Ginger Ressler co-founded Fabletics in 2013 with her husband Don Ressler and Adam Goldenberg, with the brand soon after adding actress Kate Hudson. A Southern California Native and former Division 1 track athlete, Ressler began the brand with the vision of creating affordable but high-quality activewear.

Over the last decade, Fabletics has taken the activewear space by storm, with its innovative VIP membership program and wide variety of apparel and accessories.

In addition to Hudson, the brand has notably collaborated with celebrities including Kevin Hart and Khloé Kardashian, making it a household name in the activewear space.

Athletech News spoke with Ressler about her experience in co-founding Fabletics and how the company has stayed relevant and continued to innovate in the activewear space over the last ten-plus years.

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

Athletech News: What gap did you see in the market that prompted you to co-found Fabletics? 

Ginger Ressler: At the onset of the brand, I had a very personal connection to what we were creating with Fabletics. As a Division 1 track and field athlete, fitness has always played a huge role in my life, as well as juggling my role as a mom of four. I take my workouts seriously, but having fun is most important – in and out of the gym. I wanted to bridge this “fun first” thought process and creativity to create high-quality items at an affordable price point. I knew this brand would resonate with others, and help people feel empowered to look and feel their best. 

ATN: What differentiates Fabletics from its competitors in a crowded market like activewear? 

GR: One of the things that sets Fabletics apart is the versatility of the products we make – I can go from a workout to school pickup, to a meeting, or go run errands – while feeling confident in the same outfit. These products simply work for my lifestyle, and I knew I wouldn’t be alone in that thinking.  

But when you’re one of many, I think it’s important to have multiple differentiators that help set you apart from the crowd. At Fabletics, we have many reasons as to why we have a loyal member base. First, we’re the largest digitally native activewear brand in the marketplace. Secondly, our unique, flexible and innovative VIP membership model allows us to build a deeper relationship with our core consumer. And, most importantly, it’s always been our mission to create fashionable, high-performance active lifestyle products that are accessible – made for every body shape – at an attainable price point. 

ATN: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a company and how have you overcome them? 

GR: No matter who you are and where you’re at in the journey of your brand, challenges come and go. At Fabletics, we listen to our members and believe success comes by 1) creating a huge variety of products that are technical, stylish and comfortable, 2) continuing to push the boundaries by offering accessible sizes and price points, and 3) collaborating with people who we value to showcase our brand, like Kevin Hart and Khloé Kardashian, for example. 

After ten years, Fabletics continues to create an amazing product that stands out amongst competitors. We’ve always prided ourselves on our ability to listen to what consumers are asking for – body diversity and accessibility continue to be at the top of that list. As we strive to create unique products that stand out, we push ourselves to create new, stylish, and purposeful products and expand categories, like launching Fabletics Scrubs in 2022. 

ATN: How important has expansion into new areas been for Fabletics over the past few years, such as adding menswear and the launch of Fabletics FIT? 

GR: You’re hitting the nail right on the head – expansion and diversification have really helped drive growth for Fabletics since the brand’s inception. Throughout the years, our expansion into new categories, like Scrubs, Men’s, Lounge, Sleep, Any-Wear, and Swim, has allowed Fabletics to become more than your average traditional activewear brand. With a broader offering comes a broader reach – the ability to engage with an entirely new customer that perhaps we didn’t appeal to before.

Simultaneously, as we’ve expanded into these new categories, we’ve also aligned ourselves with incredible ambassadors – like Kevin Hart, and Khloé Kardashian – who have helped establish brands, curate thoughtful collections, and provide input into new designs and styles. Our curated collections created with well-known celebrities have been successful because we’ve taken the time and effort to align ourselves with people who share the same passion we do for fashion and fun.

With every new partnership, we aim to raise the bar. Our two-part Edit collection with Khloé Kardashian in fall 2022 was one of our most successful to date. Her authenticity, keen eye for style, and genuine and passionate fanbase heightened attention to this incredible collection. We aim to recreate that success time and time again.

ATN: What’s next for Fabletics? 

GR: 2024 marks Fabletics’ 10-year anniversary – a momentous milestone. To celebrate, we’re kicking off the year with a special archive curation for our Luxe360 Collection, a quarterly release of elevated, high-fashion and high-performance items that are designed to make you feel your best while keeping movement in mind. This anniversary-themed capsule is a nod to some of the brand’s most legendary pieces of all time – taking you through a decade of style.

As the year goes on, we’re looking forward to launching additional collaborations with some well-known celebrity partners, rolling out some exciting brand partnerships, relaunching certain categories, continuing to build on our retail presence and experience, and striving to always develop the best products possible for our members. 

The post CEO Corner: Ginger Ressler on Fabletics’ Activewear Rise appeared first on Athletech News.

Fabletics is celebrating its recent 10-year anniversary by releasing the Luxe 360 Archive Collection designed by co-founder Ginger Ressler. Featuring new takes on beloved pieces, the twelve-piece collection is size-inclusive, ranging from XXS to 4X, and includes a range of pieces including men’s shorts, sports bras, leggings and jackets. 

The Fabletics Luxe 360 Archive Collection includes items such as the Femina Top, a lightweight layering top, the One Short, lightweight men’s shorts, the Cozy Fleece Go-To Sweatpant and the Define High-Waisted Legging. Starting Tuesday, the collection is available for purchase in Fabletics physical stores and on the Fabletics website.

“Being able to celebrate a decade of Fabletics is truly a humbling experience,” Ressler said. “Looking back at what we’ve created, and the loyal Members who have championed Fabletics from the start, makes me so proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last ten years. As a thank you to our Members, this celebratory Luxe 360 Archive Collection pays homage to some favorites, with a reimagined design we know our fans will love even more than the originals.” 

Known for affordable activewear with a premium vibe, Fabeletics is driven by its VIP membership program, where a monthly membership fee provides access to 20-50% off activewear, free shipping on all orders over $49.95, and free access to the Fabletics FIT app, for trainer-led on-demand workouts.

Founded by Adam Goldenberg, Don Ressler, and Ginger Ressler in 2013, Fabletics has had an eventful and successful decade. The brand famously added Kate Hudson as a co-founder in 2015 and collaborated with the actress to launch its first celebrity-inspired line. Hudson now holds an advisory role with Fabletics and reportedly owns 20 percent of the company.

Under the umbrella of TechStyle Fashion Group, Fabletics became heavily reliant on analytics to grow its activewear lines. In 2017, the brand added dresses, swimwear, and footwear. In 2020, Fabletics expanded to menswear and signed Kevin Hart as an investor and face of the new line. The brand also recently teamed up with Khloé Kardashian on an apparel line, which dropped in September and was Fabletics’ most popular collaboration to date.

This story has been updated to include additional information on Fabletics’ product lines.

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Therabody showed no signs of slowing down today as the leader in performance and recovery innovation announced the close of its growth equity round with a total financial backing of $165 million, along with the launch of eight new products, including the Theragun PRO®: Gen 5, the Theragun mini® 2.0, and SmartGoggles.

The Therabody growth equity round was led by private equity firm North Castle Partners, LLC, which also included existing investors like Aaron Rodgers’ Rx3 Ventures and Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Ventures, LLC. The company will use the capital to continue to invest in its cutting-edge technology, build its whole-body wellness centers called Reset, and create digital content.

The Theragun PRO: Gen 5 is smarter and quieter than previous iterations. Its new EQ150 motor has been built from the ground up to be 20% quieter without sacrificing frequency power. The built-in OLED screen also displays routines, so it’s easier than ever to follow along. With routines like Sleep, Warm Up, Recovery, and Theragun Break, the PRO: Gen 5 can enhance any stage of the day. In addition, the PRO: Gen 5 includes more attachments, including the new Micro-Point attachment, which is made of medical-grade silicone and increases treatment stimulation.

The Theragun mini 2.0 is more portable and powerful than ever. Its patented triangle design is now 20% smaller and 30% lighter than its first generation. The Theragun mini 2.0 has new Bluetooth connectivity and three attachments included: the standard ball, the dampener, and the thumb. Its proprietary brushless motor is quieter than ever, while its new ergonomic design is easy to hold while reducing hand and wrist strain.

Therabody’s SmartGoggles are the company’s first wearables. Designed to help its user relax and sleep better, it can ease facial tension, relieve eye strain, and decrease headache pain in preparation for sleep. The technology behind the SmartGoggles—SmartRelax—is scientifically proven to slow your heart rate. Its SmartSense Technology is an integrated sensor that measures one’s heart rate to deliver a personalized experience to increase relaxation. In addition to SmartRelax, the SmartGoggles have the Focus and Sleep modes, which use a combination of heat, vibration, and massage to get a user to their ideal state. The product can be paired with TheraMind®, a multi-sensory sound therapy that promotes focus and relaxation. 

Other products released include the RecoveryTherm Hot & Cold Vibration Knee and RecoveryTherm Hot & Cold Vibration Back & Core: advanced cold, heat, and vibration therapy tools for the knees and back/core, respectively. TheraCup is an advanced cupping tool paired with heat and vibration for relief and recovery. Lastly, the Therabody Lounger is a zero-gravity lounger that uses TheraSound technology to transmit sound waves through the body that are felt as vibration, like a musical massage.

Benjamin Nazarian, the Chief Executive Officer of Therabody, spoke of the new product releases, “We believe that wellness should be accessible to everybody with innovative, personalized products that are backed by science. Consumers are focusing on their wellness more than ever. The new additions to our ecosystem not only bring the future of well-being to life but also represent Therabody’s own evolution as we broaden our product portfolio from hardware to biometrics and content to support both the body and the mind.” 

The product launches and growth equity round are the latest in what has been an impressive and innovative 2022 for Therabody. In February, the company launched the RecoveryAir pneumatic compression boots, and in April, introduced TheraFace PRO, a portable device for facial relaxation. As self-care and recovery become increasing holistic, Therabody is on the cutting edge of innovation in the world of wellness technology.

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Hydrow, an at-home rowing fitness device, announced today that it has attracted numerous celebrity investors who are ready to set sail. Lizzo, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Timberlake, Whitney Cummings, and Kevin Hart are on the list as big-name investors in the rowing machine company (with Lizzo, if you had heard rumors of her investing in Hydrow, now you know that all the rumors were true!).

Hydrow also secured investment from retail partner Fabletics.

The latest round of funding has led to Hydrow raising a total of nearly $200 million. 

As an early investor, Kevin Hart enjoys the position of Creative Director, stating, “I invested in Hydrow because pound for pound, there’s no better workout out there than rowing. I signed on as Creative Director because I truly believe in this machine’s potential to change people’s lives.”

Hart adds, “You’re getting so much more than a workout each time you strap in. You’re shifting your mindset, and that’s a powerful thing.”

Hydrow says that the capital will help further innovation and assist the company in expanding globally, as the company works to make rowing more accessible. Some of the new funding will also help Hydrow meet demands during the upcoming holiday season.

Bruce Smith, Founder and CEO of Hydrow, appreciates the star-studded investors who believe in Hydrow’s mission. In a press release, Smith notes, “It is an honor to have some of the most well-regarded names in music, sports and entertainment support our crew as we strive to enhance our members’ lives through the shared experience of rowing.”

He adds, “As we continue to focus on positioning rowing as an accessible and mainstream lifestyle choice, we are excited to join forces with these exceptional people who each offer unique experiences and insights to help us in achieving this goal.”

As the desire for at-home fitness solutions has recently risen drastically, Hydrow has enjoyed sales that have increased 500% since last year. There is also chatter about Hydro going public in a deal that would bring the value to $1 billion.

Hydrow provides users with full-body workouts that engage over 85% of the major muscle groups and has a collection of nearly 3,000 live and on-demand classes led by professional athletes, including Olympians and Paralympians.

For consumers who like to sweat while doing good, Hydrow says that for every 25 days that a user rows, they donate to Water.org to provide clean water to developing countries. 

Using technology that rowing experts created, Hyrdow works to mimic the experience of rowing on water, even if a user is in their living room. Hydrow uses a specialized algorithm, a computer, and patented electromagnetic mechanisms for the rowing motion.

What sets Hydrow apart, however, is the immersive experience. The rowing machine provides a 22” touchscreen display and front-facing speakers that allow a rower to enjoy water views. Premium content is filmed at various locations, and rowers can select a destination, from the Boston Harbor to London. 

According to a study by RunRepeat, the at-home fitness equipment trend has grown to almost 220% in 2021. 

The post Lizzo, Timberlake, Other Celebs Invest in Hydrow appeared first on Athletech News.

Hydrow, the Live Outdoor Reality (LOR) rower, today announced that award-winning stand-up comedian and actor, Kevin Hart, is joining the brand as Creative Director. In his new role, Hart will bring his unique perspective, vision, drive and passion for fitness to Hydrow as the brand continues to rapidly grow in the connected fitness industry.

“Hydrow has successfully kicked in-home fitness up a notch with its incredible experience,” said Kevin Hart. “Far from a boring workout, I’m dripping in sweat within minutes and use more muscles in less time compared to other machines. Hydrow is next level and I’m proud to be a part of a brand that is positioned to revolutionize the connected fitness industry.”

As Creative Director, Hart will use his massive influence, passion for fitness and out of the box thinking to support Hydrow across a variety of platforms, including content, advertising and social media. He will also host a monthly row for Hydrow members where he’ll workout and personally engage with the community. Users will see him on the leaderboard under “HustleHart” and also hear him during these monthly rows. Known for his explosive sense of humor, Hart will provide fun and outrageous commentary throughout the workout.

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“Kevin Hart brings a dynamic approach to Hydrow, and we can’t wait to tap into his innovative ideas as we continue to expand our brand,” said Bruce Smith, Founder & CEO of Hydrow. “Rowing has a reputation of being an elitist sport, however, our goal is to shatter that mindset and make it accessible for everyone. We’re looking forward to working alongside Mr. Hart to evolve the perception.”

With instruction from world-class athletes streaming live on the water in cities such as Miami, London, San Francisco and more, Hydrow brings the experience of on-water rowing straight to members’ homes with its patented, Live Outdoor Reality (LOR). In addition to its rowing workouts that engage 86% of the body’s muscles – nearly double the muscles used in cardio and running – Hydrow offers a massive library of classes including yoga, pilates, functional movement and strength training.

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