Functional fitness equipment brand Aktiv Solutions has announced the most recent addition to its selection of training platforms: the Aktiv BASE. The platform addresses common challenges gyms face by providing ergonomic support, portability and compatibility with a variety of equipment, including barbells, kettlebells, dumbbells and resistance bands.

Given the rise in popularity of movement-based and sports-specific training, Aktiv’s newest design allows users to customize their workouts based on their individual goals. The Aktiv BASE allows gym users to perform more than 20 exercises, including hip thrusts, step-ups, presses, lunges and more.

The design incorporates a Slant Zone, which promotes glute activation during bridging movements, and a Flat Zone, which supports bodyweight and weighted exercises. These areas optimize back support, foot placement and user comfort, according to Aktiv. The lightweight, portable design also comes with a built-in handle. 

Mike Kelly, Aktiv’s global vice president of sales, says the BASE can fulfill the needs of all gym-goers, no matter their workout type. 

“The Aktiv BASE is a fantastic new tool for every functional and strength training area,” Kelly said. “It’s easily portable and offers the right balance of surface variability and training variety to enhance tons of workouts. Hip thrusts are among the most popular strength movements today for women and men alike, and the BASE solves the major challenges of setup for this movement with simplicity and safety.”

The platform’s design complements functional training areas without the need for additional bulky or metal-based benches. The Aktiv BASE can also be incorporated into larger training setups within Olympic racks and Smith Machines for new training variations.

Akitv Solutions specializes in movement-based modalities and innovative gym layouts. The Aktiv BASE joins other products, such as the SMITH 3D Trainer and the FORMA line. Aktiv continues to align with growing consumer interest in strength and functional training, emphasizing movement with load.

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A new strategic partnership has been forged between Aktiv Solutions and Assault Fitness, merging the expertise of the functional strength training solutions provider and the cardio machine maker to give facilities the edge needed to stay ahead of the fitness game.

The collaboration sees Aktiv and Assault offering expanded facility planning services for those looking to update existing fitness spaces or create new ones.

“We are excited to partner with Assault to create training experiences that not only meet today’s fitness demands but also set facilities apart,” Aktiv’s senior director of performance segment, Joe Harre, said. “This collaboration demonstrates our ongoing commitment to raising the bar for our clients.”

True to its name, Assault Fitness offers built-to-last fitness equipment, including air-driven bikes, runners, and rowers — hardware that both sides say is well-suited for training zones and movement-focused spaces, which Aktiv specializes in designing.   

“We are thrilled to welcome Aktiv Solutions to our global network,” said Paul Jackson, vice president of global sales at Assault Fitness. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional value and innovation to the marketplace. Together, we look forward to expanding our reach and creating new opportunities for growth.”

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A gym floor packed with treadmills, benches and bikes is not what it used to be. Although it was once a sight to behold for fitness enthusiasts, it’s now a stressor in the eyes of many, according to Aktiv Solutions, a leading commercial and home gym design company. 

“For many years, gyms have been dominated by rows of treadmills, ellipticals, and single purpose weight-stack machines,” said Bryan Green, Founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions. “Today, exercisers are increasingly seeking open spaces to move and train with variation.”

With modalities that require a freer gym layout gaining popularity, the call for open space, even at the expense of machine availability, has never been louder. Aktiv Solutions is eager to answer that call. 

The shift from traditional equipment-centric models to a more holistic, movement-based approach reflects a broader understanding of fitness as not just a way to achieve aesthetic goals, but as a way to enhance overall physical functionality.

What’s driving us right now?

Functional fitness has gained traction, emphasizing exercises that improve the body’s ability to perform daily activities, while high-intensity interval training (HIIT) offers efficient, effective workouts. Sports-specific training is also becoming increasingly popular, with programs tailored to meet the custom needs of both athletes and recreational participants. Recovery has also come to the forefront, with fitness facilities integrating dedicated spaces and services for stretching, relaxation and rehabilitation.

This movement-based philosophy not only enhances performance but also supports a sustainable, enjoyable approach to fitness, empowering individuals to lead healthier and more active lives. Gyms that accomplish this are gyms of the future.

The Rise of Movement-Based Training

For many years, gyms floors were littered by rows of treadmills, ellipticals and single-purpose weight-stack machines. Today, however, exercisers are increasingly seeking open spaces to move and train with greater variation, and with a lot of “toys” in the toy box, such as balls, bars, bands and much more. This shift is fueled by a desire for functional workouts that mimic real-life movements, preparing individuals for both daily activities and athletic pursuits.

“The fitness industry continues to experience a transformative shift, moving away from traditional, isolated equipment towards more dynamic and functional training experiences. This evolution is driven by a growing desire for workouts that prepare us for real-life movements and empower individuals to achieve their fitness goals in a more engaging and effective way.” says Green.  

Perhaps the fastest-growing category among a wider spectrum of the population is sports-specific training. This tailored approach meets the unique needs of athletes and individuals participating in specific activities, from pickleball conditioning to youth sports specialization. Sports-specific training tailors movement to a particular sport’s demands, boosting performance and reducing injury risk. It focuses on relevant skills, movements and physical attributes, improving overall efficiency.

Many fitness facilities now offer specialized programs to meet these needs, helping individuals train effectively and achieve their goals, and more personal trainers than ever are finding sports-specific niches they can build a career around, whether its basketball training that emphasizes quick lateral movements and vertical jumps, or a focus on agility and kicking techniques for soccer.

“The rise of sports-specific training is a testament to the growing demand for personalized fitness experiences,” says Green. “Aktiv supports facilities in the creation of a myriad of specialized training environments that cater to the unique needs of athletes and individuals seeking to excel in their chosen sports. Facilities that provide engaging solutions and expert guidance tend to deliver exceptional results-driven experiences.”

The Role of Digital Guidance

Digital guidance has become an essential aspect of modern health clubs. Integrating technology into workout spaces helps members maintain proper form while providing motivation and inspiration. By offering personalized workout plans, progress tracking and engaging content, facilities are creating a more immersive and enjoyable experience for their members.

To accommodate this shift towards movement-based training, gyms are now investing in innovative equipment that facilitates open-space workouts and smarter storage solutions, with a keen focus on strength training. Functional training bays and free-weight areas provide versatile platforms for a variety of exercises from bodyweight movements to kettlebell swings, and plyometrics, and are an ideal application for digital guidance. .

“The fitness industry is clearly undergoing a digital transformation, and our AktivTV platform makes content integration a snap for facilities of all types” says Mike Kelly, Vice President of Global Sales for Aktiv.

“Facilities need plug and play tools to create and deploy engaging content to inspire members to reach their full potential. By providing zone specific scheduling, multi-screen deployments, and white label content, AktivTV helps facilities deliver exceptional value and drive member satisfaction,” says Kelly.

The Growing Importance of Recovery

Recovery plays a vital role in overall fitness and well-being, and people are finally understanding that rest supports effort in a key way. This change acknowledges that effective fitness regimens aren’t just about intense workouts, but also about allowing the body to repair and strengthen itself between sessions.

Many gyms are now incorporating dedicated recovery zones, equipped with tools and spaces designed to facilitate proper post-workout care. These areas may include:

• Stretching stations with guided routines
•  Foam rolling and myofascial release equipment
• Vibration training equipment
•  Hydrotherapy options like hot and cold plunge pools
•  Meditation and mindfulness spaces for mental recovery

Recovery-focused classes and workshops are also becoming more common, teaching members about the importance of rest, proper nutrition and stress management.

“With the increased demand for intensified training modalities, it’s more important than ever for exercise facilities to prioritize space and amenity for exercise recovery,” says Kelly. “By incorporating dedicated recovery zones and specialized programming where applicable, facilities can help members optimize their training results by reducing the risk of injury, and enhance the overall well-being for their members.”

Changing Expectations

As the fitness industry continues its shift towards movement-based training, digital integration, innovative equipment and recovery, gyms that can adapt to these changing preferences are more likely to succeed. By embracing emerging trends—such as interactive fitness technology, data-driven insights and diverse training modalities—health clubs can create more engaging and effective experiences and “zones.”

This emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that support a lifelong commitment to wellness. Facilities and practitioners at the forefront of these changes will play a crucial role in shaping the future of fitness, ensuring that it remains relevant, inclusive and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or fitness levels. Aktiv Solutions is at the forefront, providing innovative equipment, digital solutions and facility design expertise helping operators adapt to these dynamic trends.

The most successful fitness facilities will be those that can seamlessly blend movement-based training, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on holistic well-being. The gym of tomorrow is not just a place to work out, but a comprehensive wellness destination that empowers individuals to lead healthier, more active lives.

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In-person fitness is back and better than ever following the pandemic, and gyms at all price points are reaping the benefits, from increased foot traffic to strong membership numbers. 

As gym brands look to maintain this momentum, they confront changing consumer preferences, the rise of new modalities and technological advancements. 

During ATN’s DISRUPT 2024 video series, four top executives – Aktiv Solutions’ Bryan Green, EGYM’s Dana Milkie, Midtown Athletic Club’s Loryn Huff and Workout Anytime’s Greg Maurer – sat down to discuss the future of brick-and-mortar fitness. 

In the panel, “Build a Better Gym: Blueprints for the Future of Fitness,” Green, Milkie, Huff and Maurer shared their views on topics including the rise of strength training, creating winning wellness and recovery rooms, and integrating tech inside the four walls.

Embracing the Rise of Strength Training

The rise of strength training is real, and there’s data to back it up. 

A couple of years ago, Midtown Athletic Club ran an experiment, placing sensors on the equipment at its Chicago-area gyms in order to track members’ workout habits for 30 days. 

“We really did see that need for more strength equipment,” said Huff, who serves as Midtown’s national program director. “Interestingly for us, our cable pulley systems were used the most in our strength spaces, so we increased our cable pulley access for members. We (also) increased, by a small quantity, our squat racks.”

Huff added that Midtown Athletic Club also decided to increase the amount of plate-loaded equipment at its gyms. By contrast, Midtown removed some of its cardio equipment, with one notable exception. 

“We did, however, increase our stair climbers,” Huff said. “Those are popular, especially for females.”

But females are also embracing strength training in greater numbers than ever before. In response, Midtown Athletic Club has added female-only strength training spaces in its gyms to remove some of the intimidation factor when it comes to lifting weights. 

“(It’s) a more moderate and less-intimidating free-weight space for our female members so they can feel more welcomed in that space, Huff explained. 

Green, the founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions, noted that strength training is a big opportunity for gyms, but it also presents challenges. As strength training rises in popularity, Green believes gyms have to work harder to make members feel comfortable – and safe – while lifting weights. 

“Those are exciting problems to solve for, but those are the problems at hand right now,” Green said.

Aktiv has been “active” on that front, recently releasing the Smith 3D Trainer, a new take on the traditional smith machine that mimics the natural bar path of free weights while providing the safety and guidance of a smith machine. 

“We’re having great success in introducing the (Smith 3D Trainer) machine into the marketplace because it solves so many of the problems that people have always been concerned about – safety, self-spotting – but without the limitations of movement,” Green said. 

Wellness & Recovery Spaces Take Shape

Gyms are also becoming more than just places where people work out; they’re turning into hubs of self-improvement. With that, many brands are looking to add wellness and recovery modalities within the four walls. 

Workout Anytime, a nationwide chain of high-value, low-price (HVLP) gym franchises, is leading the charge on this front. 

Maurer, who serves as Workout Anytime’s vice president of education, shares that all of Workout Anytime’s newly built locations come equipped with premium wellness suites, offering modalities like red light therapy, infrared sauna, massage chairs and more. 

According to Maurer, gyms should place their wellness and recovery offerings in a closed-off room to create an atmosphere that’s conducive to relaxation. 

“That starts with walking through a door, because you can’t create that same experience out on the floor with people dropping weights,” he says.

Workout Anytime has been building its premium wellness suites for around a year and a half now, and is already seeing strong results.

“Our average dollar per member has (increased) $8 in the last four years,” Maurer said, noting that Workout Anytime’s wellness offerings are available as part of a premium membership plan. 

“When (members) look at the add-on to get access to that space, it’s pretty much a no-brainer when you put the right mix of premium wellness amenities in there,” he added. 

VR Fitness Coming Soon?

Any discussion on the future of fitness would be remiss without mentioning technology. Tech is slowly but surely making its way inside the four walls of gyms and clubs; industry leaders are excited but they’re also calling for a measured and strategic approach. 

Milkie, general manager for EGYM North America, believes tools like gamification and virtual reality will make their way inside gyms and clubs in the coming years, even if VR isn’t quite ready for showtime yet. 

“Gen Z is changing clubs, and we need to recognize that,” Milkie said, noting the young generation’s embrace of virtual reality. 

“If we recognize that the Gen Z population will drive what fitness looks like in the next five to ten years, and they’re very comfortable with VR technology, I think clubs are going to have to look at how they apply that,” Mikie added. 

Milkie believes VR is a “bit further behind AI” right now when it comes to adoption, but “within the next three to five years, I think you’ll see more (VR) as an application in fitness.”

Maurer believes treadmills can be the modality that brings VR fitness inside gyms. The Workout Anytime executive pointed to Xpriential, a brand that makes immersive VR treadmills. Maurer tried Xpriential at IHRSA 2024 earlier this year, and he became hooked. 

“I was walking in Central Park; it was amazing,” Maurer said, noting that he usually can’t stay on a treadmill for longer than three minutes due to boredom. “I was on this thing for 40 minutes. I was so blown away.”

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The Los Angeles boutique fitness studio is boosting its classes with Aktiv’s Recoil Trainer. Here’s how it’s making a difference

Since its founding in 2015 by fitness coach and studio owner Brooke Bell, PEDAL Studios has made a name for itself in Los Angeles’ boutique fitness scene with its innovative and community-centered approach. With two locations, PEDAL offers a range of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and Spin classes that challenge fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Recently, PEDAL has incorporated Aktiv Solutions’ Recoil Suspension Trainer into its classes, elevating its suspension training offerings and improving operational efficiency.

Bell, who has led over 1,000 suspension training classes herself, is particularly enthusiastic about the addition of the Recoil. “As a studio owner, I’m always looking for tools that elevate the training experience for my clients and coaches. I’ve taught suspension training for years, and incorporating Recoil in our studios has made a major impact in class efficiency. The setup is simple for both the instructor and user adjustments throughout the class.  The Recoils can rotate 360 degrees so they can be set up anywhere on the Gym Rax bridge. Beginner and advanced level classes run far more smoothly when equipment adjustments are easier for our members,” she shares.

Why the Recoil Stands Out

PEDAL Studios initially used TRX for its suspension training but made the switch to Recoil for its superior design and ease of use. According to Bell, “The Recoil has made class transitions much smoother. We no longer have to help clients adjust their straps between movements, which slows down class momentum. After class, we simply recoil the straps up, and the equipment stays out of the way—perfect for the tight turnaround between HIIT and suspension training sessions.”

The Recoil’s patented braking mechanism allows the straps to retract when not in use, a feature that significantly reduces setup time and frees up floor space. This allows for multiple training modalities to be run in the same space with minimal disruption, a crucial factor for multipurpose studios.

Photo: PEDAL Studios (Credit: Aktiv Solutions)

Elevating Client Experience

PEDAL’s lead instructor, Sydney Hunter, highlights how the Recoil has transformed their suspension training classes. “The Recoil has raised the bar big time in our training. Its simplicity allows even first-time users to jump right in and keep up with adjustments. The greatest feature, in my opinion, is that when we’re fully booked, I can even have two clients using the same set of straps for single-arm or single-leg work. We get creative, but most importantly, we train for results—and the Recoil helps us achieve more in less time.”

Hunter’s comments reflect the flexibility of Aktiv’s Recoil, which can accommodate a wide range of exercises and fitness levels. The system’s versatility allows instructors to tailor workouts to individual needs, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to advanced athletes, can safely and effectively engage in suspension training.

A Commercial-Grade Solution

Joe Harre, Sales Director for Aktiv’s Performance Segment, explains why the Recoil is particularly well-suited for commercial operators like PEDAL Studios. “The Recoil is more than just an accessory—it’s a commercial-grade piece of equipment designed for longevity. Clients appreciate its durability and professional appearance. Unlike other suspension trainers, there’s no wear and tear on the straps, which means fewer replacements and less maintenance for studio owners.”

The Recoil’s enhanced durability and design not only improve the client experience but also offer studio owners a cost-effective suspension training solution for long-term use. Additionally, its 8 feet of adjustability surpases competing products, helping to accommodate more variability in user height.

Putting the Recoil to the Test

Athletech News tested the Recoil to see how it compared to other suspension trainers on the market. Here’s what stood out:

• Durability & Presentation: The Recoil offers a sturdy, professional build that outclasses traditional strap systems. Its commercial-grade materials are ideal for high-traffic environments, and its sleek design adds prestige to any fitness space.
• Superior Adjustability: With 8 feet of adjustability, the Recoil allows for a broad spectrum of exerciser accommodations, and caters to users of all fitness levels. This flexibility makes it a standout option for anyone looking to maximize the versatility of their workouts.
• Balanced Workouts: The Recoil’s self-adjusting straps ensure even lengths for both sides, reducing the risk of injury and promoting proper form during exercises that require stability, such as dips or push-ups.

While the Recoil’s $299 price point may be a bit higher than some competitors, its premium features, durability, and ease of use make it a worthy investment for serious fitness facilities.

Photo: PEDAL Studios (Credit: Aktiv Solutions)

Final Thoughts

The Aktiv Recoil Suspension Trainer has undoubtedly made a significant impact on PEDAL Studios’ operations and client satisfaction. Its blend of functionality, durability, and ease of use positions it as a top choice for commercial gyms and boutique studios alike. For fitness professionals looking to streamline their suspension training offerings, the Recoil is a game-changer that elevates both the client experience and operational efficiency.

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Most gym members probably don’t think much about how that day’s workout is going to help them with activities of daily living and functionality. They certainly don’t think about how the very floor beneath their feet could enhance their workout, or how the space itself serves as a workout partner.  

Beneath the clanging weights and whirring machines lies an invisible choreography, a delicate dance of space and movement that can enhance or encumber a workout experience. In fitness facility design, the footprint is primary, and few understand this better than Bryan Green, Founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions.

“For Aktiv, it begins with environment, then utility, then form” Green told Athletech News. “It’s easy to say ‘utility matters most’ until you realize that humans engage in fitness in differing ways, and today’s biggest problem to solve is certainly not accessibility to equipment, rather its sustainability in user engagement.”

Form following function seems to apply not only to architecture but to human motivation. This approach appears to have served Aktiv well in its quest to infuse spaces with depth and diversity, paving the way for its industry-leading functional strength solutions. Green says Aktiv seeks to reshape fitness spaces, quite literally from the ground up.

Foundational Solutions

In Aktiv’s vision, the gym floor isn’t just a surface — it’s a carefully orchestrated ecosystem where every square foot is optimized for performance, safety and versatility.

Green calls attention to “functional occupancy,” a term that goes beyond mere headcount or fire code compliance.

“What matters most at the gym is the ratio per user of simultaneous access,” he explains. “More generally, how can a mix of participants engage in kettlebell swings, a lateral lunge and a barbell squats, all without colliding?”

This approach to facility planning is not simply about avoiding traffic jams between the squat rack and the free-weight area. It’s about facilitating an environment that supports today’s increasing demand for functional movement in open space — the kind that translates directly to real-world strength and fitness. In Aktiv’s spaces, the floor plan itself becomes your silent training partner, guiding users toward more effective, varied and engaging workouts.

Aktiv is positioned foundationally to support the spiking consumer interest in both strength and functional training modalities, or “movement with load,” as Green puts it.

This philosophy has guided Aktiv’s approach since its inception as it seeks innovative fitness solutions catering to a broader spectrum of users and facility types. The result is fitness spaces that are inviting, efficient and adaptable to various training modalities.

“We seek to create spaces that are purposeful, or multi-purposeful, and supremely engaging,” says Green.

FORMA & Functional Strength

Aktiv Solutions has been instrumental in refining the concept of functional training toward what Green refers to as Functional Strength, moving beyond the industry’s more generalized attention toward “open-space allocation.”

This shift toward functional strength retraces a foundational format in fitness philosophy. It combines the benefits of traditional strength training with the practical, movement-based approach of functional training. As Green puts it, “Everything we do in life is compound, in whatever angle or motion we have.”

At the heart of Aktiv’s functional strength options is the FORMA line, which exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design. The line offers a range of equipment designed to support functional strength training, including everything from versatile racks that accommodate various exercises to free weights and accessories that can be easily integrated into different workout routines.

“Our FORMA line is about expanding yet refining the capabilities of strength-based equipment,” Green notes. “We design our systems to be intuitive and space-friendly, ensuring that both operator and user alike are able to gain efficiencies.”

Aktiv’s most recent hit, The SMITH 3D Trainer (S3D), stands out with its multi-directional range of motion, which mimics the natural travel path of an Olympic barbell, and its unique pre-load adjustability, allowing users to achieve the perfect lift-off position.

The product has been recognized as one of the most innovative launches this year, and Green shares an interesting insight: “We’re seeing multiple placements of the S3D within a single facility. We have universities that are coming online for four to six units, yet they never had four to six traditional Smith machines before.”

The reason for this success, according to Green, is that the S3D serves as a bridge between the traditional feature set of a Smith machine, and natural biomechanics of free bar training.

“It’s welcoming more people to strength training,” he explains. “It does so without alienating serious lifters who may already be comfortable with free bar training but are looking for self-spotting and saving setup time in transition from one exercise to the next. ”

Other notable products in Aktiv’s FORMA line include its Olympic Rack and square-shaped Functional Dumbbells. The Olympic rack, with its compact footprint and intuitive design, exemplifies Aktiv’s focus on space efficiency and ease of use. The Functional Dumbbells bring increased utility and unique design while allowing for a wider range of exercises. They further boast an elevated aesthetic appeal suitable for more highly appointed hotels and residential fitness centers.

Impact on Fitness Facilities & Professionals

By creating more efficient and versatile training spaces, Aktiv is helping operators maximize their resources as it develops enhanced training experiences.

“The faster one can achieve a great training session, the more efficient an operator becomes in increasing capacity for more satisfied users in a given day,” says Green. “That’s the equation to solve for any facility.”

The fitness industry is discovering the value of functional strength training, and Aktiv is at the forefront. Green observes, “There’s no end in sight for the emergence of strength with movement, and our passion to design for it. It’s growing the engagement levels for facilities of all types that choose to dive in.”

Looking ahead, Aktiv remains committed to innovation and inclusivity. Green emphasizes the importance of guidance in functional training environments.

“Create guidance whenever possible,” he says. “Everyone agrees that increasing workout variability, safety and fun factor is a step in the right direction, but that can result in too much freedom for some folks.”

To address this, Aktiv integrates digital guidance into unsupervised training spaces, and always advocates for live coaching as the gold standard.

“Technology will obviously continue to play a crucial role in the modernization of fitness,” Green explains. “By integrating digital solutions, operators may seek to provide users with personalized guidance while tracking their progress, making workouts more effective and measurable.”

Aktiv isn’t just riding the wave of this functional strength revolution – it’s driving it. By reimagining fitness spaces and its equipment-based solutions, Aktiv is making strength training more accessible, efficient and engaging for a wider audience.

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ATN breaks down some of the best innovations from leading fitness brands across strength training, cardio and fit tech at IHRSA 2024

Leading fitness equipment and technology brands brought their best to IHRSA 2024, the annual convention and trade show put on by IHRSA, now known as the Health & Fitness Association.

Athletech News breaks down some of the key products that made waves on the show room floor from brands including Aktiv Solutions, EGYM, Freemotion Fitness, Life Fitness, Matrix, Precor and Technogym.

Energizing their respective spaces and showing what’s next in fitness evolution, these seven brands showcased their top-tier releases across strength training, cardio and fit tech, all designed to engage consumers while assisting club operators. 

Aktiv Innovates on Traditional Strength Training

The rise of strength training is likely the fitness biggest trend of 2024, with consumers of all ages and fitness levels finding time to weight train, taking to the benefits of increased muscle mass, joint protection, fat loss and lowered resting heart rate.

Aktiv Solutions, a commercial gym design and supply company, used IHRSA 2024 to unveil its latest innovation: the Gym Rax Smith 3D Trainer (3SD). The next-gen smith machine features a free bar path, mimicking barbells while offering the benefits of the traditional smith machine, including the lack of need for supervision.

Aktiv created the S3D to onboard those new to strength training while also catering to expert lifters.

“The S3D presents an opportunity for operators to appeal to their broader constituencies without alienating more advanced lifters,” explained Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions, adding that users “can get that last rep without fear that they’ll injure themselves without a spotter.”

The S3D touts a patent-pending movement carriage that synchronizes its safety catches and serves as a built-in spotter — perfect for newer users, Gen Z and active-aging populations. 

The safety feature makes S3D a particularly beneficial addition to unsupervised fitness facilities like hotels or university gyms.

Precor Embraces the Glute Trend

Precor is also heavily invested in strength, partnering with Glutebuilder to breathe new life into glute training, which has become highly popular on social media platforms like TikTok. Besides looking good, training the glutes has numerous benefits including hip stabilization and pain prevention in the back and neck. 

The partnership will see an all-new line of six patent-pending glute training products that combine the motion design of Glutebuilder’s founder and CEO, Arturo García López, with Precor’s engineering and manufacturing expertise.

“We recognize the surging popularity of glute training worldwide, and the innovations within the new Precor Glutebuilder Line offer novel ways to engage and attract new fitness enthusiasts,” said Precor’s CEO Dustin Grosz. “We are delighted to partner with this esteemed brand and leverage Arturo’s groundbreaking developments.”

Those who missed IHRSA 2024 will be able to preview the Precor Glutebuilder Line at FIBO in April in Cologne, Germany.

Technogym Launches AI-Powered Health & Longevity Tracking

It was impossible to ignore Technogym at IHRSA 2024, with its massive presence on the tradeshow floor and outfitted in its signature black and yellow branding.

Already a force to be reckoned with, Technogym took its ecosystem a step further with the debut of Technogym Check Up. Harnessing AI to assess physical and cognitive conditions, Technogym Check Up has the power to prescribe the ideal fitness program that adapts over time based on the individual user.

Nerio Alessandri, Technogym founder and CEO, says the latest innovation represents the access point to the entire Technogym ecosystem, offering a “fully personalized program for every single individual that evolves over time thanks to AI.”

Leaning into longevity, Technogym’s latest offering goes beyond cognitive function, body composition, strength performance, balance and mobility. It uses the data to calculate a “Wellness Age,” a nod to the brand’s ‘Technogym as Medicine’ philosophy.

The new tool puts longevity-seeking consumers in the driver’s seat of their health. At the same time, Technogym’s ecosystem and data-forward approach can also unlock invaluable data for fitness operators.

EGYM Empowers Users To Move Beyond the Scale

EGYM, a leading fitness tech provider, put its new BioAge feature front and center at IHRSA 2024, a measurable approach to fitness that calculates a user’s wellness across four pillars: strength, cardio, flexibility and metabolism.

It may be time to toss the scale since BioAge takes things beyond simple bodyweight measurements. Giving users a solution-based path, BioAge focuses on four different areas of need, tracking progress and providing users with valuable visual feedback along the way. 

The result? A comprehensive approach to health and fitness that keeps users engaged and motivated — especially when they quickly start seeing results. 

“Unfortunately in our industry, usually it’s all about what a member sees on the scale,” Dana Milkie, EGYM general manager for North America, told ATN. “It can be a little demotivating, particularly in the first three or four weeks when you’re starting to exercise trying to change your body and you don’t see anything on the scale. From a BioAge perspective, you begin to see changes very quickly as whatever biological age you started at begins to go down.”

BioAge is visible on EGYM’s Fitness Hub, trainer app and branded member app, making it accessible anywhere for individuals who work out at various facility types. The innovation also serves as a powerful tool for operators and fitness trainers, allowing them to share tangible results with clients, deepening motivation with proof.

Matrix Brings Luxury to Cardio

Matrix Fitness, a commercial fitness leader under Johnson Health Tech, has elevated cardio with a luxurious look and feel with the launch of its Onyx Collection, a line of five ultra-premium cardio machines, including a treadmill, Ascent Trainer, ClimbMill, upright cycle and recumbent cycle. 

“Every touch point and every element of the Onyx Collection was designed to be exceptional, immersive, and unlike anything else in our portfolio,” said Andrew Kolman, vice president of global product development. “At Matrix, meaningful innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our partners can expect to see this guiding principle artfully expressed in every design detail.”

With its impressive 32″ touchscreen console and interactive touch controls, users can sprint, interval train, complete fitness tests or run on rolling hills. 

Kolman explained that feedback from industry partners fueled the creation of Onyx’s luxe design, with its oversized screen allowing operators to brand the experience and advertise their own messaging. 

The Onyx Collection is headed to FIBO next month in Germany, which will take place from April 11 to 14.

Life Fitness Gives Operators the Keys

Life Fitness used IHRSA to remind the fitness industry that cardio is still king and that the key to a successful product is deepening user engagement while offering new revenue channels for club operators. 

Symbio, an ultra-premium cardio line features a Runner (treadmill), Incline Elliptical, SwitchCycle and Recumbent Cycle — all of which enable club operators to easily upload on-demand workouts featuring their in-house instructors.

Gym goers want an engaging cardio experience, which Symbio can deliver, as operators can add new member onboarding videos or promote additional services.

“(It) gives you the ability as a trainer, instructor, facility owner, operator — to completely customize the experience,” said Life Fitness global training and education manager Leigh Wierichs. “The content doesn’t have to be a class — although it could be an actual on-demand class or something nutrition-related. It could be something explaining the different capabilities of the treadmill; it could be something talking about how to prepare for a 5K. It can be anything that you think would resonate.”

Content abilities aside, Life Fitness’ new Runner offers a standout feature, adaptive flex deck technology so that users can select their preferred level of firmness – either 40% softer or firmer.

For Freemotion, Content Is King

Freemotion Fitness, along with parent company iFIT, put a spotlight on its new 22 Series cardio line at IHRSA 2024, boasting iFIT’s robust content library of nearly 17,000 coach-led workouts, including Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps and ultrarunner Tommy Rivers Puzey. 

The 22 Series cardio line offers a six-piece collection that spans an incline trainer, a Reflex treadmill with an impact-reducing deck, an elliptical and three bikes, all with 22-inch HD touchscreens that display content and automatically adjust speed, incline, resistance and fan speed based on the on-screen workout.

With an emphasis on delivering top-notch video content that is immersive and exciting, iFIT films its footage on all seven continents, including adventurous locations such as Mount Everest. It’s a creative decision that Adam Guier, vice president of North America sales at Freemotion, says has a tremendous impact on member engagement.

“We hear members say, “I went on a vacation to such and such place because I had exercised in that same location from virtually,'” Guier said. “We also hear members who say, “I went on vacation, came back, and did the same run on the console that I had done on vacation.”

Beyond the gym, members can use the iFIT app at home or on vacation, using equipment from NordicTrack or ProForm, other iFIT brands.

The post These Fitness Products Made Waves at IHRSA 2024 appeared first on Athletech News.

Everywhere you look, strength training is all the rage and Aktiv Solutions didn’t disappoint at this year’s IHRSA 2024 Convention and Tradeshow. 

Aktiv Solutions, the commercial gym design and supply company specializing in movement-based training, debuted its highly anticipated GYM RAX SMITH 3D Trainer (S3D) at this year’s event. Aktiv has positioned the S3D as not simply a next-generation smith machine, but rather an onramp to what it claims is a swelling population of consumers looking for a better introduction to the fundamentals of strength training.

“There’s room to refine how consumers are leveling up with their now more rapid adoption of strength training modalities,” said Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions. “The advent of the SMITH 3D Trainer is both tremendous in terms of its timing and its ability to onboard a greater population of less-experienced enthusiasts, female lifters, and those who simply don’t wish to intertwine in the chaos of the weight-dropping or CrossFit-style culture.”

A Versatile & Well-Timed Launch 

Mindbody recently listed strength training as its top wellness trend for 2024. The workout modality is notably growing in popularity among those 55 years or older as well as across new demographics from Gen Z to active adults. 

“The S3D presents an opportunity for operators to appeal to their broader constituencies without alienating more advanced lifters,” Green said of how health clubs are expected to leverage the new system.

The S3D features a patent-pending movement carriage that synchronizes its safety catches to work like a built-in spotter during an entire exercise motion.

“No matter where you are in the range of the exercise, whether you’re in full extension, or you just can’t make that last rep, you’re able to re-rack safely at any point in that range of motion,” Green explained. “That’s the advancement, a smarter way to lift with peace and increase one’s confidence when pushing to their limits so they can get that last rep without fear that they’ll injure themselves without a spotter.”

Ideal for a Variety of Facilities & Members 

These features also make the S3D an ideal addition to any fitness facility lacking supervision, like hotel or university gyms. That’s been a consistent goal for Aktiv in the release of the S3D given the increased popularity of those types of facilities.

With the explosion of non-health club fitness amenities from hotels to apartment buildings, it is imperative that these properties be able to more safely and effectively incorporate strength training. Equipment size, ease of use, and inclusiveness are critical in making a selection for these largely unsupervised spaces. The S3D solves for the great majority of these concerns.

“In the evolving landscape of fitness amenities, gyms have become a staple, along with pools and laundry rooms in modern buildings,” Andrew Gavigan, Director of Digital and Education at Aktiv Solutions, told Athletech News founder and CEO Edward Hertzman in an exclusive interview on the new product.

“Notably, the demand for strength training is on the rise, prompting us to pioneer innovative and effective products tailored to meet the evolving needs of users and facilities,” Gavigan added. “The S3D stands as a perfect testament to our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions in this dynamic fitness environment.” 

While Aktiv’s new product is perfect for unsupervised fitness facilities, there are still advantages to using the S3D with a spotter or trainer present, especially when it comes to the personal or small group training high-touch environment.

“Personal trainers are there to guide as they watch a client’s form and movement, but often become a ‘spotter’ during barbell exercises,” Green noted. “This machine creates the freedom for trainers to take a step back, and focus on their expertise. It’s really an incredible tool for personal trainers to pick up efficiencies in the way that they’re working with the client.”

Less Space, More Profit

The most expensive investment for any operator is often the real estate of the facility itself, so space consumption is critical when selecting the size of equipment, and more importantly, its footprint when in use. 

Leading health clubs often incorporate racks of their choice paired with the selection of a “lifting platform.” This combination can take up upwards of a 10’x12’ area for a single setup. Aktiv shares the S3D is unique in that its entire space requirement during use requires less than 7’x6’, or nearly half the space consumption of traditional rack-and-platform set-ups

This spurs efficiency and cost savings across the board for operators. 

Installations for Aktiv’s S3D have already begun and are rolling out across the United States with a select few early European locations on their way.

The post Aktiv Answers the Call for Strength Training Innovation With a Showstopper at IHRSA 24 appeared first on Athletech News.

Freemotion Fitness, the commercial equipment division of iFIT, and Aktiv Solutions, the commercial and home gym design company specializing in movement-based training, have joined forces to bolster their respective distribution networks.

The deal will see Freemotion use its global market reach to represent Aktiv’s specialty equipment, solutions and facility design capabilities. In return, Aktiv will expand its representation of Freemotion’s equipment to support the brand’s global customer reach.

The alliance comes after Aktiv last month named Mike Kelly its new global vice president of sales as it seeks to grow into key markets, form distribution partnerships and announce new products.

“By joining forces, we are poised to unlock new markets and propel our growth trajectory,” said Mark Watterson, Freemotion Fitness CEO.  “Together, we are stronger and better equipped to provide unparalleled fitness solutions for an ever-evolving industry.”

The partnership will also bring “collaborative ventures” at industry events and shows — beginning with IHRSA 2024, where Aktiv will debut its recently launched Gym Rax Smith 3D Trainer within Freemotion’s exhibition on March 7th and 8th.

The partnership will also help the two fitness brands as they aim to redefine the fitness equipment landscape with various products and services to meet the evolving needs of operators.

“At Aktiv, we believe that successful fitness facilities offer more than simple function and utility – they deliver experiences,” said Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions. “As operators get more creative, movement-based modalities will continue to dominate the exercise floor. Our partnership with Freemotion strengthens our ability to offer the most comprehensive and impactful solutions for commercial clients everywhere.”

Watterson added that the partnership isn’t just about products but creating a “collective impact” for clients; Freemotion has notably collaborated with Orangetheory Fitness to create the OTF REFLEX Treadmill, which offers a 29% reduction in impact force when running.

“We know the Aktiv team well and believe in the power of collaboration to drive innovation and elevate the fitness experience for our customers,” Watterson said,

Freemotion will be found at booth #847 at IHRSA 2024, with Aktiv showcasing its new Smith 3D TrainerTM on March 7 and March 8.

The post Freemotion Fitness, Aktiv Solutions Ink Distribution Deal appeared first on Athletech News.

Aktiv Solutions is expanding its collection of fitness equipment offerings, adding new functionality to a long-standing favorite of the strength training community. 

The commercial and home gym design company announced the launch of its Gym Rax Smith 3D Trainer (S3D). The strength training system gives users the feel, flexibility and overall benefits of working with free weights, alongside the security that comes with using equipment like a traditional smith machine. 

“Unlike traditional smith machines, the S3D mimics the natural movement patterns of barbell exercises without the restrictions of a single and linear range of motion,” Aktiv says of the new product. 

The S3D accomplishes this with synchronized safety catches that work like built-in spotters. This feature makes the product ideal for unsupervised gyms or fitness centers, such as those found in hotels or college campuses. It also makes the product functional for experienced weightlifters and newcomers alike. 

S3D users can experience natural, 3D movements when lifting, as there’s no singular or linear range of motion the barbell must follow. This allows users to push their limits in the gym without endangering themselves. The S3D also has a space-saving design, making it an easy fit in most gyms or fitness facilities. Its versatile design also allows users to partake in a wide variety of workouts. 

“The world is recognizing the transformative power of strength training, from boosting longevity and mobility to enhancing overall quality of life,” said Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions. “Very few tools compete with the natural movement and effectiveness of the barbell. With the S3D, we’ve now unlocked unprecedented levels of efficiency, safety and user experience, making barbell training accessible for everyone, regardless of their fitness level or goals.”

Aktiv couldn’t have picked a better time to launch a product with a “best of both worlds” approach to strength training. Mindbody listed the workout modality as its top fitness trend for 2024. Strength training is notably growing in popularity among those 55 years or older, illustrating an increase in demand across new demographics.

It’s an exciting product launch during an exciting time for Aktiv, as the company recently brought in Mike Kelly to serve as its new global vice president of sales. Kelly and Aktiv aim to expand into key market segments, form new distribution partnerships and launch new products. 

The post Aktiv Innovates on Traditional Smith Machine With Free Bar Path appeared first on Athletech News.

Aktiv Solutions, a commercial and home gym design company specializing in movement-based training, has named Mike Kelly its new global vice president of sales as it plots its expansion into key market segments, distribution partnerships and upcoming product announcements.

Kelly joins Aktiv Solutions with over 30 years of fitness and wellness industry experience, specializing in sales growth and strategic initiatives. He has robust expertise in building client-based partnerships with health clubs, YMCA Groups and fitness equipment distributors. Kelly previously served in executive leadership roles for Cybex International, Core Health & Fitness, True Fitness and Octane. 

The fitness industry vet succeeds Gordon Stirling, who has transitioned to a new role as senior vice president of hospitality and development. Moving forward, Kelly will lead Aktiv’s sales team, while Stirling will focus on advancing the company’s enterprise-level relationships in hospitality and multifamily housing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike Kelly to the Aktiv Solutions team,” said Bryan Green, Aktiv’s founder and CEO. “Mike is a highly respected leader with a deep understanding of our industry and a passion for helping fitness operators achieve their goals. His extensive experience in sales management, team building, and strategic planning will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand our global reach.”

Green added that Akitv felt it was particularly important at this time to invest more broadly in its sales leadership team. He spoke to Athletech News late last year about Aktiv’s unique approach to optimizing gym spaces, remaining on-trend to meet fitness operators’ current needs while providing flexibility for future changes and fitness modalities. 

Aktiv had a successful 2023, bolstered by new and extended partnerships with brands like Xponential Fitness, Plunge and Freemotion Fitness. Aktiv also acquired gym design and consulting firm Fitspace Design last year to elevate its commercial fitness offerings.

The post Aktiv Solutions Grows Leadership Team, Eyes Expansion appeared first on Athletech News.

This article is part of ATN’s DISRUPT 2023 video series, which features key conversations with executives from the most successful brands in fitness and wellness. To watch more videos, click here

As trends come and go, and consumer preferences shift, the challenge for gym designers is to create spaces that not only meet current demands but also remain adaptable to future changes. 

To explore the intricate world of gym design and fitness equipment, Aktiv Solutions founder and CEO Bryan Green joined DISRUPT 2023 presented by Athletech News to discuss how gyms and other fitness facilities can design spaces and select equipment that meet customer needs. 

“I’ve been in the gym design space for my entire career,” Green said. “So, I’m particularly passionate about it, and everything we do at Aktiv really is about designing experience.”

“Aktiv Solutions was born out of necessity,” he added. “Traditional manufacturers excel in cardio and strength, but there were gaps in the fulfillment process. Many emerging fitness categories lacked suitable equipment in commercial spaces without significant customization.”

Green shed light on the practical challenges that inspired Aktiv to take action. It was Green’s own wife, an aerial yoga instructor, who faced the frustration of the lack of suitable equipment in commercial spaces for her fitness regimen. This experience prompted Green to jump headfirst into the world of gym design. 

“We’re very careful about what we bring to the market,” Green noted. “We’re not adding value if we’re not creating something to make a difference.”

Use Space to Your Advantage

The guiding principle behind Aktiv’s approach is to focus on optimizing gym spaces. It’s not just about adding more equipment; it’s about providing solutions that enhance safety, functionality, and the effective utilization of space. 

One of the most prominent challenges in the fitness industry is its trend-centric nature. While some operators excel at staying current with these trends, others struggle to keep pace. 

In Green’s view, the dynamic nature of the fitness business makes it crucial for operators to avoid overcommitting to a single trend. Instead, they should focus on preserving and optimizing space. This entails creating spaces that not only cater to current trends but also offer flexibility to accommodate future changes and a variety of fitness modalities.

Go Beyond Pure Fitness Offerings

Diversification is a key element in staying relevant and meeting the diverse needs of gym-goers. Green emphasized that operators should balance their offerings and incorporate modalities beyond traditional exercise.

“Balance is key. It’s not just about exercise. It’s about offering well-being experiences. Incorporating recovery-based modalities, hot and cold treatments, and myofascial work is essential,” Green said. “Operators must understand that you can’t just mix everything together. Design is crucial in balancing high-energy and low-energy zones, creating a journey that supports well-being.”

With the fitness industry extending its reach beyond traditional gym spaces, Green discussed the evolution of gym design in various settings. 

“The emerging markets, such as hotels, residential real estate, and corporate wellness, offer the convenience of exercise,” he says. “Smaller, more tailored spaces are becoming immersive and impactful.” 

Integrating Tech

The conversation with Aktiv’s CEO also touched upon the crucial role of technology in modern gym design. 

“Technology is essential because guidance is crucial. Digital platforms provide guidance and personalization. They help users navigate their fitness journey,” Green says.

While live coaching is valuable, it may not always be economically feasible. Hence, digital platforms offer an accessible and cost-effective means of guiding individuals through their fitness journeys. The integration of technology into gym spaces, as Green emphasized, should be purposeful and seamless. The objective is to maximize the benefits users can derive from these platforms, ensuring that they have a guided and personalized fitness experience.

“The gym of the future won’t look radically different, but it will become more sophisticated and technology-driven,” Green predicts. “Personalized workouts through biometrics and real-time feedback are on the horizon.”

The post Aktiv CEO Bryan Green on The Future of Fitness Facility Design appeared first on Athletech News.

This article is part of ATN’s DISRUPT 2023 video series, which features key conversations with executives from the most successful brands in fitness and wellness. To watch more videos, click here

While people have returned to in-person fitness in larger numbers than some industry experts predicted during the throes of the pandemic, the reality is that gyms and studios are facing stiff competition not just from each other, but from the many digital options today’s consumers have.

To attract and retain members in a world teeming with workout options, operators will need to leverage space, technology and wellness services in innovative and engaging ways.

“It’s about building these immersive environments where it’s worth the price of inconvenience to get there,” summarized Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions, a leading commercial and home gym design company.

Here are a few ways facilities can go about creating those immersive environments, according to Green and three other fitness and wellness industry executives, all of whom shared the virtual stage during the “Gym of the Future” panel at DISRUPT 2023 presented by Athletech News.

Create ‘Energy & Atmosphere’ Through Physical Space

Gone are the days of the big-box gym filled to the brim with cardio machines and single-exercise strength training equipment. The gym of the future is open, with less equipment and more room for community and connection.

“The industry has gone through a major shift post-COVID, probably 25 to 30%, maybe even 35%, of the cardio equipment is either not being used or has been removed,” noted Jeff Esswein, vice president of business development commercial sales U.S. and Canada for Freemotion Fitness. “When you look at the commercial setting, … there’s been a lot more focus on movement, functional training and strength training.”

Green, too, has noticed a “tremendous thinning out of equipment” at fitness facilities, which are increasingly favoring functional training spaces with large, open floor plans.

This change in layout is partly due to the rising popularity of strength training, Green notes. But he says it presents an opportunity for gyms to create engaging spaces for their members to interact with personal trainers and other gym goers, mimicking some of the community aspects commonly found in boutique fitness settings. 

“Energy begets energy,” Green notes. “Getting people together, not necessarily training together in the same class per se, but training amongst each other, creating that collective energy … but also a sense of purpose and reason.” 

Gyms should take advantage of open spaces on the fitness floor by encouraging personal trainers to offer live guidance to members, Green advises. If live guidance isn’t possible, operators should look to offer virtual coaching through tools like digital screens, he says.

“Opening up floor plans, creating a guided solution, and creating atmosphere and experience, ultimately, are the keys,” Green says of how operators can compete in the modern fitness world. 

Leverage Wellness & Recovery 

Wellness continues to play a bigger and bigger role in the lives of everyday people, especially fitness enthusiasts, who are increasingly attuned to the latest in recovery, longevity and holistic health.

Star Sage, senior director of business development at Hyperice, notes that gyms can drive engagement by giving their members access to Hyperice’s high-tech recovery products, the same tools that are used by pro athletes like Patrick Mahomes.

“The same feeling that you get in a professional training locker room, why can’t that be in a fitness facility?” Sage said. 

Gyms can use Hyperice products as part of a normal membership plan, as a personal training perk or even as an a la carte option to drive extra attendance, Sage suggested. 

“We started to see that (operators) are charging by the minute for a Normatec compression session, people are jumping in for 30 dollars for 30 minutes, and are coming in now (to the gym) two or three times a day.”

Sage even floated the idea of “recovery nights,” where fitness facilities plan entire events around giving members access to recovery products. 

“It’s getting back to this community base of people having fun with our products like a locker-room style, where you’re not just going to a bar,” Sage said, noting that alcohol consumption rates are lower among Gen Z, a generation that’s leading the wellness push.

Green agreed that modern fitness facilities must offer their members wellness options in order to stay competitive. He identified hot and cold therapies like sauna and cold plunge baths as other wellness modalities gyms can look to add. 

“Beyond the exercise realm, you’re not relevant today if you’re not (part of) the total solution for wellness,” Green said. 

Embrace Digital Content 

It should be no surprise that the “gym of the future” will be heavily influenced by technology, especially digital fitness content, which proliferated during COVID and has emerged as one of the pandemic’s lasting effects on the industry. 

Alex Isaly, vice president of programming and head of content at Xponential Fitness, spoke about how the boutique fitness franchisor is embracing digital content. Xponential has leaned heavily into XPlus, its on-demand solution that allows people to watch digital workout content from brands like Club Pilates, StretchLab and Pure Barre.

Isaly noted that Xponential views digital content not as an end in and of itself, but as a means to get more people familiar with its boutique fitness brands to ultimately drive class attendance inside the four walls of the studio. 

“With Xponential, it’s really important to understand that this is not about an in-real-life experience versus a digital experience,” he said. “We see our digital offering really as an extension and a value-add to our members and our franchise partners.”

Esswein also pointed to the importance of digital content as a way for operators to engage their members even when they’re inside the four walls of the facility. Freemotion’s cardio equipment comes loaded with iFit workout content, so gyms can create a user experience that’s more engaging than traditional machines.

“Freemotion is really a content delivery company,” Esswein said. “And we’ve seen our iFit content play a big role in that, to where an individual can be engaged in their experience (at the gym).”

Whether it’s through digital content, wellness and recovery services, or manipulating physical space, operators should focus on engaging their members above all else.

“What can we offer differently to help provide a solution that’s experiential or that’s engaging?” Esswein said. “Because at the end of the day, everybody wants the member to be engaged in whatever they’re doing.”

The post The Gym of the Future Must Be ‘Immersive,’ Fitness Execs Say appeared first on Athletech News.

As the tastes and preferences of the modern fitness and wellness consumer evolve, so too must the physical layouts of facilities, whether they be large gyms or amenitized spaces in hotels, corporate wellness centers and apartment complexes.

Aktiv Solutions, a commercial and home gym design company specializing in movement-based training, is helping fitness operators leverage some of the dominant trends in the market today, namely the rise in strength training modalities and the increased importance of recovery.

As strength training explodes in popularity, Aktiv helps fitness facilities build spaces that cater to the many ways consumers engage with the modality, from Olympic lifting to functional training with things like kettlebells, sandbags or even body weight. 

Aktiv’s founder and CEO Bryan Green believes the physical layout of the fitness floor is as important as the quality of equipment offered.

“Modern fitness floor planning requires a deep understanding of expected simultaneous exercise use and traffic flow,” Green says. “Programming for movement-based modality differs greatly from planning rows of cardio or a circuit of selectorized strength machines. With an explosion of workout types that require a large variety of movement patterns, gym design today is far more art than science and demands flexibility to accommodate consumer expectations”.

Strength Training in the Modern Era

According to Green, it’s not simply old-school weight lifting that’s become popular post-pandemic, but functional training exercises that incorporate resistance, or what he terms more broadly as “movement with load.” 

“The pandemic for all its faults also forced an increase in creativity around how to work out with less large format equipment at home,” he notes. “This has stimulated a real ascendancy of functional movement and function training types, where you can utilize everything from soup cans to kettlebells.”

The increased awareness and subsequent demand for a new level of training variety have pushed commercial fitness facilities to raise the bar in terms of their own creativity, Green believes.

“This wave is still only beginning to force significant change among all operator types,” he says. “Not simply in terms of how they approach the re-balancing of equipment on the fitness floor, but how they must guide participants in the training environment through live or increasingly digital-based coaching.

Aktiv, for its part, is helping fitness facilities optimize for space by addressing smart footprints for the equipment it creates. Aktiv’s new GYM RAX® FORMAStrength Series combines Olympic lifting with bodyweight stations like dips, a pull-up bar, a step-up station and a landmine all in what it says is the smallest functional footprint in the commercial fitness industry.

According to  Green, the FORMA line was more generally conceived to cater to the growing functional-movement market. 

“Forma is a bridge of sorts for those that want to engage in functional movement, but want to utilize a heavier load more safely,” he says. “Olympic training and plate weight training allow for that.”

Aktiv’s signature Apogee line more broadly accommodates the storage of many different types of equipment, like kettlebells, medicine balls and training mats, all within its highly regarded Bay and Bridge design. The company also more recently released its outdoor fitness solution, Ecosystem, a nature-inspired structure that includes suspension training, tethered resistance and accommodations for modalities as unique as aerial yoga.

Amenitized Spaces Offer New Possibilities

It appears that one thing is for sure: where people intend to work out going forward is far more varied than where they used to do so. 

According to Green, exercise space accommodation has become an expectation for many where we live, work, and play. 

“Aktiv is a design-first company, and as such the vast majority of our engagements indicate that the balance is changing dramatically in terms of where new gyms will be found,” the Aktiv founder says. “Both in terms of indoor and outdoor spaces, but ultimately convenience is driving a change in the proximity to how operators are meeting consumers where they are.”

Aktiv works with leading hotel groups, corporations looking to attract employees back to work and a large variety of mixed-use property developers who must increasingly accommodate residents that expect a great gym steps from their door. Green believes these amenitized spaces are the “most fascinating growing area of the commercial fitness industry,” as consumers are increasingly seeking greater nuance and a more socially driven experience during exercise.

To that end, Aktiv recently partnered with Xponential Fitness to create a specialized X+ Training Bay that includes a personalized functional training pod, custom flooring, and a complete kit of equipment to support a digital training experience, on-demand. As a result of the collaboration, fitness enthusiasts can now engage with Xponential’s ten boutique fitness brands in hotels, universities and corporate wellness centers across the nation. 

“It really becomes the participant’s personalized space,” Green says. “You can do virtually any workout you want with one of the best coaches for it on the planet.”

How Can Traditional Gyms Compete? 

Large gyms and health clubs are naturally adjusting to attract those seeking all the current fitness and wellness trends, but many are in need of larger adjustments, and in some cases must be willing to let go of old ways of doing business. 

For example, many facilities are quickly opening up their fitness floors, ditching some of their weight machines and jettisoning a good amount of single-purpose cardio equipment in favor of more creative functional training spaces.

“There are most certainly some strong examples of large format health clubs that have modernized well and embraced the change,” Green says. “They’re really building interactive ‘adult playgrounds.’”

For those gyms, creating open functional training spaces has the potential to solve a long-running problem in terms of member engagement. 

“Gyms still have a lot of folks roaming around their large floor plans with less purpose or comfort towards engaging with the more abstract areas of functional training space,” Green says. “They’re just not clear on what to do with all the equipment and in the absence of effective guidance, many end up spending 30 minutes on the treadmill and call it a day.”

Offering a more interactive and immersive environment seemingly will go a long way toward combating member boredom and confusion, which should in turn reduce churn. 

The Rise of Recovery

Another trending area of fitness and wellness is the rise of innovative new recovery modalities, including cold water immersion and percussion therapy. On the recovery side, Aktiv is helping fitness facilities tap into consumers’ increasing demand for pre and post-workout options that go beyond plain, old foam rolling. 

Aktiv also recently partnered with Plunge, a leading maker of cold plunge baths, to bring this emerging recovery modality to fitness operators of all types. Aktiv is now working with clients to design elegant spaces that feature Plunge tubs.  

As cold water therapy grows in popularity, Green believes this is an area where gyms can leverage their space to give members access to a premium experience. 

“Gyms have large areas that traditionally include locker rooms or wet rooms, and many over time have had pools or saunas,” he notes. “Cold water immersion is now an essential element to consider if you’re fortunate enough to have the space type required to accommodate it.”

Aktiv also has a long-running partnership with Hyperice, designing Recovery Bays that store the wellness tech company’s tools and products. 

No matter the modality, merging fitness with recovery can help facilities stand out by offering their members a more holistic wellness experience. 

“There’s a gap between what the world thinks of as a spa and what it thinks of as fitness,” Green believes. “The bridge between that gap is active recovery.” 

Looking ahead, Aktiv is confident that no matter where the fitness and wellness space heads, its less-is-more approach to gym design will leave its clients in the best long-term position for success. 

“We know there’s going to be something new next year and the year after,” Green says. “Our job is to anticipate that so that our customers, the operators, can adapt their businesses without changing their entire infrastructure.”

The post Aktiv Solutions Helps Operators Build for the Next Gen of Fitness & Wellness appeared first on Athletech News.

Aktiv Solutions, a functional fitness supply and design company, has acquired gym design and consulting firm Fitspace Design, the sides announced.

Aktiv will integrate Fitspace Design’s user-centric approach with its premium training equipment and digital program offerings. Dave Greene, founder of Fitspace Design, remarked that Aktiv is a true leader in the commercial fitness space and is committed to innovation and results-driven facility design.

“Together, we will set a new standard for helping commercial fitness operators of all types deliver the best possible experiences for their members and clients,” Greene said. 

Fitspace has a vast portfolio of fitness facility solutions, such as Renaissance Hotel Legacy West in Plano, Texas and The Creekview Corporate Fitness Center in Richardson, Texas.

“We are excited to welcome Fitspace Design to the Aktiv team,” said Bryan Green, founder and CEO of Aktiv Solutions. “Dave Greene is a passionate orchestrator of modern gym design, and Fitspace’s expertise in user-centric function is perfectly aligned with our mission to create immersive and highly engaging training spaces.” 

Earlier this summer, Aktiv joined forces with Plunge, a rapidly growing cold water therapy brand featured on Shark Tank. The collaboration brings Plunge’s exhilarating treatments to fitness facilities and introduces its products to Aktiv’s commercial clients. Aktiv also expanded its functional training equipment line this summer with Gym Rax Forma, a strength-based system.

The functional fitness supply and design company has also forged a successful partnership with boutique fitness franchisor Xponential, creating Xponential+ Training Bays so residents, students and employees can easily access the fitness franchisor’s ten brands outside of the studio.

The post Aktiv Solutions Acquires Fitspace Design in Latest Expansion Move appeared first on Athletech News.

Around three years ago, finding a cold plunge tub for at-home use at a cost of under five figures was difficult, pricing most consumers out of the modality that’s seen a surge in popularity due to its beneficial effects on recovery, mental health and overall well-being. 

Michael Garrett and Ryan Duey set out to change that, co-founding Plunge in 2020 and creating the brand’s signature cold plunge tub, which currently retails for just $4,990, less than half of what most similar products on the market had been going for. 

The Plunge uses cooling, filtration and sanitation technology to create clean, 39-degree water on-demand, which is cold enough for users to reap health benefits but not so cold that ice forms. 

Following an early batch of 20 units built in Garrett’s garage that they sold to friends and business partners, the Plunge co-founders rapidly scaled the business, building production facilities in the Sacramento area and shipping Plunge tubs to consumers – and now businesses – worldwide. 

The company is off to an impressive start, experiencing what Duey described as “exponential year-over-year growth” since officially launching in September 2020.

Duey, Plunge’s co-CEO, spoke with Athletech News about the brand’s genesis and growth, why the cold water therapy market has exploded in popularity and the company’s plans to ramp up its B2B sales efforts. 

The following conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and length 

Athletech News: What opportunity did you and Michael Garrett see in the cold water therapy market that convinced you to start Plunge?

Ryan Duey: We saw a major gap. There wasn’t a cold plunge that we could, at the income level we had, really afford that we actually liked. We already knew amongst ourselves and our friends that there was an interest, although we didn’t quite grasp the potential real size of the market, both where it’s at now and where we envision it going. But we knew we wanted a tub that looked really good, was efficient, clean, and had cold, on-demand water, all at a price point that was more affordable than what was on the market at the time. Whereas other people had been charging $10,000-$15,000, it was a pretty simple equation for us to get to our price point ($4,990). We knew what our margins were and we built a company around that. 

ATN: Why did you design Plunge tubs to use cold water rather than ice like some of your competitors?

RD: It’s already hard enough to get into an ice bath, your mind starts making (mental) excuses. We also wanted to take out all the physical excuses that can come into it, which would be the time allocation into going and buying ice, filling it up and waiting for it to cool down. We just thought, ‘If this was there for me at every single moment, and it was cold and clean at the temperature I wanted, what does that look like?’ The unit only requires about 20 minutes of setup, which is mostly filling it up with a hose and plugging it in. It plugs into a 110-volt outlet (U.S. Standard), which is a really important piece, since you don’t need to upgrade your electrical system. It’s a regular appliance that you can purchase and add to your home. 

ATN: Why has the cold water therapy market grown so quickly over the last few years?

RD: It’s definitely accelerated quicker than I anticipated. We knew there was a big market potential here, but we had no real understanding of the timeline of how it would unfold. It’s blown me away because it does take some discipline, courage and commitment to get into the cold water. I didn’t know so many people would adopt that so quickly. And we’re seeing this network effect that’s happening. Right now, I still ask, “How many people do you know with an actual cold plunge?” It’s probably not many, but there’s a lot of conversation around it. So we get really excited when we ship a tub out because that’s probably the first cold plunge that’s going into that neighborhood. 

There are also some bigger cultural dynamics going on to put it more at the forefront, whether that’s due to COVID or whether it’s just in the zeitgeist more because of people like Andrew Huberman and Dr. Rhonda Patrick, who are bringing more legitimacy and understanding to the everyday person about the modality. 

And at the end of the day, it’s a very impactful modality that works. You go in, and after two minutes, you feel better. You’re getting that dopamine increase, you’re coming out with more clarity, feeling a little more calm but also very alive.

ATN: How much bigger can the cold water market get?

RD: We’re in the first inning. If you want to trend it out, you could look at what the hot tub industry did, especially in the ‘70s and ‘80s, with household penetration. We’re not even a blip on that radar yet. If cold can become even a fraction of that, that’s a market that is far beyond what anyone’s anticipating right now.

ATN: How is Plunge expanding its B2B efforts and selling to gyms and other facilities?

RD: We’ve done really well with SMBs (small and midsize businesses). Now, we’re starting to focus on the enterprise side, piloting with some of the bigger brands and organizations. We have a new product lineup that’s going to be coming out later this year, and one of those products is geared toward commercial entities. 

The B2B side has been a real journey because this is a whole new modality for the fitness world; cold hasn’t really existed. So it’s like, “How does this fit into a gym? Does this go in the locker room? Does this go out on the pool deck? Does this go near the sauna? Is this an upsell in the membership? Is it a fire and ice room that’s rented privately?” We’ve been working with different partners to figure out, for their style of business, what the best way is to monetize (cold plunges) and get their customer base using it. So the commercial side will be a big focus for us the rest of this year and especially in 2024.

We just launched a partnership with Aktiv Solutions, which is one of the premier organizations in (gym) space design. It’s just getting started, but the interest has been awesome and they’re a class-act organization.

ATN: What’s the reception been like so far for gyms that have implemented cold plunge tubs?

RD: The interest is insane. The units we’ve placed in different facilities have been completely booked out, there are lines to get in and access Plunge. It’s also become a great funnel for commercial facilities on Yelp because people are looking up places in their local region with a cold plunge. 

As far as how facilities are using it, it depends, but the fire and ice room concept is becoming really popular, where you have a room with a sauna and cold plunge, and you can do contrast therapy. 

Also, a lot of gyms are trying to add more premium memberships within their model, and so these recovery rooms are becoming a big value-add. So you have your base membership and then you pay another $10-20 more a month, whatever the number is, and you get access to these other rooms. And the premium gyms just need to get this modality to stay up to date with being a premium facility. 

ATN: What are your main near-term goals for Plunge? 

RD: We’re very focused right now on our current roadmap. We’re currently at around a five-week lead time, which we’re really pushing to get down. We’ve taken on way more warehouse space and have expanded our staff to try and get it to where you can buy a cold plunge and have it go out ASAP.

There are also a lot of different use cases for cold plunges that we’re exploring. Someone who lives in a New York City apartment is very different from someone who lives in the suburbs of Charlotte and has more space. There are different unit types that can match those people. There’s a lot of opportunity in the category, which we are attacking. 

We also began taking pre-orders on our sauna, so we’re no longer just a cold plunge company. We’re Plunge, and the brand is around products that create resilience. So big picture, there are new products and new categories that we’ll be rolling out.

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Aktiv Solutions and Plunge have announced a collaboration in which the functional fitness supply and design company will join forces with Plunge’s innovative wellness concept to bring cold plunge treatments to fitness facilities. 

The deal will introduce Plunge’s cold water therapy products to Aktiv’s commercial client base, allowing more consumers to see the benefits of recovery programs in terms of the overall wellness experience. The Plunge tanks were featured on an episode of Shark Tank, resulting in an investment by Robert Herjavec to ramp up production.

“Aktiv is thrilled to partner with Plunge, a company that shares our passion for prioritizing recovery as a key component of wellness,” said Bryan Green, CEO and founder of Aktiv Solutions. “The demand for accessibility to cold water immersion in the fitness industry is growing rapidly, and we believe Plunge is the perfect partner to help expand the reach of our clients into this important category.”

Proponents of cold water therapy say it can improve mental health, pain relief and promotes muscular recovery. 

Unlike competitors, Plunge offers clear, 39-degree water on demand without needing ice. It is also designed to be self-contained, without needing a thermometer and offers filtration and sanitation. The Plunge tanks are geared for indoor and outdoor setup, allowing for increased flexibility for wellness consumers or operators. 

Michael Garrett, co-founder of Plunge, sees cold water therapy as becoming commonplace in the future and says Aktiv will assist in bringing it into the mainstream. 

Garrett founded the cold water therapy company during the pandemic after his float spas were forced to close. After seeing how much cold plunge systems were selling for, he enlisted the help of his father, and the two created a cold water tank together. Garrett then went on to build the first 20 Plunges right in his garage and says the brand is delighted to join forces with Aktiv. 

“This is one further step in the advancement of making cold plunging as common as coffee,” Garrett said. “With Aktiv we can provide a greater level of collaboration with clients including leading hotels, corporations and universities looking to expand their offerings in human wellness. It perfectly aligns with our ‘all boats rise’ concept and we are excited for the future.”

Among its many clients and partners, Aktiv Solutions is also working with Xponential Fitness to deliver functional fitness training bays to resorts, hotels, high-end multi-family housing properties, universities and corporate campuses. The Xponential+ Training Bays allow fitness enthusiasts to stream content from Xponential’s boutique fitness brands while using equipment from Akitv’s Gym Rax functional training line.

The post Aktiv Solutions, Plunge Partner To Bring Cold Water Recovery to Fitness Facilities appeared first on Athletech News.

Xponential+ has launched a unique solution to meet the demand for live and on-demand fitness classes with its Xponential+ Training Bays, allowing fitness enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy boutique fitness workouts wherever they are — at work, home or while staying at a hotel.

The boutique fitness curator and Aktiv Solutions first announced their partnership late last year, excited to merge Xponential’s boutique fitness brands with Aktiv’s functional training systems, bringing the experience to high-traffic zones.

The new offering from Xponential+ utilizes Aktiv Solutions’ Gym Rax functional training bays for an immersive and digitally connected fitness experience, complete with fitness equipment and a training mat.

 The training bay syncs from a user’s phone using the Xponential+ app, so they can access thousands of workouts across Xponential’s brands, such as Club Pilates, Pure Barre, CycleBar, StretchLab, YogaSix, Row House, AKT, Stride Fitness, Rumble and BFT.

The AI-powered recommendations, teamed with activity tracking via Apple Watch integration, enable fitness consumers to hit their wellness goals wherever they are. 

The global franchisor of boutique fitness brands says the Xponential+ Training Bays showcases the brand’s vast fitness offerings while simultaneously giving operators an edge over the competition.

“COVID radically altered how consumers prioritize and experience fitness,” Garrett Marshall, president of Xponential+, tells Athletech News. 

“As hotels, apartments, and employers rapidly try to respond to this change in consumer behavior, we realized that we could repurpose our investments in technology and content to help these operators become more competitive by offering recognized fitness experiences while simultaneously achieving our mission to maximize accessibility,” Marshall said. “Furthermore, consumers who have never experienced our brands now have that opportunity. This endeavor was truly a situation where 1+1+1=5.”

First-of-its-kind offering

As Xponential+ points out, brand-name fitness classes have never before been available in apartments, hotels, universities, or corporate campuses, so the new offering gives students, hotel guests, employees and residents the convenience of digital fitness paired with equipment.

“The integration of Xponential+ instructor-led content has now dramatically altered the landscape for fitness centers that are more generally unsupervised,” said Bryan Green, CEO of Aktiv Solutions. “Well beyond basic exercise guidance, workout participants now have access to the leading boutique fitness professionals in the industry, utilizing the same gear and equipment to complement every workout.”

Fitness consumers can find the new Xponential+ Training Bays in participating locations, including hundreds of locations across major U.S. metro areas.

At a conference this month, Xponential CEO Anthony Geisler touched on the successes of Xponential+, Xpass, and the brand’s numerous B2B partnerships, including with LG, Territory Foods and Princess Cruises, noting that in a post-COVID world, consumers are happy to devote dollars to experiential retail and health and wellness. 

The post Xponential Brings Content To Hotels, Apartments & Workplaces appeared first on Athletech News.

Aktiv Solutions, a leader in functional fitness facility design and supply, is expanding its popular Gym Rax line of functional training equipment with the introduction of Forma, a state-of-the-art, strength-based equipment line.

The Gym Rax Forma Strength Series, a result of extensive research and development from Aktiv, embodies the quality of Olympic-style training. Designed to meet the needs of commercial fitness facilities and luxury home gyms, Forma was brought to life with precise engineering.

Beyond its functionality, Forma is designed to set a new standard in both performance and aesthetics. The modular lineup includes premium Olympic racking, free weights and benches that exude quality in every component. The ergonomic design of Forma prioritizes user comfort and safety, with the Olympic Rack featuring patent-pending Free Lock connection technology for easy adjustments.

One of the key features of Forma is its adaptability and modularity, Aktiv says. Each product is designed to seamlessly integrate with one another, and its colorway selection enables pull-up bars and Olympic training bars to align and introduce a splash of color to every installation, enhancing its visual appeal.

Gordon Stirling, vice president of sales at Aktiv Solutions, expressed the company’s dedication to inspiring facility operators and fitness enthusiasts through product designs.

“Expanding our Forma strength equipment lineup represents our ongoing commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction,” Stirling said. “We’re excited to share the deep functionality and engaging aesthetics of these new systems.”

More information about the entire line of Gym Rax Forma can be found here.

The post Aktiv Solutions Unveils Forma, its New Strength-Training Equipment Line appeared first on Athletech News.

Xponential Fitness, Inc. has reported its financials for the fourth quarter and full year 2022, once again reporting positive results that led to its shares climbing 14 percent. 

The largest global franchisor of boutique fitness brands opened a new studio approximately every 17 hours in 2022, and had system-wide sales surpassing $1 billion for the first time, reports Anthony Geisler, CEO of Xponential Fitness.

Xponential’s brands include Club Pilates, Cyclebar, Stretchlab, BFT, Rumble, Pure Barre, and Row House.

Here are some key highlights of Xponential Fitness’s recent earnings call:

Wins for 2022 that show boutique fitness is a ‘must-have’ and created momentum into 2023

Last year was another successful year for Xponential, said Geisler on the Q4 & FY 2022 earnings call Thursday. The boutique fitness franchisor achieved double-digit growth across North America memberships, same-store sales, and AUVs, which Geisler said represents that boutique fitness is considered a “must-have” and not a discretionary spend by studio members. 

“The demand for our offerings is demonstrated by our North American studios, generating over 1 billion in system-wide sales in 2022,” Geisler said. 

Xponential now has a combination of franchise, master franchise, and international license agreements in place in 16 countries and says it will continue to grow globally.

Total members across North America increased approximately 32% year over year in 2022 to a total of 590,000, and membership momentum has carried into 2023, said Geisler. 

“In the month of January, we officially surpassed 600,000 North American members, with nearly 90% of these customers on recurring membership packages,” he said, adding that the figures represent the long-term growth of a passionate and loyal member base.

Studio visits in North America increased 32% last year, reaching 39.2 million. The brand reports that system-wide sales in North America increased 46% in 2022 and surpassed $1 billion in annual sales for the first time in Xponential’s history.

“For the year, we posted net revenue of approximately $245 million, an increase of 58% year over year,” Geisler shared.

XPOF’s Growth plan

Xponential closed 2022 with 2,641 studios, opening 156 new studios in the fourth quarter. “For the full year, we opened 511 net new studios globally or a new studio opening approximately every 17 hours,” Geisler said.

The fitness franchisor also sold 257 franchise licenses globally in Q4, totaling 5,450 sold. In North America, Xponential has nearly 2,000 licenses sold and slated to open.

Over time, as Xponential continues to sell territory in each of its brands, Geisler said on the earnings call that the franchisor would need to acquire another brand eventually, but not necessarily in the new future.

“We’re not in a hurry to buy an 11th brand. We don’t necessarily need an 11th brand for the next few years. But, you know, we’ll most likely be opportunistic when need be,” Geisler confirmed.

Xponential also plans to continue its international expansion, with over 1,00 studios anticipated to open and a master franchise agreement in Portugal to license Club Pilates.

A master franchise agreement in Japan for Rumble and AKT brands will result in a minimum of 100 new studios across both brands, Geisler said.

“Our third key growth driver is to expand margins and drive free cash flow conversion,” he said. “As our business continues to grow, we are increasingly reaping the benefits of our asset-light, scalable operating model, providing us with consistent and growing margin performance.”

In-studio is what fitness consumers want, says Xponential 

Boutique in-studio offerings are exactly what consumers desire in a post-pandemic world, said Geisler. “Consumers have shifted their interest toward smaller classes that offer community and entertainment in a safe, healthy environment,” he added.

And it’s not just about the workout, Xponential’s CEO said. 

“Our members come to our studios not only to work out, but also to socialize with one another,” he said. “It’s this sense of community that makes our studio membership so sticky and why the thought of giving up one studio membership equates with also giving up a community and a lifestyle, people are just not willing to make that trade-off.”

Omnichannel fitness offerings, new app & gamification platform in the works

Xponential confirmed it is capitalizing on other methods to engage with its consumers beyond the studio via its B2B XPLUS and XPASS offering.

“The success of our omnichannel fitness experience, which is helping drive more customers into our studios, is apparent in our growing visits,” reported Sarah Luna, President.

XPASS served as a lead generator for XPOF franchisees to drive in-studio memberships, she explained. 

“In 2022, 17% of XPASS North America members had never interacted with Xponential brands prior to purchasing an XPASS membership. In addition, 64% of XPASS North American members were inactive before purchasing an XPASS membership.” 

Xponential also plans to connect with its members virtually via XPLUS, its fitness-on-demand digital platform with over 117,000 subscribers by the end of 2022.

“With 72% of fitness club owners, according to ClubIntel, offering on-demand and live-stream workouts, we understand the need to continue to invest in our XPLUS platform,” Luna said on the latest Xponential earnings call. “We are constantly developing new content for XPLUS platform and are offering on Lululemon Studio.”

Luna also confirmed that Xponential would develop a new app and gamification platform to drive awareness this year.

B2B Partnerships continue, with new addition of LG

Xponential will continue with its B2B partnerships, which the boutique fitness franchisor says will enable its brands to reach an even broader demographic. 

XPOF joined forces with multiple brands in 2022, including Lululemon Studio and Optum Health, a division of UnitedHealth, Aktiv Solutions, and Princess Cruises.

“Our growth in B2B partnerships has continued in 2023 with LG, Territory Foods, and ONE Brands now all on board,” Luna said. 

Xponential announced in January an XPLUS partnership with LG, where LG televisions will feature an app providing access to its entire XPLUS library.

“Xponential’s partnership with LG is another example of our holistic approach to fitness, engaging with our consumers and raising awareness for our brands far beyond the physical studio locations,” Luna said on the Xponential earnings call.

An interest in the wellness space

Xponential reports that it’s done an “amazing job” with StrechLab, a wellness product rather than a fitness product projected to be in the health and fitness space since day one.

The fitness franchisor may pursue the wellness space in the future.

“There are still a handful of modalities in the fitness space in which we could acquire and even more so on the wellness side,” Geisler mentioned. “I think anything that’s a 1,500 to 2,000-square-foot franchise retail box in the health and wellness space is something that is right up our alley,” he added.

Xponential isn’t facing the same headwinds other fitness businesses are experiencing 

Simplicity may be key, as Xponential said on the earnings conference call it’s not experiencing the same macro headwinds as other competitors because it isn’t crafting massive build-outs of 20,000+ square feet. 

Regarding studio locations, Geisler suggested that keeping it simple has worked out well.

“You’ve got to remember we’re building 1,500 to 2,000 square feet. We’re using whatever air conditioning was already sitting on the roof when it was a sandwich shop or a bike shop or an ice cream store or whatever it was before us,” Geisler said. 

“We also are doing an amazing job last year at 511 and doing way better, you know, than we even would have done this last year. There’s no major construction that we do,” he continued. “It’s really kind of modifying the previous use that was there into our use. And in some brands like StretchLab or Club Pilates, it really is just a rectangular box with no walls and a single bathroom in the back. So, it’s not major construction.”

Looking ahead to the future

The fitness franchisor says it plans to expand its presence past studio locations and will continue to use B2B partnerships for customer acquisition. 

“The idea is to continue to put Xponential and its brands in the forefront of people’s minds and not just have it be a brick-and-mortar location that, you know, is sitting next to a Starbucks and some grocery- anchored center,” Geisler said. 

But, from a competitive standpoint, CFO John Meloun stated on the earnings call that Xponential continues to take market share. “I think when you look at the boutique space and you look at our white space, you know, we see ourselves being able to grow to about roughly 8,000 studios in the U.S. alone,” he said.

The fitness brand will also continue to expand into all of the Princess ships, adding its digital capabilities to the cruise liners and training new instructors to put on board. Geisler said Xponential has been selling retail through the Princess cruise ships, and is looking to make the company a lifestyle, health, and wellness platform.

XPOF Financials at a Glance:

Q4 2022 Compared to Q4 2021

• Revenues grew 44% to $71.3 million.
• North America system-wide sales increased by 38% to $294.1 million.
• North America same-store sales grew 17%, against the growth of 53%.
• North America quarterly run-rate average unit volume (AUV)3 increased to $522,000, against $446,000.
• Net loss was $0.4 million, or a loss of $1.13 per share, on a share count of 26.8 million shares of Class A Common Stock, against a net loss of $29.8 million, or a loss of $2.45 per basic share, on a share count of 22.6 million shares of Class A Common Stock.
• Adjusted net income was $6.8 million, or $0.07 per basic share, against an adjusted net loss of $6.1 million, or a loss of $0.21 per basic share.
• Adjusted EBITDA⁴ was $22.2 million vs. $8.6 million.

FY 2022 Compared to FY 2021

• Revenues grew 58% to $245.0 million.
• North America system-wide sales increased by 46% to $1.03 billion.
• North America same-store sales growth was 25%, against the growth of 41%.
• Net income was $2.9 million, or a loss of $0.87 per share, on a share count of 25.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock vs. a net loss of $51.4 million, or $2.85 per share, on a share count of 22.4 million shares of Class A Common Stock.
• Adjusted Net Income was $9.5 million, or a loss of $0.07 per share, against an Adjusted Net Loss of $24.4 million, or $0.80 per share.
• Adjusted EBITDA⁴ was $74.3 million, compared to $27.3 million.

The post Inside the Earnings Call: Xponential Fitness Confirms Boutique Fitness is a ‘Must-Have;’ Shares Climb appeared first on Athletech News.