For years, fitness and wellness professionals have relied on a combination of movement, behavior change, nutrition and recovery strategies to help clients reach their health and performance goals. But one area of science, despite its growing body of research, has remained largely untapped in fitness programming: the microbiome. 

This complex ecosystem of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms plays a crucial role in everything from metabolism and immunity to mental health and physical recovery. Yet for most gym owners, trainers and wellness professionals, the microbiome remains an abstract concept rather than a practical tool.

Jona, a company specializing in AI-driven microbiome analysis, is working to bridge that gap by turning gut health insights into actionable strategies. Through artificial intelligence (AI), the company deciphers microbiome patterns and cross-references them with thousands of scientific studies, offering a new way for fitness professionals to personalize training, recovery and nutrition programs.

“The microbiome is one of the most complex and dynamic systems in the body and, until now, it’s been incredibly difficult to interpret,” says Leo Grady, PhD, founder and CEO of Jona. “With AI, we’re able to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application, making microbiome insights truly actionable.”

The ability to analyze an individual’s microbiome offers fitness professionals a new layer of insight into client health. When the microbiome is balanced, metabolism functions efficiently, helping to prevent weight gain and blood sugar imbalances. A client struggling with low energy and slow recovery times may have an imbalance in their gut bacteria affecting metabolic efficiency or inflammation levels. 

Another client or member dealing with brain fog or mood instability may be experiencing disruptions in the gut-brain axis. Even factors like hormone regulation and skin health have been linked to the microbiome, meaning trainers working with clients through menopause or those focused on longevity may find value in these insights.

A Competitive Advantage for Wellness Providers?

Jona’s approach goes beyond simply identifying bacteria in the gut. By creating a “digital twin” of an individual’s microbiome, the company’s AI platform can simulate how different lifestyle changes — such as dietary shifts, supplementation or adjustments in workout intensity — might impact a person’s overall health and recovery.

This predictive capability allows trainers, health coaches and recovery specialists to move away from a trial-and-error “dart board” approach and instead make data-driven decisions tailored to each person’s custom, biological needs.

For fitness businesses looking to stand out, microbiome testing presents an opportunity to add a profit center and expand beyond traditional services. Gyms and personal training studios, for example, could integrate gut health analysis into personalized coaching programs and training plans. Wellness and recovery centers could use microbiome insights to tailor strategies for stress management, sleep optimization or even skin health. Specialized women’s fitness programs, such as those supporting prenatal and postnatal health, could incorporate microbiome analysis to better understand how gut bacteria influence hormonal balance.

As the industry marches toward personalization, microbiome testing could feasibly become as standard as wearable technology and biometric assessments. While not a replacement for foundational fitness principles or the right education and certification, gut health insights offer a new tool for refining training programs. With AI making complex microbiome data more interpretable, fitness professionals can explore a more individualized approach to helping clients reach their goals.

The post How Microbiome Science Could Reshape Fitness and Recovery appeared first on Athletech News.

InBody, a medical-grade device company renowned for its body composition analyzers, will be at HFA 2025, inviting attendees to explore its latest innovations, including the InBody Touch – an interactive touchscreen kiosk that seamlessly integrates with InBody products – and the InGrip, a handheld dynamometer that measures handgrip strength.

InBody can be found at booth #1952 during HFA 2025, taking place March 12-15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Attendees can also participate in the InGrip Challenge, where they can measure their handgrip strength using the InGrip and compete for a chance to win a prize. 

“Grip strength is not only important for everyday activities and athletic performance, but it’s also an indicator of overall health and has been linked to longevity,” said Daniel Park, InBody’s vice president of sales.

Additionally, a scavenger hunt will guide participants through partner booths to learn more about InBody technology.

“At the end of the day, InBody can positively impact millions of peoples’ health journeys only with the support of our partners,” Park added. “They believed in our company, technology, and vision, and they’ve been able to use this transformative technology to actually change lives. Whether it’s helping someone see tangible progress to stay motivated in their fitness journey or revealing a muscular imbalance affecting an athlete’s performance so they can fine-tune their training, none of these wins would be possible without our partners. Together, we’ve accomplished so much, and there’s still so much more good to do.”

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Eating just two cups of mango a day can help lower insulin concentrations and improve insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults with chronic low-grade inflammation, according to new research.

The study, conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology and published in Nutrients, brings a sweet and antioxidant-rich way for individuals to reduce their risk of chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, in under roughly 100 calories. 

The study compared the consumption of fresh mangos to calorie-matched Italian ices in 48 adults aged 20-60, examining their effects on inflammation and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults with low-grade chronic inflammation.

Those who ate mangoes saw a significant reduction in insulin resistance and improved blood sugar levels, and after four weeks, experienced significantly lower insulin concentrations compared to the beginning of the study. Those in the mango grouping also saw stable body composition, while the control group saw a “slight but significant increase in body weight,” researchers noted.

“Managing blood glucose isn’t just about monitoring blood sugar levels—it’s about improving insulin sensitivity,” noted Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, Professor of Food Science and Nutrition. “Our study suggests that adding fresh mangos to the diet can be a simple, enjoyable way for people who are overweight or have obesity to support better insulin function and reduce type 2 diabetes risk.”

Additional findings showed that inflammation markers and glucose levels weren’t significantly different between the two groups, deeming mangos a “heart-healthy swap for calorically comparable sweet treats.” No differences were noted in terms of fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or triglycerides, according to the study.

“The improvement in insulin sensitivity in the mango group, without changes in body weight, is noteworthy – which counters misconceptions about mangos’ natural sugar content and impact on obesity and diabetes,” Edirisinghe added.  “These findings support previous research showing that eating mango does not lead to weight gain, and while the exact mechanism is still unknown, the role of improved antioxidant status from mango consumption may be the mediating factor on blood glucose control.”

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Bloom Nutrition, the wellness brand founded by Mari Llewellyn, a fitness and wellness influencer-turned-entrepreneur, is expanding into a new category — one that’s picking up steam this year: low-sugar, functional soda.

Enter Bloom Pop, a better-for-you, gut-supporting twist on traditional soda, unveiled at Expo West 2025, the West Coast’s annual natural and organic products trade show.

“What we do best at Bloom is reimagine wellness essentials with flavor and function,” Bloom co-founder Mari Llewellyn said. “Made with a scientifically-backed prebiotic and flavor we’ve perfected, Bloom Pop is our answer to what our fans feel the modern soda category is missing: a truly tasty and functional drink. We will continue to reach our community as we always have—by making it easier for them to bloom into their best selves.”

The new functional sodas will launch in five flavors, including Shirley Temple, Raspberry Lemon and Orange, and are expected to hit shelves around Labor Day at Walmart and other major retailers. The functional soda will contain 20 calories and 3-4 grams of sugar, aligning with the growing consumer preference for low-sugar options.

The Bloom brand has successfully captured the attention of Gen Z and millennials, particularly women interested in fitness and wellness. Many have followed its blonde founder and podcast host since 2017, when she posted a before-and-after photo on Instagram documenting her 70-pound weight loss — a transformational post in more ways than one, as it quickly cemented her status as a go-to source for fitness motivation and then CPG empire.

Nutrabolt, the company behind C4 Energy, made a significant minority investment in Bloom Nutrition last January, making it Bloom’s largest investor. At the time, Bloom Nutrition focused on supplements in the greens and superfoods category, including pre-workout blends, whey isolate proteins, collagen peptides, collagen creamers and blending accessories — all secured shelf space at major retailers like Walmart, Sam’s Club and Target. By July, Bloom Sparkling Energy hit the market, an energy beverage with prebiotics that sold over three million cans within its first two and a half months.

“Our partnership with Bloom is focused on driving beverage innovation and bringing Mari and Greg’s vision to life,” Nutrabolt chairman and CEO Doss Cunningham said. “Bloom Pop is a prime example of what we can accomplish together and further solidifies Bloom’s leadership in the beverage category.”

If 2024 kicked off the era of energy drinks, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of the great soda edit. 

Functional soda brand Poppi poured big bucks into a Super Bowl LIX commercial last month, poking fun at the traditional soda industry with an ad that showed young consumers tempted by soda but hesitating over its sugar content — before ultimately cracking open a can of Poppi’s colorfully-branded prebiotic soda instead. The company sells low-sugar functional sodas in eight flavors, including Classic Cola, Doc Pop and Lemon Lime.

Olipop, another low-sugar functional soda brand touting beverages with prebiotics, plant fiber and botanical extracts, recently secured a $50 million investment from J.P. Morgan Private Capital’s Growth Equity Partners, bringing its valuation to $1.85 billion. The brand plans to expand its already extensive flavor line-up and retail presence.

Other contenders in the healthier soda category include Slice soda brand, which was acquired by Suja to give it a healthy makeover with the addition of pro, pre and post-biotics and Culture Pop Soda, a soda alternative with live probiotics, which landed a $21 million investment last year.

If there was any doubt that the healthy soda trend isn’t just a passing fad, look no further than an industry titan like Coca-Cola launching its own take on the prebiotic soda category with Simply Pop.

“We found that consumers, especially wellness-focused Gen Z-ers and millennials, were really interested in juice and prebiotic sodas,” said Becca Kerr, CEO of Nutrition at Coca-Cola.

The new fruit-forward line contains 25-30% real fruit juice from concentrate, includes Vitamin C and zinc, and has no added sugar. Interestingly, it pulls from Simply, which originally launched as an orange juice brand in 2001. Coca-Cola believes the brand recognition will resonate with those who are “curious” about prebiotic sodas but haven’t yet taken the leap. 

“Gen Z grew up with this brand,” noted Terika Fasakin, Simply’s North America brand senior director. “They don’t remember a world where Simply doesn’t exist, and it’s the juice they’ve seen in the fridge throughout their lives, so it has a particular tug on their heartstrings.”

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Many fitness executives talk a good game about the importance of physical activity and healthy living. 

Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, lives it.

Named president and CEO of the American Council on Exercise (ACE) last year, Bryant has held various leadership positions within the fitness education and certification provider since joining ACE in 2001. Before that, Bryant was an executive at StairMaster, and throughout his impressive academic career in the fields of physiology and exercise science, he’s authored more than 300 articles and co-authored or edited over 40 books

A fierce proponent of health equity and accessibility, Bryant sat down with Athletech News to discuss the link between exercise and chronic disease prevention, share how ACE is working to bring fitness and healthcare closer together, and give his thoughts on the rise of anti-obesity drugs like GLP-1s. 

The following conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and length. 

Athletech News: Can you tell us about your background in academia and the fitness industry, and what prompted you to join ACE back in 2001?

Cedric X. Bryant: My career has really been split into thirds. The first third was the traditional academic route where I got my PhD in physiology, and then I went the teaching and research route at Penn State, West Point and Arizona State. I focused much of my work on the role of exercise and chronic disease prevention and management, exploring how physical activity could impact conditions like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and looking at how we could use evidence-based approaches to improve overall health outcomes. I’ve always fashioned myself as a person who effectively bridges the gap between science and practice, who is able to take scientific information and present it in a manner where it’s very digestible to the professionals who are on the ground impacting lives.

The middle third I spent working in the for-profit world, heading up R&D for StairMaster, the exercise equipment company. That was a neat experience because it helped expose me to a different side of the industry. During that time, I became associated with ACE, serving on their scientific advisory board at the time, which evolved into me joining the organization back in 2001 as VP of science and education. That evolved into president and chief science officer, and I’m now president and CEO. I’ve been with ACE for almost 24 years now. 

ATN: How do you view ACE’s role within the fitness industry? 

CB: At a very high level, I see ACE as educating health and fitness professionals so they’re uniquely positioned to advance equity in physical activity and fitness by advocating for more accessible and science-based approaches. Being physically active offers so many important health benefits – and life benefits in general. I believe all people deserve to have those experiences made readily available to them. 

Because that’s such a large task, we’re big on collaboration and partnerships. No single entity can address the problems we’re trying to address as an industry in terms of physical inactivity and the associated issues with being obese and overweight. So we partner with our peer organizations, other health organizations, policymakers and communities to ensure that everyone, regardless of size, ability and background, has access to high-quality health and physical activity services. 

ATN: What have your early priorities been since taking over as ACE’s CEO?

CB: A lot of my early priorities have been an extension of what we’ve been doing as an organization. One is to expand our educational offerings, because I’m a big believer that life is about learning and growing. We want to make sure we’re always offering relevant content and topics so we can help professionals develop and grow throughout their careers. We’re looking at things like the anti-obesity medications and the role that exercise and fitness play with regard to individuals who might be using those to manage their weight. We’re looking at the smart utilization of AI to allow individuals to be more operationally efficient. We’re also looking at mental health and well-being from an educational perspective, and how can the health and fitness professional play an appropriate role while staying within the bounds of scope of practice.

In terms of the industry at large, I’m trying to make sure we play a thought leader role in helping to bridge the gap between fitness and healthcare. We want to strengthen the role that ACE plays, as well as the industry at large, in integrating health solutions and ensuring that exercise professionals are in a position to become viable members of what I call the optimal healthcare team. We also want to play a role in the whole public health sector in terms of increasing our presence in policy discussions around things like obesity, physical activity and health promotion. As an example of that, we’ve served on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s Roundtable on Obesity Solutions since 2014. 

ATN: What’s your take on the rise of anti-obesity drugs like GLP-1s? Will these medications be a positive or negative development for the fitness industry over the long term? 

CB: I think GLP-1s and (other) anti-obesity medications are going to play a positive role in helping individuals who have been impacted by obesity for quite some time but haven’t had success with traditional methods. 

However, I do think we need to be aware of and understand the fact that while those drugs can help people experience rapid weight loss, they’re not without some issues. It’s important that we as an industry understand what those are, and understand how we can play a role in helping to mitigate some of those issues, namely the impact of those medications on muscle mass, metabolism and exercise capacity. Even more importantly, a successful weight management intervention has to be sustainable. We know that unless individuals combine medications with the appropriate healthy lifestyle behavior changes, the results are likely not going to be sustainable. That’s where our industry can partner with healthcare to provide the appropriate supplemental exercise training.

ATN: So far, how would you assess the fitness industry’s collective response to the rise of GLP-1s?

CB: I’ll give you some positives and negatives. On the positive side, I’d say there’s a growing awareness, so more fitness professionals and organizations are recognizing the role of these anti-obesity meds in weight management. Because of that, there are new education efforts underway where some leading industry organizations are starting to offer training on how to support clients taking these medications. ACE has recently introduced continuing education courses along those lines. There are also some early positive signs of collaboration between fitness and medical professionals. 

On the downside, I think there needs to be a better understanding of these GLP-1 medications in terms of what they do and their potential side effects. I’d argue that because they’re relatively new, many fitness professionals lack sufficient knowledge of how these medications impact muscle mass, metabolism and exercise capacity. It’s (also) important that we avoid stigmatizing the folks who are taking these medications, because some fitness spaces still carry weight bias, if we’re honest.

But overall, I’m encouraged that there’s enough positive traction and movement. Better connecting fitness with healthcare is something the industry has been trying to do for decades. This just might be the gateway into that.

ATN: What’s one thing you’d most like to see change in the fitness industry?

CB: I’d say it’s (more) true collaboration. In my humble opinion, it’d be wise for all of us to recognize that we share a common foe: physical inactivity and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. It’s not each other, regardless of what our acronyms might be. We partner with our peer organizations like ACSM and we work with the Medical Fitness Association, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the National Council on Strength and Fitness, because we believe we can accomplish so many more meaningful things if we work together and look for those opportunities where we have a common interest and a common bond. It’s the old rising tide, if you will. 

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Halotherapy Solutions has spent years advancing the role of halotherapy in recovery, earning recognition from gyms, wellness centers and now, even Prince Harry. As the only BBB-accredited salt therapy equipment company with an A+ rating, the company is known for its commitment to quality and customer support.

“Our company strongly believes that giving back is core to being a business,” says Steve Spiro, CEO of Halotherapy Solutions.

At the 2025 Vancouver Invictus Games, Halotherapy Solutions shared HaloRed, a patented recovery technology that combines Halotherapy with advanced red light therapy, to paralympic military athletes from 23 countries. Designed to enhance respiratory function, accelerate muscle recovery and reduce inflammation, HaloRed quickly gained attention for its science-backed benefits. 

The response was overwhelming, with athletes and wellness practitioners praising its impact — leading to an invitation to the 2027 Invictus Games in the UK and the U.S. Armed Forces Warrior Games in Colorado.

Halotherapy Solutions is helping fitness and wellness businesses integrate recovery solutions that support both health and performance. The following Q&A with Spiro dives into the brand’s experience at the Invictus Games, meeting with Prince Harry, and why halotherapy is becoming a key part of athletic recovery.

Athletech News (ATN): Halotherapy Solutions was part of the 2025 Vancouver Invictus Games, where you met Prince Harry. Can you tell us about that experience?

Steve Spiro (SS): Meeting Prince Harry was an incredible moment. His passion for wellness, recovery and holistic health was evident, and he was genuinely interested in the benefits of Halotherapy for athletes. The Healing Hut, where we were featured, included 25 world-renowned wellness practitioners, from massage therapists and acupuncturists to aromatherapists and physical therapists — and even Mattis, the loving service dog!

Halotherapy Solutions was one of just two wellness equipment providers handpicked for this global event, and it was incredible to be part of a space that focused on helping military athletes recover and perform at their best.

ATN: How did athletes and attendees respond to your Halotherapy sessions?

SS: The response was overwhelming! We provided over 1,000 free salt therapy sessions to more than 1,400 paralympic military athletes and their families from 23 countries — plus some generals, CEOs and wellness leaders. Many athletes said our HaloRed system helped alleviate colds, reduced stress and improved lung function for training and recovery.

ATN: What makes Halotherapy such a powerful tool for athletes?

SS: Breath is the foundation of performance. Whether an athlete is competing at the highest level or just training for personal goals, respiratory function directly impacts endurance, recovery and overall health. Halotherapy works by clearing airways to improve oxygen intake and stamina, reducing inflammation for faster muscle recovery, lowering stress levels to aid focus and performance and more.

Athletes recognize the power of recovery, and halotherapy is an accessible, non-invasive solution that enhances both physical and mental resilience.

ATN: Why should gyms, recovery centers and wellness businesses consider adding Halotherapy?

SS: Wellness is no longer a niche offering — it’s a core expectation in the fitness and wellness industry. Gyms are seeing that integrating recovery solutions like Halotherapy drives new membership, boosts retention and increases revenue per member.

The HaloRed system has become our top-selling product in the fitness industry because it fits seamlessly into recovery programs and performance optimization strategies. We’ve already partnered with Equinox, World Gym, and Augment, along with several pro sports teams and independent fitness centers that recognize the value of better respiratory stamina, faster recovery and holistic wellness.

ATN: What makes HaloRed different from other halotherapy solutions?

SS: HaloRed is the only patented system that combines salt therapy with red light therapy, and it’s backed by science. We worked with NASA to study how salt crystals refract red light, creating microbursts of energy that enhance its effects. This makes our red light therapy more immersive and effective than standard medical-grade red light therapy, which typically only offers two wavelengths — we use four.

Additionally, our HaloCBD technology allows facilities to offer Aerobic CannaBinoiD Therapy, where CBD is combined with salt and dispersed through our halogenerators, providing benefits like reduced inflammation, improved sleep and better breathing — without requiring users to consume it through smoke or a vape.

ATN: How does Prince Harry’s involvement in wellness impact the future of recovery solutions like Halotherapy?

SS: Prince Harry has been a strong advocate for mental and physical well-being, particularly for military personnel and athletes (editor’s note: Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014). His continued support of events like the Invictus Games and commitment to holistic wellness practices helps drive awareness and credibility for recovery solutions that work.

The fact that world-class athletes, high-ranking officials and leaders in wellness experienced Halotherapy Solutions firsthand at the Invictus Games reinforces that this is more than just a trend — it’s the future of athletic recovery.

ATN: Where can fitness and wellness businesses learn more about integrating Halotherapy into their facilities?

SS: We’d love to connect! Visit us at Booth #869 at HFA for a live demo or reach out to explore how Halotherapy Solutions can help your business grow with next-generation recovery technology.

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Human Powered Health, a human performance company with labs that offer athletic performance and health assessments, has partnered with wellness and nutrition company Momentous.

Human Powered Health Cycling, U.S.-based Women’s WorldTour professional cycling team, is one organization that will benefit from the initiative, where its athletes will have access to Momentous’ NSF Certified for Sport products, comprehensive physiological assessments from the Human Powered Health Performance Lab and a hyper-personalized training and recovery program.

“Our team strives to push the limits of human performance,” Human Powered Health Cycling’s team trainer Callum McQueen said. “This partnership provides us with the resources and expertise to do just that. Supplementation is key for many sports, but especially in cycling due to its high demands on the body. Momentous’ line of products is ideal because we will use them to aid recovery and promote additional key nutrients that athletes can’t get from food alone.”

Human Powered Health clients and email subscribers will also be able to purchase Momentous products at a 15% discount within the performance labs and online. Human Powered Health has labs in Boston and Wellesley, Minneapolis and Scottsdale. 

“At Momentous, we are committed to providing athletes with the highest quality, most effective nutrition solutions,” Momentous founder and CEO Jeff Byers said. “Partnering with Human Powered Health allows us to directly empower elite cyclists on their journey to peak performance by integrating our products into their approach to training and racing. We are excited to support Human Powered Health in all facets of this partnership.”

Last year, consumer-focused investment firm Humble Growth acquired a significant minority stake in the Utah-based Momentous. 

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Make Time Wellness, co-founded by Emma Heming Willis and Helen Christoni, is expanding its product line and has announced new retail partnerships, including The Vitamin Shoppe.

The duo were honored in People Magazine’s Women Changing the World last year.

The women’s brain health and wellness brand recently launched a sugar-free Brain Health & Beauty Gummy $39.99 and plans to introduce Make Time for Beauty Sleep $29.99, a sugar-free gummy with melatonin and biotin as key ingredients. The brand’s Make Time for Brain, Body and Beauty Vitamin Powder has also been reformulated, incorporating Cognizin Citicoline, a naturally occurring nutrient, and organic green tea (one of the top 10 superfoods of 2025, according to the 13th annual What’s Trending in Nutrition survey).

“Our team is incredibly excited about the continued growth and success of Make Time Wellness,” Christoni said. “We are deeply grateful for the recognition we’ve received this year and are eager to introduce our newest products to our loyal customers. Our reformulated products and new launches reflect our commitment to creating high-quality wellness solutions that support every aspect of our customers’ health and beauty journeys.”

Last year, Make Time Wellness launched a podcast with 20-minute episodes covering everything from navigating grief to embracing clean living.

“These partnerships are an incredible opportunity to reach new audiences and make our supplements more accessible to women who are seeking effective, high-quality solutions for brain health, beauty and overall well-being,” Willis said. “It’s a big step forward for Make Time Wellness, and we can’t wait to continue making a positive impact on the lives and brain health of women.”

The supplement industry shows no signs of slowing, with new products reflecting evolving consumer preferences, such as sugar-free options, gut health and immunity support and hydration and sleep-focused solutions.

In addition to Make Time Wellness, Vital Proteins has unveiled Colostrum Capsules aimed at supporting gut and immune health. Cure Hydration, another female-founded company launched by triathlete Lauren Picasso, focuses on hydration, offering an electrolyte mix based on the World Health Organization’s oral rehydration solution formula (which is scientifically proven to hydrate just as effectively as an IV drip), according to the brand.

Supplement brand Cadence is also targeting hydration, with a line that includes a carbonated beverage, hydration sachets and pre-workout and sleep formulas.

Sports nutrition brand Bucked Up—which was just awarded Best Innovation this past weekend at the Arnold Sports Festival—just launched a line of lightly carbonated, zero-sugar protein drinks.

In the sleep category, recovery nutrition brand Cheribundi recently launched Sleep Gummies, incorporating its signature tart cherry juice for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Floyd Mayweather has also joined the supplement space with 1O1 (One of One), a collection that includes whey protein powder, pre-workouts, creatine, a gut health product, hydration sticks and peptide capsules.

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Naboso, a sensory tech company with a line that includes textured insoles, socks, mats, flooring and release tools, has partnered with Chi Living, the parent brand of ChiRunning and ChiWalking.

The partnership between the two kicks off at the Boston Run Show on March 1-2 at the Boston Convention Center. The two plan to launch a series of educational initiatives, workshops and product integrations.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Chi Living to bring an integrated approach to movement and wellness,” said Dr. Emily Splichal, Nabosco founder, functional podiatrist and human movement specialist. “This partnership allows us to further our mission of enhancing mobility and longevity by supporting the body from the ground up.”

Chi Living founder Danny Dreyer noted that the two entities are committed to helping people move easily and efficiently. Along with offering a holistic movement technique, Chi Living has evolved into a platform with a teaching component for aspiring instructors and coaches, along with apps for both running and walking.

“Naboso’s sensory-stimulating products offer greater benefits to individuals looking to optimize their movement for a lifetime,” Dreyer added.

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Life Time has attracted more than 1.7 million non-member subscribers to its free LT Digital app, all without any marketing efforts—and the number is expected to reach three to four million by the end of the year, Life Time founder and CEO Bahram Akradi told investors this week. 

The high-end country club operator’s complimentary app was a key focus during its earnings call with investors on Thursday, where the company reported an 18.7% increase in revenue to $663.3 million for Q4 2024, and an 18.2% increase to $2.62 billion for the full year.

Life Time opened LT Digital to non-members last year, providing free access to on-demand fitness classes, nutrition and exercise programs, meditations, podcasts and more. Shortly thereafter, the club operator announced a partnership with Microsoft to launch L.AI.C, an AI-driven companion for members to answer basic questions about their home club, with broader plans to have it offer tailored workout programs and more. By the end of 2024, Life Time added 100 new on-demand classes on the app and introduced LTH, a line of supplements and wellness products.

While freebies often fizzle out, Life Time continues investing in its app for non-members, recently launching wellness challenges—one of which is a protein reset. 

Some free LT Digital subscribers will eventually convert to paying Life Time members, Akradi says, he remains focused on the bigger picture—as he alluded to connecting LT Digital to growing demand for LTH’s nutritional supplements. The product line is extensive—there are protein offerings, vitamins, pre-workouts, specialized kits and more. Consumers can shop by health needs or take a two-minute quiz to personalize their routine. 

On a personal note, Akradi shared with investors that he takes somewhere between 80 and 90 supplements a day. 

“With the month-over-month growth we’re seeing, we expect that business to be a billion-dollar revenue business in the years to come and the LT Digital with tens of millions of subscribers on it over the next four, five, six years—will become an easy, natural foundation for the people to find the LTH products and be able to just easily buy it. L.AI.C. will help them answer any questions they have about any products, coupled with the understanding of who they are and their activity levels.”

Akradi also indicated that a bigger reveal will come—perhaps in early August—regarding other asset-light opportunities that the brand has been working on for several years. Life Time plans to open 10-12 clubs this year and its second Miora clinic—focused on longevity and performance—will open next week.

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Texas-based Midlife Male Ventures has raised $1 million to fuel its mission to help men make the most of midlife.

The concept, created by “The Midlife Male” author Greg Scheinman, was inspired by his interviews with more than 200 high-performing middle-aged men. Those conversations sparked a series of personal adventures — from underwater training with Laird Hamilton at XPT Life to getting strapped to the side of an attack helicopter and completing a 52.4-mile walk for his 52nd birthday.

“Our ethos is that Midlife Male is written for midlife men, by midlife men,” Scheinman said. “This is where all of us who grew up on Men’s Health, Muscle & Fitness, GQ, Maxim and Esquire have migrated because we’ve outgrown the six-pack obsessions, luxury wish lists and superficial life hacks—and we’re ready for deeper conversations, connections and collaborations about purpose, health, success and meaning in midlife. It’s where we can talk about the things men think in their heads but don’t say out loud. It’s access, insights, experiences, network, accountability, and how to maximize midlife in one place.”

The funding will support the expansion of Midlife Male Ventures’ ecosystem, including its weekly digital magazine, which saw its subscriber base quadruple in Q4 2024. Books & Biceps newsletter creator Jon Finkel has also joined the team as editor-in-chief.

The company has announced its first official “Midlife Male Approved” partnerships with brands including Blokes, Create, longevity supplements brand Timeline Nutrition and NADS. Additionally, it has launched an exclusive inner circle community featuring monthly guest speakers—from midlife CEOs to entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, authors and thought leaders.

“It’s time for men to stop seeing aging as something to fear and start seeing it as something aspirational,” Scheinman added. “Our conversations and content are relatable, credible and aspirational, and that’s why they resonate. Men need this and it’s our mission to meet them where they are and give them what they need.”

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Biograph, the San Francisco Bay Area’s preventive health and diagnostic clinic co-founded by Dr. Peter Attia, is preparing to open a second location in New York City this quarter.

The preventative health and longevity concept currently offers two membership levels: Core, $7,500, which provides a “point-in-time” assessment of health, and Black, a $15,000 option offering more comprehensive health insights via 30+ assessments and ongoing expert guidance. Depending on the selected level, members will have their risk assessed across several categories including cancer, metabolic, cardiac, neurological and quality of life.

“Diagnostics are foundational to evaluating and implementing an effective health strategy informed by a systems-based approach, as well as comprehensive analyses that consider each data point within the context of an individual’s entire health picture,” Attia said. “Biograph’s evaluation is best in class, which is why I recommend my patients start here.”

According to Biograph, since the launch of its first clinic, more than 15% of members have reported discovering urgent or life-altering health insights. To that point, co-founder John Hering noted that Biograph was inspired by the cancer diagnosis of one of his best friends.

“Biograph was founded on the belief that with the proper application of advanced medical technology and early detection, we can save lives,” Hering explained. “There is no greater investment we can make in the future, as individuals or humanity, than in our health. With an approach rooted in scientific evidence, Biograph is poised to be an integral catalyst helping to redefine what it means to live a better and longer life.”

The clinic touts a concierge setting supported by a team of medical experts, including Dr. Michael Doney, who is credited with refining Biograph’s assessment protocol and serves as executive medical director. Once an emergency medicine physician, Dr. Doney has pivoted to precision longevity care and research.

“Recognizing the variability in quality among health tests, scans, and assessments, I was drawn to Biograph’s mission,” Doney said. “We are committed to providing the most in-depth analysis of a broad range of health factors, enabling members to not only extend their lifespan but, more importantly, to optimize their healthspan and overall quality of life.”

The post Peter Attia Co-Founded Health Clinic To Open in NYC appeared first on Athletech News.

For too long, menopause has been treated as a taboo topic. Maria Luque, PhD, hopes to change the conversation around the transition. A health science professor, fitness expert and menopause specialist, Luque is on a mission to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate menopause with confidence.

Luque serves as Halle Berry’s menopause coach, guiding the Oscar-winning actress through her personal journey as part of Respin Health, the just-launched wellness initiative Berry co-founded. Her expertise in menopause and fitness is built on decades of research and hands-on experience.

“My background as a health science professor means I’ve always been committed to science-backed strategies, ensuring that everything I teach is rooted in evidence,” she explained. “But science alone isn’t enough—real change happens when knowledge meets practical, individualized application. That’s where my 20 years of coaching experience come in.”

She has spent years guiding women through the challenges of menopause, helping them understand their bodies and build effective habits.

“This dual perspective—bridging research with real-world coaching—defines my approach,” she said. “It’s not about generic advice; it’s about creating personalized strategies that empower women to thrive.”

When Halle Berry set out to experience the Respin Health pilot program, she wanted to do so as a participant.

“She understands the power of coaching and community,” Luque shared. “She wanted to go through the process herself to fully embrace what we’re building. With my extensive experience and personalized approach, she chose me as her coach to guide her through this journey. It’s been an incredible collaboration because she’s deeply committed to sharing real, science-backed solutions for menopause. She embodies the message that every woman deserves this level of support.”

A cornerstone of Luque’s menopause coaching is strength training, which she insists is critical for women going through perimenopause and menopause.

“Resistance training is non-negotiable for women in perimenopause and menopause,” she stated. “It’s not just a fitness trend—it’s backed by decades of science showing its critical role in preserving muscle, metabolism and bone density, as well as improving cognitive function and mental well-being.”

Declining estrogen levels during menopause contribute to muscle loss, which in turn affects metabolism, increases fat storage and weakens bones.

“Strength training is the most effective way to counteract these changes and maintain long-term vitality,” she said. “But the benefits go beyond just the physical. Strength training has a profound impact on mental health and body image. Instead of focusing on what’s being ‘lost,’ strength training shifts the perspective to what’s being gained—strength, capability, confidence and a renewed sense of control over one’s body. Studies also show that resistance training reduces anxiety, depression and stress, making it a key tool for overall well-being.”

Luque emphasized that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach and that menopause care has been fragmented for too long, often leaving women to navigate the transition on their own. Respin Health is working to change that by offering proactive, personalized coaching.

“For too long, menopause support has been reactive—women are left to figure it out themselves or rely on outdated, one-size-fits-all advice,” she said. “At Respin Health, we’re changing that by providing science-backed, personalized coaching that is proactive, precise and deeply personal.”

One of the biggest gaps Luque and Respin Health aim to fill is empowerment.

“We don’t just offer guidance—we give women the tools, education and support to become their own best advocates,” she says. “Instead of passive, single-dimensional care, we create tailored solutions that help women understand their bodies, make informed choices and take control of their health.”

Another key differentiator is community.

“Menopause can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be,” Luque stated. “Women thrive when they have a supportive space to share experiences, ask questions and learn from one another. Our coaching model brings women together so they can feel heard, validated and empowered.”

Luque’s message is clear: menopause isn’t something to fear—it’s a new chapter and with the right tools, it can be a strong one.

“At the core of my coaching is this simple truth: movement should feel like a gift, not a punishment,” she said. “When we make that shift, everything else—consistency, strength, confidence—falls into place.”

The post Maria Luque on Changing the Conversation Around Menopause appeared first on Athletech News.

The hospitality industry is undergoing a fundamental shift as longevity and wellness take center stage in consumer preferences. From biohacking and personalized health programs to recovery-focused fitness amenities and medical-grade wellness treatments, hotels and resorts are expanding their offerings to meet the growing demand for longevity-focused experiences.

Several key factors are fueling this transformation. First, the global wellness economy was valued at $5.6 trillion in 2022, with wellness tourism projected to reach $1 trillion by the end of this year. Travelers today are prioritizing proactive health measures, pushing hotels beyond traditional spa services to incorporate longevity-driven experiences, including IV therapy, full-body diagnostics and performance recovery tools.

At the same time, the aging global population is reshaping travel habits. In the United States alone, the percentage of individuals aged 65 and older has doubled from 8% in 1950 to 16.9% in 2020. Consumers over 50 — collectively known as the Longevity Economy – contributed $45 trillion to the global GDP in 2020, highlighting their significant spending power.

Further, this travel is not limited to seniors. Younger generations are increasingly integrating trends such as biohacking, cryotherapy and hyper-personalized nutrition into their lifestyles and seeking it on the road.

All told, this presents an enormous opportunity for hospitality brands to cater to a new era of travelers. Recognizing this shift, FIBO is launching its first-ever Longevity and Hospitality Summit as part of its annual conference in April.

Athletech News spoke with Judith Cartwright, a leading expert in this space and a key speaker at the summit, to explore how hotels and resorts can successfully integrate longevity into their offerings.

The Need for a Strategic Approach

“Longevity is not just a trend, it is here to stay, and hoteliers and developers need to have a strategic plan for how this gets incorporated,” says Cartwright.

This integration, she explains, needs to go beyond guest services and begin internally. 

“This starts with the hardware of a hotel and continues throughout the offering — not only for the guests but also for employees, creating awareness and solutions for their day-to-day workplace environment.”

Despite growing demand, many hotels and resorts still struggle with the positioning of wellness and fitness services.

“The challenge hotels and resorts across all star ratings have is that often their gyms, spas and wellness facilities are not seen as profit centers,” Cartwright explains. “They are treated as amenities rather than business units, leading to missed opportunities. Additionally, often the head of wellness and fitness is brought in just weeks before opening, rather than being involved from the start to help shape offerings.”

Another major issue is outdated brand standards.

“For example, the standard of a 60-square-meter gym for every 100 hotel rooms is simply not sufficient anymore,” she says. “Again, getting the right experts involved early in the architectural design phase allows hotels to create facilities that set them apart from competitors.”

Moving Beyond the Spa Model

Cartwright emphasizes that hotels must move past traditional concepts and recognize how wellness has evolved.

“The biggest hurdle is understanding that wellness has transformed beyond spas and fitness centers. Cost versus profitability is a major factor, but developing a concept that integrates wellness fundamentally throughout design, operations, marketing, customer service and the guest experience is the necessary approach. It’s about storytelling and ‘story-doing’ and educating the team beyond the wellness department before guests even arrive.”

She notes that there are significant opportunities in making this shift. “Industry leaders can move beyond the traditional spa model and incorporate a 360-degree approach. Understanding the customer base, identifying what guests are looking for and building financial models around those needs is key.”

The end goal is to meet consumer expectations for a longer, healthier life —  even when traveling.

“Sleep and nutrition are two of the most overlooked aspects of hotel wellness,” Cartwright says. “Hotels invest in pillow menus and room scents, yet guests still deal with bright alarm clocks, blinking fire detectors, and poorly designed blackout curtains. And children’s menus? They’re still full of pizza, pasta and chicken nuggets instead of balanced, nutritious options.”

The Opportunity for Hospitality Brands

Hotels and resorts have a major opportunity to develop and offer meaningful longevity-focused services.

“The investment can be made at any scale,” Cartwright explains. “It depends on your customer base. Don’t create something just because it’s trendy —  understand what your guests are looking for and develop from there. Thorough benchmarking and gap analysis are crucial.”

According to Cartwright, several brands are already excelling in this space. “Equinox, SIRO, Lanserhof, Chenot, Clinique La Prairie and SHA Wellness Clinic are all approaching longevity in different ways, but they share a common focus: providing guests with meaningful, transformative experiences that go beyond standard hospitality.”

As longevity continues to shape the future of travel, hotels and resorts must position themselves at the forefront of this movement. It’s no longer just about offering a luxurious stay —  it’s about providing a transformative experience that enhances health, well-being and longevity.

For those looking to stay ahead of this movement, FIBO’s Longevity and Hospitality Summit will bring together thought leaders, industry pioneers and hospitality executives to explore the opportunities ahead. With expert insights, innovative solutions and actionable strategies, this event is set to redefine the future of wellness-driven hospitality.

Learn more about the summit and register today.

The post The Longevity Economy: Why Wellness-Driven Hospitality is the Future appeared first on Athletech News.

Onvy HealthTech Group has secured more than $2 million in a seed extension financing round that will fuel the expansion of its AI-based health coaching platform. 

Voloridge Health, LLC led the round. 

The Munich-based Onvy is in the business of precision wellness with its AI Health Coach app that integrates more than 320 wearables, environmental data, health sensors and behavioral data to make health recommendations and provide instant feedback on important metrics.

Last year, the startup was recognized by Statista and Newsweek as one of the world’s best digital health companies of 2024. 

Onvy founder and CEO Adrian Kochsiek is personally invested in advancing human health prevention, sharing on LinkedIn that he’s a cancer survivor and that his experience was the driving force in creating proactive solutions, beginning with his first startup, MitoCare. 

In one post on the career networking site, he noted that DNA doesn’t equate to destiny, writing, “your genes load the gun, your lifestyle pulls the trigger” – a notable phrase, as new research indicates that a range of environmental factors have a greater influence than genetics when it comes to aging and premature mortality.

“The future of health is real-time, hyper-personalized and AI-driven,” Kochsiek said. “Yet, the industry still relies on outdated, delayed and one-size-fits-all approaches. At Onvy, we are changing that. Our platform transforms raw health data into instant, tailored guidance—empowering users to take action when it matters most. With this investment, we are scaling AI-driven precision health to revolutionize how individuals and businesses engage with well-being.”

The new capital will also advance Onvy’s B2B endeavors in the “AI Health Coach-as-a-Service” realm and respond to rising demand, where corporate partners can increase customer engagement, retention and health outcomes with custom AI health solutions.

Competitive sports are also a target market for Onvy’s capabilities, where the platform can help athletes maintain peak performance, optimal recovery and mental fitness.

“AI is revolutionizing healthcare, and Onvy is at the forefront of this transformation with its cutting-edge approach to real-time health intelligence,” Voloridge Health co-founder David Vogel said. “By seamlessly bridging the gap between raw health data and real-world action, Onvy is shaping the future of precision health, setting a new benchmark for proactive, personalized health coaching. Their ability to turn complex biometric and behavioral data into meaningful, actionable insights enhances both individual well-being and corporate health strategies, delivering measurable outcomes for businesses and consumers alike. We are excited to support their journey as they scale.”

The post Onvy HealthTech Secures $2M+ To Scale AI Health Coaching appeared first on Athletech News.

Few executives have more high-level experience in the supplement industry than Thorne CEO Colin Watts, who has been involved in health and wellness for well over two decades now.

The former CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe, chief innovation officer at Walgreens and president of WeightWatchers Health Solutions, Watts joined Thorne shortly after the wellness and supplement company was acquired by L Catterton in a blockbuster $680 million deal back in October 2023.

That deal, which saw Thorne go private, signaled a new chapter for the company as it looks to make a bigger push into the direct-to-consumer supplement market by providing science-backed products and personalization tools including at-home diagnostic tests, online health quizzes and AI-powered recommendations. 

Watts sat down with Athletech News to discuss how Thorne is working to make supplementation easier and more effective for consumers through personalization, and share his thoughts on the evolution of the supplement industry over the past two-plus decades.

The following conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Athletech News: You’ve led some of the biggest brands in health and wellness. Why did you decide to join Thorne as CEO in 2023? 

Colin Watts: I got a call from L Catterton when they acquired Thorne to see if I’d be interested in joining the leadership team and eventually coming in as CEO. It didn’t take much of a pitch, honestly. Thorne has a 40-year heritage in the professional channel – in order to service that market, one of the requirements is that your quality has to be pretty unassailable. We’re vertically integrated, so we make (almost) all of our own products in our amazing facility right outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

I also love the innovation profile of the company. What impressed me about Thorne was they weren’t doing the fly-by-night innovation. The supplement industry has a lot of interesting but somewhat superficial innovations that they make a big deal about. Thorne has always been very thorough in its innovation. We were very early into the healthy-aging space, for example. We continue to push in terms of where we’re going with innovation. 

And when I got a chance to meet our people, I saw that the culture is just unbelievable. This is the best company I’ve ever gotten a chance to work for – and I’m not just saying that. 

ATN: When you joined, Thorne, was fresh off a $680 million acquisition. What have your early priorities been as CEO?

CW: My first priority was to take a hard look at how the company was growing and determine where we could prioritize. For decades, Thorne had been a professional-focused company. About seven years ago, we started to pivot more direct-to-consumer, while still continuing in the professional space. As good as Thorne is right now and as big as we become, the reality is that our visibility and accessibility are still fairly low in the category. There’s a lot of headroom, even if you’re a premium supplement brand, to grow that awareness and make sure that more and more people hear the story of Thorne. 

Our second big priority is innovation. In 2025, you’re going to see one of the biggest years of innovation we’ve had in probably 20 years. One of the big areas we’re working on right now is personalization. I think we’re on the cusp of some breakthroughs in personalization, both at Thorne and as an industry.  

ATN: What’s Thorne planning on the personalization front? 

CW: This industry’s been plagued with people over-promising personalization; I’ve watched it for the last 15 years. At the end of the day, if I’m not making changes to my supplement regimen – or my lifestyle overall– then it’s not really personalized. 

At Thorne, we’re taking advantage of advances that are going on right now in AI, along with our participation in the diagnostic, at-home test kit area. We’re also taking advantage of the fact that we’re a leader in the science and professional side, but also master storytellers and very good marketers, to create an experience on the front end of personalization that hopefully will feel as good as the best conversation you could ever have with an expert in the area of supplementation and wellness. We’re going to create something that I believe isn’t going to feel like shopping anymore; it’s going to feel a lot more like asking for help. 

ATN: How has the supplement industry evolved over the last several years?

CW: Today’s consumer, at any age, is no longer thinking about supplements purely from a prevention standpoint. Prevention is really important, don’t get me wrong, but today’s consumer doesn’t want to wait 15 years to see the benefits of supplementation. Frankly, they shouldn’t wait that long.

Gen Zs and Millennials are actually spending more out of pocket for this market than Boomers are, so they’re setting the pace. What we’re seeing is they want to think about supplements – and they want to think about Thorne – as a performance brand. Similar to getting on a treadmill seeing and their (metrics) improving, that same generation is saying, “When I use whey protein, or when I use Catalyte, I want to understand, How is it going to help me perform? How is it going to help me today and tomorrow?”

ATN: The supplement industry is highly crowded, and there’s some consumer distrust. How is Thorne working to separate itself from the crowd?

CW: A long time ago in my career, I got a chance to work with (author and marketing expert) Faith Popcorn. She had this concept that she called a “lighthouse brand.” What she meant is that certain brands in certain industries break out from the pack. If you think about personal computing, Apple is a lighthouse brand. And whether you like Apple or you don’t like Apple, you can appreciate the fact that Apple changed the way that everybody did personal computing and now mobile phones as well. 

I think Thorne has a real opportunity to become a lighthouse brand in this market, because of the quality of our products, the science we put behind our products and our approach in bridging the professional and consumer markets. 

ATN: What’s your vision for the future of Thorne – and the supplement industry in general?

CW: I think we’re coming into a time when supplements will become part of the regular regimen. Consumers taking control of their health: people aren’t just waiting until they get sick, then going to the doctor and saying, “Please treat me.” They’re saying at an earlier age, “I want to perform at my best and I want to stay healthy for the longest I can.”

I’d like to believe Thorne has the opportunity to be a go-to brand. We’re not going to be here one day and gone tomorrow. That said, we also like to think of ourselves as a bit of the maverick of the industry that is constantly innovating and pushing. So if we were having this conversation five years from now, I’d like to be able to point to several points where we as a company have set a new paradigm for wellness and supplementation. 

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For Maria Kirgan, offering health and wellness experiences is deeply personal. After spending 25 years in the software industry, grappling with the demands of travel and a high-stress career, she faced a life-altering diagnosis: breast cancer. This moment transformed her priorities, placing health and well-being at the forefront.

During her recovery, she discovered the transformative benefits of infrared sauna and red light therapy through Perspire Sauna Studio, which became a crucial part of her healing journey. Inspired by this personal experience, Kirgan decided to pivot her career and bring the same wellness opportunities to her community.

“Perspire has helped me to recover from a health crisis and it continues to help me relieve pain and stress daily,” says Kirgan. “I’m so grateful to be able to share the same healing to our community now.”

Driven by this passion, Kirgan now operates four successful Perspire Sauna Studio locations in California.

A Path to Success

Launching and scaling a business is no small feat, but Kirgan found immense support within the Perspire Sauna Studio franchise system. A key figure in her journey has been Katy Fetters, Vice President of Experience, whose hands-on approach made a significant impact.

“The training and support I received and still receive daily is unmatched,” Kirgan says. “Perspire brings a decade or more of operational experience and know-how, and Katy personally walked me through all of it.”

In 2024, Perspire Sauna Studio established its Experience Department to prioritize the guest experience and support franchisees in delivering top-tier service.

Fetters elaborates: “We work closely with franchisees like Maria by aligning on key standards, providing detailed education on how to execute effectively, and ensuring no gaps in their knowledge. Through hands-on training, operational guidelines, and continuous education, we set them up for success.”

Exceptional Customer Experience

For Kirgan, providing an outstanding customer experience is central to her business philosophy. “I think that offering a scientifically proven product wrapped in the best possible experience equals a win, and that’s what I set out to do every day,” she says.

With guidance from Fetters, Kirgan created a welcoming and rejuvenating environment for her clients.

“We established clear guest experience benchmarks, covering everything from the initial studio greeting to the upkeep of our state-of-the-art sauna rooms,” Fetters explains. “This consistency ensures that no matter which location a guest visits, they receive the same high-quality service.”

To maintain and improve service quality, Perspire Sauna Studio employs data-driven tools such as net promoter scoring and secret shopper programs.

“These tools help franchisees gauge satisfaction levels, celebrate successes, and quickly address any issues,” says Fetters. “It’s all about continuous improvement and ensuring guests feel valued.”

Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

From the beginning, Kirgan understood the importance of community engagement. She forged partnerships with local gyms, fitness professionals and wellness centers to expand her reach and build strong relationships.

“Being part of the community is critical to our success,” Kirgan notes.“Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive, and I couldn’t ask for more.”

These collaborations, supported by Perspire Sauna Studio’s guidance, not only increased visibility but also fostered a sense of trust and loyalty among local residents. Fetters emphasizes that studios are more than just wellness centers – they’re sanctuaries.

“We create spaces where clients feel seen, heard and valued,” she says. “This personal connection fosters deep trust and loyalty, which is invaluable for both the community and the franchisee.”

Ongoing Communication & Tailored Support

Perspire Sauna Studio’s commitment to its franchisees goes beyond initial training. To ensure continuous improvement, the company recently launched a new digital platform designed to streamline communication and provide franchisees with easy access to updates, best practices and other resources.

“This platform keeps franchisees informed and engaged, ensuring they feel supported and connected to the larger Perspire community,” says Fetters.

Additionally, Perspire Sauna Studio relies on its Franchise Advisory Council and Marketing Advisory Council to gather feedback and implement system-wide improvements. Regular check-ins with Franchise Business Coaches provide personalized support, allowing franchisees to address unique challenges and optimize their operations.

“These one-on-one sessions are critical,” Fetters explains. “They allow us to dive deep into each location’s needs and offer tailored advice to help franchisees succeed.”

Scaling for Success

Kirgan’s dedication, paired with Perspire Sauna Studio’s support, allowed her to scale from a single studio to four thriving locations.

“From the onset, I knew I wanted to grow,” Kirgan explained. “Perspire’s proven operations and support made it possible to scale efficiently. They’ve nailed down the operational framework, so all I had to do was focus on executing and meeting goals to guarantee success.”

Her studios have consistently achieved impressive client retention and growth, fueled by positive word-of-mouth and high satisfaction rates.

“Every day, our members share how Perspire has changed their lives,” Kirgan says. “Hearing this is truly a gift and it’s what gives us purpose to do what we do each day.”

When asked what advice she’d give to first-time franchise owners, Kirgan didn’t hesitate with an answer, saying “It’s a scary decision to take that leap, but you’ll never know how much you love it until you do. My only regret is not doing it sooner. Perspire Sauna Studio has given me the tools to chart my own destiny, and the quality of life I’ve gained in doing so is immeasurable.”

This article originally appeared in ATN’s Fitness & Wellness Franchise Outlook Report, which explores the essential questions that can help determine if a franchise aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. Download the free report.

The post Scaling Wellness: A Perspire Sauna Studio Franchisee’s Journey to Success appeared first on Athletech News.

Chopped salad and smoothie franchise Salad House is partnering with Jersey Sports Group (JSG), a boutique sports marketing and talent representation agency, to promote healthy eating and launch a meal delivery initiative that will provide meals to 100 athletes each month in underprivileged communities, camps, clinics and other sporting events.

As part of the partnership, Salad House will also serve as the official healthy eating partner for all JSG-hosted athlete events.

“Salad House is redefining what it means to eat well on the go, delivering fresh, high-quality food that resonates with health-conscious consumers,” JSG CEO Eddie Nicastro said. “Their rapidly growing brand aligns perfectly with the values we promote in sports. Together, we have an incredible opportunity to expand Salad House’s footprint in the region, bringing healthy eating to the forefront of the athletic experience and positively impacting our communities.”

The Salad House brand will further expand its presence in the sports community through strategic partnerships, athlete endorsements and exclusive activations, with JSG acting as its official sports marketing agency of record.

“Partnering with Jersey Sports Group gives us a unique chance to bring our mission of healthy eating directly to athletes and sports communities,” Salad House founder and CEO Joey Cioffi said. “We’re dedicated to fueling their passion, performance and well-being, and together, we’ll make nutritious choices an integral part of the sports culture here in Jersey and beyond.”

Salad House is suitable for several dietary preferences, including those who are vegan, vegetarian, paleo, keto or gluten-free. In addition to salads and smoothies, the healthy eating franchise offers sandwiches, wraps, soups and appetizers. 

Last year, the healthier-for-you franchise opened six new locations—including its first outside New Jersey in Brooklyn—and signed multiple franchise agreements, including a Virginia expansion deal for up to 10 new locations. Same-store sales rose 9.7% year-over-year, highlighting growing consumer demand for healthy dining options. New territories are also in the works for Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Long Island, Maryland and Florida, according to QSR.

Heating eating and initiatives are catching on. Earlier this month, Common Threads, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting health and wellness through cooking and nutrition education, entered a multi-year partnership with the Anahata Foundation to advance the “Food is Medicine” movement and expand access to nutritious food in underserved communities in Los Angeles and New York City.

The post Salad House & JSG Team Up for Healthy Eating Initiative appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Jamie Weeks, the founder and CEO of contrast therapy brand SWTHZ, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone for a deep dive into the business of fitness and wellness franchising. 

Weeks, Hertzman and Malzone discuss topics including the push and pull of corporate versus franchisee control, the benefits of running corporate-owned studios in a franchise model and how SWTHZ is pursuing growth in the emerging wellness category. Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• Approaching the franchisor-franchisee relationship as an entrepreneurial partnership 
• Where fitness and wellness franchise brands tend to go wrong in their marketing and operations
• Why sauna and cold plunge might be the key to making America healthy

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 5:59) Introductions and the concept of “whole-person wellness”
• (5:59 – 10:24) Contrast therapy as a gateway into fitness and wellness
• (10:24 – 14:26) Operational challenges in scaling a luxury wellness concept 
• (14:26 – 22:05) Why choice is overrated in curating service offerings
• (22:05 – 29:12) How Weeks approaches the business of franchising
• (29:12 – 32:52) Defining success as an entrepreneur 

The post Unscripted: SWTHZ’s Jamie Weeks on Contrast Therapy, Biz of Franchising appeared first on Athletech News.

New research published this month in Nature Medicine suggests that a range of environmental factors have a greater influence than genetics when it comes to aging well and premature mortality.

Led by researchers from Oxford Population Health, the study analyzed data from nearly 500,000 individuals in the U.K. Biobank to examine the impact of 164 environmental factors and genetic risk scores for 22 major diseases on aging, age-related diseases and premature death.

“We mapped all of the environmental exposures (the “exposome”) influencing mortality and biological aging, and then compared the influence of the exposome vs. genetics in explaining aging and disease,” Dr. M. Austin Argentieri, lead author of the study at Oxford Population Health and Research Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital, explained in a LinkedIn post. “While genetics certainly play a role, our study highlights that modifiable environmental factors explain far more of the variation in premature mortality than genes do.”

Argentieri then dove into the study’s key findings, such as that the exposome explains nearly 10x more variation in mortality risk than genetic predisposition and that smoking, socioeconomic factors, living conditions, physical activity, sleep, early life factors and psychological well-being were “among the strongest associations with mortality risk and biological aging.”

Of the 25 independent environmental factors identified, smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity and living conditions had the most significant impact on mortality and biological aging. Smoking was linked to 21 diseases, while socioeconomic factors—such as household income, homeownership, and employment status—were associated with 19 diseases. Physical activity, meanwhile, was connected to 17 diseases.

The study also found that cancers like breast and prostate (as well as dementia) are more genetically driven, while heart, lung and liver diseases are more environmentally driven. 

Argentieri also noted that the association of early life factors—such as childhood body weight at ten years old and maternal smoking around birth—with mortality and biological aging measured 30-80 years later was “striking.”

Encouragingly, 23 of the factors identified are modifiable, according to the findings.

“This work underscores the urgent need for public health interventions that address the exposome—we show that tackling modifiable exposures and environmental risks could be one of our most powerful levers for longevity and healthspan,” Argentieri added.

And in an ever-changing environment, Professor Cornelia van Duijn, St. Cross Professor of Epidemiology at Oxford Population Health and senior author of the paper, says it’s critical that researchers continue to use all resources available to understand the impact of the environment over time.

“There are a lot of questions still to be answered related to diet, lifestyle and exposure to new pathogens (such as bird flu and COVID-19) and chemicals (think of pesticides and plastics), and the impact of environmental and genetic factors in different populations,” van Duijn said.

The post Study Finds Environment Trumps Genetics in Aging & Mortality appeared first on Athletech News.