The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System, the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor (CGM), as awareness of metabolic health continues to gain steam. 

The system will become available to purchase online without a prescription this summer. 

The wearable Stelo Glucose Biosensor System is designed for those 18 years and older who don’t use insulin and either treat diabetes with oral medications or don’t have a diabetes diagnosis but are interested in seeing firsthand how diet and exercise impact their blood sugar levels.

Using a small sensor worn on the back of the upper arm, Stelo continuously measures, records, analyzes and displays glucose values every 15 minutes when connected to an app. Users can wear each sensor for up to 15 days before replacement.

Stelo isn’t designed for those with “problematic hypoglycemia” since it won’t provide the necessary alerts. 

Although Dexcom notes that Stelo users shouldn’t take medical action based on the device’s findings without consulting with a healthcare professional, the health tech company says the glucose biosensor system can help users understand how modifications such as diet and exercise can impact glucose excursion. 

Considering that approximately one in three American adults have prediabetes — a staggering 80% of whom don’t know they have it —  Stelo can serve as an invaluable tool, underscored by its ease of accessibility. It’s a stance that appears to be shared by the FDA.

“CGMs can be a powerful tool to help monitor blood glucose,” said Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Today’s clearance expands access to these devices by allowing individuals to purchase a CGM without the involvement of a healthcare provider.

“Giving more individuals valuable information about their health, regardless of their access to a doctor or health insurance, is an important step forward in advancing health equity for U.S. patients,” Shuren continued.

While a price hasn’t been mentioned yet, one William Blair analyst estimates Stelo may cost around $90 a month and that consumers could use their healthcare savings accounts to offset the expense.

Consumers Embrace Wearables for Health

By all accounts, consumers are entering a new era of health and wellness. The pandemic may have inspired health and wellness, but it also led to skyrocketing sales of pulse oximeters, perhaps a testament to how much consumers have come to rely on monitoring devices beyond fitness and activity trackers.

Instead of simple trackers, companies such as Whoop bill their technology as ‘human performance,’ leaning into AI and providing biometric data points across sleep, recovery, stress and strain.

Smart ring maker Oura is also invested in the glucose realm, having partnered with CGM platforms Veri, Supersapiens and January AI to offer insights into sleep and glucose biomarkers.

One wearable tech startup, Signos, raised $20 million last year as it looks to disrupt the medicated weight loss and metabolic space by using Dexcom CGMs to provide real-time diet and workout recommendations based on the readings with its app.  

The CGM Market Heats Up

Although Stelo may be the first CGM cleared for over-the-counter purchase, the CGM space is expected to become increasingly competitive. Abbott’s first consumer biowearable, Lingo, is currently being rolled out across the U.K. with ambitions of receiving a green light for the U.S. market. Similar to Stelo, it tracks glucose levels and provides personalized insights in response.

“Our mood, weight, energy levels and ability to focus are all connected to our individual glucose levels, which rise and fall in response to the food we eat, hours of sleep, regular exercise, and even life’s daily stresses,” said Lily Soutter, a nutritionist in Abbott’s Lingo division. “Improving your metabolic health by tracking your glucose levels over a meaningful period of time can motivate you to implement changes to better manage those spikes and dips, ultimately benefiting your health and well-being.”

Meanwhile, companies like Roche are forging a new frontier in diabetes management and the CGM space using predictive AI for its Accu-Chek SmartGuide device. Using a CGM sensor, Roche’s system displays current glucose levels, predictions for the following two hours and provides a risk prediction for nocturnal hypoglycemia.

The post Continuous Glucose Monitors Emerge as Next-Gen Wearable appeared first on Athletech News.

Researchers from the University of Washington have introduced the thermal earring, a piece of smart tech they say could redefine how we monitor our health.

The device continuously monitors earlobe temperature to provide more insights into users’ health in a fashionable and discreet manner. Co-lead authors Yujia (Nancy) Liu and Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue conducted the research. 

Like the smart ring, the thermal earring combines fashion and functionality. Similar to a paperclip in size and weight, it includes a magnetic clip that attaches one temperature sensor to the earlobe and another that dangles below to gauge room temperature. It can also be customized with designs made of resin, like flowers and gemstones, without compromising its accuracy. It has a twenty-eight-day battery life, which is far longer than many competitors. 

The research team focused their work on the limitations of current wearables and proposed earrings as a stylish and comfortable alternative. Earlobes, Xue discovered, provide a more consistent temperature reading compared to hands or wrists. In small proof-of-concept tests, the earrings were less variable compared to comparable smartwatches. 

“I wear a smartwatch to track my personal health, but I’ve found that a lot of people think smartwatches are unfashionable or bulky and uncomfortable,” Xue told the University of Washington. “I also like to wear earrings, so we started thinking about what unique things we can get from the earlobe. We found that sensing the skin temperature on the lobe, instead of a hand or wrist, was much more accurate.”

The thermal earring can detect changes related to stress, eating, exercise and even ovulation. Xue and her team of researchers are looking into expanding the earring’s capabilities to include heart rate and activity monitoring and possible sustainable power sources. The device is not yet commercially available but could disrupt the jewelry wearable space. 

The wearables space has been hot lately, with Oura, Apple and Whoop all making waves and Samsung poised to enter the market with its Galaxy Ring, reportedly set for release this summer.

Brands like Oura, Apple and Whoop continue to evolve the technology behind their products, with new and improved features like Whoop Coach and Apple’s new mental health offerings. Temperature monitoring has become more popular than ever, with some wearables like the Oura Ring using it for natural birth control methods and cycle tracking. 

The post Could Smart Earrings Shake Up the Wearables Space? Researchers Think So appeared first on Athletech News.

Oura has long been synonymous with “smart ring.” For years, entering the space proved difficult for many potential competitors due to the technological challenges of creating small and stylish enough hardware components for heart rate and blood oxygen tracking. However, several smart rings that have been in the works for years have finally hit the market or will be released soon.

Take Movano Health’s Evie Ring. The product was first showcased at CES 2022 and is a female-first wearable. Evie comes with a simplified app that tracks heart rate, activity, menstrual cycles and blood oxygen. It also allows for mood and menstrual symptom tracking to identify patterns over time, and has a small gap in the ring that is forgiving with finger swelling.

Smart Ring Competitors

Other smart rings were also featured at CES 2024. The Amazfit Helio Ring is a ring geared towards elite athletes that focuses on recovery. It has full integration with GPS sports watches, so users’ comprehensive health data is available in the Zepp app. The ring is expected to be released in the next few months, with pricing not yet available, although many believe it will be priced at around $350, similar to competitors.

RingConn, also displayed at CES, is more affordably priced at $279. It conducts sleep quality analysis and all-day heart rate and blood oxygen saturation monitoring. Like Oura, it offers stress index monitoring. 

Other smart rings offer more niche features. YogiFi offers a Mat + Ring that tracks yoga asanas, mindfulness minutes and breathing patterns to elevate users’ practices. Ultrahuman Ring Air is smaller and lighter than competitors and has advanced recommendations. For example, it can observe energy levels and circadian cycle to recommend specific times to consume coffee. 

Samsung Readies Galaxy Ring

Large players are also eyeing the market. Samsung has been teasing its Galaxy Ring, which will reportedly launch later this year. In addition to standard health and fitness tracking, Samsung might use the Galaxy Ring to control connected devices like smart TVs.

A newly filed patent by Samsung shows that a pair of XR glasses could use a smart ring to get positional information for users’ fingers and hands. The Galaxy Ring will reportedly be available in sizes up to 13 and in three different finishes. 

What To Watch in 2024

Many wearables have implemented subscription fees, such as Oura and Whoop. Some newer players, like Evie and RingConn, are hoping to capture market share with no fee, a feature that could appeal to many consumers. For the Helio Ring, users must subscribe to the service for $69.99 per year to access the company’s AI chatbot for health-related questions. 

The smart ring market size could surpass $1 billion by the 2030s. As more brands express interest in the space, will they be able to compete with Oura? Even larger players like Samsung may face an uphill battle to bring new consumers to the smart ring space and convert Oura users to their products. However, as the space grows, 2024 could be the year of the smart ring.  

The post Oura, Samsung & More: The Smart Ring Era Is Here appeared first on Athletech News.

SoulCycle, the indoor cycling studio with a cult-like following, has partnered with Fitbit to offer promotions to riders throughout January and early February in a campaign dubbed “Fitbit and Friends.”

The week of January 22-28, SoulCycle riders can receive two free classes, one for themselves and one for a friend, by wearing a Fitbit device or Pixel Watch to their local studio. The week of January 29 to February 4, those classes can be redeemed at the themed “Soul Surprise presented by Fitbit” classes at all 58 SoulCycle studios in the U.S. By participating in the classes, riders can win a Fitbit Charge 6 device. 

The partnership demonstrates the increasing intersection of in-person workouts and fitness wearables. Long associated with individual workouts, wearables are increasingly being used for group fitness. There remains untapped partnership potential, however, such as bespoke workouts for branded classes on popular wearables.

The promotion comes at a tumultuous time for Fitbit owner Google, whose parent Alphabet recently laid off hundreds of workers as part of cost-cutting measures. Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman are leaving as part of the reorganization.

Fitbit’s popularity has been declining in recent years as its mid-range price has failed to lure in enough customers, who are increasingly turning to luxury wearables like the Apple Watch and Whoop. Now that Google owns Fitbit, many believe the tech giant’s removing of features, such as Fitbit Challenges and Groups, are steps towards the product’s eventual discontinuation. However, the SoulCycle tie-up is one of the largest recent partnerships for Fitbit, demonstrating that Google may still have big plans for the health and fitness wearable.

The Equinox-owned SoulCycle, meanwhile, has also faced financial difficulties in recent years, largely due to post-pandemic changes in consumer fitness preferences. In 2022, SoulCycle shuttered around 20 of its studios. The cycling company has looked to leverage partnerships to reach new audiences. For example, in late 2022, SoulCycle partnered with ClassPass to make its cycling classes available on the booking platform. 

The post SoulCycle, Fitbit Partner To Offer Free Classes, Wearables appeared first on Athletech News.

Los Angeles is gearing up to give Silicon Valley a run for its money. While LA’s neighbor to the north remains a popular breeding ground for tech and innovation from a general standpoint, during a couple of days in early February, nobody will be able to hold a candle to the City of Angels in terms of fitness and wellness. 

From February 7-8, 2024, the Connected Health & Fitness Summit will return for a fifth time. The event gives attendees, including executives and founders from top fitness and wellness companies, a platform to explore partnerships, share ideas and seek investments. It serves as a launchpad for any business either in its initial stages or looking to reach new heights. Take a look at the agenda here. 

Hear From Industry Heavyweights

Just to name a few, representatives from Nike, Whoop, SoulCycle, Crunch Fitness, Bhout, FitXR and Planet Fitness will all be in attendance. Fifty speakers include major industry players such as Krystal Zell, CEO at Tonal, Bryan Myers, President and CEO at Solidcore, and Tabitha Green, U.S. Head of Marketing for Les Mills.

With so many key figures present and new avenues for growth being paved, the 2023 conference left participants feeling inspired and more than satisfied with their takeaways. With the Connected Health & Fitness Summit only expanding on those factors this year, attendees can expect a similar result. 

“Talk about top-tier execution,” said Eddie Lester, a past attendee and the founder of MetaGym. “Every detail was well thought out, leading to an amazing experience. The attendees were all thought leaders and executives allowing most conversations to be with the real decision makers. Great work!”

An Event (or Two) for Everyone

Additional highlights of the 2024 convention will include Innovation Showcases, a Women in Fitness Forum, and a CEO/Founders forum. 

The Innovation Showcase, spread out over two sessions, offers applicants the chance to pitch their early-development fitness and wellness companies on the forum’s main stage. The Selection Committee, composed of seven leaders from renowned investment groups, including Kaya Ventures and the EY Ventures Group, will hand-pick candidates with the most potential to make waves in fitness and wellness. This year’s selections include Coach Welly, an app that motivates and rewards gym members via personalized tracking and gamification software, as well as Equa, another app that enhances the psychological approach to fitness. Fitbiomics, which offers a probiotic focused on improving sleep, was also selected alongside Gainful, which offers a more personalized approach to protein and supplements. 

Lumin Fitness, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered gym that gives its members a cutting-edge approach to fitness, LumosTech, which helps users take sleep and recovery to the next level using an app and wearable, and Proteus Motion, a next-gen system of training tools, will also present at the showcases. RE/GEN Method, a company offering classes backed by science that blend pilates and strength training, will round out the group.

The Women in Fitness Forum offers a platform to connect prominent female executives, investors and entrepreneurs in fitness. Mirroring the Summit at large, this forum plans to spur innovation and collaboration, and foster partnerships specifically between the driving female forces within the industry. Session hosts include Kate Veronneau, Director of Women’s Strategy at Zwift and Desiree Guilliard-Young, a shareholder and former COO/CHRO at Sanctuary Fitness.

The CEO/Founders Forum takes the fitness and wellness industry’s brightest, most established faces, and puts them all under one roof. Attendees can form connections and discuss ideas to help retool each other’s business strategies. Talking points include investor and strategic partner relations, retaining and engaging consumers today and for the future, cultivating and managing a winning company culture, as well as strategies to promote and champion DEI practices internally and among your audience. The forum has a history of forming “meaningful connections” among attendees, the Connected Health & Fitness Summit organizers note. 

A Range of Perspectives – And Opportunities

Of all Connected Health & Fitness Summit attendees, 30% hail from the fitness tech and connected fitness industry. Another 30% come from both boutique and scaled gyms, studios, clubs, spas and hotels. Investors, both private equity and venture, make up 15%, while executives from training equipment/hardware devices and fitness/sport apparel each make up 15%. Companies focused on wellness (nutrition, sleep, mental health, wellbeing)  round out the remaining 10% of the demographic. 

This allows the Summit to feature a wide variety of minds and perspectives but all with related goals. It’s a melting pot of sorts, but one with enough organization to help you make immediate progress on your fitness and wellness endeavors.

The Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2024  will take place at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Northwest Los Angeles on February 7-8. Tickets are still available for purchase on the event website. Deals are in place for organizations looking to send a group to the event rather than an individual, though prices are set to increase after January 12. 

The post Connected Health & Fitness Summit Poised for Groundbreaking 2024 Event appeared first on Athletech News.

Fitness and wellness are growing priorities for many. According to Lululemon’s 2023 Global Wellbeing Report, 67% of people place wellbeing as a top priority, but only 12% say their wellbeing is where it should be. Looking back at 2023 and toward 2024, how will consumers try to narrow the gap between their fitness goals and their current reality?

Consumers’ affinity for connected fitness remains an open question, although virtual reality seems to have carved out a niche for those who desire gamified workouts. Wearables continue to advance, but are they innovating too fast? Strength is seemingly here to stay, with Pilates and functional training more popular than ever. And how will the rise of weight loss drugs impact the traditional fitness industry? While the future of fitness and wellness is uncertain, one thing is for sure: the industry is unlikely to show any signs of slowing down in 2024.    

To get you ready for a new year, Athletech News previews the top fitness and wellness trends to watch in 2024:

• 

  Can Connected Fitness Rebound?

  Connected fitness has been slow to recover from the post-pandemic surge in popularity of in-person workouts. Lululemon stopped selling Mirror, its connected fitness unit, at the end of 2023. It even struck a five-year deal with Peloton to provide fitness content for Lululemon Studio, which is replacing Mirror, as well as create co-branded apparel. The two companies also hosted a series of in-person events, demonstrating a collaboration between the one-time competitors. Earnings showed that Lululemon’s previous $500 million acquisition of Mirror was nearly worthless. Mirror’s downfall might be reflective of the current state of connected fitness. 

  Peloton, meanwhile, continues to cite hope for a turnaround. It recently rebranded to a more content-focused model, and offered extensive holiday deals in November to drive sales, including up to $700 off of Peloton purchases. The company is facing difficulties converting free app users into paying subscribers, which has led to wider-than-expected losses. Peloton is hoping to boost revenue with high-profile partnerships and the relaunch of Tread+, but the company has cited concerns that inflation-weary consumers will hesitate to invest in its expensive hardware.

  Connected fitness companies that focused on premium hardware as opposed to virtual programming have also been struggling, such as Tonal and Hydrow, each of which began 2023 with layoffs. Even Clmbr, the LeBron James and Jay-Z-backed vertical climber maker, laid off around 25% of its staff earlier this year before being acquired by Forme.

• 

  Will In-Person Fitness Continue To Grow?

  While connected fitness struggles, in-person is back and better than ever. IHRSA’s 2023 Global Report cited a resurgence of consumers connecting and engaging during in-person workouts. Today, boutique fitness accounts for 42% of all gym memberships. The report also cited high-value, low-price and luxury fitness facilities gaining the most over 2023.

  Planet Fitness continues to win big with Gen Z: Morning Consult named the brand on a list of top ten leading companies that young consumers are eyeing. The fitness franchise has an active presence on social media platforms, and its “Classic Membership” is just $10 a month, a price that hasn’t been raised in 30 years, although the brand is considering a slight increase. Crunch Fitness is also expanding rapidly. The New York-based franchise brand currently has over two million members and operates over 450 gyms worldwide. CR Fitness, the top Crunch Franchisee, plans to build 15-20 fitness clubs per year, growth that has led to over 1,000 employment opportunities. 

• 

  What’s Next for Weight Loss Drugs?

  GLP-1 weight-loss drugs have also taken the fitness and wellness world by storm this year. Barclays has estimated that the industry could be worth $100 billion by 2030 and perhaps even $200 billion within the next ten years. WeightWatchers notably pivoted from its points system and weight-loss meetings to offering access to weight loss and diabetes drugs. Food companies have noticed declining sales and have scrambled to shift their strategic focus. Nestlé has created new vitamin and mineral-packed products for those on appetite suppressants. 

  The fitness industry has been eager to welcome GLP-1 users: Life Time launched the Miora Longevity and Performance clinic at its flagship Target Center health club in downtown Minneapolis. The clinic offers doctors, physician assistants, nurses and personal trainers in addition to weight loss drugs and non-invasive therapies like red light therapy, hormone replacement therapy, and infrared saunas. Xponential Fitness has also leaned into the weight loss medication sector, acquiring Lindora, a metabolic health clinic.

• 

  Will Strength Training Continue To Surge?

  According to MindBody’s 2024 fitness trend report, the top three workouts of 2023 were Pilates, yoga, and strength training. Strength training in particular is growing in popularity with Gen Z. Les Mills partnered with Adidas earlier this year on a strength-focused workout to target younger consumers. The launch of Nike Strength, a collection of strength training equipment for elite and everyday athletes, also demonstrates the growth of the category. Pure Barre launched Define, a low-impact fitness class that incorporates heavier weights than those used by most boutique fitness brands. CorePower Yoga’s most recent class addition was Strength X, a high-intensity strength training class that incorporates traditional yoga poses with targeted resistance exercises. Orangetheory Fitness, known for its cardio workouts, has also gotten into the strength training craze.

  At 2023’s IHRSA Convention in San Diego, Fabrizio Cecchinelli, format manager at Technogym, cited two main reasons for strength training’s surge in popularity: social media and science. Strength training’s photogenic nature makes for aesthetically pleasing posts. The science behind strength training has also propelled workouts, as a search on PubMed, the National Institute of Health’s database of biotechnology information, revealed that in the last decade, the number of searches for scientific information related to the benefits of strength training increased almost fourfold.

• 

  Can Fitness Wearables Bridge the Healthcare Gap?

  Wearables continued to evolve in 2023 as consumers using the devices for reaching various fitness goals are increasingly using wearables to generally monitor their health. New hardware, software, and apps have allowed turned wearables into customizable health clinics. Heart rate monitors are standard on many wearables, and some even have FDA approval for detecting abnormalities like atrial fibrillation. Whoop offers a feature called Health Monitor which provides a daily update on all user metrics. Members can send this report as a PDF directly to a doctor or medical professional. Devices have also gotten more social. Oura launched Circles earlier this year, where members can share high-level data like “Readiness,” “Sleep,” and “Activity” scores with friends and family members. Apple Watch also allows users to share their activity with family, friends or coaches.

  Strength training has also become more prominent in the wearables market. Whoop became the first fitness wearable to measure strength earlier this year. It now allows users to measure strain during strength workouts by tracking weights, reps and sets for a personalized view of their training. Oura also launched a co-branded Rest & Recovery kit with Equinox that featured a specially designed ring cover for weight training and strenuous workouts. The innovation addressed users’ concerns about the Oura ring being less compatible with barbell training. 

• 

  Will VR Fitness Take Off?

  While connected fitness has waned, virtual reality (VR) fitness is a fairly nascent field, but one that’s becoming more prominent in the industry. Les Mills is investing in the space, with its recent launch of XR Dance and Bodycombat. Xponential Fitness has created Xponential+, a new virtual and mixed-reality app for Meta Quest 3 that allows users to essentially take boutique fitness classes in their living room.

  On the athleisure front. Alo Yoga teamed up with Obsess, the experiential e-commerce platform, to launch an immersive virtual reality shopping experience. But it hasn’t been all fun and games—Meta was sued earlier this fall by Andre Elijah Immersive Inc (AEI), a self-proclaimed new entrant to the VR fitness space which alleged that it developed a fitness yoga app with Meta and Alo before the relationship soured. Most of the lawsuit alleges that Meta has a vertical monopoly on the VR fitness space, and colluded with Alo to keep AEI out of the market. Despite some setbacks, Meta is still leaning into the health and fitness space, believing in the power of virtual reality to make workouts fun and engaging. 

The post The Fitness & Wellness Trends To Watch in 2024 appeared first on Athletech News.

This past year involved countless fitness and wellness stories coming across our desks here at Athletech News, but a few caught more eyes than others, making the cut as our most-viewed articles of 2023. These 10 stories were all among our most read but are listed in no particular order, so if you missed out on any of the action this past year and want to get caught up before moving on to 2024, keep reading.

• Chris Rondeau Out as Planet Fitness CEO in Stunning Move

  Planet Fitness employees – and the general fitness community – were shocked this year when Chris Rondeau stepped down as CEO, with Craig R. Benson taking over in an interim role. Rondeau worked with the company for 30-plus years prior to his exit. Planet Fitness mentioned that the move did not come in any part due to any financial factors, but its shares consequently fell by over 12% shortly after the news broke. But amid the storm, the low-price/high-value gym franchise continues to grow, with Q2 results showing a revenue increase of 27.6% and success attracting Gen Z after getting three million sign-ups from high schoolers this year. 

• The Future of Fitness Wearables: How Whoop, Oura, Garmin Are Innovating

  With intel from a variety of industry leaders, Athletech News forecasts and examines the future of fitness wearables. How new tech already has and could continue to elevate wearables is discussed, as is a potential place for the products in healthcare. How different wearable companies serve different needs in the fitness and wellness community with their products is analyzed as well.  

• 

  Pvolve, Jennifer Aniston Focus on ‘Strength’ in Debut Ad Campaign

  We break down Jennifer Aniston and Pvovle’s debut ad campaign, along with the general rise of functional fitness. Aniston signing on with Pvovle came as a groundbreaking deal for Pvolve and the entire fitness industry given her fame. The company’s goal to redefine how strength is viewed by the masses received a major boost via the ad campaign. 

• Meta Pushes Into VR Fitness: Why the Tech Giant Is Just Getting Started

  After acquiring Within, maker of popular VR Fitness app Supernatural, Meta took an unforeseen leap into the VR fitness arena. Meta’s director of Metaverse content Anand Dass sat down with ATN to explain why the tech giant is so bullish on VR fitness, how it’s looking to close the gap between those who work out regularly compared to those who don’t, and the future of VR Fitness from a general perspective.

• Exclusive: Xponential President Talks Acquisition Plans, Gary Vaynerchuk Partnership

  Xponential President Sarah Luna breaks down the global fitness franchisor’s future. In an exclusive interview with ATN, Luna touches on the rise of boutique fitness in a post-pandemic world, Xponential’s hunger to acquire new brands and expand, as well as the impact of partnering with social media guru Gary Vee.

• 

  Peloton Announces Rebrand, Wants To Be More Than a ‘Bike Company’

  Peloton’s massive rebrand and the goals behind it are laid out, many of which relate to the company’s desire to branch out and reach larger crowds with its offerings. By expanding the Peloton app and getting into strength training, the company intends to be much more than just an “in-home bike company.”

• F45 Reveals $372M Loss as CEO Plots Plan Forward

  F45’s higher-than-expected losses are revealed to the public, including $372.3 million in total losses for 2021 and 2022 combined. ATN looks into the ways in which the Mark Wahlberg-backed company can rebound after its financial setbacks under new CEO Tom Dowd, who recently stepped in to try and help the functional fitness franchise right the ship. 

• CEO Corner: Ryan Duey on How Plunge Grew From the Garage to the Mainstream

  Plunge co-founder Ryan Duey explains how he and co-founder Michael Garrett have made cold water recovery tubs more accessible to the masses. After recapping Plunge’s past, Duey roadmaps the company’s future goals as well as those of the cold water therapy industry in general.

• 

  Nike Launches Strength Training Equipment in Latest Fitness Move

  Nike made waves by dropping a collection of fitness equipment for the first time in company history. The brand’s corresponding campaign is highlighted by athletes such as LeBron James and Derrick Henry. ATN also breaks down the sportswear titan’s additional recent fitness moves, such as opening up a series of boutique studios.

• Tonal Sues Smart Home Gym Rival Speediance

  Tonal sued rival smart home gym company Speediance earlier this year, alleging infringements on its patents as well as false and misleading advertising on the part of the Chinese brand. The case could have big implications for the at-home fitness market in 2024.

The post The 10 Most Popular Fitness & Wellness Stories of 2023 appeared first on Athletech News.

All products featured on Athletech News are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission

Athletech News has tested and rounded up what we believe are the 25 best fitness and wellness holiday gifts of 2023. With everything from wearables to workout gear to red light face masks, this gift guide is bound to have something for the fitness fanatic or wellness guru in your life.

• 

  Apple Watch Series 9 

  Apple Watch Series 9 is the watch you know and love but better than ever. It is brighter (2x brighter than Series 8), more sustainable (available in a watch case and band combination that is carbon neutral), and more convenient than its predecessors. The new Double Tap feature picks up on the tiniest muscle movements in your wrist to recognize when you are tapping your index finger and thumb together, allowing you to answer a call, open a notification, play and pause music, and more. Double Tap is the feature you never knew you needed—it allows you to play and pause music when your hands are dirty from cooking or check your Smart Stack of apps while you are carrying your dog. Another cool new feature is Precision Finding, which directs you to your iPhone by showing you approximate distance and direction. When you get close, a loud chirp, visual indicator, and haptic feedback all help you find your way back to the device.

   

• 

  Barry’s Gift Card

  Now that in-person workouts are in full swing, Barry’s seems to be more popular than ever. If you’re unsure what to get a fitness fanatic, consider a Barry’s gift card. They range from $50 to $200 and can be used for online retail like apparel, accessories, and equipment. Barry’s has apparel from brands like Lululemon, Vuori, and Bandier, and accessories like drinkware, socks, and foam rollers. The gift card cannot be used, however, for classes. The brand also has its own fitness equipment, like adjustable weights, sweat towels, and its signature bench. Give someone the gift of bringing Barry’s home. 

• 

  BeautyBio GLOfacial 

  The BeautyBio GLOfacial is an at-home deep-cleansing and hydrating facial treatment tool that unclogs pores and exfoliates dead skin cells in just one treatment. The product acts like a vacuum with your pores, pulling out any dirt, oil, and makeup while simultaneously infusing it with Salicylic and Hyaluronic Acid. The tool comes with a GLOfacial concentrate, a small and large treatment tip, and one clarifying cap to customize your routine. For the skincare junkie, or a loved one managing clogged pores, the GLOfacial is a great gift. 

• 

  Blazepod

  Blazepod is an innovative workout system that includes stackable platforms that light up and users tap in response to optimize reflexivity, agility, and decision-making skills. For the athlete in your life who needs to breathe new life into their workout routine, Blazepod’s lighting pods cue your brain to make split-second decisions during training. The pods are controlled by the Blazepod app, which comes with hundreds of pre-set activities for drills, exercises, and competitions. The pods collect every tap to analyze your data down to the millisecond. This unique approach to training gamifies workouts, with customizability down to the color of the pod lights. They are also easy to transport: the pods’ stackable nature allows them to be easily packed up. Blazepod is also the reaction training platform for athletes from the NBA, NFL, MLB, and MLS, among other leagues. If you have a competitive athlete or someone who is looking to take their training to the next level, consider Blazepod.

• 

  Centr by Chris Hemsworth Workout Kit

  Centr, Chris Hemsworth’s fitness and wellness platform, has released at-home fitness products that complement its online content. The kit comes with 3 fabric resistance bands, 5 tube bands, 2 ankle straps, 2 D-handles, a dual hook straight bar, a door anchor, and a travel bag. The kit comes with 3 months of a digital Centr membership (a $59.99 value) that can be used on any device and syncs with your wearables. Centr’s online platform has both dynamic workouts led by expert fitness coaches and carefully crafted nutritional plans and recipes. The Centr Workout Kit is available on Walmart.com. 

• 

  Dagne Dover Landon Carryall

  On the hunt for the perfect gym bag? Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall Bag is durable yet fashionable, and versatile yet well-organized. Made from neoprene, the bag is soft but structured, and can weather the storm of sweaty clothes or sneaker dirt. It is designed with thoughtful details, like well-placed mesh pockets (perfect for post-workout toiletries or a water bottle) and a laptop or iPad sleeve. The Landon Carryall also comes with a shoe or laundry bag to keep dirty items separate. While it doesn’t appear bulky, the bag can truly carry it all—it fits a surprising amount for its size. If you’re shopping for someone who needs a new everyday gym bag, look no further. 

• 

  Grüns Daily

  Want the benefits of greens powders without the chalky taste or messy cleanup? Grüns are gummies that contain over 20 vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Zinc, and more. They come in little daily packets for easy consumption and are made with whole veggies, fruits, super mushrooms, adaptogens, antioxidants, and prebiotics. The gummies are also made with a pectin base, a fruit fiber, instead of gelatin. The gummies contain higher average sugar content than leading greens powders, but they more than make up for it in their vitamin content. Although they taste different than typical gummy candies, with a tarter flavor and a stickier consistency, you quickly adjust and fall in love with the flavor by the end of the bag. For a healthy stocking stuffer, consider gifting Grüns. 

• 

  Fabletics Apparel

  Looking for high-quality activewear that won’t break the bank? Fabletics offers apparel and accessories for men and women with a flexible VIP membership model. Each month, members are charged $59.95 for benefits, which unlock low prices for the activewear. Promotional credits roll over month-to-month for up to 12 months, and members can skip any month. Kevin Hart has been the face of Fabletics Men since 2020, and some of his favorite products include the Training Day Hoodie, a breathable sweatshirt with 4-way stretch, and the Fundamental Short, which has a no-roll waistband and anti-stink fabric. Fabletics also recently launched a collaboration with Kevin Hart last month called “Every Day Sunday” which celebrates the collection. For women who love a workout walk, the Open Back Onesie is breathable and versatile, in trendy color block designs, and the Cozy Fleece Hooded Onesie comes in seasonal colors and designs that will put your gift recipient in a festive mood.

• 

  Gold VK Carbon Fiber Performance Insoles

  For those looking to upgrade their sneaker game, Gold VK Carbon Fiber Performance Insoles from VKTRY are made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber and are customized for your sport, gender, age, and weight. Say goodbye to your sneaker’s foam or plastic insoles—these allow for more reactivity, explosivity, and support. If your loved one is a serious athlete who hasn’t yet converted to performance insoles, look no further—there will be no turning back. 

• 

  GORUCK GR1 Backpack

  For those looking for a serious backpack upgrade, the GR1 from GORUCK might fit the bill. The backpack has been proven to Special Forces standards and is designed to go from adventures to everyday life. The GR1 is highly waterproof and has a reinforced laptop compartment with a false bottom for extra support. The backpack has extra padded shoulder straps and a top handle for carrying comfort. Although the backpack is on the heavier side, it is easy to pack and organize, as it opens flat and has several internal pockets. GORUCK also donates 1% of its annual top-line revenue to various non-profit partners who support those who serve, including the military, Veterans, First Responders, teachers, and social workers, so you can feel good about your purchase. 

• 

  HigherDOSE Glow Serum + Red Light Face Mask

  The HigherDOSE Glow Serum and Red Light Face Mask are the dynamic duo for the skincare fanatic. The Glow Serum is a light-activated formula that can boost the benefits of the Red Light Face Mask. The Serum is made with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and other bio-nutrients for powerful hydration, enhancing the mask’s use of red and near-infrared LED technologies to warm the skin and provide a natural glow. The mask also seamlessly fits into one’s active lifestyle, with no cord to hold you back. You start seeing benefits soon after using the Red Light Mask, so your loved one will go into the new year with rejuvenated and glowing skin. 

• 

  Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs 

  The Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs offer extra rest and recovery for, you guessed it, legs. They bring a decade of science-backed research to provide users with a restorative massage using 7 levels of pressure and biomimicry to revive muscles and relieve pain. The Legs increase circulation while reducing delayed onset muscle soreness, and can be controlled through the Bluetooth-connected Hyperice app. The Normatec 3 Legs also comes in a new and reduced weight for easy traveling. They are a great gift for those recovering from injuries, or those who need a little more rest and recovery during an intense training plan. 

• 

  Kimberly Synder’s “You Are More Than You Think You Are” 

  New York Times bestselling author and celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder’s book is about how best to reach your goals and live the life you have envisioned. The book draws inspiration from the guru Paramahansa Yoganandaa and includes personal stories and scientific research to provide simple exercises and practices to help readers unlock their potential. “You Are More Than You Think You Are” helps readers feel grounded and balanced amid hectic and overwhelming schedules. Snyder is also the founder of Solluna, a wellness brand with products like supplements, skincare, and online health and beauty courses. 

• 

  Methodology Gift Card

  For the fitness foodie, Methodology is a sustainably sourced meal delivery service that is gluten-, dairy-, and refined-sugar-free. The portion-controlled meals come in reusable, recyclable packaging and only require five minutes to heat up before eating. Methodology is the only food delivery service clinically validated by a leading university. The Signature Reset, a 4-day meal plan that you can personalize based on type of protein, offers menus that vary from week to week. Sample dishes include Wild Blue Crab and Prawn Cakes + Sherry Glazed Carrots, Roasted Hodo Soy Tofu Pho, and Chai-Spiced Apple Crumble Overnight Oats. The Reset is an easy way to get the year off on the right foot. The meals are simple but flavorful, with generous amounts of seasonings and dressings, a nice change from the many bland cleanses in the market. It also comes in packaging that makes the Reset easy to incorporate into a busy, on-the-go schedule. For the busy professional looking to hit reset in January, a Methodology gift card might be the perfect gift. 

• 

  NON Sets

  A gift perfect for Dry January, NON is a non-alcoholic wine brand with inventive and refreshing flavors. With flavors like Salted Raspberry and Chamomile, Caramelized Pear and Kombu, and Lemon Marmalade and Hibiscus, NON is infusing fun into non-alcoholic drinks. The beverages are not too sweet but have good flavors. NON drinks are also perfect for holiday gatherings sans alcohol. 

• 

  Oura x Equinox Rest and Recovery Kit

  Shopping for someone who can’t stop talking about the Oura ring? The Oura x Equinox Rest and Recovery Kit is a co-branded gift that features select finishes of an Oura Ring, an Oura x Equinox branded ring cover, and a one-year Oura membership. The black cover, though seemingly simple, is sleekly designed and fits tightly on an Oura ring for no-slip coverage from scratches. No more worrying about the ring knocking up against barbells during training—the Oura x Equinox Rest and Recovery Kit has you covered.  

• 

  REVOLVE Beauty’s 2023 Advent Calendar

  For the skin health fan, REVOLVE’s Beauty’s 2023 Advent Calendar includes 24 beauty products ranging from serums to body scrubs to daily peels. With six full-sized products and a $481 retail value, the calendar is also beautifully packaged in green and pink. Some standout products include Barbara Sturm’s the Good C Serum, which energizes the skin with much-needed Vitamin C and the SLNY Cryotherapy Massager, which uses cold therapy to tighten and de-puff skin. Don’t sleep on the advent calendar, as it usually sells out every year!

• 

  SOUNDBOKS Go 

  For a music-powered workout, the SOUNDBOKS Go is portable but has powerful bass, battery life, and sound quality. It’s perfect for outdoor or indoor workouts where your loved one needs some concert-level volume musical motivation. The full-bodied sound that feels like surround sound can elevate everyday workouts. It can fit on a bike rack, over your shoulder, or in the back seat of a car. The speaker system is dentproof, splashproof, and lightweight, and connects to the SOUNDBOKS app for easy control and wireless pairing. 

• 

  Speediance Gym Pal 

  The Speediance Gym Pal, the company’s latest and most compact release, packs a punch for its price. It has no membership requirement, so buying the equipment for a loved one is truly a gift. It has a weight capacity of 220 pounds, and the app comes with extensive programming and the ability to do customizable training. The Gym Pal is also compact—it can take up only 1.4 square feet when standing vertically and can be stored underneath a couch or bed. If you’re looking for a digital resistance platform that doesn’t break the bank, the Gym Pal might be the gift for you. 

• 

  Sprig Aromatherapy Experiences 

  Kohler, the plumbing and manufacturing company, launched Sprig, its first wellness brand specializing in aromatherapy. One of its offerings is a shower infusion kit that uses pods and a showerhead attachment to bring aromatherapy to your everyday routine. It also offers scented candles, body and linen mists, and bath bombs in six signature blends (Breathe, Focus, Shield, Recharge, Relax, and Sleep) to match your mood. The blends feature 100% natural botanicals and could be a perfect gift for a loved one looking to go into the new year with more Zen.  

• 

  Therabody Theragun Sense

  Theragun Sense from Therabody is a new percussion massage gun that has haptics, a heart rate sensor, and breathwork for moments of mindfulness. Perfect for a loved one who wants an integrated and holistic wellness practice and percussive relief that is not too intense, it’s the first percussive massage therapy that has calming breathwork to ease everyday stress and pain. The Therabody breathwork is a perfect way to start one’s day, accompanied by the Therabody app, which offers visually pleasing and calming guided videos for breathwork and meditation. 

• 

  Tnuck Sport 

  Want a stylish but classic take on athleisure? Tnuck Sport from Tuckernuck uses technical fabrics with fashionable silhouettes that can take you throughout your day. The Black Puff Sleeve Campbell Pullover is casual but put together, and can take you from the tennis or pickleball court to the coffee shop. The Suzanne Tennis Dress is a retro take on a classic style that is made from light materials and is similarly versatile. Tnuck Sport is a great gift for a loved one who doesn’t want to compromise style during workouts. 

• 

  TRX YBell PRO Series

  Why buy a kettlebell, a dumbbell, and a push-up stand, when the Ybell can act as all three? The YBell is a stackable, space-saving weight that is perfect for strength, HIIT, and cardio workouts. It comes in weights ranging from 10 pounds to 44 pounds and has a cast iron core and commercial-grade, powder-coated finish. It’s stackable and sleek and requires far less space than the three pieces of equipment it replaces. For those obsessed with space efficiency and design, the YBell could be the perfect gift. 

• 

  WHOOP Body 

  For the WHOOP users in your life, consider the WHOOP Body for the days they want their tracker to be “invisible.” The smart apparel line allows you to wear WHOOP 4.0 in a variety of different ways through built-in “pods.” Simply place the WHOOP tracker in said pods, and the device collects data from your torso, waist, and calf, depending on its placement in the clothing. The Any-Wear Athletic Boxers are particularly popular for men, while the women’s Any-Wear Bralettes feel supportive and soft throughout the day.  

• 

  Vuori Apparel 

  One of the hottest brands in athleisure right now, Vuori is bound to please even the pickiest friend or family member. The brand first became famous for its super soft Performance Joggers, and now carries everything from t-shirts, dresses, and outerwear. The Performance Joggers are now available in more than 15 colors, and are made in the brand’s DreamKnit fabric, which your loved one will not want to take off. Although the joggers are stretchy and ultra-comfortable, they also look sleek and flattering enough for daily errands or a casual night out, particularly in the black color. Vuori also expanded its product line to cozy outerwear, with insulated and sherpa jackets. Even with their non-DreamKnit products, Vuori delivers on coziness and versatility. For those obsessed with comfort but not willing to sacrifice style, consider Vuori.  

The post The 25 Best Holiday Gifts for Fitness & Wellness Fans appeared first on Athletech News.

Whoop has released its highly anticipated “Year in Review,” reflecting on its community’s achievements this past year and offering a data-driven look into the top health and fitness trends of 2023. With insights on sleep, strain, recovery, and stress, Whoop provided innovative technologies that empowered its members to unlock new insights. 

Athletech News breaks down some of the key findings from Whoop’s 2023 Year in Review:

Recovery Takes Many Forms

There were interesting highlights among Whoop users with alcohol consumption in 2023. There was a notable decrease in alcohol consumption among Whoop members but when they indulged, users consumed more, with an average of three drinks per sitting. Ice baths and red light therapy also emerged as recovery superstars, gaining popularity for their ability to alleviate muscle soreness and increase melatonin production, respectively.

Whoop’s data showcased that even minor behavioral changes had substantial impacts on overall well-being. Strong sleep performance, caffeine consumption, and consistent wake times were identified as beneficial recovery practices, while alcohol intake, fever, and excessive strain were observed to hinder recovery.

A surprising revelation linked sexual activity to recovery, with endorphin and oxytocin release contributing to stress reduction and improved recovery scores. The report even highlighted the countries and U.S. states where Whoop members engaged in the most sexual activity. The U.S., Australia, Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands were the countries with the most sexual activity. Within the U.S., the states with the most sexual activity were Utah, Oklahoma, Alabama, Idaho and Nevada. 

Stress Management Is Top of Mind

Stress management also took a front seat in 2023, with Whoop members leveraging modalities like breathwork and meditation to counter the negative impact of stress on recovery. By monitoring key indicators such as resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate variability (HRV), Whoop helps individuals understand and manage stress more effectively.

Sleep Quality Over Quantity

Whoop members didn’t necessarily sleep more in 2023, but they discovered ways to improve sleep quality. Over half of the members sought individualized recommendations from AI tool Whoop Coach to enhance their sleep quality. Exposure to morning sunlight and practicing daylight eating (consuming all meals during daylight hours) were linked to higher sleep consistency and improved sleep duration. When members got morning sunlight, their sleep consistency was higher and they averaged an additional 14 minutes of sleep per week. Whoop released fascinating data about bedtimes and wakeup times by country: the earliest bedtime was 10:46 pm in Australia, and the latest was 1:50 am in Qatar. The earliest wakeup was in South Africa at 6:40 am, and the latest was also in Qatar, at 9:38 am. 

More Notable Trends

The report delved into optimizing fitness beyond conventional gym activities. Proper nutrition, including a surge in vegetarian, vegan, and kosher diets among the top 1% of Strain earners, played a pivotal role. On average, those members were 45 years old. The use of creatine and increased protein consumption were also notable trends for supplement intake. 

Multipurpose activities gained popularity, with rucking and recreational sports such as pickleball, soccer, cricket, rugby, and paddle tennis becoming favorites among Whoop members. Stage performance saw a 19% increase, showcasing a rising trend among non-athletes using Whoop to enhance their well-being. One such performer is DJ Zedd, who uses Whoop for healthier habits. 

To access Whoop’s full 2023 Year in Review and personalized reports, click here

The post Whoop Reveals Global Wellness Trends of the Year appeared first on Athletech News.

Human performance company Whoop has appointed Michener Chandlee as chief financial officer and Ed Baker as chief growth officer following the acquisition of Baker’s startup, AnyQuestion.

Staying close to its home in the Boston market, Whoop acquired the neighboring platform which provides users with expert answers on topics ranging from sports, health and wellness and the arts and offers the ability to create, organize and share content.   

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

The acquisition follows the recent unveiling of Whoop Coach, an AI-powered coaching feature that uses Open AI’s GPT-4 technology for on-demand, personalized health and fitness coaching. The goal? Helping users better understand the relationship between their physical exertion, stress, sleep performance, general health and specific recovery needs. It’s this data-driven approach that sets Whoop apart from other fitness and health wearables on the market. 

In an exclusive interview with Athletech News in October, Whoop’s chief technology officer Jaime Waydo shared that the human performance company was integrating advanced performance science to offer more in-depth insights. 

Before Baker launched AnyQuestion in 2021, he led growth teams at Facebook and Uber and has served on Whoop’s board of directors for over four years. Chandlee has previously served Fanatics as CFO and spent almost 20 years at Nike in several senior roles, including chief risk officer and CFO of Nike’s Global Marketplace. 

Whoop CEO and founder Will Ahmed took to LinkedIn to announce the addition of the new executives, writing, “We’ve just finished our most successful month ever at Whoop, and we’re preparing for an exciting 2024 filled with growth, innovation, and operational excellence. Proud to have these two leaders on our team.”

In addition to Whoop acquiring AnyQuestion and pushing deeper into its AI investments, the Boston-based company opened a brand new global headquarters this year at One Kenmore Square, home to Fenway Park with eight floors and panoramic views of Boston landmarks such as the Citgo Sign and Charles River.

The post Whoop Buys AnyQuestion, Boosting AI Chat Capabilities 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

The general appetite for investing in fitness and wellness companies has cooled off quite a bit from its pandemic-era high, although the long-term prognosis for the space remains strong, according to industry experts. 

Speaking during Athletech News’ DISRUPT 2023 video series, three leaders in the private equity and venture capital spaces – Jon Canarick of North Castle Partners, Mark Grabowski of Snapdragon Capital Partners and Lance Dietz of KB Partners – gave their thoughts on the current landscape of the fitness and wellness market, including which sectors are best poised for growth despite a cloudy macroeconomic environment. 

The Fall of At-Home Fitness

Overall, the investors agreed there was too much buying in the fitness and wellness space during COVID, especially of at-home fitness companies, which has caused a lot of financial tumult and sent valuations tumbling in recent months. 

“There was way too much investing in the space by a factor of five, or something to that effect, particularly, of course, in the home fitness category,” Canarick said, noting that pandemic-era investments “were probably beyond the scale and scope of what was economically feasible for the category. As a result, you have billions and billions of dollars of burned capital that are underwater all throughout the home fitness part of the space.”

Confidence in at-home fitness companies during the pandemic likely reflected many investors’ predictions about what the long-term effects of the pandemic would be on people’s workout preferences. 

“I think there was overconfidence that this (was) a whole new world, people are all going to be working from home, there’s going to be more remote work, (and) people are going to want to now work out at home and not go back to the gym,” Grabowski said. 

Brick-and-Mortar Fitness Is Back

It’s certainly not all bad for the fitness and wellness industry post-pandemic. The flip side of the at-home fitness debacle is that in-person experiences are booming as people seek social interaction in gyms and studios.

“People had habits that they’re going back to,” Dietz said. “We think in-person experiences are very valuable to human nature so you see a lot of people going back to brick-and-mortar.”

Canarick agreed that we’re witnessing a “really strong recovery of brick-and-mortar fitness,” but he noted that hybrid fitness is likely here to stay as many consumers now prefer a blend of working out in person and at home.

“Peloton has had their fair share of challenges but they still have gained an enormous market share of monthly workouts,” Canarick said by way of example.

As people return to in-person activities, the concept of “community” is more important than ever, Dietz believes. Fitness and wellness businesses that are able to build products and services that foster connection are more likely to be attractive to investment firms in the current environment.

“It’s a buzzword at times, but it’s also one that I think has a meaningful impact on long-term value for the user experience,” Dietz said of the power of community.  

“Where community can address loneliness and the ability to be a bit healthier because you have people around you I think is a really interesting opportunity,” he added.

The Newcomers: Recovery, Fitness Trackers & Preventative Wellness

As for what areas of fitness and wellness could be targets for increased investment moving forward, the investors identified three sectors: recovery, health and fitness trackers, and preventative wellness.

Recovery tools are moving from the niche to the mainstream thanks to the direct-to-consumer success of companies like Hyperice and Therabody and the proliferation of modalities like cold plunge, infrared sauna and cryotherapy. 

Canarick expressed excitement about the growth potential of the recovery sector as tools once only available for professional athletes find their way into the hands of the masses, although he said there may be a cap on how big the market can get. 

“There’s still a question as to the size of that market from a profitability standpoint,” Canarick said of the recovery space.

Another hot category figures to be health and fitness trackers, driven by the sudden popularity of companies like Oura, Whoop and others. However, Canarick again urged some caution since it’s unclear whether trackers will be able to gain market share with non-fitness enthusiasts, which is still most of the population.

Grabowski believes the market for health and fitness trackers could really take off, especially as consumers increasingly embrace what he calls “preventative wellness” over traditional healthcare or sickcare. 

Trackers have the ability to reach consumers outside the athlete or weekend warrior population if they’re used to help everyday people track important health metrics, Grabowski noted.

“When you think of everything from blood testing to stool samples, there you’re actually addressing some different issues,” he said. “It’s not about, ‘Am I optimizing my workout performance?’ It’s about allergies, chronic issues, immune responses and other things that people are dealing with.” 

Long-Term Outlook Is Positive

Overall, while the market isn’t what it was pre-COVID or during the pandemic thanks to macroeconomic conditions and general global uncertainty, there’s still reason to be optimistic about the financial “health” of health, fitness and wellness, the investors believe. 

“I think almost universally there’s growth in consumer expenditure in health and wellness across multiple categories,” Grabowski said, noting that the industry as a whole is on an “upward trajectory” and most sectors are at or are approaching pre-COVID levels.

That’s not to say growth capital will be easy to come by, at least in the short term. To make themselves attractive investment candidates in the current fraught economic environment, fitness and wellness businesses will need to show they have executive teams who can adapt to change.

“If it’s not the pandemic, then it’s inflation. If it’s not inflation, you’ve got what’s going on geopolitically,” Grabowski noted. “So I think seeing senior management teams who have proven adaptability, there’s an even bigger premium. One-note players are not as backable.”

The post Fitness & Wellness Market Healthy Despite Post-Pandemic Woes, Investors Say appeared first on Athletech News.

Whoop recently broke new ground in the wearables industry with the launch of Whoop Coach, an advanced generative artificial intelligence (AI) feature that uses GPT-4 technology to deliver highly personalized health and fitness coaching on demand.

Created in partnership with OpenAI, the lab behind ChatGPT, the AI tool leverages Whoop proprietary algorithms, a specially designed machine learning model and a member’s unique biometric data to help users better understand their Whoop scores.

Athletech News spoke with Jaime Waydo, the chief technology officer at Whoop, to better understand why the wearable health and fitness company launched Whoop Coach and learn more about how it plans to use AI moving forward.

This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and length

Athletech News: What prompted the launch of Whoop Coach? 

Jaime Waydo: I joined Whoop a little less than a year ago, and from the very beginning, we were talking about how to use more and more AI in the product. When OpenAI announced Chat GPT-3 at the end of November 2022, you could have a conversation with it: you could ask it questions, and it would respond. You could refine those answers. That had never really happened before. I sent a message on December 1st to the whole company, and said, “If you’re not playing with this, check it out.” At the time, we had just finalized the 2023 roadmap for Whoop. I typed into chat GPT-3, “What should the roadmap for Whoop be for the next year?” It came back with some really good ideas—things that we had already thought about. And that’s when I knew: there’s something really powerful here if we can tap into it.

So then the conversation became: what happens if you tie Whoop data into a large language model? What’s the conversation that can happen? And is that something that starts to feel like that 24-7 world-class performance coach, which is a lot of Whoop’s vision. In early January, the team started playing with large language models. Then we really started a few different explorations. One of them was figuring out the voice of the brand. A lot of work also went into tying it together with all of your data and making sure that no matter what question you ask, Whoop Coach has access to the right pieces of data to be able to give you not just an answer that’s obvious or that you could find on Google. We spent a lot of time figuring out what the interaction would be like. It was fun because this technology has never existed in the world before.

We launched it in September and the feedback so far has been hugely positive. The team’s off working on the next iteration of Whoop Coach that will be launching in a couple of weeks and we’ll continue to iterate on it and train it on more data and more models, and it’ll just get better and better and better every week.

ATN: What are the most popular searches that people start with on Whoop Coach? 

JW: There are a couple of emerging themes that I see. One is for new members on Whoop. That’s questions like “What is strain?” or “How do I get in the green tomorrow?” Then, there’s what I call the data enthusiasts. These are the people who want to know how this data compares to that data. So, “Do I sleep better in the summer versus the winter?” These are things that if you look in the app, it’s really hard to figure out. But now you can ask Coach and at your fingertips, you’ll get that answer. The third emerging theme that I see is around what I call the “time optimizer,” the person who just wants you to tell them what to do. “What’s the workout I should do today?” or “Give me a plan to run a marathon in two weeks.” 

ATN: Has the Whoop team thought about making the voice of Coach customizable? 

JW: Yes, there’s a set of technology that we’re working on right now where the coach learns the way that you respond best. Maybe as a woman you respond better with a particular voice in certain phases of your cycle or you need a specific voice during recovery days. The team is experimenting with all of that right now and working on that next layer of customization.

ATN: How do you see Coach changing the world of strength training for Whoop? 

JW: We’re excited about connecting Strength Trainer to Whoop Coach. Whoop Coach could recommend specific workouts depending on your strain goals for the day. One of the things we talk about a lot at Whoop is, How do we weave things together? So, when we build Coach, we don’t just build Coach. We talk about, How does Coach work with Strength Trainer? How does Coach work with sleep? How does Coach work with the journal? All needs to work as one. So we work very hard on making sure that as we’re designing Coach, we’re designing how to tie it into the journey.

ATN: How have you navigated potential regulatory challenges when building out Whoop Coach? 

JW: What we care about more than anything is privacy and security. We make sure that no one’s personal data leaves the four walls of Whoop. Even though we’re partnered with a large language model provider, we still make sure that all of your personal information only stays at Whoop and no one’s accessing that data. Open AI was a great partner for us; they don’t retain anything that we send over, they don’t train on any of the data, so that’s been a great foundation for us. 

ATN: What’s next for Whoop Coach? 

JW: One of the things that’s true of all AI technology is that you’re always training on more data so that it’s more capable. There are certain questions that if you asked Whoop Coach, it would probably say, “Our engineers are hard at work adding that data so that Coach has access to it.” For example, if you asked Coach right now, “What’s your battery state of charge?” it can’t tell you that, but soon it will be able to. There’s a lot more performance science that we are integrating, so it will give you deeper scientific insights. It will also weave into other parts of the app, which I think is very important. 

The post Whoop CTO on AI in Fitness, What’s Next for Coach appeared first on Athletech News.

F45 Training, the Mark Wahlberg-backed functional fitness franchise, has teamed up with human performance company Whoop for an upcoming 45-day challenge starting Oct. 23. The functional fitness brand is the first studio to integrate Whoop tracking.

The F45 Challenge, which follows the brand’s recent Wahlberg Week, inspires participants to adopt healthy habits for the long haul by tracking recovery and sleep, thereby witnessing the connection between their actions and their fitness performance.

Those new to Whoop can join the challenge and sign up for a complimentary one-month trial and a free Whoop 4.0 band. The wearable band provides performance coaching based on self-reported behavior tracking that spans nutrition and mental health. In turn, Whoop provides insight into how behaviors impact physiological data.

The human performance wearable company recently introduced an advanced generative AI feature, Whoop Coach, for highly personalized health and nutrition guidance.

F45 Challenge participants can track their workouts in real-time, from intensity and calories burned and then receive a personalized analysis of their sleep performance and recovery to gauge preparedness for their next F45 session. 

Whoop owners who join the challenge can still participate in regional Whoop leaderboards at participating studios, while all F45 members will receive exclusive discounts on Whoop Smart Apparel, such as speed tights, shorts, boxers and bralettes. 

“We encourage all members to order their complimentary Whoop device as part of our F45 Challenge and one-month free Whoop trial to better track their overall wellness goals, both during their in-studio workouts and the remaining 23 hours of the day,” said Tom Dowd, F45 CEO. “Join us starting Oct. 23 for a fitness challenge that is approachable for everyone across all fitness levels, with the F45 community rallying behind your every success.”

F45 voluntarily delisted from the New York Stock Exchange this summer to focus on long-term growth and strengthen its relationships with franchisees.

The post F45, Whoop Partner for Fitness Tracking Challenge, Free Products appeared first on Athletech News.

Whoop has launched Whoop Coach, an advanced generative AI feature that will fundamentally shift how individuals receive personalized health and fitness guidance. In a partnership with Open AI, the lab behind ChatGPT, Whoop Coach leverages GPT-4 technology to deliver highly personalized coaching on demand.

Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of Whoop, says the company has broken new ground for the wearables space. 

“There’s been a lot of hype about the promise of AI. Whoop Coach actually delivers on it,” Ahmed said. “With the launch of Whoop Coach, we’re now offering on-demand, personalized health and fitness coaching. This is the first of its kind and it will transform our members’ relationship with their data.”

The AI tool uses Whoop proprietary algorithms, a specially-designed machine learning model, the latest advancements in performance science and research, and a user’s unique biometric data to create a holistic understanding of their Whoop Recovery, Strain, Sleep, Health and Stress data. It can respond to member questions about a wide variety of health and wellness questions in over 50 different languages. 

The more a member shares on the Whoop platform, the more effective and precise Whoop Coach becomes. Members who meticulously track over 140 custom behaviors in their Whoop Journal, including diet and medication, gain access to highly personalized insights regarding how these behaviors impact their physiological metrics.

Members can ask Whoop Coach to provide custom-designed training plans, routines, recipes and recommendations that align with their goals. It can also answer more general questions, like “Why am I so tired today?” or “Am I about to get sick?”

“Integrating AI into the health and personal performance space can enable even more value from wearable technology,” said Brad Lightcap, chief operating officer of OpenAI and a Whoop member. “Whoop Coach is an exciting application of GPT-4, and we’re eager to learn from Whoop members on how our models are helping to unlock human performance.”

Whoop Coach is now available in the Whoop app. Members who wish to opt out of the feature can do so by accessing the “settings” section within their Whoop app.

The post Whoop Launches AI Health & Fitness Coach Using ChatGPT Tech appeared first on Athletech News.

Though it seems like just yesterday that wearables came on the health and wellness scene, activity trackers as we know them have been around since 2014, when users could first view their steps, walking speed, heart rates and sleeping patterns.

Wearables have evolved drastically in the last nine years, with more offerings than ever before. But where is the wearables industry going? Could wearables become more accepted and used by healthcare professionals to enhance and improve wellness? 

Consumers use wearables for varying purposes: getting fit, losing weight, and meeting–or beating–athletic goals. Increasingly, however, people are using wearables to monitor their health. New hardware, software and apps have allowed wearables to act more like personalized health clinics. Heart rate monitors are standard on most wearables, and some have FDA approval for detecting abnormalities like atrial fibrillation, a major cause of strokes. Wearables are also increasingly monitoring other metrics like blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). During the pandemic, consumers, not surprisingly, purchased more wearables than ever before. 

Today, wearables are taking on larger roles than just fitness and sleep tracking. Jason Russell, senior director of product at Oura, spoke about the ring’s value-add to healthcare in general. 

“The finger is the best place to capture heart rate data, allowing us to deliver state-of-the-art accuracy in our data and insights. Our superior wearing comfort and battery life means you can wear it 24/7, which makes it especially useful for understanding and improving your sleep,” Russell said. “This has allowed us to lead the wearable domain beyond tracking and towards a solution for managing your holistic health and well-being.” 

Russell added that through the insights and new features Oura provides, as well as the company’s many partnerships within the health space, he foresees the Oura Ring as a tool revolutionizing members’ ability to proactively manage their health on their own terms and, in turn, to reframe how they partner with their medical providers.

Whoop has also prioritized integrating overall health and well-being features. 

“I’m lucky to hear from Whoop members on a daily basis about how Whoop has improved their health,” said Will Ahmed, co-founder and CEO of Whoop. “Members have access to an incredible feature, called Health Monitor. Health Monitor provides members with a daily update on all of their metrics. Our members can send this report as a PDF right to their doctor or a medical professional.” 

Wearables companies are turning to research studies to leverage the vast quantities of data at their fingertips to influence the larger world of health and wellness. Apple has conducted several groundbreaking studies, including the Apple Women’s Health Study, the Apple Heart and Movement Study and the Apple Hearing Study. Users can download the Apple Research App from the App Store and join relevant studies to contribute to the field of medical research. 

Garmin is also leveraging its data to drive medical research.

“Our Garmin Health B2B team has supported over 500 research studies using wearables and smartwatches to help researchers better understand everything from sleep patterns in older populations and to manage diseases from diabetes to Parkinson’s,” said Scott Burgett, Garmin’s senior director of health engineering. “We work with insurers all over the world to leverage wearable tech to improve overall health and patient outcomes to reduce healthcare costs.” 

Burgett noted that a new area for Garmin is remote patient monitoring. 

“We are seeing promising results working with hospitals and care facilities that are leveraging wearable technology to remotely monitor patient’s activity levels and sleep patterns to ensure patients are responding well to their therapies and to rapidly intervene if a decline is observed,” he said.

With so many devices being launched, the market is becoming a bit saturated, presenting consumers with lots of choices to make when they set out to purchase a wearable. What differentiates some of the major players? 

The Oura Ring is known for emphasizing rest and recovery. 

“This resonates with the growing societal trend around taking a more comprehensive view of health and a greater emphasis on maintaining balance,” Russell said. 

For Garmin, it’s about peak performance and a full ecosystem of offerings. 

“Every Garmin watch is purpose-built for a specific customer base and also includes extensive health and wellness features powered by Firstbeat Analytics, so customers can enjoy science-backed insights to help them reach peak performance day in and day out,” said Burgett. “Another huge differentiator for Garmin is exceptional battery life. We measure battery life in weeks and sometimes even months thanks to solar charging.”

Whoop, meanwhile, has become increasingly popular in the weightlifting community. In spring 2023, the brand introduced its Strength Trainer, a new way to quantify the impact of your strength training. The feature quantifies both cardiovascular and muscular load for a comprehensive view of one’s training. Many other wearables are better for cardiovascular activities, as opposed to strength training. 

In addition, Whoop is a light wrist wearable without a watch face, which is less likely to interfere with one’s training. Similar to other wearables, Whoop measures sleep, recovery and daily effort to figure out how best to optimize one’s performance. It uses metrics like HRV and resting heart rate to determine a daily recovery score. It also uses blood oxygen levels, skin temperature and more to enhance health tracking. 

Community and metrics-sharing have also become increasingly relevant in the world of wearables. Garmin offers Garmin Connect, a free online community for users. Garmin Connect displays vital health data and entries for easy viewing. Users can compete against friends or family in step and distance challenges, create groups or cheer each other on with likes and comments. 

Apple Watch allows users to share their activity with family, friends, or even coaches. Users get notifications when others reach their goals, finish workouts and earn achievements. For now, the community features on many wearables are fairly simple. However, sharing data with medical providers, coaches, nutritionists, or other professionals has the potential to change the industry. 

For many users, accountability is one of the most challenging aspects of staying healthy and fit. Accountability can also have larger implications for health and wellness. 

Oura launched Circles earlier this year, where members can share high-level data, like “Readiness,” “Sleep” and “Activity” scores with friends and family who also use Oura Rings. 

One Oura Ring user shared his Oura Scores with friends. When he noticed the discrepancy between his resting heart rate (RHR) and those of his friends, he sought medical advice and learned of his atrial fibrillation. The discovery may have saved his life. 

Wearables only provide benefits if they’re used, however, and a Gartner study shows that up to 30% of consumers stop wearing their devices after six months.

Many consumers cite anxiety as one of the main reasons they abandon wearables, particularly in terms of their sleep. Others predict that media device fatigue has been deterring some consumers who have tired of constant technological tracking and evaluation. Others are annoyed that they need to frequently charge their devices, which might explain the popularity of Whoop and the Oura Ring, which require only weekly charging (as opposed to the Apple Watch, which requires charging daily or every few days). Whoop is the only wearable that can be charged while being worn. 

Whoop’s Ahmed said one of the product’s differentiating features is its specialized approach to health and fitness. 

“We are great at all the things we do for all the things we don’t do,” he said. “Whoop doesn’t have 100 apps. It doesn’t do push notifications or messages. It doesn’t have a high-resolution screen or microphone.  But when it comes to health monitoring, Whoop is the best game in town. We designed Whoop to never be taken off.”

The future of the wearables industry appears to be one of constant innovation to meet consumer needs. 

“One of the largest challenges today is getting wearables to be smaller and increasing battery life,” Ahmed said. “This will continue to be a challenge over the next five years too.” 

Due to the saturated nature of the wearables market, each major player needs to offer new features and higher accuracy to users.

“Bringing new health solutions to the market requires constant investment in innovation, new features, and pushing the needle on what can be achieved in a wearable,” noted Oura’s Russell. “We have an incredible research and development group that continues to push the boundaries here and we’re excited for the road ahead.”

The post The Future of Fitness Wearables: How Whoop, Oura, Garmin Are Innovating appeared first on Athletech News.

Step up your self-care gift game this summer with some of the best and most effective products in recovery, wellness, fitness and more. From high-tech sleep aids to relief kits to the best workout gear and equipment, you’re sure to find something for your loved ones or yourself.

All products featured on Athletech News are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission

Best for Recovery

Therabody SmartGoggles

Therabody’s SmartGoggles are perfect for moments of sleep, focus, and stress. Its SmartSense Technology is an exclusive biometric sensor that can lower one’s heart rate to a more relaxed state. If you spend all day staring at a screen, slip them on and use the SmartGoggles’ different modalities: vibration, massage, and heat. It also comes with TheraMind—a sound experience in the Therabody app. The product has a 150-minute battery life, depending on its mode. 

Dream Recovery Sleep Masks

The Dream Recovery Sleep Masks will elevate your sleep experience. The O.G. Performance Sleep Mask is constructed with 30 momme silk, the highest quality silk in the world. The mask is snug but not constraining, and stays put all night long. The brand’s 3D Performance Sleep Mask is similarly constructed with 30 momme silk but has a unique contour design that reduces pressure on one’s eyes. A downside of the masks is that they are pricier than many alternatives, but for those who prioritize high-quality silk and construction in sleep masks, Dream Recovery is a great option. 

Hatch Restore 

Hatch Restore allows you to sleep the way nature intended. It lulls you to bed with soothing sleep sounds and wakes you up with a gentle sunrise alarm. Sounds like “forest birds” bring you back to simpler times. Hatch Restore is also a bedtime light, with lights in colors like Lilac or Warm White to cue your body for bedtime. Its rest and rise buttons allow you to go phone-free, also promoting improved sleep health. 

Craniosacral Therapy + TMJ Massage

If you’ve never done Craniosacral Therapy before, you’re in for a treat. It is a gentle hands-on treatment that facilitates the body’s natural healing processes. The therapy supports a suspension of movement in the cerebrospinal fluid to promote vitality and health. Paired with an in-depth TMJ massage focused on the jaw, head, neck, and thoracic inlet, your body will feel balanced and thriving once more. Stillpoint Beauty, founded by a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, is one of the best locations in New York City for both services. 

Naboso Studio Socks

The Naboso Studio Socks are a great self-care gift that enhances mind-body practices, improves foot awareness, and promotes foot health. Whether you’re engaging in Pilates, barre, or any other workout, these socks enhance foot awareness, helping you maintain proper form and alignment. With their texture-meets-grip design, these socks provide neuro-stimulation, helping you connect to your foundation and improve balance. They’re perfect for workouts, foot recovery, and improving circulation. 

Whoop 4.0 + Apparel

The WHOOP 4.0 is truly the next generation of fitness tracking, particularly for weightlifters. It’s lightweight and lacks a screen, for a distraction-free tracking experience. In addition, while a ring wearable might get in the way of proper lifting, the WHOOP accurately tracks exertion during strength workouts without interference. WHOOP also offers apparel, which can conveniently fit the tracker if you don’t want to wear anything on your wrist. 

Best for Workouts

Boxing and Barbells Leather Boxing Gloves

Boxing and Barbell’s Leather Gloves are a new take on traditional boxing gloves, and provide more flexibility to seamlessly transition from boxing to other exercises. Unlike most boxing gloves, these are open in the hand, so you can lift weights without removing the gloves. One notable feature of the gloves is their additional wrist support through a Velcro strap. Additionally, the gloves are perfect for those with smaller hands. The leather feels high-quality and the style is on point—the Rose Gold gloves are a feminine take on a traditionally masculine sport. Sometimes, self-care is all about letting off some steam, so Boxing and Barbell’s Leather Gloves make a great gift.

MAÄT Leggings in TULA 

The MAÄT 1.0 Leggings are an innovative way to bring more support to the practice of yoga. Founded by Fiona Devaney, MAÄT was created out of a desire for more knee support. The leggings are moto-chic and sleek, with the extra knee padding blending into their design. The brand’s new TULA fabric is cozy enough for lounging around and is simultaneously a high-quality technical fabric for wicking away sweat. If you plan to cross-train in these leggings, they may not be the most seamless for biking or running, as the knee pads might feel restrictive. However, they are great for bodyweight exercises or cardio intervals combined with strength workouts. 

Barry’s Classes

One of the hottest studios of the moment, Barry’s has something for everyone. Barry’s offers gift cards that are the perfect way to hold yourself accountable to get into the studio. Depending on your location, Barry’s has its traditional RUN X LIFT classes, but also offers RIDE, its cycling experience, and LIFT, its strength-only offering.  If you prefer online offerings, Barry’s X is only $39.99 per month for unlimited access. Users have unlimited access to Live X Classes, Videos on Demand, and Previously Live content. 

Bala Bangles 

Bala Bangles add a comfortable amount of resistance to your workout and can be worn on wrists or ankles for athletic and recreational activities. They’re sleek and stylish and come in a variety of colors. The Bangles are perfect for Pilates, Barre, or other low-impact workouts. The one downside of the Bala Bangles is that their athletic elastic and hook and loop fasteners are not the highest quality—and sometimes get caught when one is strapping them on or removing the Bangles. 

WalkingPad R2 Walk&Run 2N1 Folding Treadmill

According to some doctors, sitting is the next big epidemic. A foldable treadmill is perfect under one’s desk or as a gym alternative. The treadmill’s speed ranges from 0 mph-3.7mph/hour for the walking range and 0.5-7.45mph for the running range.  It is also not so loud that Zoom calls are off the table—just pop in some AirPods. The KS Fit app displays one’s time, speed, steps, and calories burned. Its foot control feature can sense steps in walking range for intelligent speed control. 

Stryd

Stryd is a wearable device that clips onto your shoe and syncs up with your watch to help with pacing and intensity. The device alerts you when you’re running too fast or slow to help you reach the optimal pace. To use Stryd, runners open its app on a smartwatch, choose a target intensity or training plan, and then start their run. Next, runners begin their workout, speed up to the target intensity, and hold it for the duration of the lap. Stryd notifies runners about their need to speed up or slow down, particularly when encountering hills or wind. 

Lululemon The Workout Mat

Lululemon’s mats are the gold standard for all types of workouts. The Workout Mat has a grippy surface that can keep up with everything from yoga to HIIT workouts. Its textural design allows one to transition from burpees to squats without slipping. The mat is also sustainably sourced—its top layer was made using recycled PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral), which is a resin used in safety glass like windshields, that would otherwise end up in landfills. It is also sweatproof and stain resistant. The Workout Mat’s one downside is that it is heavier to carry around to classes than other alternatives, but it more than makes up for that in quality. 

CorePower Gift Card

CorePower is the perfect blend of strength and stretch and will get your heart pumping during its many workout variations. Gift cards can be for live or studio class packs, in-studio retail, or for an Intro Month payment towards a membership. CorePower has over 200 locations in 21 states, and virtual live streaming and video-on-demand classes that are physically intensive but grounded in yoga’s mindfulness. 

Vitruvian Trainer+

Vitruvian’s Trainer+ is an all-in-one home gym solution for fitness enthusiasts. It gives you a wide range of customizable strength, as it can generate resistance up to 440 pounds without all the bulky equipment. Its accompanying V app ensures that each of your moves is customized to target specific areas of the body and achieve your fitness goals. 

Best for Wellness

Papier Wellness Journal

Papier’s Wellness Journal is a daily wellness journal that helps you set intentions and reflect on meals, water intake, and sleep. The journal is beautifully designed with bright colors that will make you look forward to focusing on gratitude. 

Viome Full Body Intelligence Test

Viome presents a great self-care gift that combines innovation and personalization in the realm of preventative health. Through their user-friendly, at-home personalized tests, Viome enables individuals to gain invaluable insights into their dietary and nutrition needs, allowing them to make well-informed choices that can lead to increased energy levels, weight management, and improved digestion.

Athleticism’s Deep Sleep Grounding Bag 

The Grounding Bag has unique features, such as repelling EMF and harnessing the healing pulse of the earth through pink Tesla Crystals, making it a powerful tool for relaxation and rejuvenation. By simply placing the bag on or under your bed, you can experience deeper REM sleep and potentially enhance your dream experiences. The bag’s medicinal resonance and magnetic colloid crystals create a soothing environment that can recharge your body and mind. Additionally, the bag’s versatility allows it to work effectively on any surface, making it suitable for use in various settings such as homes or offices. Prioritizing self-care with this grounding bag can contribute to a restful night’s sleep and promote overall wellness, making it a top gift option.

Lululemon x Saje The Relief Kit 

The Relief Kit showcases Saje’s calming oils and creams but for a yoga-specific self-care gift. It comes with Yoga Oil Blend, which includes patchouli oil, orange oil and neroli oil, Yoga Mist, Yoga Body Butter, and a Massage Ball. The Massage Ball has small spikes that provide relief on areas like one’s thighs, back, shoulders, and feet, particularly when used in tandem with the Yoga Body Butter. The Yoga Oil is perfect to rub on your neck, wrists, and elbow creases before practice, and the Yoga Mist can be sprayed above your yoga mat to facilitate meditative states. 

Best of the Rest: Fashion, Food & More

Paravel Fold-Up Bag

The Paravel Fold-Up Bag is perfect for the gym, weekend trips, or as a backup piece of luggage you can bring along during your next trip. It is made of ultra-lightweight, water-resistant Negative Nylon, and folds up flat and zips into a tiny pouch. The tote can fit 3-5 days’ worth of clothes and 1-2 pairs of shoes. 

Barry’s X P.E. Nation Apparel Collaboration 

This summer, treat yourself or your loved ones to the PE Nation x Barry’s workout set. This collaboration brings together the expertise of Barry’s, known for their high-energy cardio and strength interval training, and P.E Nation, the popular active-streetwear brand. The three-piece collection offers a combination of style and functionality. Made with moisture-wicking and breathable fabric, this set ensures you stay comfortable and supported during your workouts. Don’t miss the PE Nation x Barry’s Dark Navy Sports Bra, available exclusively online at Barry’s and in studios nationwide. 

Splendid Spoon Subscription

With a focus on healthy, plant-based meals, Splendid Spoon provides a hassle-free solution for individuals looking to revamp their nutrition. Their subscription offers a variety of delicious and nutritionally balanced soups, smoothies, grain bowls, and wellness shots that are ready to enjoy with minimal preparation. Splendid Spoon works with chefs and registered dieticians to create meals that are healthy, balanced, and delicious. With over 65 nourishing, pre-made soup and grain bowls, noodle bowls, smoothies, and more, Splendid Spoon takes the guesswork out of meal planning. Every meal is at most a microwave away. It’s an ideal self-care gift if you’re looking for a sustainable approach to healthy eating. 

Alo x 01 Classic Sneaker

Alo’s x 01 Classic sneaker is a go-to style for everything from the court to the studio. It has high-rebound cushioning and ultra-light construction. As one of the hottest brands right now, particularly in athleisure, Alo’s new venture into the sneaker market is making a splash. They’re also unisex, which makes it the perfect gift for all. 

Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket

Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket is a weatherproof, all-season blanket that can go anywhere. It is made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials and uses a durable water repellent to provide protection from the elements. It’s perfect for hiking or other outdoor adventures and should keep you warm in 45-degree Fahrenheit and above weather. The company also provides a 100-night trial to allow you to test it out first.  

Solo Stove’s Mesa

Solo Stove’s Mesa tabletop fire pit allows you to easily ignite and enjoy a smokeless fire. It’s perfect for s’mores, additional warmth, or just an elevated aesthetic. The company offers a lifetime product warranty, so you can be assured that your Mesa will be around for the long haul. 

The post The 25 Best Self-Care Gifts of the Summer for Fitness & Wellness Fanatics appeared first on Athletech News.

Human performance company Whoop has opened a new global headquarters in Boston at One Kenmore Square, home to Fenway Park.

The 121,000-square-foot office boasts employee-friendly amenities with eight floors, offering panoramic views of Boston landmarks such as the Citgo Sign and Charles River.

It’s likely welcome news for Whoop staffers, as the wearable company conducted approximately 97 layoffs last July, citing challenges and economic uncertainty. 

The move marks another significant investment in the Boston area from Whoop CEO Will Ahmed, who founded the company in 2012 at Harvard Innovation Labs. The Harvard graduate now serves on the Harvard Medical School Board of Fellows, advising and providing counsel to the medical school’s senior administrators and faculty.

The human performance company says employees will enjoy a rooftop Whoop Cafe, lactation rooms and spaces to unwind and meditate. Whoop says such offerings to recharge align with its mission of helping humans focus on recovery and well-being.

Whoop recently became the first wearable to measure muscular load with its release of Strength Trainer, which uses an algorithm that calculates the amount of stress placed on the body (specifically the muscles, bones, joints and tissues.)

Whoop Labs, an innovation hub for the human performance company’s research and development, and its apparel and accessories studio are also included in the new office space, in addition to Whoop’s podcast recording studio.

“We’re proud to open our new global headquarters and begin our next chapter of growth in Boston’s most iconic neighborhood,” Ahmed said. “The headquarters speaks to our DNA, at the heart of Boston’s extraordinary sports scene, world-class health and medical institutions and elite universities.”

Whoop is looking to fill 30 open roles at its new headquarters, with opportunities in business intelligence and analytics, data science and research, hardware, marketing, membership services, product, software and talent. 

The company recently enlisted Michael Phelps, rock climber Alex Honnold, Whole30 co-founder and CEO Melissa Urban, entrepreneur Steven Bartlett and soccer star Virgil Van Dijk for a new ad campaign, “The Best Obsess.” 

The post Whoop Opens New Global HQ in Boston’s Iconic Kenmore Square appeared first on Athletech News.

Hyperice has received a $100 million-plus strategic growth capital facility investment from Atlas Credit Partners, an asset management firm specializing in partnering with medium-sized businesses.

The fast-growing wellness and recovery technology company offers a variety of products designed to relieve tension and promote optimal living, using tools like dynamic air compression, heat and massage wearables.

“This growth capital facility enhances our ability to develop and deliver cutting-edge products and technologies to optimize recovery and performance for people all around the globe,” said Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice. “The team at Atlas Credit Partners is world-class, and we are excited to work closely together to execute our growth plans and take recovery to the next level.” 

“This capital commitment provided by Atlas Credit Partners continues to reinforce how big and meaningful the recovery and wellness technology category has become, and the opportunity ahead,” Huether added in a statement provided to Athletech News. “Advancing performance and health through technology and innovation has been our Hyperice vision since day one, and we could not be more excited for the future.”

Huether, who took over as CEO in 2015, has led the recovery tech company to raise $48 million in Series A funding in 2020 and sign deals with notable athletes and leagues like the NBA and NFL. 

In a recent interview with Athletech News, Huether explained that Hyperice’s unique level of access to athletes and sports performance experts has allowed the wellness brand to “see around the corner” on product development, providing an edge.

“Many top athletes are investors in Hyperice and they work with us on product development and innovation, giving us amazing feedback,” Huether said. “Patrick Mahomes had the very first Hyperice X that we ever made. Erling Haaland is testing a new product for us right now that’s going to launch in 2024. We take those (athlete) learnings and apply them to our consumer products.”

Along with Mahomes, pro golfer Rory McIlroy, Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo, NHL player Connor McDavid, and NBA players Klay Thompson and Jayson Tatum have also invested in Hyperice. 

Hyperice has also launched partnerships with fitness brands including Equinox, Life Time and Xponential, aiding fitness enthusiasts in training recovery and overall wellness. The company recently added SweatHouz as a partner, where members of the infrared sauna studio will discover Hyperice’s recovery products in SweatHouz locations. 

At the beginning of the year, Hyperice partnered with Whoop, the human performance company, to educate fitness consumers about the value of recovery on their health and performance.

“We are excited to support the Hyperice team as they build on their previous successes and reach new heights,” said Drew Mallozzi, chief investment officer and managing partner at Atlas Credit Partners. “We are always looking for compelling companies ready to take the next step in their growth trajectory, and we look forward to seeing Hyperice achieve their goals this year and in the future.”

This story has been updated with additional comments from Jim Huether

The post Hyperice Secures $100M ‘Strategic Growth’ Facility appeared first on Athletech News.

Founded in 2011, Hyperice is one of the pioneers and leaders of the rapidly growing recovery space. The recovery technology company’s products can be seen on the sidelines of the biggest sports leagues in the world, in fitness facilities and wellness studios, and in the homes of athletes and everyday consumers alike. 

Hyperice CEO Jim Huether has been the driving force behind much of that growth since he took over in 2015. Under Huether’s stewardship, Hyperice raised $48 million in Series A funding in 2020 at a valuation of $700 million and has signed numerous deals with high-profile athletes and leagues including the NBA and NFL. 

At the same time, Hyperice has made fitness and wellness a priority. The brand has partnerships with some of the biggest fitness brands in the world, including Equinox, Life Time and Xponential, where its products are used to help members recover from their workouts and generally get more out of their wellness experience. 

Huether spoke with Athletech News about a range of topics, including how Hyperice has leveraged its relationships with top athletes, how its products can be used to help fitness facilities provide a better experience for their members and where the dynamic recovery space may be heading in the near future.

The following conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and brevity 

Athletech News: What’s been behind Hyperice’s impressive growth over the past decade?

Jim Huether: Our commitment to innovation is a differentiator for the company and is part of our ethos. By innovation, it’s not just that we work relentlessly to develop the best products. It’s also innovation around how we create new processes and how we approach strategic partnerships, like we have with the NBA, to bring them to life in a unique way. We define the word innovation within our organization as thinking outside the box, being ultra creative and trying to find interesting ways to bring our products and technologies to life for the everyday consumer.

Also, our relationships with some of the world’s best athletes, sports-performance experts and fitness experts have allowed us to see around the corner on product development. We have a unique level of access to training rooms and to some of the leading minds in the physio and sports performance space. Many top athletes are investors in Hyperice and they work with us on product development and innovation, giving us amazing feedback. Patrick Mahomes had the very first Hyperice X that we ever made. Erling Haaland is testing a new product for us right now that’s going to launch in 2024. We take those (athlete) learnings and apply them to our consumer products.

ATN: Hyperice is well-known for its roster of athlete investors and its partnerships with leagues like the NBA and NFL. Why has sports been a priority for the company?

JH: It started authentically because our founder, Anthony Katz, had a connection with Kobe Bryant, who helped popularize our first Hyperice device way back in the early stages of the company. So we’ve always had that relationship with the athlete. But as time went on, we learned that athletes can be a huge contributor to product development. Our model, where we bring on pro athletes to invest in the company, is also important. As opposed to traditional sponsorships where you pay the athlete, they take an equity interest in helping us grow, which incentivizes them to help drive awareness. 

The league deals gave us a lot of exposure and credibility early on as a company because you could see our products on the sidelines. People associate Venom technology, for example, with the NBA. We were able to use our partnerships with sports leagues and the associated media and TV exposure to amplify our message early on. 

ATN: How does Hyperie strike a balance between designing products for high-performance athletes compared to everyday consumers? 

JH: The mission of the company is to help everyone on Earth move and live better. We started out in sports performance, and we still address that market. Sports – pro, college and youth – represents about 7% of our total revenue. But the big opportunity is to help every human that moves. You’ll see different lines within our product mix. The Pro product generally has the most features and is meant for athletes. Our Go product line is for the everyday user who’s traveling or using Hyperice day-to-day as part of their lifestyle.

ATN: Hyperice is highly involved in the fitness space. How can gyms and studios use Hyperice products to better engage their members?

JH: We have strategic partnerships with some of the biggest names in fitness, including Xponential, Equinox, Life Time, LA Fitness, Crunch and UFC Gym. Hyperice products really elevate the (in-gym) experience. If you can recover faster, perform better and live a healthier lifestyle through the use of our technologies, you’re going to more thoroughly enjoy your experience at the gym. 

It also really helps with usage because when people feel like their bodies are fully recovered and fully healthy, they’re going to utilize the facilities more often, engage in more classes, engage in those classes more thoroughly and just generally enjoy their experience more. So Hyperice products are not just an added service that can generate revenue for the business and draw new people in as a differentiator, they also elevate everything else the gym or facility is offering. It’s very experiential but it’s very value-added. That’s one of the reasons we’ve seen such a big adoption in the fitness community.

ATN: Why did Hyperice partner with Whoop? What excites you about the relationship between wearables and recovery? 

JH: I’ve known Will Ahmed, the founder and CEO of Whoop, for around seven or eight years now. He a progressive, innovative mind, and Whoop has been relentless in its approach to disrupt the wearable technology market. They have such a good handle on data and what’s happening with the human body, and we have technologies that can improve the data and move the data in one direction or another. With Whoop, we’re tracking how our technologies impact sleep, performance and soon, longevity, which is a big value-add for the user. For example, if your recovery score is X and you slept this amount of hours and your body is fatigued because you had a three-mile run, using the Hypervolt or Normatec can improve your analytics around recovery and health. 

We also connect to the Apple Watch, Strava and Garmin. We’re working closely with those entities to provide the consumer with something interesting around data and technology. We have a technology called HyperSmart, which is an app that reads and interprets your personalized activity and recommends specific routines with our products based on your activity. If you ran three miles, your heart rate was X, you slept a certain amount of hours and you love tennis, HyperSmart will be able to provide you with a specific routine based on your analytics and, eventually, with a piece of content from your favorite tennis player.

ATN: Why did Hyperice decide to get involved in the mental wellness space with the acquisition of Core?

JH: We’ve had so many athletes and fitness experts tell us that mental recovery is just as important as physical and that they’re symbiotic. Rory McIlroy and Naomi Osaka, who are on our athlete roster as investors, are both big advocates for mental health. They felt Hyperice could do a good job in the mental wellness space. 

But we wanted to do it in an innovative way that was (true to) us. So we made the acquisition of Core in 2021 and brought it into the Hyperice ecosystem. Core has also introduced us to biometrics because it measures your heart rate and your body’s physiological response to meditation and breath training. So we’re now able to offer a holistic solution between mental and physical.

ATN: How do you see the recovery space evolving over the next 5-10 years?

JH: We’re in the very early stages. It’s an exciting space that is going to get very, very big. We love how the ecosystem is expanding. There’s a lot to do around data and biometrics, and recommendations on things you can do to improve your overall health. I also think corporate wellness is going to expand.

The emergence of recovery and wellness rooms and facilities is going to continue to grow to where they become the standard. You’re seeing leading fitness players now integrate recovery and wellness rooms into their facilities. So you’ll have add-on services, some of them paid, some of them free as value-adds. I think we’re going to see tens of thousands of recovery rooms and services throughout the world. We’re starting to see some expansion in the European markets now around recovery rooms. It’s going to be fun.

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When Moawia Eldeeb started Tempo nearly a decade ago, his goal was to build the world’s best personal trainer using artificial intelligence (AI).

The smart home gym company may have already reached that goal, releasing a set of new features that leverage biometric data, body composition information and 3D cameras to create workout plans that are personalized for each individual and adaptable over time. 

“We’ve built a training experience that surpasses what any human being can offer,” Eldeeb tells Athletech News. “We’ve been Beta testing it for a month and the results have been fantastic. Now we’re launching it to the world.”

Starting Tuesday, Tempo will look at data including sleep quality, fitness activity and heart rate to calculate a “Readiness Score” for users each day. Using the score, Tempo’s AI system will provide a unique daily workout for each user designed to create optimal strength-training results. 

“Every day, you get a training plan that’s designed for you and your body,” Eldeeb explains. “And every day, it’s checking in on your body and readjusting the training plan to create the optimal workout for you that day.”

Tempo’s Plan to Change Fitness

Eldeeb, Tempo’s co-founder and CEO, created the company to democratize access to high-quality personal training using technology. The smart home gym system is built around strength training and uses AI and 3D cameras to help people lift weights with proper form.

From the consumer’s perspective, the Tempo system is pretty simple: users receive a set of smart weights – some combination of dumbbells and a barbell depending on the package they choose – that are tracked by AI-powered sensors. The sensors track the way your body moves during various exercises, allowing Tempo to deliver real-time feedback on form.

After years of collecting workout data, Tempo launched its first product in 2020, the Studio, which retailed for over $2,000 but currently sells for $1,695. In 2021, the company received $220 million in Series C funding to help it scale. That same year, Tempo introduced Move for $395, giving users a lower-priced option. The next year, it released an even cheaper product, Core, which currently sells for just $245.

During that time, the smart home gym company has been hard at work refining its tech and conjuring up new and exciting ways to use the millions of data points it collects on users and their workouts. 

The result is Tuesday’s announcement, which the company boldly proclaims will “redefine connected fitness” by offering the first truly individualized personal training experience. 

In-Workout Customization

In addition to providing individually tailored daily workouts, Tempo will also adjust and optimize routines in-workout based on biometric data it pulls from wearables like Apple Watch or Whoop and the information it collects from its 3D cameras.

During a workout, Tempo can adjust and optimize weight, reps and rest time based on biometric data and performance. 

For example, Tempo tracks your heart rate and prescribes the optimal amount of rest time in between sets. Eldeeb notes heart rate zone 1, which is between 50-60% of HR max, is ideal for weight lifting, so Tempo ensures you’re in that range before your next set begins. 

Tempo also adjusts the amount of weight you’re asked to lift based on performance. If you’re moving the barbell or dumbbells too fast during a set, the system will prompt you to increase the weight. As a final fail-safe, the system asks users to input the amount of “reps in reserve,” or reps they had left in the tank during a set. Tempo uses that information in conjunction with other data to optimize reps and weight.

As part of its new rollout, Tempo also introduced expanded range-of-motion tracking and exercise recognition. Using 3D camera technology, the Tempo system now tracks range of motion for lower and upper body movements to ensure you’re lifting the right amount of weight with the proper form. 

“If you’re doing a squat, it will show you in real-time how deep you’re going to make sure you go below your knees,” Eldeeb explains.

Progress Makes Perfect

In the same spirit of hyper-personalization, Tempo now provides users with a level of information about their body composition that usually requires a trip to the lab and a hefty bill to obtain.  

When logging into the Tempo app for the first time, the system gives users the option of doing a body-composition scan. Using the iPhone’s camera, Tempo takes 150 photos of your body in 10 seconds. With the magic of AI, the app returns metrics including body fat percentage, lean muscle mass and the circumference of muscles like biceps and quads. 

That information allows Tempo to create training plans that are bespoke to users’ body measurements. It also allows the AI to learn which exercises are the most effective for individual users. 

“Tempo can learn which exercises are actually getting you bigger arms or bigger shoulders, because we know everything you’re doing,” Eldeeb explains. 

Another important byproduct of the body-composition information: people can see the progress they’re making while using Tempo.

“On a scale, you might not see the number go down after one month, but you’ve actually gained a pound of lean mass and your body fat percentage went down slightly,” Eldeeb explains. “These things are super motivating to people. It shows that you’re getting ROI from your workout.”

It’s why Tempo now feels comfortable guaranteeing users will see progress if they follow Tempo’s workouts for one month.  

“If you start with us on week one, we are confident that by week four, you will see and feel progress,” Eldeeb says. 

The Future of AI and Fitness

The new rollout has the team at Tempo feeling understandably confident that they’ve built the best connected fitness product on the market. They also believe they’re leading the way when it comes to using AI to help people achieve their fitness goals.

“We’ve already done a lot of what would have been hoped for and expected of AI and tech in fitness,” Eldeeb says of Tempo’s current feature set. “This just brought it all together.”

There’s still room for improvement, the Tempo co-founder is quick to point out. He says the company will take the next several months to fine-tune and tweak the new features it’s rolling out to make them even better. 

After that, Eldeeb says Tempo still has work to do on the motivation front. Part of his mission with Tempo is to get as many people to reap the benefits of strength training as possible. 

To motivate users, Tempo could look to add more social features or even connect users with accountability partners who can train together and motivate each other to work out. 

The smart home gym company also may look into ways it can use AI to create training plans that help people train for specific performance goals.

At the end of the day, Eldeeb believes Tempo stands out from other connected fitness companies because it’s dedicated to solving a problem that actually exists in the fitness world. 

“Everyone’s so busy chasing content, but they’re not solving problems that are actually getting in the way of people’s fitness,” he says. “I think we’re focused on the right things, building an incredible training product and then figuring out how to keep people motivated to train.”

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