There’s no shortage of work that falls onto fitness franchisees, especially those overseeing more than 10 locations. Between managing employees, equipment, training, compliance and more, it’s an understatement to say these operators have a lot on their plates. 

But Woven, the all-in-one platform for multi-location fitness businesses, gives these operators a dish-sized utensil, helping them to pick everything up in one swift motion. 

“Once you open your doors, you have to hire employees, run a consistent operation, deliver a brand experience, manage equipment and the facility, etc. — the bulk of this falls on the franchisee,” explained Matt Goebel, Founder & CEO of Woven. “The operator is left to cobble together multiple solutions and this creates inefficiencies, which ultimately slows down the growth and profitability of the franchisee and franchisor.”

“Woven consolidates all of that,” Goebel continued. “We are a single platform, with one log-in, that helps franchisees manage their people, day-to-day operations, facility and equipment maintenance, and so much more, all in one place.”

Answering the Call for Unification

The fitness franchise industry has evolved, and Woven is here to support that positive transformation. While expansion is still something franchisors seek, it’s no longer the end-all-be-all. In recent years, the IFA (International Franchise Association) prompted franchise brands to develop a more responsible approach to franchising, focused more on sustainability. 

“There’s been enough government activism over the last decade to shake the industry awake to the increasing trend of franchisors not supporting their franchisees,” said Goebel. “The IFA’s recent focus on responsible franchising and franchisee success marks a key moment for the industry and Woven is proud to contribute to this renewed emphasis on sustainable growth for franchisees.”

While Woven admits it doesn’t have the flashiest role in this franchising revolution, it’s a role of the utmost importance and one the company is eager to play. 

“Woven plays a fundamental role in franchising, addressing the crucial, often behind-the-scenes needs of franchisees and franchisors — ensuring they have the tools to deliver excellence daily,” said Goebel. “Once the doors are open, direct franchisor support naturally decreases and the day-to-day operational challenges are often managed solely by the franchisee. Our goal is to bridge that gap, providing a system that empowers ongoing franchisor-franchisee support and drives consistency in the brand experience.”

This is of particular importance to note as Woven is built for scaling enterprise-level businesses, often working directly with the franchisor or large multi-location franchisees.

“As Woven works with franchisors to unify operations, we enable a new level of brand consistency and compliance — preserving and enhancing the customer experience,” Goebel continued. “If every franchisee is implementing their own solution to an issue, that starts giving a different brand experience to every customer that walks in the door, which fundamentally starts to erode the value of a franchise system. When franchisees are all operating and rowing different size boats in different directions, it doesn’t work.” 

By helping franchisors consolidate all their operations into one consistent platform, Woven turns that clutter of vessels into an organized armada, which is of increased importance to fitness franchisors interested in responsibly scaling their brand. 

“We’ve literally built for this moment,” said Goebel. “We’re excited to be having these conversations now, where more franchisors are starting to understand that value. We’re helping franchisors standardize their operations, and then implementing it all the way down to day-to-day franchisee operations.”

Work with Perspire

Perspire Sauna Studio represents just one of these forward-thinking franchise brands that has partnered with Woven. The two companies crossed paths multiple times over the past few years as industry standouts but agreed to a partnership roughly 6 months ago when Perspire Sauna Studio came to Woven looking for help with scaling.

Woven got to work fast, taking in all of Perspire’s training content for employees and revamping it to make sure it was fresh, refined and easy to digest. The Woven team then onboarded franchisees onto the platform, starting with the top and working their way through the entire Perspire network.

“Perspire’s team was excited about Woven. We addressed challenges even franchisees hadn’t fully identified, enabling a smoother, more effective experience,” said Trent Gladis, Woven’s Director of Customer Success. “We’ve worked closely with the corporate team to build a solid plan and recently rolled it out to all of their franchisees with great success.”

Scheduling, labor management and communication are additional areas in which Woven has helped Perspire Sauna Studio make significant strides. This was accomplished through the platform’s scheduling feature, location audit feature, and communications suite, which supports both brand announcements and a modern team chat experience. 

One of Woven’s most valued features by Perspire is the platform’s ability to track engagement with educational content for employees across all locations. 

“The big thing that the Perspire team likes is that they can look across all their locations at the engagement and see people actually completing the courses,” said Gladis. “They can see the whole network’s performance at a glance. They’ve become big fans of that.”

Woven’s team looks forward to a long-term partnership with Perspire, driving hundreds of thousands of dollars in managerial savings every year like they have for similar concepts like Sun Tan City, Planet Fitness, Massage Heights and more.

Separation From the Pack

While building and maintaining an innovative product remains paramount for Woven, the company also understands the value of a diligent and sharp team working behind the scenes to keep things running — and customers happy. 

Woven’s entire team is made up of individuals who formerly worked in fitness or multi-unit franchising. This hands-on experience gives them a natural and unparalleled feel for what Woven customers need. 

“We speak the same language as these operators,” said Gladis. “We purposely recruit people from the verticals we serve, particularly gym and fitness, so that we can empathize with our customers’ needs, not just provide lip service.”

This expertise, along with the company’s collective commitment to customer success, and a particular emphasis on gym and fitness operations, makes Woven a top solution for scaling fitness franchise brands. 

“While many tech companies focus heavily on marketing and sales, at Woven, we prioritize meaningful support,” said Goebel. “Our team of industry insiders is dedicated to going above and beyond to ensure customer success. Others may sell this beautiful vision of what could be, even if they can’t do it, then they get a signature and just disappear. There’s no human on the other end to help you achieve the value you’re seeking.” 

“We’re the opposite,” Goebel continued. “We’re partnered to help you achieve the full value sought. That means customization. It means additional training. It means the customer success team going above and beyond to help our customers achieve their goals. Honestly, that’s our secret sauce that a lot of others either can’t or won’t invest in.”

The results have proven this to be a wise pursuit for Woven. The company celebrates a 99% customer retention rate over the last five years. Goebel also added Woven has never lost a fitness customer who uses its maintenance suite “all because of the people.” They are looking forward to continuing to support franchisee success and responsible fitness franchising in 2025.

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.

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The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has appointed Cathy Hall as its new vice president of marketing to lead brand elevation and customer acquisition efforts.

Hall, who brings over two decades of marketing experience from prominent consumer brands, will oversee the fitness certification company’s performance marketing, e-commerce, and brand differentiation initiatives. She reports directly to Chief Commercial Officer Kristin Carrico.

“I’m thrilled to join the talented and dedicated team at NASM,” Hall said. “I have long admired NASM’s commitment to equipping fitness and wellness professionals with the training and tools they need to best serve their clients.”

Prior to joining NASM, Hall held marketing leadership positions at several wellness and retail companies, including Deka Lash, PetPartners, The Joint Chiropractic, PetSmart, Advance Auto Parts, Sleep Number, and Midas International.

NASM CEO Mehul Patel cited Hall’s proven track record in delivering results for top-tier brands as a key factor in her appointment. “She has a long track record of delivering results for top-tier brands across wellness and retail services,” Patel said.

Hall holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and an MBA in Marketing and Strategy from Northwestern University. She is based in Phoenix and maintains an active lifestyle that includes hiking, yoga, strength training, and downhill skiing.

NASM provides fitness and wellness training and certifications globally. The organization aims to expand its reach and engagement with customers under Hall’s marketing leadership in 2025 and beyond.

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For aspiring business owners passionate about fitness and wellness, franchising offers a proven pathway to launch a recognizable brand, complete with a reliable playbook and ongoing support.

In today’s evolving landscape, which emphasizes health, wellness, fitness and longevity, prospective franchisee partners have a wealth of franchisors to choose from—perhaps more than ever before.

Here are some of the leading franchise brands actively seeking dedicated partners and what sets them apart.

Revenue & ROI

F45 Training is a fast-growing functional fitness franchise that has just unveiled Recovery by F45, a new program giving partners the option to add cold plunge tubs, infrared saunas and percussive therapy equipment to studios as either an add-on purchase for members or as an a-la-carte option for drop-ins. The new initiative not only continues the momentum of holistic wellness trends but also has the potential to boost membership and increase revenue.

Prospective fitness franchisees looking for a more streamlined solution rather than a standard brick-and-mortar model should look no further than GymGuyz, a mobile in-home and on-site personal training franchise. The New York-founded fitness franchise has added assisted stretching to its offerings and just unveiled a new data platform, GG Drive, to advance ROI for its franchisees.

All About Wellness

A departure from recovery and fitness franchises, 100% Chiropractic offers clients adjustments, massages, assisted stretching, cold lasers and nutrition services. According to the brand, the 100% chiropractor model is suitable for non-chiropractors and has seen impressive numbers, with offices averaging nearly 250 patient visits per week and an average income in 2023 of $813,365.

Xponential Fitness, the leading boutique fitness and wellness franchisor, is seeing exceptional interest in Lindora, its latest acquisition. Lindora provides franchisees the opportunity to tap into the rapidly growing weight loss drug market, offering a range of services, including weight loss medications, weight management programs, hormone replacement therapy, IV hydration, nutrition services and more.

For prospective franchisees who want a winning combination of a science-backed workout and a household name attached, Pvolve is it. The functional movement fitness franchise, beloved by A-lister, brand ambassador and advisor Jennifer Aniston, delivers low-impact fitness and pain relief with its strength training method, cultivating a fan base of women of all ages.

Pilates took the world by storm in 2024 and has seen massive activity in the franchise space. Aspiring Pilates franchisees have an abundance of playbooks to choose from: FS8 (a brand under F45), Bodybar Pilates, JETSET Pilates, Club Pilates (a brand under Xponential Fitness), Studio Pilates International.

Hot, Cold and Beyond

Looking to bring the heat? Sauna franchises have emerged in the recovery space to treat a myriad of conditions and promote overall health. Perspire Sauna Studio is taking it a step further, offering a spa-like experience with a combination of red light therapy and infrared sauna. The franchisor has also added cold contrast therapy.

Most would agree that there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a good stretch, but receiving assistance from an expert in assisted stretching can be a game-changer. The assisted stretching space isn’t as saturated as other modalities, and franchisors such as Xponential’s StretchLab and Stretch Zone are leading the way. Stretch Lab, in particular, is in growth mode and touts a staff of trained Flexologists and MAPS, a revolutionary 3D body scan that evaluates how a client’s body moves.

Athletes Abound

Make no mistake: in a crowded space of boutique fitness, those who are sports-focused have several options, as well. D1 Training, a fast-growing franchise founded by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, delivers athletic-style programs to everyone from youth athletes to professional athletes to adults with both private and group offerings.

One of the most surprising and promising spaces in franchising at the moment is indoor pickleball. Following a key finding that the U.S. lacked the number of courts needed to support the popular sport’s rabid players, indoor pickleball brands like Pickle Rage and Drew Brees-backed The Picklr have stepped up their game. The Picklr recently signed a multi-year agreement with Wingfield to launch an AI coaching platform for its players, while PickleRage has caught the interest of GreenPeak Venture Partners, a private equity group.

Franchising continues to wind an interesting path, offering diverse opportunities across emerging trends. With the right brand alignment and commitment, owning a fitness franchise is not just a business opportunity but also a chance to make a meaningful impact in promoting health and well-being.

This article originally appeared in ATN’s Fitness & Wellness Franchise Outlook Report, where we take you inside the emerging trends and critical insights shaping the future of fitness and wellness franchising. Download the free report to find out what’s currently shaping health and wellness from the ground up.

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Mascots aren’t usually seen in the fitness industry, but EoS Fitness may be onto something big—especially in a meme-driven era where fictional characters thrive.

The high-value, low-price gym brand has introduced its newest “member”—Will Power, a cheerful and determined blue clay character—marking the start of its brand evolution.

Along with the new marketing strategy, EoS Fitness offers the chance to join the rapidly growing fitness chain for 25¢ and receive 30 days free.

Will Power—who sports a white workout headband atop his Eos Fitness-signature blue head—is undoubtedly cute and will likely be a hit with coveted Gen Z fitness consumers. He’s already become a hit on Instagram, racking up hearts and comments of adoration. More than that, the new EoS Fitness mascot represents the gym brand’s commitment to inclusivity and the idea that fitness is unique to each individual, a concept emphasized by the EoS marketing team and one that brands like Peloton have also embraced.

“The playfulness of this campaign encourages members to give themselves the freedom to explore, experiment and celebrate every effort they make because showing up is always an achievement worth being proud of,” EoS Fitness chief marketing officer Shilpi Sullivan said.

Late last year, Eos Fitness also showed their support for inclusive and active lifestyles by presenting a $110,000 check to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

The high-value, low-price gym brand enlisted its agency partner, Riester, to develop the new 2025 campaign. Consumers will soon see Will Power on billboards, across social and traditional media channels, inside EoS Fitness clubs and featured on gym swag.

“We want everyone to smile the moment they see Will and really form a connection,” EoS Fitness vice president of creative Anthony Mitchell said. “Every detail—from the name to the color and shape, even the texture—was thoughtfully crafted to ensure Will resonates with as many folks as possible. As one of the few truly original characters in the fitness industry, Will presents a unique opportunity to inspire people on a deeply personal level, and we’re excited to see Will’s story unfold.”

EoS Fitness has over 175 locations open or in the works in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, Texas and Utah and announced in November that it plans to open more than 50 clubs throughout Georgia over the next ten years. In 2025, the fitness chain plans to open more than 30 gyms.

High-value, low-price (HVLP) gym brands have demonstrated their appeal in recent years (particularly among Gen Z) by providing fitness enthusiasts with an affordable way to work out in spaces that are non-intimidating to newbies or those returning to the gym. EoS Fitness is among several chains offering tiered memberships, starting at just $9.99 monthly. 

For those who opt for a higher-priced tier, EoS Fitness provides access to premium amenities which can vary by location — such as a CryoLounge, an innovative recovery space called “The Tank,” outdoor workout areas, a MOVEōS Cinema, courts, kids’ clubs, hot tubs, swimming pools and more.

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Echelon Fitness, a leading supplier of connected fitness equipment, has kept innovation at the forefront of all its labors since its launch roughly eight years ago. It intends to do the same for the next eight — and all that come after. 

“I believe we’ve done a good job of proving ourselves as a company who can make high quality products, with good design while also being innovative,” said Lou Lentine, CEO of Echelon Fitness. “Innovation is in our blood.”

In the past, present and future, Echelon has an array of products either out or set to come out that exemplify this attitude. The brand keeps a close ear to the ground regarding the needs of its commercial customers as well. With every solution Echelon develops, there’s one — or several — pain points for operators that are alleviated. 

Touching on a variety of sectors within the fitness industry in the process, Echelon is expanding its reach in accordance with its suite of products.

An Exciting New Launch

Echelon’s latest innovation, the Echelon Cable Crossover, supports arguably the hottest commodity in the fitness space today — strength training. The equipment does so in a new-age way as well. The equipment uses digital resistance rather than plates to form a consistent “pull” feeling. 

“It really burns your arms, chest or whatever exercise you’re doing,” said Lentine. “It’s a really good workout. We have 100 units and we hope to have those all pre-sold prior to our launch in January.”

The Cable Cross Over also comes with two servo monitors attached to it. Users can select eccentric, isokinetic or elastic modes when conducting their workouts and also increase or decrease resistance by more specific amounts within sets. 

This innovative machine will accommodate gyms, hospitality and multi-family industries as well. Without the banging plates that come with traditional cable crossover machines, Echelon’s version eliminates any unwanted noise, making it easy to integrate in such environments and a building block for similar products down the line. 

“They love it because it makes no noise,” said Lentine. “We’re excited about this, this type of machine, and we will be adding products in the line like that, also with a Smith Machine included as well in the future.”

“We’ve actually put the machines in a few gyms, including a gym here in Florida called Raw Fitness in Port St. Lucie,” Lentine added. “Their members have been loving it. Dom, the owner, loves it. It’s getting great feedback and that gym has a lot of hardcore fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders there.”

Other Advancements in Strength 

But even with the Cable Crossover generating buzz as Echelon’s newest marquee offering, nobody has forgotten about the brand’s “ultimate strength too,” the Strength Pro. 

Like the Cable Crossover, the Strength Pro uses digital resistance to ensure controlled and consistent exercise movements. It also carries connected fitness panels that make trainers available to help with instruction and workout customization. It continues to be welcomed into gyms and remote fitness environments with open arms. 

“We’re seeing thousands of workouts every month being taken,” said Lentine. “The user can either take a workout with one of our instructors or they can build that workout with no instruction. We’re seeing the instruction workout being used very often.”

There’s also the Strength Home, a system designed to provide guided and customized workouts with easy-to-adjust resistance levels for individuals more distinctly interested in remote fitness. Although the Strength Home launched just a few weeks ago, Echelon is already planning on adding a handful of updates to it and the Strength Pro that promise to take the workout experience it facilitates to the next level.

“We’re working on a couple more things,” Lentine said. “We’ve added new instructors. We’re going to be creating workouts for specific gyms. It’ll be saved on the machine, so they’ll be only available for that gym. Plus, we are working on the ability for users to save the weight that they’ve done in prior workouts. That will be coming in the spring, as well as additional features that we’re working on.”

Wellness and GLP-1s

Echelon’s ability to keep a close pulse on fitness has led the brand into less traditional sectors of the industry as well. Weeks ago, Echelon launched ActiveMD, a subsidiary company with an online telehealth program that offers weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Rybelsus to qualified individuals. 

Exciting as this new enterprise is for Echelon, the brand is taking its first steps into the GLP-1 space responsibly. Echelon is committed to keeping the individuals turning to GLP-1s healthy in all regards, also supplying them with the necessary workout plans to counter the muscle loss that may come with GLP-1 usage. 

“We understand that people are taking these GLP-1s so they’re losing muscle mass,” said Lentine. “We believe if we can combine S1 with the at-home health care, we can provide a better program than someone just buying the GLP-1 and then losing muscle mass. We’re trying to make it a better program for them than just buying a product on its own.”

Lentine also added that users will soon be able to get hormone therapy drugs, such as a testosterone supplement, via the platform as well. The brand is also excited to announce it will be offering partnership programs with gyms, allowing their members to order from myactivemd.com and the facility to receive a financial benefit.

Echelon has wellness at the top of its agenda as well. The brand recently purchased ThriveX, an advanced recovery solution supplier. With ThriveX, Echelon reports that it will launch saunas in 2025 as well as a new chiller system to implement with its cold plunges, capable of creating ice on top of the plunge’s water. 

“We’re excited to bring that to the market and think that’ll create a big buzz,” said Lentine. “We’re all in on the recovery and we think having this in our company really differentiates us from anyone else in the fitness product space.”

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London-based Magic Mirror maker Magic AI has raised $5 million in an investment round led by IW Capital, following a $2.5 million round last summer.

The AI-powered fitness mirror Magic AI Mirror touts a hologram that tracks body positions, movement, and form and has attracted athlete ambassadors such as Sir Alastair Cook, Desiree Henry, and Katya Jones and landed on TIME’s annual list of the 200 World’s Best Inventions.

The recent funding round also saw participation from Baleen Capital, SFC Capital, and Ventures Together, and angel investors from Spotify, TikTok, and Meta.

“We’re delighted to be backing a company that is helping millions of people, who may otherwise not be able to access, or afford, personal training, to achieve their fitness goals,” IW Capital shared in a LinkedIn post announcing the funding.

As a mirror-based personal trainer/gym, Magic AI Mirror users can purchase adjustable dumbbells and an incline bench or use their own. The Mirror offers 100+ classes, including content from celebrity athletes and personalized workout programs. Membership is free; new content and AI form-tracking features are added every two weeks. Each mirror allows up to five user accounts.

Magic co-founder Varun Bhanot wrote on LinkedIn that the $5 million venture capital investment round will take Magic AI to the next level.

“It’s difficult to put into words what an exhausting & stressful year it’s been,” Bhanot shared in a post on the career networking site. “Having our first baby & kicking off this second VC raise all in the same year! I started drafting our funding deck in the hospital labor ward last November.”

Within Magic AI Mirror‘s first year, Bhanot says the fitness tech company has surpassed 5,000 customers in 38 countries and built the world’s largest computer vision form-tracking dataset — ReflectAI.

The fitness mirror space appears to be heating up.

Aeke, a sports tech brand established by Qudong Future (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd., is set to launch the Smart Home Gym K1, its AI-driven, auto-foldable 4K touchscreen fitness mirror, on Kickstarter next month. The compact fitness mirror offers a six-dimension comprehensive analysis that scores health aspects such as cardiovascular function and body composition and creates tailored fitness program recommendations.

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Before boxing legend Mike Tyson and influencer-turned-fighter Jake Paul go at each other in the ring, they and others will get the chance to turn their attention — and fists — toward what might be the world’s smartest boxing bags. 

BHOUT, the Portuguese fintech startup, has partnered with Most Valuable Promotions, a live event promotion brand that’s co-owned by Paul and the promoter/producer for his upcoming bout with Iron Mike. In the days leading up to the fight, which will be available to stream via Netflix on November 15th, Tyson and Paul will partake in open workouts, a press conference and a weigh-in at The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas. There, BHOUT’s artificial intelligence (AI) powered boxing bags will be on display and available to wail on for Paul, Tyson, celebrities, athletes and fans.

BHOUT training bags, dubbed the “boxing bags with a brain,” use sensors and computer vision with AI to track performance, improve technique and avoid injuries. The bags measure users through six key data points: strength, power, accuracy, exertion, number of strikes and technique before giving users a final score. 

“Combat sports are deeply embedded in what we do at BHOUT,” said Mauro Frota, CEO of BHOUT. “For the last decade, we’ve been developing the most exciting and immersive combat esports experience that levels up the way people practice, monitor and improve their fighting skills while also offering a unique entertainment experience.” 

The training bags can identify five strikes per second in terms of location, force and type of strike with over 97% accuracy, according to BHOUT. They represent an impactful addition to the boxing equipment industry, likely to revolutionize the sport on a night that’s expected to do the same. 

“We are changing the game from within and this week’s event is just the tip of the iceberg for us and for everything we can do in the sports and entertainment industry,” Frota added. “To be a part of a historic moment such as the Paul VS Tyson fight is beyond our wildest dreams as a startup still making its way to the top.”

BHOUT’s involvement promises to draw an increased level of attention toward itself and its products. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, who covers both Boxing and the NBA, claimed on a Boston sports radio show that the fight itself could generate 40-50 million viewers. BHOUT and Most Valuable Productions believe they can exceed that with ease, expecting an audience of 280 million to tune in.

With or without Paul and Tyson, BHOUT is poised for future success. The brand raised €10 million ($10.7 million) in seed funding last autumn. It also just won the KPMG Tech Innovator Award for 2024.  

BHOUT’s deal with Tyson and Paul represents another sign promoting gamification’s future in fitness as well. There’s significant scientific evidence supporting the concept’s effectiveness in spurring retention and promoting a healthier lifestyle for users. Fitness brands such as Orangetheory, EGYM, Zwift and countless others have been quick to catch on. 

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Zac Clark, a former contestant on The Bachelorette, founded the Release Foundation to eliminate financial barriers for those who cannot afford treatment for addiction. This year, he is running his 10^th NYC marathon with Reebok to raise $1,000,000 to support individuals on the path to recovery. As Clark approaches 13 years of sobriety, he is inspired to give back to others through running.

Clark’s journey began in Haddonfield, New Jersey, where he played baseball and developed a love for Philadelphia sports. However, his life took a challenging turn at 24 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, marking the start of a difficult relationship with opiates that spiraled into years of addiction.

“Through surgery, I was introduced to opiates, which quickly turned into several years of active addiction. This ended with me living on the streets of Camden, NJ, shooting heroin and doing crack cocaine. This was ultimately the biggest blessing in my life because it led me to where I am today. I got sober with the help of family, treatment, and community,” Clark told Athletech News.

He built Release Recovery in 2017 to help others find the gift of recovery. In 2019, Clark founded the Release Foundation, a 501c3 with the mission of giving that gift to people who cannot afford it on their own.

Clark was inspired to found the organization after the kindness of a stranger.

“At my lowest point, after attempting to cash one of my father’s checks, a bank teller changed the course of my life,” He said. “Instead of calling the police, or letting me go through with the transaction, she chose to call my dad. She saved my life that day by choosing to be compassionate. That was the last day I used any mind-altering substance. I then went on to spend 4.5 months at an inpatient rehabilitation program, where I now serve as a board member 13 years later.”

Since then, the Release Foundation has raised over 3 million dollars and has helped over 200 people get life-saving access to care. After becoming sober, Clark watched the TCS New York City Marathon and felt inspired.

“I cried!” Clark said. “That day, I vowed to run that race the next year and every year I could for the rest of my life. This will be my 10th TCS New York City Marathon, and I look forward to many more to come. At Release, the TCS New York City Marathon is our hometown race. It is also the epitome of what Release is: a community moving together to support a common mission.”

On marathon day, the entire Release Foundation team of runners will be wearing Reebok. Clark will be sporting the Reebok Running Singlet, the Speed Shorts, and their new race day shoe, the FloatZig X1.

“We believe in the power of movement – it’s healing – and offers a powerful connection between mind and body,” Clark concluded. “We also think moving together with a community offers connection in the loneliness epidemic we are seeing right now. Since 2021, Release Foundation has had over 300 individuals run the race and has raised over $1,750,000 from the NYC Marathon alone. We are aiming to set a new fundraising benchmark in 2024 of 1 million dollars.”

The post Zac Clark on Sobriety, Resilience, and Running appeared first on Athletech News.

Les Mills and Adidas teamed up for a two-day fitness rave this month, hosting over 3,000 attendees while showcasing the future of fitness. Live fitness events have been a key focus for the international fitness brand, which announced earlier this year that it would double down on in-person experiences to accelerate the next phase of industry growth.

The event, held in Berlin on October 19 and 20, merged tech, music, fitness trainers and Adidas products — such as the Dropset 3 and Optime apparel collection — and included an immersive VR workout, a “Recovery Rave” and special live performances by Kaleena Zanders, Noah Slee and A Song For You.

The international fitness brand also unveiled its new Les Mills Pilates in Berlin at the experiential fitness event. After rigorous testing and revisions, Les Mills launched the program over the summer to appeal to Gen Z, perfecting Les Mills Pilates with high-energy music and high-intensity movements. The new fitness offering is easily integrated into fitness studios who want to attract and retain fans of the popular workout. According to Les Mills, over half (55%) of Gen Z participates in mat-based Pilates.

“The decision to create a Pilates program was easy,” Les Mills CEO Sean Turner said. “Its star power is huge right now. We wanted to create a program that could help clubs take this huge trend to the masses in a way that didn’t require them to invest heavily in expensive equipment or redesign their studios. All you need for Les Mills Pilates is a mat – and even that is optional.”

Pilates is the fitness workout that shows no signs of slowing down. Booking and subscription platform ClassPass noted that Pilates was its most popular workout in 2023, with reservations up 92%. 

With Berlin now in the books, the Les Mills Live 2024 world tour continues on — and is soon headed to Madrid, Athens, Cyprus and Riyadh.

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Fitness trends may ebb and flow, but Zoom Media remains a key player in connecting with “Generation Active,” a community of over 35 million fitness enthusiasts across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Through its GymTV network and various touchpoints, Zoom Media is not just a content provider—it’s a driving force behind motivation, engagement, and community in the gym. 

Hillary Farber, senior director of marketing & creative for North America at Zoom Media, explains how the company stays true to its philosophy of putting gym-goers first, forging impactful brand partnerships, and innovating the fitness experience for the long term. 

Defining Generation Active

Farber defines Generation Active as a diverse community of over 120 million individuals who engage in exercise not only for physical health but also for mental well-being, stress relief, and mood enhancement. “They rely on exercise for holistic health,” she says. 

Zoom Media’s content addresses these needs by motivating, informing, and connecting with gym-goers through energizing music, wellness programming, and partnerships that align with active lifestyles. “We’re focused on supporting their journey to becoming the best version of themselves,” emphasizes Farber. 

At Zoom Media, gym-goers are at the center of every decision. Farber describes the company’s “True North” philosophy, which guides every aspect of their business. “We start with the question: ‘Is this beneficial for the gym-goer?’” This philosophy shapes content creation and informs brand partnerships that enhance the overall experience.

Beyond Entertainment: A Multi-Platform Approach

Zoom Media’s commitment to fitness transcends mere entertainment. “Fitness is more than just working out; it’s about motivation, improvement, and community,” says Farber. The company partners with gyms to promote events and services, transforming them into personalized, community-focused spaces. Zoom Media also hosts interactive experiences, like product sampling, making the gym a place of discovery and connection. 

The multi-platform approach integrates GymTV, billboards, sampling, and digital channels to create a seamless experience. “GymTV offers curated content that motivates and entertains, while billboards deliver high-impact, inspirational messaging,” Farber explains. Sampling events allow gym-goers to try new products and participate in themed classes. 

Music is central to Zoom Media’s content strategy, with playlists curated to match the unique atmosphere of each gym. “Our team selects music that keeps gym-goers motivated,” she notes. The company tailors all content—from motivational messages to brand promotions—to resonate with gym-goers of varying fitness levels.

Measuring Success Through Engagement

Zoom Media employs a combination of third-party analytics, audience feedback, and campaign-specific studies to measure the success of its initiatives. Partnering with Kantar, a global analytics firm, allows them to track engagement. “Data shows that 90% of our audience actively watches and listens to GymTV during their workouts,” Farber reveals. 

Regular surveys gather insights on content preferences, enabling real-time adjustments to better align with gym-goer interests. Brand lift studies show that 77% of respondents recall ads, while 78% express purchase intent for featured brands. “This data helps us continuously refine our strategy to keep gym-goers engaged,” says Farber. 

Selecting brand partners is crucial to Zoom Media’s strategy. “We collaborate closely with our gym partners to ensure that the brands we feature resonate with their values,” she adds. This ensures a cohesive environment where advertising enhances rather than disrupts the gym-goer’s experience. Zoom Media encourages advertisers to create custom content designed specifically for the gym audience, avoiding political ads or disruptive content. 

Farber highlights successful partnerships that drive meaningful engagement. A collaboration with BioFreeze introduced muscle pain relief products in locker rooms, integrating recovery into routines. Another partnership with Fat Bastard Burrito offered free protein upgrades, promoting muscle-building. A collaboration with Live Nation provided gym-goers the chance to win concert tickets, blending fitness with lifestyle experiences.

The Future of Fitness Engagement

Looking ahead, Zoom Media aims to expand its content offerings to inspire and motivate gym-goers in new ways. A key focus will be enhancing sports programming, featuring highlights from top athletes and fitness routines. “This will offer inspiration and practical tips for gym-goers,” says Farber.

The company is also responding to the demand for more coverage of women’s sports, with 60% of viewers stating that female sports content motivates them during workouts. Zoom Media plans to promote more women’s teams and athletes on GymTV, providing relatable role models. 

Beyond sports, Zoom Media will expand its wellness programming to include nutrition, self-care and recovery. “By offering holistic content that addresses all aspects of health, we aim to create a personalized ecosystem that keeps gym-goers engaged and supported throughout their fitness journey,” concludes Farber.

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With one hand, EGYM, the global fit tech provider, pulls in data from its worldwide platform to shape and provide innovative workout experiences for its users. With the other, it’s pulling in investment capital to refuel those efforts. 

EGYM just announced its acquisition of $200 million in a Series G funding round led by L Catterton and Meritech Capital. L Catteron is a global consumer-focused investment firm with a history of funding health and wellness companies, supporting brands like Tally Health, Thorne HealthTech and recently purchasing a stake in Solidcore. Meritech Capital is a Silicon Valley technology-focused venture firm.

The investment will add further support to the EGYM Wellpass corporate wellness network and further develop the brand’s digital solutions, smart strength equipment, and tech-enabled products. In the process, EGYM also received a valuation of over $1 billion. 

“EGYM has impressed us with their ability to bring a huge vision – one that was particularly challenging to execute in the early stages – to market so successfully,” said Paul Madera, Co-Founder and partner at Meritech. “EGYM now offers employers a truly technology-driven solution that increases employee wellbeing and productivity while reducing sick days and healthcare costs.”

“I am convinced that EGYM will help to revolutionize the way people workout in gyms across the globe,” added Marc Magliacano, a managing partner in the L Catterton Flagship Fund. “EGYM’s technology enables gyms to become far more appealing and effective to both experienced and new gym members through unprecedented personalization and measurement.”

EGYM remains committed to reshaping the healthcare industry, focusing on preventative care before curative. The Wellpass network, which makes a wide array of fitness facilities available to millions, smart strength equipment, coupled with the known benefits of strength training, and AI-created personalized workouts, promise to further that effort now with this added capital. 

“L Catterton and Meritech were my two absolute dream investors for our mission to build the leading global platform at the intersection of fitness and health tech,” said EGYM CEO Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer. “With Marc and Paul, we are strengthening our board with both fitness industry and technology experts. They share our vision of turning the world’s largest market, the healthcare industry, from repair to prevention.”

EGYM’s Wellpass network currently carries 17,000 sports partners and 14,000 corporate customers with over three million eligible employees, according to the brand. It grew even larger as recently as this month, with EGYM acquiring FitReserve, a U.S.-based fitness network with 2,000 studio and gym partners, facilitating 600,000 fitness classes across 60 major markets nationwide.

“Thanks to our smart technology solutions and our fast-growing international corporate wellness platform, we now have a real opportunity to accelerate this change and are more determined than ever to do so,” Roesch-Schlanderer added. 

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GymGuyz, an in-home and on-site personal training franchise, has unveiled a new data platform that it says is an ROI game-changer for its franchisees and will fuel its plans to reach 400 new cities by 2025. 

The New York-founded fitness franchise is showcasing the new tech platform — GG Drive — at the GymGuyz eighth annual Recharge Convention in Cancun this week.

What GymGuyz Franchisees Can Expect from GG Drive

Franchisees can tap into valuable insights across vital areas such as leads, sales funnels, client interactions, cash collections, fitness package utilization rates and digital marketing efforts with the new GG Drive platform.

“It simplifies performance assessment and highlights areas for improvement, offering a holistic view of a franchise’s operations,” GymGuyz CRM and analytics director Gregg Bushyeager explains. “Beyond measuring overall performance, the platform also ensures consistency of data and key metrics throughout our entire franchise network.”

Phil Brojan, GymGuyz president, says the innovation has been elemental to the personal training franchisor’s growth. 

“GG Drive embodies this by consolidating our marketing, operational, and financial data into one analytical platform, generating key dashboards used to drive performance,” he adds. “This allows our franchisees to streamline operations, identify opportunities and provide valuable insights to their team members. For our franchise support team, it enhances our support services and allows us to drive franchise system revenue.”

Personal Training Made Smarter

The launch of GG Drive marks a major milestone for the brand, says Josh York, GymGuyz founder and CEO. York, a fitness specialist, launched the brand in 2008 as a creative and convenient approach to fitness training by bringing personal training directly to clients’ homes using a fleet of branded vehicles and dedicated trainers.

“Our commitment to innovation and franchisee success is at the heart of this new platform, which allows franchisees to seamlessly analyze sales data, track growth trends, and optimize training session utilization,” York says. “It allows our franchisees to focus on business growth and solidify GymGuyz’s leadership in the fitness industry.”

The Growing GymGuyz Network

Last fall, GymGuyz expanded its on-site training services to include assisted stretching, helping clients in building flexibility and mobility. The PT franchise also launched an online virtual personal and group training studio in late 2023 to satisfy the demand for at-home fitness programs. 

GymGuyz has domestic and international franchise opportunities, including in hot fitness areas such as Southeast Asia, APAC, the Middle East, Europe and the U.K. Financial requirements include $50,000 liquid capital and a $150,000 net worth. 

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The fall season is just around the corner, and to celebrate, Orangetheory Fitness is kicking off the fall season with its “PSL” (Press, Squat and Lunge) workout event on Aug. 27.

Select Orangetheory studios will offer post-workout pumpkin treats, pumpkin spice lattes or limited-time offerings from RxBar and Smoothie King, such as RxBar’s Pumpkin Spice bars or samples of Smoothie King’s new Pumpkin Power Meal Smoothies.

“This PSL workout is our special one-day-only event that brings a challenging yet fun twist to our members’ fitness routines,” Orangetheory’s director of fitness design, Rachel Vaziralli, said. “It’s a fantastic way to infuse the spirit of fall into our science-backed classes, making the seasonal transition both energizing and effective.”

The heart rate-based group fitness franchisor merged with Self Esteem Brands, the parent company of Anytime Fitness, earlier this year. At the time, both sides said the deal — considered a “merger of equals” — would fuel significant international expansion.

While much has changed in the group fitness category, Orangetheory has remained dedicated to its heart-rate-based interval training and biometric feedback concept, making the brand a pioneer in the fitness tech space.

“Since day one, recognizing the power of technology within the studio has been ingrained in Orangetheory Fitness’ DNA,” Orangetheory’s chief technology officer, Ameen Kazerouni, told Athletech News in May.

Over time, Orangetheory has integrated smart equipment to enhance the workout experience, developed a proprietary maximum heart rate performance-tracking algorithm for increased personalization and rolled out the wearable OTbeat system. 

Although Orangetheory plans to continue integrating technology within its fitness studios for more tailored and hyper-personalized workouts, its coaches remain fundamental to building the community experience — which Orangetheory co-founder CEO Dave Long has noted is key to attracting the Gen Z fitness consumer.

“Our focus on expert coaching and fostering a supportive community underscores this balance, ensuring our members are motivated for consistent engagement and long-term success,” Long told ATN. 

“This approach particularly resonates with Gen Z, as seen by a 200% increase in memberships from this demographic post-pandemic, who have shown an increased desire for community fitness experiences that merge social connectivity with physical health.”

While Orangetheory pursues the wellness and fitness-obsessed Gen Z consumer, the group fitness franchisor is headed for major expansion through Bluegrass Fitness, an affiliate of Manna Capital Partners. The team had acquired 18 Orangetheory studios in Orlando and South Florida and announced it would aggressively expand the fitness franchise through new unit development and strategic acquisitions in the Sunshine State. 

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