leadership Team  
Planet Fitness announced leadership changes, appointing a new COO and Chief Strategy Officer to align with its 2025 growth strategy. The restructuring follows a series of executive appointments in 2024.  

Perspire Sauna Studio Expands in California  
Perspire Sauna Studio is capitalizing on the booming infrared sauna market, adding 13 new locations in California, including San Francisco, San Diego, and Pasadena, as consumer demand for wellness-focused recovery services grows.  

In this episode, Krissy Vann sits down with Cara Fautley, Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager at the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, to discuss the key themes and conversations that will dominate the fitness industry in 2025.

Some of the topics covered include:

- The rise of longevity, preventative health, and GLP-1 as major industry focuses
- The growing importance of AI, digital transformation, and community/social wellness
- The need for more emphasis on women's health and diversity/inclusion
- The state of the boutique fitness sector and trends like hyper-personalization

Cara shares insights from the extensive research conducted by the Connected Health & Fitness team, as well as her predictions on how the industry will evolve over the next few years.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 - Introduction
2:00 - Key Industry Themes for 2025
6:00 - Research Insights and Surprises
10:00 - The GLP-1 Debate
14:00 - Hyper-Personalization and Women's Health
19:00 - The Future of Boutique Fitness
24:00 - Charitable Initiatives at the Upcoming Summit

#fitnessbusiness #fitnessindustry #fitnessnews

Welcome to This Week in Fitness where we crunch the latest fitness business headlines all in under 5 minutes.

Join host Krissy Vann as we cover the top stories making waves in the fitness industry. From Peloton's impressive financial results to Life Time's investment in recovery and Saudi Arabia’s push to promote fitness on a global scale, we’ve got everything you need to stay informed.

Stories Covered:

1. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Fitness Expansion
The Saudi Sports for All Federation kicks off its inaugural SFA International Sporting Events, including the SFA Expo and Riyadh Marathon. These events promote wellness and feature cutting-edge fitness technology and competitive challenges designed to boost community engagement.

2. Life Time Expands Recovery Amenities
Life Time is enhancing its athletic country clubs by rolling out cold plunges at over 70 locations across the U.S. Learn how cold-water therapy is helping members improve their sleep, mental resilience, and overall recovery.

3. Study Highlights Barriers for Women at the Gym
A new PLOS ONE study reveals the hidden challenges women face in fitness spaces, including judgment, self-criticism, and harassment. Discover how gym operators can create more supportive environments.

4. Peloton Surpasses Expectations
Peloton exceeded projections for its second fiscal quarter of 2025, posting $673.9 million in revenue. Engagement is on the rise with new features and strong retail sales driving growth. Peloton has increased its guidance for fiscal 2025.

5. Climbing Gyms Scale Up with AI Innovation
The global climbing gym market is booming, with $7.72 billion in projected growth between 2025 and 2029. AI-powered tools like automated route-setting and personalized training programs are transforming the climbing experience for members worldwide.

0:00 - Introduction
0:23 - Saudi Arabia's Inaugural SFA International Sporting Events
1:04 - Life Time's Plans for Cold Plunge Installations
1:36 - Why Gyms Can Be Intimidating Spaces for Women
2:19 - Peloton's Strong Q2 Results and Future Outlook
3:11 - The Booming Rock Climbing Gym Market

#fitnessbusiness #fitnessindustry #fitnessnews

In this episode, Krissy Vann sits down with Anton Severin, Vice President of Research at the Health and Fitness Association, to explore the latest insights on how fitness affordability can shape the future of public health and access to exercise.

Key Points:

-The research reveals that affordability is a leading barrier to fitness participation, with 61% of non-customers citing cost as a key obstacle.
-Fitness facility customers are 56% more likely to meet the WHO's recommended activity guidelines, highlighting the unique value of structured exercise environments.
-A 10% reduction in membership fees could significantly increase participation, with the potential to generate billions in health cost savings and productivity gains.
-The research findings demonstrate the importance of addressing affordability through policy support, as the industry alone cannot solve this challenge.
-The consistency of the trends across 10 countries studied underscores the global nature of the issue and the need for coordinated advocacy efforts.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 - Introduction
2:05 - Exploring Anton Severin's Fitness Affordability Research
7:25 - The Impact of Affordability on Fitness Participation
12:35 - Quantifying the Potential Impact of Price Reductions
18:01 - The Societal and Economic Benefits of Improved Fitness Affordability
26:18 - The Future of the Fitness Industry with Affordability Policies
28:42 - Upcoming Research and Industry Support

Welcome to This Week in Fitness, where we crunch the latest fitness business headlines to keep your fitness business in shape! From innovative wellness initiatives to industry growth, Krissy Vann has you covered in under five minutes.

Stories This Week:

Orangetheory Partners with Molekule:
With cold and flu season in full swing, Orangetheory Fitness is enhancing air quality in select studios by deploying Molekule’s FDA-cleared PECO-HEPA technology. This move aims to create safer and healthier workout spaces, reflecting a growing industry trend toward health-focused innovations.

Therabody Launches for Women's Wellness:
Therabody has introduced Therabody, for Her, a program designed to address women’s health needs across key life stages, including mental well-being, menstruation, motherhood, and menopause. This initiative is part of a broader effort in the industry to prioritize science-backed solutions for women’s wellness.

MyFitnessPal Tackles Extreme Diets with FadLab:
In response to New Year diet trends, MyFitnessPal’s FadLab is shedding light on the dangers of restrictive dieting. The initiative highlights the importance of sustainable progress over quick-fix solutions and aims to educate users on the benefits of balanced health strategies.

Global Wellness Summit’s 2025 Trends:
The Global Wellness Summit’s Future of Wellness report outlines key trends shaping the industry. These include a return to analog wellness experiences, the rise of social saunas, wellness travel, and advancements in wearable health technology. Fitness businesses have opportunities to expand offerings that align with these evolving consumer preferences.

Pvolve Expands with New Franchise Locations:
Boutique fitness brand Pvolve is growing its footprint with new studios in Dallas, Miami, Charlotte, and Portland. Known for its low-impact functional training, the brand is meeting increased demand for sustainable, longevity-focused fitness solutions.

Affordability Barriers in Fitness:
A new report from the Health & Fitness Association highlights affordability as a key barrier to accessing fitness facilities. The study found that reducing membership costs could significantly increase participation, leading to improved public health outcomes, stronger communities, and economic growth.

On this episode of All Things Fitness and Wellness, Krissy Vann sits down with Ron Benamor, Director of Sales at DXFactor, to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in the fitness industry and what operators need to know as we head into 2025.

Key learning points include:

-How AI is transforming personal training by optimizing workout plans and delivery.
-The impact of AI-powered chatbots in enhancing member services while freeing up staff.
-The role of AI in marketing automation and content optimization for fitness businesses.
-Why personalization is a huge opportunity—and how AI can leverage member data for tailored experiences.
-How AI can boost retention by identifying at-risk members and providing proactive solutions to keep them engaged.
-The importance of integrating data across systems to unlock AI’s full potential.
-Cautions around data privacy and intellectual property as AI adoption grows.
-Why a modern, mobile-friendly website and app are must-haves for appealing to younger members.

Whether you’re a fitness operator, tech enthusiast, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this episode offers actionable insights into using AI to stay competitive and build member loyalty.

0:00 - Introduction
2:30 - The Rise of AI in Fitness
7:00 - Adoption Challenges & Opportunities 
12:00 - Personalization & Data Utilization
18:00 - AI for Member Retention
23:00 - Data Security & Legal Considerations
28:00 - Implementing AI in Fitness Businesses
34:00 - Future Trends in Fitness Tech
39:00 - Final Thoughts

Welcome to This Week in Fitness, where Krissy Vann crunches the latest fitness business headlines in under 5 minutes.

F45 Training’s Record Year  
F45 opens 75 new studios, grows membership leads by 19%, and launches flagship concepts like VAURA Pilates.  

Life Time Reports 2024 Financial Results  
Life Time’s revenue grows 18.5%, with plans to open 10-12 new centers and enhance member engagement in 2025.  

Connected Gym Equipment Market Growth 
Smart fitness equipment demand rises, with the market projected to grow by $10.16 billion between 2025 and 2029.  

Canyon Ranch Launches M/Power  
A new retreat program addressing menopause and perimenopause reflects rising awareness in women’s wellness.  

PHIT America Opens First PHIT Center 
The initiative tackles youth inactivity with a new open-air fitness facility in Brownsville, Texas.  

Wellness Trends for 2025 
A shift toward evidence-based practices and simplified wellness routines leads the way in the coming year.  

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for your weekly fitness news fix!  

Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Stay fit, stay informed, and keep your fitness business in shape!

#fitnessbusiness #fitnessindustry #boutiquefitness 

In this episode, Eric Malzone, fitness entrepreneur and host of The Future of Fitness Podcast, tackles some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the fitness industry. From the shift toward health optimization to the untapped "other 80%" of inactive populations, Eric shares his candid insights on where the industry is falling short and where it can excel.

Topics include:

Why GLP-1 medications might not significantly impact gym attendance and how fitness professionals can address the muscle loss associated with these treatments.

The potential of AI-driven personalization, wearable tech, and customized health solutions like Vitality Blueprint to reshape member retention and engagement.

The importance of community-building and social wellness in retaining members and establishing gyms as essential "third spaces."

Why the industry needs to move beyond buzzwords and focus on aligning with human behavior for real, lasting impact.

Eric’s perspective, rooted in decades of experience, offers a balanced view of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Tune in to explore actionable strategies and hear his optimistic take on the future of wellness, longevity, and the evolving role of fitness professionals.

Welcome to This Week in Fitness, where we bring you the latest updates and insights shaping the fitness industry. In this episode, we cover leadership changes, major expansions, and new rankings that highlight the evolving fitness business landscape.

Stories Covered:

1. GoodLife’s New Role with REGYMEN Fitness
   David “Patch” Patchell-Evans, founder of GoodLife Fitness, becomes the majority owner of REGYMEN Fitness, aiming to drive significant expansion.
2. Barry’s Secures Strategic Investment for Expansion
   Barry’s announces a partnership with Princeton Equity Group to support its growth in the UK and Canada.
3. Xponential Fitness Strengthens Leadership Team
   Xponential adds four executives to key roles to enhance operational growth, franchise development, and technology integration.
4. Planet Fitness Expands Executive Leadership
   Planet Fitness appoints new Chief Development and Chief Marketing Officers to support strategic growth initiatives in 2025.
5. After-Hours Searches Create Opportunity for Fitness Operators
   A study by Keepme reveals a high percentage of gym-related searches happen outside traditional business hours, urging operators to adopt 24/7 engagement strategies.

Stay tuned for all the details, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more updates from the fitness industry.

The wearables market is booming, with nearly 50% of U.S. households owning and actively using devices like Apple Watch, Whoop, and Oura, according to Parks Associates. As fitness and healthcare increasingly intersect, the data from these devices is becoming a valuable tool for improving wellness outcomes.

In this episode of The ATFW Podcast, host Krissy Vann sits down with Marco Benitez, CEO and Founder of ROOK. Marco shares his journey from Tae Kwon Do champion to biomedical engineer to entrepreneur and discusses how wearables are reshaping the fitness industry.

We’ll explore why wearable data is critical for health club operators, how technology like ROOK simplifies the integration of multiple devices, and what this means for the future of fitness and healthcare. Plus, Marco offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to make an impact in 2025.

#fitnessbusienss #fitnessindustry #fitnesstech