Barry’s has promoted Jonathan (JJ) Gantt to co-CEO to serve alongside Joey Gonzalez as the popular boutique fitness brand eyes domestic and international growth.

Gonzalez and Gantt will work collaboratively on strategic initiatives to drive growth. Gantt has been at Barry’s since 2018, first as chief financial officer and later as president. Barry’s characterizes the pair as a true “left brain/right brain” partnership, each leaning into their functions and departments of expertise  

“Over the past 6 years, JJ has been my partner through tremendous growth and through the survival of a global pandemic,” Gonzalez said. “Together, we invested in the systems and infrastructure to prepare us to emerge stronger than ever. I’m beyond excited to formalize this partnership with his new Co-CEO role and to continue professionalizing the business, while maintaining its entrepreneurial spirit and brand equity.”

Before joining the Barry’s corporate team in 2018, Gantt was first introduced to the HIIT brand as a client.

“Nearly a decade ago, I walked into the Barry’s Chelsea studio looking for the Best Workout in the World. Not only did I find what I was searching for, I also found a global fitness community that inspires me every day,” Gantt said. “I am incredibly excited to continue to partner with Joey and the entire Barry’s team in the pursuit of our vision to transform lives worldwide. See you in the Red Room!”

Barry’s also had a recent executive departure: Jenna Hauca, Barry’s vice president of digital, left the brand to take the chief marketing officer role at CrossFit. Hauca spent more than five years at Barry’s, where she led global marketing, and formerly worked at Generator Media + Analytics in New York. 

Domestic & International Expansion

Barry’s has been focusing on expansion. At the beginning of this year, the company operated 84 studios across 14 countries and recently announced additional studio locations in Israel, Bahrain, Barcelona, and Egypt. It’s also developing new territories in the Middle East, including the UAE, which has three operating studios, Qatar, Kuwait and Lebanon. 

In an interview with Athletech News last year, Gonzalez stated that he believed Barry’s could quadruple its current studio footprint in the U.S. before 2030, which would put it at around 200 domestic studios.

That expansion includes areas like Scottsdale, Arizona, which is likely indicative of Barry’s plans to branch out and open more studios outside of major U.S. markets.

Partnering With Top Brands

Barry’s has also been focusing its efforts on new partnerships. Starting this week, Barry’s and Oatly partnered to bring the beverage brand’s Unsweetened Oatmilk to Fuel Bar menus in Barry’s studios nationwide.

The oatmilk will be featured in a post-workout shake on Fuel Bar menus, called “That Shake with Oatly In It.” Barry’s members are invited to join weekly themed Oatly classes at all U.S. studios on Monday, March 25^th, where they will be rewarded with a complimentary post-class smoothie. The partnership began on Monday, March 18, and runs until April 22. 

The brand also recently added Ouai Haircare as its newest wellness partner. Ouai’s hair and body products are available in Barry’s locker rooms nationwide. This past fall, the fitness company partnered with Factor, a prepared meal delivery service, and Therabody to feature its recovery products in all U.S. fitness studios.

The post Barry’s Pivots to Co-CEO Model Amid Global Expansion appeared first on Athletech News.

Blueshift Nutrition, which offers a full line of nutritional supplements delivered in drink form, is extending its outreach, agreeing to a deal to place its products across Xponential Fitness’ family of nine boutique fitness brands. This includes Club Pilates, CycleBar, YogaSix, Row House, Pure Barre, Rumble Boxing, BFT, StretchLab and AKT locations.

Blueshift’s Superblend drinks will headline these offerings. Superblends combine superfoods with science-backed nutrients in liquid form via dissolvable pods, which Blueshift says overcomes the limitations of nutritional pills or gummies.

According to Blueshift, Superblend flavors vary and are less sweet than typical sports nutrition and wellness products, giving them a “craft mocktail” taste. The drinks also have no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. They break down into 12 different categories, focusing on elements such as immunity, digestion and gut health, bone and joint health, alcohol detox and liver support, women’s health and beauty from within, just to name a few. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Xponential to bring our Superblends to their diverse community of fitness enthusiasts in the United States,” said Paal Gisholt, CEO of Blueshift Nutrition. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to promote peak performance and healthy aging while making supplements easy and enjoyable to take.”

Delicious Living magazine recently awarded the Blueshift supplement line seven consumer and retailer favorite awards — the most of any supplement or functional beverage brand. Winners included Blueshift Electrolyte as Favorite Sports Nutrition Product, Blueshift Turmeric as Best New Supplement and Blueshift Sleep as Favorite Functional Beverage.

Xponential’s partnership with Blueshift comes as other boutique fitness brands have done similar nutrition-focused collaborations.

Ascent Protein recently agreed to a deal with Orangetheory Fitness to put its protein powders in OTF studio locations. Barry’s also has a partnership with Factor to place the brand’s ready-made meals in its studios nationwide.

The post Xponential Adds Blueshift Nutrition Drinks Across Boutique Fitness Brands appeared first on Athletech News.

Digitalization and artificial intelligence are forging a new frontier for the fitness industry, as demonstrated by numerous exhibitors and sponsors at IHRSA 2024 in Los Angeles.

Although the promises of AI and technology can drive business, one thing is clear: The fitness and wellness industry may warmly adopt the advancements but brands are still maintaining a focus on consumers and community wherever possible.

Technogym Creates an AI-Powered Wellness Journey

Technogym, one of the leading brands offering a complete ecosystem of health and wellness, has seen how leveraging AI can net positive results. The Italian fitness giant sees great promise in using data to define cohorts based on activity interest. The result? Hyper personalization and the ability to refine marketing targets, saving time and resulting in consumer satisfaction.

Francesco Arlotti, Technogym’s head of digital solutions, stressed the importance of an ecosystem that offers value to fitness and wellness seekers that goes beyond mere access to a digital platform. Instead, he points out that it must take consumers on a journey.

“If we want to increase the value of what we offer, we have to follow a different route,” Arlotti said.

The brand just debuted its most comprehensive AI-powered fitness assessment and customer engagement tool — Technogym Checkup. 

Technogym’s data-driven capabilities can give operators rich insights that can group club users based on workout preferences, habits and even activity patterns, offering an opportunity to refine upselling, drive community with friendly competitions in the form of challenges or even create new classes. 

Barry’s Drives Community via Apps & Pop-Ups

As one of the OG’s of HIIT–based fitness, Barry’s is growing across the globe and expanding its modalities. Best known for its famed Red Room, the fitness brand has developed a loyal following over the years and has been open to change, rebranding its name and vibe.

Never afraid to break the rules, Barry’s has taken a unique approach to digitalization with not one but two apps: the newer Barry’s X, a proprietary platform to take, book classes and access the FitFam social network, and its original app that presents a one-stop shop “for all things in-studio.”

Jenna Hauca, Barry’s senior vice president of marketing and digital, says Barry’s continues to deliver community-driven experiences and plans to reflect that same approach with additional features on its app as it evolves. 

“For us, community is really the guiding principle of most of the decisions we make, digitally and in person,” Hauca said.

Keeping a focus on in-person and community experiences has led to a robust number of members showing up to Barry’s, funneling in from advertised in-person fitness challenges, where members are encouraged to attend as many in-studio classes as they can in a specific time frame. In addition to driving people to classes, it’s also led to Barry’s members encouraging one another, in person and in the brand’s FitFam space. 

With the launch of Ride, the brand has expanded its “welcome mat” to a new audience, Charlie Meredith, Barry’s chief curriculum lead, has told Athletech News. Barry’s is also exploring additional pop-ups this year, continuing to connect with its community and attracting new members in “non-traditional” locations.

The post IHRSA 2024: Fitness Brands Balance AI & Community 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

ClassPass was founded in 2013 by Payal Kadakia and Mary Biggins and has since shaken up the fitness and wellness industry. Acquired by Mindbody in 2021, the subscription service allows users to book classes and experiences at thousands of studios, gyms, salons, and spas using credits. 

Classes are available in more than 2,500 cities worldwide, and the service also comes with over 4,000 on-demand workouts. 

Now that in-person workouts are back and seemingly bigger than ever, Athletech News decided to give ClassPass a try.

Pros 

For those who appreciate variety, ClassPass certainly delivers. It not only offers mainstream, nationwide studio brands like Barry’s, Solidcore, and SoulCycle, but local establishments as well. The service is best for those who want to step outside their usual routine to try out more health and wellness businesses in their area. One of the best parts of using the app was getting to try all the studios in my area that I had long overlooked.  

Each class or service is a listed number of credits, which depends on the time of day, user demand, and the number of times a user has visited.  Membership costs range from as little as 6 credits to as many as 100 credits per month, which ranges from around $20-$200. Users can browse classes by credits, and many studios have a “first-timers” deal, so trying out different workouts and services is encouraged. 

I found the process of hunting for deals enjoyable. If you have flexibility around timing, ClassPass could be a great fit, as credits go a lot further during “off-hour” workouts. There were also limited-time deals that provided great value. For example, some studios or services had a limited-time discount. ClassPass is also great for travelers, as it works in most major cities, so users can maintain their workout routine on the road. 

The service also limits the number of workouts you can do at certain studios, which forces variety. Class reviews were moderately helpful for finding new spots, but most of the reviews were very positive: I was hard-pressed to find an overall studio rating under 4.7/5. There were also no written reviews, which could be a good value-add for the platform. Adding friends on the service also allows users to see where their connections are going for inspiration, which I also found to be a fun way to align workout schedules. 

ClassPass also offers beauty and wellness services, which are easy to book. It requires a user request to book a service for a specific time, which the business then approves. My approvals were quick, generally just several hours, and I liked that I could make a reservation digitally even at small businesses. 

Cons

Many of the downsides of ClassPass are area- and preference-dependent. For example, class credit costs unsurprisingly vary a lot by area. A class in New York will likely be more expensive than one in Washington D.C. or Boston. Convenience also obviously varies by location; for example, in certain parts of New York City, there are very few businesses available on ClassPass, but in others, there is one on every block. 

Most of the “hidden gem” classes are around 3-4 credits in bigger cities, larger studios are 5-10 credits, and popular workouts like Solidcore, SoulCycle, and CorePower Yoga are 10-14+ credits. The popular studios also book up quickly in some areas.

One downside of the service is that the number of credits a user can roll over month to month is dependent on membership tier. For example, if you buy 18 credits per month, you can only roll over 18 credits. For those hoping to save up credits for a larger service like a massage, that might not be possible if you have a lower-credit membership. Adding credits is possible but might not make sense financially depending on the desired service.

Lastly, although this is typical in the world of workout studios, cancellation fees are high. This provides built-in accountability, but also might not be best for those who have variable schedules. 

Final Thoughts 

Overall, ClassPass is a great service that will add variety to your workout and wellness routines. For those with flexible schedules, credits will likely go further, but it can drive value for all users who have enough participating businesses in their area. 

Read more ATN Product Reviews here.

The post Product of the Week: ClassPass Offers Fitness Variety, Flexibility appeared first on Athletech News.

Ouai, the haircare and lifestyle brand founded by Jen Atkin, has forged an exclusive amenities partnership with Barry’s. The two-year tie-up will bring a collection of Ouai product offerings to Barry’s studios across the United States.

Beginning February 22^nd, members of the Barry’s community will have access to Ouai’s bestselling products, like the Detox Shampoo, Body Cleanser, and Medium Condition. The brand will also supply hand wash and hand lotion at Barry’s studios. For the partnership, Ouai also created its first Detox Face Cleanser made with glycolic acid to cleanse and exfoliate. 

“We love looking for new OUAIs (ways) for people to experience the brand, and getting into locker rooms felt perfect because it’s a time when people really luxuriate in feeling clean,” said Hannah Beals, chief brand officer at Oaui. “Barry’s is the ultimate fitness destination, and the perfect partner for us with an equally hyper-engaged community and premium brand experience.”

Some of the featured fragrances in the partnership include Dean Street, a blend of citrus fruits, magnolia, and amber, as well as Melrose Place, with rose, bergamot and lychee.

The Oaui products will be featured in Barry’s studios including upcoming openings across the country like Scottsdale, Arizona, Studio City, California, Newport Beach, California, and the brand’s new flagship studio in West Hollywood, where Barry’s first West Coast Ride x Lift studio space will be located.

“Given our commitment to sustainability as well as our desire to provide clients with the cleanest and most premium products, we’re confident that this partnership with Oaui will deliver on these brand promises,” said Joey Gonzalez, the Global CEO of Barry’s, noting that Atkin, who is also a Barry’s client, first introduced him to the haircare and lifestyle brand’s products.

“I can’t wait for Barry’s clients to experience these high-quality products and enjoy the best shower straight after the best workout in the world,” Gonzalez added.

Barry’s Invests in Premium Wellness

The tie-up with Ouai is far from Barry’s first partnership in the wellness space. This past fall, the fitness company partnered with Factor, a prepared meal delivery service, on a campaign called “Power Your Potential.” Barry’s members could also participate in Factor-themed classes and sign up for personalized nutrition sessions with Factor dieticians.

Barry’s also partnered with Therabody last year to put recovery stations featuring the Theragun Pro and Wave Roller devices in all of its U.S. fitness studios. Nocco also partnered with Barry’s earlier this year. The sugar-free and low-calorie beverages are available for sale in Barry’s studios nationwide. 

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Barry’s is already making good on its big plans for 2024, with the iconic HIIT brand expanding its Ride x Lift class format to its flagship location in West Hollywood and opening new domestic and global locations, including in Barcelona, Bahrain and Kuwait. 

Previously exclusive to Barry’s Chelsea location in New York City, Ride x Lift swaps the brand’s signature treadmill for an indoor cycling bike, combining strength training with lower-impact cardio. After an enthusiastic response from members during the 2020 pop-up held in LA and at the New York studio, Ride x Lift is now a permanent fixture in Los Angeles. 

“Barry’s Ride is perfect for the user who prefers low-impact cardio combined with the true strength training programming for which we are known. Our vision statement is to ‘transform lives worldwide’ and we believe that broadening our offering to be more inclusive helps us achieve this objective on a larger scale,” Joey Gonzalez, Barry’s Global CEO, told Athletech News. “Since our first Ride pop-ups in early 2020, to the launch of our first permanent studio (class) in Chelsea NYC in the fall of 2022, the demand for Ride has grown on an international level, and our plans for expansion this year include cities in the U.S. and overseas.” 

Targeting New Members

The Ride x Lift class is 50 minutes, similar to other Barry’s offerings, and has over 15 bikes and floor setups. The band’s West Hollywood flagship location includes a Fuel Bar, upgraded amenities and retail options. 

“Ride has expanded our ‘welcome mat’ to a whole new audience.  Some people who are afraid to run have joined our community; running intensely can put stress on the body, cycling is low impact and is less of a barrier to entry,” Charlie Meredith, Ride chief curriculum lead, told ATN. “Lastly, Ride is a really fun time. We ride to the beat of the music, something we don’t get to do in the tread class.  It’s a vibe, but still kicks your ass.” 

The Ride x Lift classes are slated to begin in early February, and class prices begin at $34, with introductory offers like the Ride Start 3-Pack for $65. Barry’s could bring Ride x Life to new locations in 2024.

“Without the constraints of treadmills, modalities like Ride and Lift open up the doors to a lot of different opportunities to connect with our community in non-traditional locations,” Gonzalez said. “We’re exploring additional locations for pop-ups for 2024.”

International & Domestic Expansion

Barry’s 2024 expansion plans are also just getting started, with new international and domestic locations planned this year. Barry’s recently announced that it will be opening its newest global studio location in Barcelona, with a planned opening of April 2024. That’s the first of a five-studio agreement for Iberia with the company’s partners, who are also evaluating viable studio spaces in Madrid and Lisbon. 

The news comes soon after Barry’s announced additional studio locations in Israel, Bahrain and Egypt. The first Bahrain studio opened in the Al-Liwan Mall this month and in Israel, the first studio will open in Tel Aviv. The brand is also developing new territories in the Middle East, including the UAE, which has three operating studios, Qatar, which is currently operating one, Kuwait, and Lebanon.

Barry’s currently operates 84 studios across 14 countries. Other international locations include London, Norway, Milan, Singapore, and more. Additional U.S. locations are also planned for later this year, including Scottsdale, Arizona, and Santa Monica, Newport Beach and Studio City in the LA market, among others.

Scottsdale, a town of around 241,000 near Phoenix, could be demonstrative of Barry’s plans to expand into smaller cities. The brand experienced a significant increase in revenue in 2023, which positions it well for new locations coming out of the pandemic.

“Based on the whitespace proof we have in the market now, I could see us reaching 200 U.S. locations in the next five years or so,” Gonzalez told ATN last summer. 

This article has been updated.

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Feed.fm, a unified music system used by leading digital fitness apps to curate, stream and track music for fitness consumers, has released its 2023 workout music report, providing key insights on the music fitness enthusiasts desire as the soundtrack to their workouts. 

The music licensing solution company, which streams over 750 million song players per year to millions of fitness app users, examined the top-streamed artists, songs and genres to identify workout music trends.

Here’s what Feed.fm found:

Top 10 Streamed Songs of the Year

Danceable pop made its mark on Feed.fm’s most-streamed songs of 2023, and as the top ten list reveals, talented cross-collaborations blending new and old resonated with listeners. 

David Guetta and Bebe Rexha’s “I’m Good (Blue)” landed in the number one spot, with the top track kicking it on back with the remix of 1998’s “Blue” by Eiffel 65, pleasing the ears of both young and older fitness enthusiasts. 

Similarly, “Hold My Closer,” which draws upon inspiration from Elton John’s 1971 hit “Tiny Dancer,” was given new life with the help of Britney Spears.

The Power of Pop & Feel-Good Music

In spite of inflationary concerns, fitness app users were looking to escape into a blissful workout world with positive, upbeat and dance-driven pop in 2023. However, pop music is showing some changes, drawing influence from electronic dance music (EDM), a shift from 2022’s hip-hop infusion into the pop genre.

Latin artists also had a significant impact on pop music this year, with Feed.fm reporting a 3x increase in Spanish-language and Latin-music stations. 

“We are at peak Latin this year, fully realizing the acceptance of the Latin culture in the US. With the popularity of Peso Pluma, Becky G, and countless others, the consumption of Latin music isn’t going anywhere. We may start to see the focus shift from the Caribbean to South America,” said Juan Hernandez-Cruz, Sr., sales curator at Feed.fm.

Female Artists Reign Supreme for Fitness Enthusiasts

Female artists dominated Feed.fm’s cumulative plays for 2023, with hit makers Beyonce, Taylor and Meghan Trainor leading the way. Women also led the way with the top three spots of most-streamed new releases (Shakira & Bizarrap’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” Miley Cyrus and Ellie Goulding’s “Like A Saviour.”)

Hip Hop’s Timeless Hits Lead the Throwback Genre

While the pop genre is still the leading music preference for fitness consumers, they also tended to enjoy the hits of yesteryear, reports Feed.fm — and throwback stations are almost entirely hip-hop based, according to the report.

50 Cent, Ja Rule and even the entertaining rhymes of Skee-Lo were fan favorites in 2023, marking the 50th year of hip–hop.

“Hip-hop has transported from the specific neighborhoods that birthed this music to the global stage, while communicating powerfully about the individual, often marginalized experiences of its creators,” said Eric “Stens” Stensvaag, director of curation at Feed.fm. “Streaming represents a partial return to the singles-oriented culture of hip-hop’s origins, with playlists extending the hip-hop mixtape tradition. Hip-hop’s vitality draws from the streets and from young people, for whom streaming offers unbeatable value combined with optimal access.” 

2023 Saw Emerging Music Genres 

Make way for Afrobeats, says Feed.fm. The end-to-end music solution for digital fitness apps says the success of “Calm Down,” a hit from Rema and Selena Gomez, shows the growing popularity of Afrobeats artists.

“Let’s be clear: this was Taylor’s year,” said Stensvaag. “That said, seeing an increased variety of charting music—more country, Afrobeats & K-pop, & an explosion of reggaeton & regional Mexican music—has been exciting.”

Leading Fitness Brands Fueled by Feed.fm See Results

Curated music experiences generate longer workouts, says Feed.fm. The report revealed Ergatta users row 5.5 times longer on average when listening to Feed.fm’s custom music stations. 

This fall, global fitness brand Barry’s launched Barry’s X Radio, powered by Feed.fm, so live and on-demand class members can enjoy hits during their HIIT workouts.

“Since 1998, music has played an integral role in Barry’s signature immersive fitness experience known as ‘The Best Workout in the World,’” Joey Gonzalez, Barry’s CEO, said of that collaboration. “Feed.fm has not only provided our clients with more control over their music and playlists, it has also unlocked our growth potential, allowing us to scale Barry’s X globally.”

Feed.fm’s 2023 music report can be viewed in full here.

The post The Top Workout Songs of 2023, According to Feed.fm 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.

Global fitness brand Barry’s has launched Barry’s X Radio, a streaming music experience powered by Feed.fm, bringing popular music across a variety of genres to its live and on-demand classes so members can tap into the high-energy fitness experience for which Barry’s is known.  

Aside from infusing great tunes into its workouts, the deal with the music licensing solution provider offers the potential for scalability. While currently only available in the U.S., Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez said the partnership with Feed.fm will soon allow the fitness brand to expand the Barry’s X experience to users outside the U.S.

“Since 1998, music has played an integral role in Barry’s signature immersive fitness experience known as ‘The Best Workout in the World,’” Gonzalez said. “Feed.fm has not only provided our clients with more control over their music and playlists, it has also unlocked our growth potential, allowing us to scale Barry’s X globally.”

For now, Barry’s X Radio offers four stations: Top 40, Pop/Hip Hop Throwbacks and Dance/Remix, but the streaming music experience plans to add more stations in the future.

Born out of necessity, Barry’s X was first launched as “Barry’s at Home” in 2020 after Gonzalez led an Instagram live workout during the pandemic. The live session attracted over 20,000 viewers, leading to the inception of Barry’s at Home so fans could stay connected while studios were closed

Music & More: Barry’s Eyes Member Engagement

Barry’s deal with Feed.fm gives the fitness brand a competitive advantage and shows its commitment to member engagement.

“All companies are struggling with generating and keeping consumer attention right now,” points out Lauren Pufpaf, Feed.fm co-founder and COO. 

While almost 40,000 apps are released in the Apple app store each month, Pufpaf says retention rates after 90 days are less than two percent, underscoring the importance of providing an incredible user experience.

“We know that music is a key ingredient for creating engaging experiences – especially in the fitness space,” she added. “Our own data shows that when popular music is integrated into a digital product, session lengths are 3.2x longer and users are 2x as likely to return and work out over a 90-day period. Music isn’t just a tool for in-session engagement, but a strategy for building long-term customer retention. Barry’s recognizes this as well and we’re so excited to partner with them to fuel sustainable growth.” 

In another bid for member engagement, Barry’s has made a move to ensure its fitness instructors deliver the best experience for members. The fitness brand added FitGrid software in all 45 U.S. studio locations to collect client feedback, using the data to enhance instructor performance, identify churn risks and ensure an engaging workout experience. 

Barry’s has also added recovery and rejuvenation options for its hardworking fitness devotees, teaming up with wellness tech company Therabody earlier this year. The partnership has resulted in recovery stations featuring Theragun PRO and WaveRoller devices. in all of Barry’s U.S. studios.

The post Barry’s Launches Streaming Music Service Through Feed.fm appeared first on Athletech News.

Barry’s, the OG of high-intensity interval workouts, is leaning into the ultimate level of member feedback to hit its business goals and drive client retention, incorporating FitGrid software in all 45 of its studio locations in the U.S.

Through FitGrid’s community engagement platform, Barry’s will gather valuable client feedback on its fitness instructors. It will use the data to enhance instructor performance, identify churn risks and ensure an engaging workout experience for its members. 

Barry’s has been piloting FitGrid’s software in several U.S. studios over the last few months.

“The feedback FitGrid has collected from our clients has proven incredibly helpful in enhancing our client experience, allowing us to support our team with targeted training and development, and delivering the best workout in the world,” said Steve Padis, senior vice president of strategy and finance at Barry’s.

Ntiedo Etuk, founder and CEO of FitGrid, commented that the software company is excited to work with Barry’s. 

“We have always said ‘fitness is about the people,'” Etuk said. “The relationships clients, instructors and staff make with one another determine not only a studio’s retention but also how able it is to attract new people. Barry’s gets that.”

The Barry’s Difference

Barry’s workouts have garnered a cult (and celeb) following, complemented by its famed instructors, who play an integral role in the Barry’s experience. It’s an area that the fitness brand takes seriously, carefully selecting fitness trainers with talent and charisma. Derek Degrazio, partner and lead master trainer at Barry’s Miami, told Self in 2015 that becoming a Barry’s instructor can be transformative — provided they pass an audition.

“Here is what can happen,” he told the publication. “You become a celebrity trainer by brand affiliation. You become a local celebrity. Your life changes. Dreams can come true. You become a rock star.”

Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez started with the brand as an instructor himself, recently telling Athletech News, “There’s this entertainer aspect that you have to bring to the Barry’s experience — we call it the ‘enter-trainer.'”

Along with ensuring that its instructors continue to provide the best experience for Barry’s members, the brand has also been churning out special member-focused perks as Barry’s looks to quadruple its studio footprint by 2030.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the fitness brand partnered with Factor, a fresh meal delivery service, to give members access to custom, prepared meals. Earlier this year, Barry’s paired with Therabody, offering recovery stations featuring the wellness tech brand’s Theragun PRO and WaveRoller devices in all of its U.S. fitness studios. 

The post Barry’s Rolls Out FitGrid Software at Studios Nationwide appeared first on Athletech News.

Vuori, the California-based premium activewear brand, is in talks with investment bankers for a potential IPO in 2024, according to a report from Bloomberg News. The brand achieved a $4 billion valuation with a $400 million investment from SoftBank Vision Fund 2 in 2021. This was followed by a $45 million investment from Norwest Venture Partners in 2019. 

Vuori has been steadily operating under the radar and has been quietly rivaling Lululemon, its closest competitor in the premium activewear apparel space; however, its unicorn status and recent news of a potential IPO have drawn attention to the brand.

Vuori – Finnish for “mountain” – was launched in 2015 by Joe Kudla, who was inspired to create the brand after noticing a void in the market for a premium product that merged functional performance with a casual and effortless aesthetic. Vuori was inspired by the Southern California lifestyle – and integration of fitness, yoga, surf and life – with priorities on versatility, comfort and a modern fit.  

The Next Big Name in Activewear?

When Vuori launched, it carried only men’s apparel. The company started with shorts, but its “hero product” was its joggers, which retail for $98. Vuori prices are slightly lower but comparable to Lululemon; for example, its men’s joggers range from $98 to $128 while Lululemon’s men’s joggers range from $118 to $168. Vuori launched women’s apparel three years later with a performance jogger in 2018. While the company’s roots were in men’s apparel, the split in sales between men’s and women’s is fifty-fifty today. Vuori’s product catalog also includes accessories (socks, bags, headwear, and yoga accessories). 

Vuori is focused on sustainability through material innovation and eliminating plastics, which will be important to investors ahead of a potential IPO. The company has been a Climate Neutral Certified label since 2020, and in August 2023, Vuori introduced “BlissBlend,” a technical performance material that includes multidimensional stretch with a weightless feel; BlissBlend uses Lycra fiber technology made from 75 percent recycled materials. In January 2021, the company announced that it planned to eliminate 80% of plastics from its supply chain.

Selling to Gyms & Studios

A brand differentiator for Vuori is its diversified distribution strategy. When the company launched, it sold its products to fitness studios as a customer acquisition strategy. The company still sells through wholesale channels and brand partners including Equinox and other fitness studios, as well as to Nordstrom and REI in the U.S. The brand is also available in the U.K. through wholesale partners including Barry’s, Cotswolds Outdoors, Harrods, Equinox and Selfridges, at Breuninger in Germany, and Tmall in China. Vuori also reaches customers in Singapore, Mexico, Hong Kong and the Middle East through its brand websites.

The company also has aggressive plans to expand its store footprint, with plans to open 100 locations in the U.S. by 2026; Vuroi also reported that expansion outside of the U.S. is a key strategy for furthering the brand’s growth and profitability. Vuori has 43 stores with nearly half of its store fleet located in California and in major cities including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, New York City and Seattle. The company has launched two stores internationally – most recently a popup in Shanghai this past summer and one in London’s Covent Garden in September 2022.  

An IPO would enable Vuori to expand its retail network and international presence.

The post Activewear Brand Vuori Said To Be Mulling IPO appeared first on Athletech News.

Barry’s is celebrating its 25th anniversary, a significant milestone in the fitness industry, and the event has been sweetened by a new partnership with Factor, a freshly prepared meal delivery service.

The two have collaborated on a campaign, “Power Your Potential,” featuring limited-edition Fit Fuel meals, snacks and drinks. The campaign crosses over into Barry’s studios, where fitness enthusiasts can participate in Factor-themed classes and sign up for a complimentary personal nutrition session with Factor dietitians. 

“At Factor, we’re all about fueling your hustle with flavorful and nutritious meals, which is why we’re thrilled to kick off this epic partnership with Barry’s,” said Mike Apostal, Factor co-founder and CEO. “We’ve cooked up a delicious lineup of meals and snacks that are packed with protein and essential nutrients, perfect for charging those busy gym days or when you’re on-the-go.”

Factor subscribers can select from a variety of ready-to-eat Factor x Barry’s Fit Fuel Meals and Fit Fuel Power Packs from September 30 through the week of November 4, such as Moroccan-spiced shredded chicken bowls and chile-cilantro salmon. The chef-crafted meals boast nutritious ingredients, perfect for fitness enthusiasts who are training. For those seeking a pre or post-workout snack, subscribers can opt for Fit Fuel Power Packs, which include energy bites, cold-pressed juices and grain bowls. 

Those who can’t take advantage of the in-studio classes at Barry’s can engage in a two-minute interactive TikTok Challenge workout that runs through October 26. The challenge winner will receive a free annual membership to Barry’s and a year of Factor meals. 

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Factor to celebrate this major milestone for Barry’s 25th Anniversary,” said Vicky Land, senior vice president of brand and communications at Barry’s. “This collection of nutritious meals will fuel our community and help them accomplish their goals inside the Red Room and out.”

In addition to its latest nutrition endeavor, Barry’s partnered with Therabody earlier this year to have recovery stations featuring the wellness tech brand’s Theragun PRO and WaveRoller devices in all of Barry’s U.S. fitness studios. 

Fresh off a large-scale rebranding, Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez believes the company can quadruple its studio footprint by 2030. Known for its signature red lights and intense HIIT-stye workouts, Barry’s currently has 48 studios in the U.S.

In an exclusive interview with Athletech News, Gonzalez confirmed that Barry’s is resuming its domestic and international expansion plans following a pandemic pause, with six locations slated for the U.S. in the coming months, including a location in Scottsdale, Arizona. On the international front, Barry’s has locations opening soon in Bahrain and Tel Aviv. 

“We really want to enter neighborhoods in trade areas where there’s pent-up demand and people are excited about Barry’s,” Gonzalez told ATN.

The post Barry’s Partners With Factor for To-Go Meals, Themed Workouts appeared first on Athletech News.

Back in the halcyon days of 2019, most fitness enthusiasts worked out at a gym or studio. When many gyms were forced to close in early 2020, people rushed to install home gyms, sending sales of workout equipment through the roof. People were also leaving the cities to get more space, allowing the home gyms to hold more gear.  Peloton, Hydrow, Tonal and others enjoyed meteoric growth.  

Many industry watchers thought there would be a crush of gym members returning to IRL workouts once gyms and studios reopened, reasoning that people would miss the camaraderie and intensity of working out in the same room with an instructor and other people. The general feeling was that once people returned to the office, they’d go back to their old fitness ways, and that spin bike in the home office would become little more than an overpriced clothes rack. 

Then an interesting thing happened. People decided that, just as they weren’t willing to go back to the office five days a week, they didn’t want to go back to the gym full-time either. McKinsey & Co. reports that the number of people doing hybrid fitness routines grew by 41% between 2020 and 2022, with many claiming that hybrid training returns better results than just doing in-home or in-gym workouts. And, according to research conducted by on-demand fitness leader Les Mills, almost 60% of fitness enthusiasts now prefer a 60/40 split between gym and home workouts.

Although most people admit that working out in the gym helps keep them motivated and results in longer workouts, working out at home is a great convenience tradeoff, and allows one to exercise more frequently, efficiently and cost-effectively. 

There is growing evidence that hybrid workouts remove a lot of the friction around exercising by eliminating the time to drive to the gym, find a parking spot and wait for a piece of equipment to be free. They offer flexibility and a more varied menu of workout modalities, a huge draw for the Millennial and GenZ fitness enthusiasts that comprise the majority of gym members today. Hybrid workout routines also keep that exercise bike purchased during COVID from completely going to waste!

More Gyms Offering a Branded Omnichannel Experience 

Gyms and clubs, which for years have been using tech solutions for the back end of the business to enable easier class registration and membership management, are now using more consumer-facing technologies to capitalize on the growing demand for digital fitness offerings as a complement to traditional brick-and-mortar gym membership.

Gym and studio operators are engaging their members through multiple physical and digital touchpoints to offer digital experiences that can be used alone or in combination with their physical gym memberships. Much like the retailers who offer both brick-and-mortar and online shopping to their customers, gyms are now allowing, even encouraging, their members to work out wherever, whenever, and however they choose. 

Boutique fitness brand Barry’s offers Barry’s X, a subscription-based community-driven digital fitness experience that the company calls the “first and only one of its kind.” Featuring both live and on-demand classes across web and mobile apps, Barry’s X brings the brand’s signature Red Room intimacy, atmosphere and camaraderie to its members’ screens wherever they are.

“Barry’s clients who utilize our digital product, Barry’s X, are significantly more engaged with the brand overall, said Jenna Hauca, senior vice president of digital and marketing at Barry’s. “This year, Barry’s X users have 4 times more in-studio check-ins compared to our in-person-only client base. This proof point further amplifies our belief that an omnichannel client is the most valuable to our business.”

The Barry’s X LIVE classes enable users to sign up, keep themselves accountable and join a live fitness experience with up to 200 other Barry’s members. The LIVE class experience offers users the ability to have their camera on to share their video with the instructor for real-time training. Users can also share their feed with just their friends in the class, or to the entire community – a true simulation of the IRL Red Room experience. The on-demand library offers users the opportunity to take their favorite instructor whenever, wherever they like, with different class lengths available.

The larger gym brands, many of which cater to a young, cost-conscious crowd, are also gearing up with digital. 24 Hour Fitness offers the 24hrGo app, which allows members to check into the gym with a QR code, make class reservations, track progress by connecting a wearable and stream thousands of workouts to do in gym or at home. 

According to Crunch CEO Jim Rowley, research has shown that fitness consumers will continue to take a mixed approach to their fitness routines.

“In response to this trend, we have launched Crunch+ to deliver quality on-demand and live-stream workouts to give members more options,” Rowley said.

Self Esteem Brands CEO Chuck Runyon said consumers today expect personalization.

“The smartphone is the single, most important piece of equipment in the wellness space,” Runyon said. “They might only visit your studio or gym a couple of times a week, and so our brands need a way to offer content that is compelling to the consumers we serve and keeps them engaged in our brand. Anytime Fitness can be with anyone, anytime, anywhere, and we can provide that coach in your pocket when you’re not inside the gym or club, sending you those nudges for better behaviors, and showing you your biometrics and outcomes. We’re using technology for good, not to replace people.” 

Not surprisingly, wearables are playing a role in hybrid fitness. Planet Fitness launched its fitness app long before the pandemic hit but has significantly grown its digital offerings since then. The Planet Fitness watch app allows members to “have a gym on your wrist.” Their app also offers an in-person crowd tracker, which is particularly helpful if you don’t want to wait in line for the cable towers. Life Time offers its most popular classes in video format so that members can work out at Life Time anytime and anywhere, and offers access to Apple Fitness+, which is often accessed on the Apple Watch. 

Creating an on-brand virtual experience requires investment by gym owners, who must ensure that the virtual experience is on par with the in-person workout. Zoom will no longer get the job done. As members move across the physical and digital spectrum of the gym’s offerings, they want to have a consistent, on-brand experience from start to finish. And the smart gym owner will capitalize on the opportunity to track and learn from the members’ activities.  

Some gym operators are collaborating with established online fitness brands to provide virtual workouts to their members. Fitness International, owner of the LA Fitness, Esporta Fitness and City Sports Club brands, offers its clubs’ members Les Mills+, a new streaming platform that can be added to a gym membership for on-demand workouts. Fitness tech leader ABC Fitness Solutions also recently announced a new partnership with Les Mills that makes the group fitness giant’s on-demand video classes available to ABC customers. Club operators can offer Les Mills classes such as Bodypump, Bodycombat and Les Mills Grit, among others, to their members both virtually and in-club. 

Tech Solutions Providers

A growing number of tech companies and content providers have entered the digital fitness space, offering a myriad of software solutions that add powerful digital capabilities to a gym’s list of services. 

Fitness tech leader Mindbody’s Virtual Wellness platform enables its gym and studio customers to deliver live-streamed and recorded workout classes to their members.  

Netherlands-based Funxtion helps gym operators keep their members engaged with customized digital fitness content. The company has created over 2500 exercise videos for 500 virtual classes in more than 1000 of its gym customers, including Anytime Fitness, Sportcity, Puregym, Goodlife Fitness and Kubofit.  

UK-based fitness tech brand Wexer, whose parent company  Core Health and Fitness, also owns the Schwinn, Nautilus and Stairmaster brands, acquired Intelivideo earlier this year. Wexer’s Virtual Connect platform allows its gym customers to make its content available to its gym partners, most of which are in Europe. The Intelivideo deal will expand its content-creation capabilities and presence in the U.S. market.

Eight-year-old Fortë is a subscription-based streaming platform that provides access to avant-garde boutique studio classes instructed by leading fitness experts worldwide. Fortë installs hardware and software into boutique studios, which enable the classes to be streamed live to Fortë’s platform.

The Gamification Angle

Some solutions are based on gamification to drive community and engagement. New York-based Swerve is a global fitness and competition platform that aims to turn underutilized group exercise rooms at gyms, hotels, residential buildings and schools into packed digitally-enhanced competitive fitness experiences for their communities. From its New York City studio, Swerve streams classes conducted by world-class instructors to big-screen TVs throughout the world. The company has teamed up with Marion Roaman, one of Peloton’s co-founders, to develop its Cycling product, the first sport in its collection, and expects to roll out additional fitness modalities beginning in 2024.

Swerve draws on the power of community via its team-based methodology, a gamified experience whereby each location is its own team, competing (globally) against other locations in real-time, which provides a fun, inclusive, highly immersive, and inherently community-building experience.

Swerve CEO and co-founder Eric Posner said his company “does not replace existing instructors at gyms.”

“We are a supplement to the schedule of existing classes, enabling gyms to go hybrid, offering classes on the hour, every hour, packing schedules with offerings and solving key profitability challenges for gyms due to labor shortages and the difficulties scaling top talent,” Posner said. “We work with some of the largest gym chains in the U.S., streaming into Crunch, XSport, YouFit, YMCA and Mountainside Fitness. In addition, we are in active negotiations and/or pilots with more than 15 additional brands and expect to be streaming to over 100 locations by the end of 2023.” 

Posner reports that so far this year Swerve has proven to drive up to six times more bookings and deliver four times more classes per day at its partners–at about 15% of the cost.

Swerve, whose three co-founders worked in investment banking before starting the company, was just selected to receive an investment from the Techstars Los Angeles business accelerator.  

With so much investment pouring into fitness technology, and new solutions propelling the industry into a new physical/virtual hybrid normal, a few things seem certain. First, the innovation will continue, with the companies behind each innovation strongly believing that their concept will prevail. Second, there will be a few winners but many more who don’t make it. Only time will tell how and when this shakeout will happen. And third, with all the options now available, it’s a great time to be a fitness and wellness consumer and an exciting time to be in this industry.  

The post Hybrid Fitness Is Here To Stay (and More Tech-Enabled Than Ever) appeared first on Athletech News.

Barry’s is a household name among fitness enthusiasts in major markets like LA, New York and Miami, its HIIT workouts enjoying a cult-like following among devotees drawn to the brand’s unique blend of high-intensity cardio, strength training, music and signature red lights. 

In large parts of the country though, especially non-urban hotbeds, the boutique fitness brand isn’t yet as well known. That’s all starting to change, thanks to a yearslong plan carried out by Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez, which has included a marketing overhaul – Barry’s dropped “bootcamp” from its name in 2019 – and the deliberate positioning of Barry’s as a luxury brand in the now-crowded boutique fitness space. 

With those plans in full force and the pandemic now in the rearview mirror, Gonzalez believes Barry’s could quadruple its current 48-studio footprint in the U.S. before 2030. 

“Based on the whitespace proof we have in the market now, I could see us reaching 200 U.S. locations in the next five years or so,” Gonzalez told Athletech News in a wide-ranging conversation about the boutique fitness brand’s history, current strategy and future plans. 

While the 200-studio number isn’t set in stone, the fact that it’s in Barry’s plans at all speaks to the brand’s success over the last eight years under Gonzalez’s stewardship, as well as the timelessness of the HIIT concept that the brand’s namesake, Barry Jay, created when he founded the company in 1998. 

“I can’t say that when I started out, I imagined us growing as largely as we have,” Gonzalez admits.

Now the brand’s global CEO, Gonzalez has been a part of the Barry’s team in some form or another since 2005, when he became an instructor for the then-upstart boutique fitness concept after being spotted in class by Jay himself in a studio in Los Angeles.

“I’d grown up being a performing artist from age 13, working in film, TV, theater, being on stage and on screen, and I studied that throughout school,” Gonzalez says. “There’s this entertainer aspect that you have to bring to the Barry’s experience, we call it the ‘enter-trainer,’ that I was well-seasoned in.”

Gonzalez’s love for Barry’s signature HIIT-style workouts, which feature a blend of high-intensity cardio on the treadmill and strength training moves on the floor, all set to dimmed red lights and curated music, only grew from there. He soon convinced Jay and the company’s investors to let him get in on the action in a bigger way.

In 2009, Gonzalez opened his first Barry’s studio, in San Diego, followed by others, including one in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood, which served as the inspiration for what would become the modern-day look and feel of the Barry’s brand. During that time, Gonzalez also took on management roles within the company, including serving as its chief operating officer. 

“I invested every last penny I’d ever earned into building the business and scaling it,” he said. “My story is just about heart, courage, risk and following something that you really love and believe in. Luckily, there was a happy ending.”

Foresight may have had more to do with the happy ending than luck, though. Gonzalez knew from the beginning that Jay was onto something with his HIIT-style workouts and club-like group fitness environment. 

“When Barry’s opened, there was no such thing as the boutique fitness category,” Gonzalez notes. “Barry (Jay) was really the first one. I call him a mad scientist because he took a challenging workout, one that was anchored in HIIT, which didn’t really exist at the time, and opened this studio in the middle of West Hollywood and saw immense success.”

Back in the early 2000s, Barry’s was “boutique” in every sense of the word – its locations featured a single, small studio area, even smaller lobbies and oftentimes one just bathroom. 

“There was always this sort of nervousness about the brand’s ability to survive outside its own backyard,” Gonzalez notes. “It took me to come in sort of wide-eyed and optimistic about how this business could scale. But I just knew, because I had friends and family coming in from different cities within and outside of the U.S., saying, ‘Oh my gosh, this would do so well where I live.’” 

Building Barry’s: From ‘Bootcamp’ to Inclusivity 

The workouts themselves haven’t changed too much since those early days. The typical Barry’s class is still seeped in high-intensity interval training, featuring some combination of challenging bouts of cardio and strength training, all set to pumping music led by enthusiastic and personable instructors inside the brand’s signature Red Room. Over the years, Barry’s has also introduced new class types like Lift, a strength-training-only workout, and Ride, a HIIT workout performed on spin bikes.

However, as Gonzalez has scaled the brand, Barry’s has moved away from some of the more hardcore, brash elements of its younger days. In 2019, the boutique fitness company dropped the word “bootcamp” from its name as part of a complete rebrand that included changing its logo from an army-centric concept to a more sleek and modern design. 

For Gonzalez, the decision to move away from the bootcamp moniker and military theme reflected a shift in the way Barry’s instructors teach the class now compared to those early days. 

“Back in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Barry (Jay) and his trainers were very hardcore, it was a very intimidating class. It wasn’t nearly as positive and friendly as it has become today,” Gonzalez shares. “The word bootcamp made sense because of the attitude that took place in the Red Room, but that’s been sunset and that’s not how we are anymore.”

For example, Barry’s classes are now designed to cater to people of different fitness levels. In each class, instructors give class members beginner, intermediate and advanced ranges for both cardio and strength training movements. During a timed three-minute run on a treadmill, an instructor will provide participants with three different speed levels. For strength training, different weight ranges are provided for people at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.  

Luxury Brands ‘Don’t Want To Franchise’

In many ways, the 2019 rebrand encapsulated what had been going on behind the scenes at Barry’s HQ for several years already at that point under Gonzalez’s watch. 

When he took over as global CEO in 2015, Gonzalez made it part of his 100-day plan to buy back the locations Barry’s had franchised in the U.S. The company no longer franchises domestically and every Barry’s location in America is now corporately owned, except for one in Miami.  

“While rules are made to be broken, there is a rule that if you’re a premium luxury brand, you don’t want to franchise, especially within your own country,” Gonzalez explains. ”Knowing that was where we were headed, I felt it was best for us to really own and control the brand within the U.S.”

For Barry’s, positioning itself as a luxury brand serves as a way to stand out. The boutique fitness space has become much more crowded and competitive since 1998, with new players, including many purporting to offer a similar HIIT-style workout, cropping up across the globe.

“If you do pricing metrics in every market, you’ll see that we’re definitely near the top,” Gonzalez notes. “But we also deliver what we hope is a better experience, and a more luxurious experience, with our amenities, our partners, our build-outs, and the level of our trainers.”

The process of becoming a luxury brand had been in the works since before Gonzalez became CEO. In 2011, when he opened a Barry’s location in Chelsea, Gonzalez set out to make the studio a premium space fit for one of New York’s most upscale neighborhoods. 

“It was the first time we had locker rooms, showers and premium amenity partners,” Gonzalez notes. “I added a Fuel Bar and my husband (Jonathan Rollo, founder of Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails) developed all of the recipes.”

The Chelsea location became the catalyst and inspiration for what would become the modern Barry’s studio experience.

“That model is what we scaled 84 times around the world,” Gonzalez says, referring to the current number of Barry’s studios, including international locations.  

Barry’s Plots Post-Pandemic Expansion

While the pandemic dealt a shock to the boutique fitness market – somewhere between 15% and 30% of studios have permanently closed, depending on which statistics you look at – Gonzalez believes Barry’s has weathered the COVID storm and has emerged in better shape than ever. 

“We’re 99% recovered across our entire U.S. system and even more than that internationally,” he says. “We even have markets like LA and New York that are actually busier than they were pre-COVID.”

Today, Barry’s is once again profitable, with annual revenue on track to surpass $100 million, according to the company. The brand has experienced a 40 percent year-over-year increase in revenue in 2023, which bodes well for future expansion.

While some markets, like Chicago, are still dragging, Gonzalez puts that down to outward migration those areas experienced as a result of the pandemic. One of Barry’s key near-term goals, Gonzalez shares, is finding ways to improve attendance numbers at studios in those troubled locations. 

Barry’s other big near-term goal is ramping back up its expansion plans, both domestically and internationally. It took some time, but the company is finally back in the position of feeling good enough about its cash-flow post-pandemic to resume those efforts. 

“Just in the last few weeks, I’ve had half a dozen meetings on where we go next and why,” Gonzalez shared. 

The company has six locations across the U.S. that are confirmed to be coming to market in the next several months. That includes one in Scottsdale, Arizona, a town of around 241,000 near Phoenix, which may be indicative of Barry’s plans to branch out and open more studios in areas that aren’t considered urban hotbeds.

Gonzalez didn’t say so explicitly, but if Barry’s wants to hit its ambitious target of 200 domestic studios in the next five years, expanding to more markets like Scottsdale seems inevitable. 

“We really want to grow and we really want to enter neighborhoods in trade areas where there’s pent-up demand and people are excited about Barry’s,” Gonzalez said of the brand’s expansion plans. 

Barry’s also has plans to expand internationally – it currently has 36 studios outside the U.S., with new ones set to open soon in Bahrain and Tel Aviv. 

Wherever the boutique fitness concept goes next, Gonzalez believes Barry’s is well-positioned to shake off competition from the many other group fitness concepts the HIIT pioneer will encounter as it expands. 

Besides offering a luxury experience, Barry’s biggest differentiator, according to its CEO, is the fact that the boutique fitness brand still has the best HIIT workout in the business.

“I believe Barry’s is best in class at delivering a high-intensity interval training workout that has both the strength training component and the cardiovascular component in an immersive, fun experience,” Gonzalez explains. “Most HIIT workouts that you take nowadays will potentially deliver a comprehensive and efficient workout, but you won’t necessarily be immersed in the mood, the lighting and the music. That’s almost reserved more for the cardio (only) workout methods.”

The true magic of Barry’s, Gonzalez says, is its ability to bring the cardio and strength training worlds together in an energetic and engaging way. 

“You’re doing both and you’re having this wow experience, where you know when that chorus hits, you’re sprinting, or you’re doing burpees on the floor, and it feels amazing,” he says. “I haven’t experienced another HIIT class like it.”

This story has been updated to reflect new information on Barry’s financial numbers

The post How Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez Primed the HIIT Pioneer for Rapid Expansion 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.

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

Finding the best workout shoes for the gym is both exciting and overwhelming. You’re ready for the next steps (no pun intended) in achieving your fitness goals, but there are so many options to choose from.

To help you on your fitness footwear journey, Athletech News spoke with personal trainers to find out what they recommend for their own clients.

“The coolest thing about choosing the right trainers (sneakers/workout shoes) is that they can significantly help to enhance your performance as every pair is designed with a different range of movement in mind,” described Savannah Sachdev, a lifestyle and fitness content creator and runner from London. “It’s important to try on multiple brands and not be swayed by what’s ‘trending on Tiktok,’ as everyone’s feet are completely unique.”

One of the best ways to find what works for you is to have a plan of attack. There are different shoes for different workouts and different people, so finding what’s best comes down to how you plan to achieve your goals.

“This is a little dependent on what kinds of workouts people are doing,” explained ​​Chris Crowthers, a personal trainer at Mark Fisher Fitness in Manhattan. “If you’re somebody that is doing general fitness—some strength training, maybe taking some classes, maybe doing some cardio then I think comfort needs to be the top priority.”

Additionally, you want to pick a pair of workout shoes that feel good on your feet—especially if you’re going to wear them every day or every other day for hours at a time. 

“Comfort over everything and good arch support,” said Ceren Kalyon, a fitness instructor and run coach at Barry’s and Equinox in Los Angeles. “I spent so many years not knowing what shoes I needed for lifting versus running and wished I had guidance prior to starting my fitness journey. When going to the gym to lift, I like to look for shoes with elevated heels to make sure it enhances my ability to maintain proper posture.”

Check out the best workout shoes, according to personal trainers:

Best for weightlifting/bodybuilding: Reebok Legacy Lifter.

If you’re looking for fantastic workout shoes for weightlifting, then you should consider a pair with minimal cushioning, premium quality and overall comfort.

“A good lifting shoe will hugely improve your lifting experience,” explained Sachdev. “A thin, flat and wide sole to maximize stability and increase force transfer during lifts. A solid and raised heel will aid with stability and posture. The slight heel will offer increased ankle mobility and therefore more squat depth as you’ll be in a more upright position.”

Weightlifting shoes should have excellent ankle support.

“Security is important. Laces and velcro straps should be considered as you’ll require extra security with all that additional ankle mobility,” Sachdev continued. “Also, define your style of movement. Olympic lifting, powerlifting and bodybuilding would require a slightly different shoe so make sure to understand your requirements and do your research.”

“Choosing a pair is dependent on your biomechanics and lifting style,” she added. “However, my personal favorite lifting shoe is the Reebok Legacy Lifter. When you initially wear them, don’t be surprised if they feel off, it may take your body some time to adjust to the positioning but ultimately they are a great tool to improve your lifts.”

For peak performance, the Reebok Legacy Lifter collection features shoes that offer stability and security with a midfoot locked-in strap and the company’s iconic inflatable “pump” technology for adjustability.

Best for strength training/powerlifting: Converse All-Star

You should consider the old-school sneaker Converse All-Star—especially high-top Chuck Taylor shoes—for strength training because they can help your body maintain stability, while also enabling you to have complete control when you lift.

“I think the best option is Converse All-Star,” said Crowthers. “You want a shoe that’s going to allow you to really feel the ground and maintain stability and control in your big lifts like squats and deadlifts. It’s really hard to connect to the floor when there’s a lot of cushion, especially if you’re going really heavy.”

Best for running on a treadmill: New Balance 860 V12

When looking for a workout shoe for running on a treadmill, you want a pair that’s comfortable with neutral support. It has to have a light and fast design, while also being reliable on various surfaces.

According to Kalyon: “Running shoes are also very dependent on how you feel like to feel the ground, track and treadmill. Also, when running on the treadmill, it’s important to consider your distance and incline, just like you would when you’re running outside!”

She recommends the New Balance 860 V12 sneakers.

“If you want to feel like you’re wearing a pair of gloves on your feet, it offers a light foam and is super bouncy on your feet for that support for runners who need it,” Kalyon said

Best for cross-training: Nike Free Metcon 4

Looking for the best workout shoes for cross-training? Then check out the very versatile Nike Free Metcon 4. These sneakers are specifically designed for cross-training, offering stability and support to get the best performance with proper weight distribution and a low drop for the lower body. They’re comfortable and cushy for high-impact workouts, while they also provide enhanced traction for climbing.

“Very comfortable training shoes,” raved a satisfied Nike shopper. “I practice HIIT, cardio, lunges, squats, etc every morning and they are absolutely comfortable. They feel very light. They are exactly what I was looking for. Their sole is perfect for training on the ground. Also, my feet feel much more secure when I’m jumping or doing lunges.”

Best for cycling: Nike SuperRep Cycle 2 Next Nature

For cycling, the Nike SuperRep Cycle 2 Next Nature shoes will do the trick. They were designed with support for highest intensity workouts like cycling, while lightweight and breathable—thanks to their mesh materials and cooling vents, which allow for better airflow on the feet. These shoes also have a strap closure with two fastening points for safety and security for a smooth ride. They’re even made from recycled materials and rubber, so you won’t slide off the pedals when going at your top speed.

“Very comfortable and lightweight. Airflow is great,” shared one Nike shopper. “I purchased the red cycling shoes which are true red and look great. Very happy with the shoes and highly recommend them.”

Best barefoot shoes: Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III

It’s believed that working out barefoot is one of the best things to do for strength training because your heel is closer to the ground, which is said to improve balance and increase range of motion. However, most, if not all, gyms don’t allow people to walk around barefoot. So the closest you can get is with a pair of barefoot shoes.

“There are pros and cons to barefoot trainers,” explained Sachdev. “The pros being you can improve the strength of your feet and ankles as they require you to use muscles that your usual shoes would not, while your natural position can help to improve flexibility, balance and posture.”

“The cons being that you require a little more confidence to wear (them) as they do look different, dropping a weight on them would do some damage to you and it could take time to acclimate to them.”

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III allows your feet to move naturally to promote foot strength and performance. This pair is also thin, lightweight and wide to accommodate just about any foot type.

The post The Best Gym Shoes for Every Workout, According to Personal Trainers appeared first on Athletech News.

Barry’s has named Therabody its official recovery partner, solidifying both companies’ commitment to providing fitness consumers with recovery solutions.

The partnership will see Barry’s signature HIIT workout combined with Therabody’s health and wellness technology, giving Barry’s members the opportunity to enjoy a wellness experience before working out or a recovery treatment afterward.

Therabody will provide recovery stations that include its Theragun PRO and WaveRoller devices in all of Barry’s U.S. fitness facilities. The wellness tech company will also provide training for Barry’s instructors and staff while developing custom routines for Barry’s members.

The move presents an almost spa-like offering, designed to make in-person fitness more attractive to consumers who may have become too comfortable with an at-home routine. It also highlights the importance of recovery in the fitness journey.

The recovery stations will allow members to use Therabody products to warm up before a workout and to ease muscle soreness after training in Barry’s Red Room.

Therabody founder and chief wellness officer Dr. Jason Wersland expressed his excitement about the partnership.

“As we dive back into the gym at Barry’s, remember that recovery is your secret weapon,” Wersland told Athletech News via email. “You can’t be a gym warrior without some serious recovery game. Therabody is here to save the day with our percussive therapy devices, ensuring that your muscles bounce back for the next class. So, remember friends, no pain, no gain… but also no gain without some Therabody recovery magic!”

Last fall, Therabody closed a $165 million growth equity round, launching eight new wellness and recovery products. At the time, the wellness tech company said the capital would be used for continued investment in technology, the creation of digital content and Reset, its whole-body wellness centers.

The company has also moved into garments technology for recovery on the go, adding vibration to compression to speed up recovery through a germanium-infused wearable sleeve.

Therabody recently welcomed Jim Allwein as its chief financial officer.

The post Therabody Partners With Barry’s for In-Studio Recovery appeared first on Athletech News.

The Fit Guide has officially launched in London, bringing its global rating system to Europe’s vibrant fitness market.

The London launch follows The Fit Guide’s New York debut in April, with upcoming launches set for Singapore, Sydney and Dubai later this year.

The Fit Guide allows fitness enthusiasts and travelers an impartial and unbiased platform that reviews fitness studios and classes so fitness consumers can identify the best health and wellness experiences in the city of their choice.

Unlike many other rating platforms, the evaluations are independent and cannot be influenced or purchased by clubs. Each fitness studio receives an anonymous visit and is then evaluated over in 250 standards, including client journey, reception service, class experience, facilities, equipment and technology.

The concept was founded by fitness expert Jack Thomas and hospitality veteran Matt Lavender, who both recognized the need for an unbiased rating system for clubs and studios to serve as a fitness industry standard.

But The Fit Guide goes further than just rating facilities and classes. It also provides meaningful data that the fitness and wellness industry can utilize to enhance member offerings and scope out the competition.

“Now that we’re launching The Fit Guide in different fitness hubs around the world, it enables us to analyze our deep data set to see where the fitness industry is doing well and where we can improve,” Thomas told Athletech News.

“For example, 75% of London’s leading clubs conducted an injury check at some point before the class started, whereas only 29% of New York clubs hit this standard,” Thomas said. “However, when taking into account the complete client experience, New York gyms scored slightly higher than London, with more 5-Star Class Experience Award winners overall.”

Thomas sees The Fit Guide’s growing data set as a way to spark debate around important topics in fitness.

“We know it will have a positive impact on the industry,” he said. “I’m sure some healthy competition between clubs and regions will also help to raise standards, too.”

Of the fifty clubs in London evaluated by The Fit Guide, five achieved the highest accolade of The Fit Guide 5-Star Award for their exceptional overall experience. The 5-Star clubs include the Kensington and Oxford Circus branches of 1Rebel, the Central and Soho branches of Barry’s and Boom Cycle – Monument.

An additional 23 clubs in London received The Fit Guide 4-Star Award, whereas other leading clubs received special mentions deemed “recommended” by The Fit Guide.

The Fit Guide has also started a weekly newsletter with statistics and insights.

“Having spent a year developing and refining our standards and evaluation process, it was very satisfying to see it all come together with our hugely successful New York launch,” said Lavender. “I’m excited now to announce our London winners and take the next step towards The Fit Guide becoming the global benchmark for excellence in the fitness industry.”

Feature image courtesy of The Fit Guide

The post The Fit Guide Launches in London, Kicking Off Global Expansion appeared first on Athletech News.

Barry’s is best known as the pioneer of the treadmill-strength combination workout. Its 25-year-old Red Room workout put HIIT on the map. With strength workouts rising in popularity, particularly among female demographics, Barry’s LIFT, a strength class launched in 2019, focuses on form and building muscle mass. Barry’s LIFT uses dumbbells, resistance bands and Barry’s bench. Unlike the floor work in Barry’s, LIFT focuses on slower, more technical moves to work primary and secondary muscles to full exhaustion. There is also planned recovery in each session for muscle recuperation.

Athletech News went to Barry’s at East 86th Street in New York City to try out Barry’s LIFT.

Each 50-minute class focuses on a different part of the body, such as abs, upper body or lower body.

Although the LIFT room had largely the same aesthetic as the original Red Room, it felt different. The music seemed quieter, and the group seemed calmer. An original Barry’s workout has a palpable, busy energy, perhaps from the treadmills, or the switches between cardio and floor work. LIFT had a more grounding vibe.

The class was challenging, but it felt relaxed, perhaps because of my instructor’s energy. She focused more on form and demonstrating proper techniques. We did a lot of deadlifts and squats at a slow pace. The smaller class size felt like a private group personal training session. This pace did not lead to an easier workout, however—I was sore for days after my LIFT class.

The LIFT workout was extremely effective, but lacked the endorphin rush of the original Barry’s workout due to the absence of cardio. However, for those who want to alternate it with the Barry’s Red Room workout or feel like they can do the original Barry’s treadmill sprints on their own, and need to focus more on building strength, LIFT might be the perfect fit.

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Pressed, the functional wellness brand known for its juices and smoothies, and Barry’s, the lifestyle brand known for its high-energy cardio and strength interval training workouts, have partnered to create new recovery products.

The collaboration officially launched April 1, and features the Pressed x Barry’s Recovery Smoothie and Recovery Shot – which will be introduced through the brands’ ‘Recovery. Powered by Nature.’ campaign. The products are available both online and at all Pressed and Barry’s locations nationwide.

“We know customers today are looking for natural and clean ingredients to power their fitness needs. We are thrilled to be partnering with Barry’s, a leading global fitness powerhouse, as the next step in expanding our functional wellness products,” said Shea Jensen, President at Pressed. “We look forward to having Barry’s as our exclusive launch partner in offering Recovery, our latest functional program, to our customers.”

The Pressed x Barry’s Recovery Smoothie is a combination of protein, tart cherry and pineapple. Tart cherry extract has been shown to help with small reductions of muscle soreness and help return to baseline levels of muscular strength and power. The Smoothie is $6.95, and is available both at Barry’s Fuel Bars, and as a bottled smoothie at all Pressed locations.

The Pressed x Barry’s Recovery Shot is a blend of tart cherry, turmeric, lemon, beet and black pepper. The shot is designed to support the body’s natural inflammatory response with ingredients high in vitamin C for added wellness support.

“Barry’s is not just a workout, it’s a lifestyle. The Fuel Bar was created to ensure our clients have access to nourishing protein smoothies post-workout to aid their health and wellness goals,” said Joey Gonzalez, Barry’s Global CEO. “Teaming up with Pressed, we’ve created two new functional products focused on recovery, which I know our community will love.”

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