The fitness and wellness app space has gained another notable name, with Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo soon launching Erakulis, an all-in-one wellness app inspired by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s habits and routines across fitness, nutrition and mental balance. 

The new app launches on April 3 with subscriber fees that start at 4.99€/month.

“As a professional athlete, discipline, focus and balance have been key to my success on the field,” Ronaldo said. “The countless hours of training, attention to nutrition, and mental preparation have played a crucial role in my journey. We’ve added these features into Erakulis.”

Taking a holistic health approach, Erakulis offers personalized wellness plans, community support and even online appointments, where users can seek guidance from health and wellness experts via a video call feature.

The pro-athlete-founded wellness app will compete with Centr, an app founded by actor Chris Hemsworth before being acquired by HighPost Capital, a private equity firm co-founded by Mark Bezos, brother of Jeff Bezos.

A waitlist has launched where early adopters can nab a limited-time 50% discount on their Erakulis subscription. 

Stars Embrace Wellness Apps

In addition to Ronaldo and Hemsworth, other well-known athletes and celebrities are using their notoriety to make even more bank with the launch of fitness and wellness-related apps in recent years. Seemingly replacing sneaker endorsements, athletes especially seem keen to continue building their brand with digital offerings.

Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall has entered into digital fitness-meets-holistic training with House of Athlete Plus (HOA+), an app that concentrates on both physical and mental fitness and includes live one-on-one personal training and personalized communication. 

Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill also broke ground in femtech with the launch of Jennis, a female and hormonal-focused app that offers workouts and can adapt training based on various phases, such as perimenopause and menopause. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger recently debuted his new app, The Pump, featuring a motivating community, personalized habit tracker and guided workout videos, with ‘The Terminator’ ever-present during the user experience, while singer Carrie Underwood’s fitness app Fit52 continues to be a hit. The Grammy winner also recently launched her own workout music channel on SiriusXM, Carr-Dio by Carrie’s Country, blending high-energy hits with fitness advice from the singer.

The post Cristiano Ronaldo Launches Wellness App, Rivaling Chris Hemsworth’s Centr appeared first on Athletech News.

Pear Health Labs, an AI and sports science-powered digital fitness and wellness coaching company, has strengthened its audio and video fitness app, Aaptiv, with a more personalized and interactive fitness experience, resulting from a new partnership with Google Cloud.

The California-based company’s new partnership harnesses Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, an AI platform that trains and refines machine learning models and AI applications. It’s a move that aims to transform Pear Health Labs’ ability to create smarter health and wellness coaching solutions and allow for more natural and customized user interactions within Aaptiv.

“Building upon our considerable experience using AI to guide users’ activity journeys, we’re now harnessing the power of machine learning and generative AI to engage users and meld the physiological and psychological aspects of activity together to offer truly personalized coaching experiences and activity prescriptions,” said Richard Bayly, Pear Health Labs’ vice president of product, AI and data. 

The integration will also improve the capabilities of Aaptiv’s digital activity assistant, AVA, by understanding more complex user requests and guiding them with coaching recommendations based on their goals. Google Cloud’s Text-to-Speech API will also support more “human-like voice interactions,” so users can communicate with AVA like a real personal trainer.

“By utilizing Google Cloud’s leading gen AI capabilities, Pear Health Labs can unlock new insights that help them provide personalized workout recommendations and improve the overall user experience,” said Matt Renner, president of Google Cloud.

AI Is Changing Fitness

Artificial intelligence has taken the fitness and wellness industry by storm, assisting operators in attracting and retaining members or supporting activewear brand Gymshark in making product-specific recommendations based on activity from its fitness training app. The U.K.-based company announced last fall that, like Pear Health Labs, it’s using Google Cloud technology to advance its business. 

For others in the fitness industry, AI and machine learning are quickly democratizing access to personal fitness and wellness trainers and supporting fitness coaches with in-depth insights to assist clients better.

Tempo, a smart home gym system using AI and machine learning, provides consumers with sensor-equipped smart weights that deliver real-time feedback on form and optimal weight amounts. The concept led Tempo to secure $220 million in Series C funding in 2021 and now leverages biometric data such as VO2 max, heart rate and heart rate variability to suggest workout plans.

Asensei is also breaking new ground in the virtual, augmented reality and fitness AI space, creating software that motion-captures clients working out either at home or in a fitness studio. The tech company’s capabilities have attracted leading fitness brands such as Centr, the health and wellness platform founded by actor Chris Hemsworth, Vertimax, PowerBlock, Litesport, Fittar, Bhout and Alter. 

AI is also being used in injury risk prevention and athletic optimization, as seen with Zone7, a Silicon Valley company that has worked with Liverpool FC to help reduce the English Premier League club’s days lost to injuries. While Zone7 has worked with professional athletes, “The Human Uptime Company” sees potential for its tech to help everyday fitness consumers.

The post Fitness Apps Are Becoming More ‘Human-Like’ Thanks to AI appeared first on Athletech News.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has done it all: former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, politician. Now 76, The Terminator is focused on his wellness media company, Arnold’s Pump Club, and a new fitness app.

Dubbed “The Pump,” the app opened as a soft launch to its 5,000 founding members last April, quickly amassing a growing fitness community with over 10 million downloads. In addition to the app, there’s also a daily newsletter and an AI-powered podcast that reads the latest tips from the newsletter.

Now, the devoted-to-fitness Schwarzenegger is ready to unveil The Pump app to the masses, writing on social media that the last eight months have been spent building and improving the app based on its founding members. 

Upon downloading The Pump and signing in, users receive an incoming video call from the actor, welcoming them to The Pump and explaining his concept and excitement for his new venture.

“I have been a fanatic about fitness, and I’ve been on this fitness crusade now for five decades because I want to make sure that everyone kind of feels the pleasure of being fit and strong like I always did,” Schwarzenegger says on the call. “But now I’m especially pumped up because of the power of the internet.” 

Fitness for All

In his message, the former California governor assures that his new app isn’t just for those who are experienced with fitness training (although they will find great programs) but that The Pump is also suitable for those who have never stepped into a gym or lifted a weight.

As he wraps up his “call,” the celebrity and fitness pro emphasizes his new app’s positive spirit and community-building approach. 

“Everyone will be built up,” he said. “Everyone will feel good because, to me, it’s all about building people up. Not just the muscles, not just the strength, but also the ego. Make them feel good. That’s what this is all about.”

Access to the app is $99.99/year or $9.99/month, which unlocks training plans created by Schwarzenegger and his team, a motivating community and a personalized habit tracker, plus guided workout videos and instructional tips.

Users begin with a 90-day program called The Foundation, with a plan based on their lifestyle, preferences, fitness experience and goals. The habit builder is used to support meeting healthy goals and create lasting practices. Instead of just lending his name to the mission, Schwarzenegger is steeped in the program, routinely hosting Q&As for users and acting as an approachable resource. 

In keeping with his promise of “fitness is for everyone,” free workouts and motivational material are still available for those who aren’t ready to invest in The Pump app.

Star Appeal 

Notoriety can help fuel fitness businesses and platforms, as seen with Chris Hemsworth’s Centr, a fitness and wellness ecosystem spanning content and fitness products and the Mark Wahlberg-backed F45 Training.

Although “Thor” catapulted Hemsworth to fame, with fitness enthusiasts taking note of his physique as a personal goal, Schwarzenegger has had a longstanding cult-like following. One fan community, TheArnoldFans, was able to score a lifetime membership to The Pump app and meet and greet with the fitness celebrity and actor. 

Consider, too, that Schwarzenegger’s newsletter hit 310,000 subscribers in just three months of its launch last year, without the power of advertising dollars, flexing the strength of his organic fan base. In a similar vein, all 5,000 spots for the Pump App sold out in 72 hours without ever spreading the word on social media. 

As for what’s ahead for The Pump, that remains to be seen — but it appears Schwarzenegger is taking the approach of delivering quality instead of banking on quantity, assuring that after 90 days, users will see results and be hooked.

“This is the best workout program you’ve ever had. Just trust me,” he wrote. “This isn’t like the fitness apps that let you go from one program to another because that’s not how you will progress. And I would rather have 100,000 users with amazing progress than a million frustrated they’re stagnant.”

The post Can Arnold Schwarzenegger Build the Ultimate Fitness App? 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 rounded up five of the best wellness products to help jumpstart your 2024 New Year’s resolutions. This year, key wellness trends include health personalization, activewear that takes you from the studio to the street, at-home aromatherapy, functional training and holistic-plant-based nutrition; the brands featured here respond to those trends with top-quality offerings.

• 

  Form

  It’s no surprise that Form activewear constantly sells out—the brand’s buttery apparel is as soft as it is high-quality. The line comes in earth tones and bright pink and has subtle but flattering detailing. Form’s current sports bras, the Supporter and Halter, have adjustable shoulder straps and removable padding for customization. The apparel is supportive but not overly compressive and is ideal for low-impact workouts like Pilates. However, the apparel works well for everything from HIIT workouts to indoor cycling to errands.  

  See more here.

• 

  Possible Protein & Supergreens

  Possible is dedicated to providing organic, plant-based nutrition to fuel adventures. The brand’s Proteins are filled with supercharged ingredients that many powders lack, like brown rice protein, pea protein, oat flour, pumpkin seed protein and buckwheat flour. A single scoop has 30% of your daily iron and around 20% of your daily fiber. Possible Supergreens includes high-quality fruits and vegetables like broccoli, kale, kelp, blue spirulina, beets, matcha powder and pea vine juice powder. Both powders have a subtle sweetness and mix well with water or in a smoothie to supercharge your drinks on the go. 

  See more here.

• 

  Homedics SereneScent 

  Move over, old aromatherapy diffusers—Homedics SereneScent will blow the others out of the water. SereneScent allows for customizable fragrance levels based on preferred scent intensity and does not require any water to operate. The diffuser uses intermittent cycles of mist and pauses and can be set to automatically turn off after 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours. SereneScent is designed beautifully, in a sleek silver, black, or gold color that can blend into different rooms. Although sold separately, Homedics fragrance oils are strong but not overpowering, and are 100% natural, made from a blend of essential oils. While Homedics recommends purchasing their oils, it is possible to use others in the device as well.  

  See more here.

• 

  Centr Circuit: Elevate 

  Centr Circuit: Elevate is a six-week program of high-intensity functional and strength training from Centr, the fitness and wellness brand founded by Chris Hemsworth. It provides users with four efficient but effective 30-minute workouts each week, with moves that build upon each other. It also allows for low-impact modifications in every workout and adds breathwork exercises to improve performance and recovery. The workouts are led by Alexz Parvi and Luke Zocchi, Hemsworth’s longtime trainer. Centr provides a daily personalized fitness, nutrition and wellness plan based on your health goals and dietary restrictions. The platform provides a streamlined way to tackle resolutions in 2024.  

  See more here.

• 

  BellSant 

  Looking to kick the year off with science-backed, personalized recommendations? BellSant is an all-in-one service that provides blood, physical and mental health assessments as inputs to show users their aging trends on 11 key systems, like Mobility, Heart & Lungs, Liver & Kidneys, and Hormones. Users take a blood test at a Quest Diagnostics location and can connect a health tracker for additional data. By retesting every three months, users stay on top of their goals and progress throughout the new year. BellSant provides top recommendations based on a user’s inputs, like reducing exposure to light in the evenings before bed, taking a vitamin D supplement or adjusting protein sources based on digestibility. One unique feature of BellSant is that each recommendation comes with references from scientific journals. For those looking for smaller resolutions to tackle existing health needs, consider BellSant. 

  See more here.

The post These Wellness Products Are Must-Haves in 2024 appeared first on Athletech News.

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

Centr, the fitness and wellness platform founded by Chris Hemsworth, has been on a tear recently, releasing new products, creating content and forging strategic partnerships with other leading brands.

The burst of activity is part of CEO Andrew Sugerman’s ambitious plan to turn the platform into what he calls a holistic health and wellness “ecosystem,” a place where consumers can go to not only get workout routines, meal plans and mediation content, but also buy strength-training equipment and other fitness products. 

Sugerman sat down with Athletech News during DISRUPT 2023 to discuss his first 12-plus months on the job, his vision for Centr, and the perks of having Hemsworth as the face of the brand. 

More Than a Fitness App

Sugerman took over as Centr’s CEO in September 2022 with a clear goal in mind: make Centr more than just a fitness app.

“The vision was to establish Centr as a highly trusted lifestyle brand in the wellness category where we bring together the latest research, content, digital tools (and) physical products, all to help users, our audience and consumers on their wellness journey,” Sugerman says.

To bring Sugerman’s vision for the brand to fruition, Centr has focused on creating both content and equipment to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds.

On the content side, Centr continues to produce fitness and wellness videos featuring Hemsworth and expert coaches, covering everything from workout programs to healthy recipes to meditation routines. Centr’s content is built on the three Ms: meals, mind and movement, Sugerman noted.

“It’s really the holistic element of how these three pieces work together, and then we’re wrapping that with an element of motivation,” he said. “What is it that actually drives you every day when you wake up to want to care about meals, movement and mind?”

At the same time, Centr also recently entered the fitness equipment space, leveraging its close relationship with Inspire Fitness to launch new strength training products. Consumers can now buy Centr-branded home-gym products at Walmart, and the company recently inked a deal with Hyrox to provide competition-level equipment for hardcore athletes. Expect to see more Centr products hit the market soon.

“We’ve got a lot of new things we’ll be announcing over the coming probably three to six months,” Sugerman said during the conversation, which was filmed in late September. “So it’s just the start.”

Not a Connected Fitness Company

Combining equipment and content may seem like old hat in the fitness world, but Centr is doing things a bit differently than its competitors, according to Sugerman.

“We don’t really view (ourselves) as a connected fitness company,” the Centr CEO said.

Sugerman says that unlike connected fitness companies that operate on a “closed-loop” – you have to buy a digital subscription to use the hardware and vice-versa – Centr takes an “open” approach where consumers can use the brand’s equipment and content independently of one another, or they can combine the two. 

“We really want to create a ‘connected ecosystem’ where we don’t require one thing to drive the other,” Sugerman says. “If you want to buy some of our products and not tap into the digital side we’re offering, that’s your choice. We want to enable options and accessibility.”

The Hemsworth Effect

Sugerman also touched on what it’s like to have Hemsworth as the founder and face of the Centr brand, saying he’s the “perfect person to have associated with a company like ours.”

Contrary to what some might assume, Hemsworth isn’t the normal uninvolved celebrity just lending his name and star power to a brand in return for cash or clout.

“Chris is not an endorser of the brand, he is the brand,” Sugerman says. “He really lives our mission. He throws himself into the latest research and insights. … He’s constantly looking at how to be on the front edge of longevity, the front edge of trends in the world of fitness and nutrition.”

According to Sugerman, Hemsworth founded Centr to create a platform where everyday people could receive the same expert-level fitness, nutrition and mental coaching he had access to as a Hollywood actor.

As Centr looks to make good on Hemsworth’s initial vision, the brand will lean into personalization. The goal is to find ways of turning Centr into the ultimate “interactive coach” for users on their fitness and wellness journeys, Sugerman says.

“It’s really back to that notion of, ‘How do we bring the expert perspectives that Chris experiences and bring that to bear for consumers, regardless of their socioeconomic position,’” he says.

The post Centr CEO on Building a Fitness & Wellness ‘Ecosystem’ appeared first on Athletech News.

Centr, the fitness and wellness platform founded by Chris Hemsworth, has released “Power Sleep with Chris Hemsworth,” a new audio series designed to unlock users’ potential with the power of sleep. The seven-episode series isn’t just about being lulled to sleep; it offers an approach to unlocking mental and physical potential through adequate rest and recovery. 

Each episode, featuring audio from Hemsworth and backed by the endorsement of sleep experts, focuses on specific aspects of sleep, offering a diverse range of techniques and tips. Research has proven that high-quality sleep is integral for muscle building, fat loss, performance enhancement, injury prevention and mental well-being. The growing global growing for sleep aids, projected to reach $125.3 billion by 2027, underscores society’s recognition of the pivotal role sleep plays in overall health and performance. 

The “Power Sleep” series comprises seven episodes, each with a unique focus and purpose. Each episode deals with common issues ranging from leaving the stress of a hard day behind to providing a guide for waking up energizing and calm for the day ahead:

• Episode 1:  Bring on tomorrow – Sleep with purpose and wake up refreshed.
• Episode 2:  Goodnight, tough day – Leave a busy day behind and kick-start recovery with a breathing technique that will calm your nervous system. 
• Episode 3: The body at sleep – A meandering, ASMR-inspired sleep story about the restorative journey your body goes on at night.
• Episode 4: Beach bliss – Part soundscape, part guided meditation – listen as Chris guides you from the beach through the waves.
• Episode 5: Repeat after me – Use the power of repetition and slow wave music to reduce activity in the cerebral cortex and calm a worried mind.
• Episode 6: SOS get back to sleep – When you’re awake in the middle of the night, this audio helps you set the stage for sleep.
• Episode 7: Wake up energy – Waking up well is a key part of a quality sleep routine. Use this audio to create calm, focused energy for the day ahead.

Centr’s New Strategy

Centr’s new sleep series is the latest among several recent announcements and updates for the company. The brand has tapped Asensei to create AI-powered fitness experiences driven by advanced computer vision for human movement and fitness equipment recognition.

Centr released a new line of at-home fitness equipment, including a Centr 1 Home Gym, a functional fitness cable machine and accessories that are available at Walmart.com and in 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide. Centr also recently entered the competitive fitness space, partnering with Hyrox on custom-branded equipment.

The new product launches are part of CEO Andrew Sugerman’s plans to turn Centr into a connected health and fitness “ecosystem” where consumers can engage with a wide array of fitness and wellness-related physical products and digital content, all under the Centr brand.

The post Centr, Chris Hemsworth Want To Change the Way People Sleep appeared first on Athletech News.

As Centr continues to lay the groundwork for its holistic wellness ecosystem, the company has now pushed into the competitive sports arena, teaming with Hyrox to be the competitive fitness platform’s official equipment provider.

The deal will see the Chris Hemsworth-founded Centr develop a performance line of battle ropes, power sleds, interlocking bumper weight plates, competition kettlebells, sandbags, wall balls and targets, racks and rigs to be used at Hyrox competitions starting next year. Hyrox’s rigorous indoor fitness races blend running and functional workout stations in a competition designed for all, regardless of whether they are a pro athlete or an everyday fitness enthusiast.

Centr is also expanding its reach past the fitness races, allowing gyms, studios and consumers to soon purchase the equipment directly from Centr as well as Hyrox and additional retailers. In addition to fitness equipment, Centr will also offer premium digital content to Hyrox competitors and develop a training program in preparation for race day and beyond.

Founded by Hemsworth in 2019, Centr was acquired by HighPost Capital early last year in a deal that included the purchase of equipment marker Inspire Fitness. While Centr focused on its at-home fitness endeavors this year, recently launching a line of home gym equipment, Centr CEO Andrew Sugerman has told Athletech News that 2024 would bring “broader commercial opportunities.”

Centr x Hyrox: A Joint Mission of Health & Fitness

The competitive fitness industry is surging in popularity in North America, according to Sugerman, who emphasized that the new partnership with Hyrox is aligned with Centr’s ethos. Just as Centr has built a holistic wellness ecosystem with a growing footprint, Sugerman notes that Hyrox has created a competitive fitness platform that is globally accessible.

“Hyrox has made its ecosystem easy to become a part of, and that sense of community really aligns with what Centr stands for, as we look to democratize health and wellness for everyone on the planet through resources and physical tools,” Sugerman said. “Centr will be deeply integrated into the community and we’re excited to be able to have such an impactful presence in a sport that’s constantly growing in popularity.” 

Hyrox founder Christian Toetzke commented that Centr instinctively understood the “soul” of competitive fitness, hitting the mark with its range of high–quality and varied equipment to provide a consistent training and competition experience for its community.

He said that selecting Centr as the brand to work with was an easy choice for the growing competitive fitness market, believing that as the sport of fitness racing expands, Centr will occupy the same role as other great equipment makers that have become synonymous with their sports.

“Within 3 -5 years, we will have half a million people racing in a season, on every continent in every major metropole on the planet,” Toetzke said. “We needed a partner who could understand the global ambitions of the sport and be able to come with us on the journey. Centr provides us a partner who mirrors our ambitions and supports that with a global reach, impressive production and innovation in the equipment and a deep dataset of user experience to base those innovations on.”

Centr Continues To Expand

In recent months, Centr has been making good on its promise of a comprehensive wellness strategy. The brand has introduced its in-home fitness kits, accessories and strength equipment and tapped Asensei to create an AI-powered connected fitness experience.

The Hemsworth-founded company has also partnered with Lifespan.io for a longevity-centered mission, working together to combat age-related diseases and promote wellness on a global scale.

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Centr, the health and wellness platform founded by Chris Hemsworth, has had quite the month, debuting in-home fitness kits, accessories and strength equipment, including an at-home compact functional fitness trainer. 

Now, the brand has tapped Asensei to create an artificial intelligence-powered connected fitness experience driven by advanced computer vision for human movement and fitness equipment recognition. 

“At Centr, we’re thrilled to partner with Asensei to develop a new and highly innovative product that will further enhance our already robust selection of fitness accessories and strength equipment,” said Andrew Sugerman, CEO of Centr. “By leveraging Asensei’s exceptional technology, we are adding another layer of sophistication to Centr that will elevate our members’ workout routines, taking their experience to new heights.” 

Asensei, which delivers VR/AR, connected fitness, connected health and connected gym solutions, has attracted clients such as Vertimax, PowerBlock, Litesport, Fittar, Bhout and Alter with its movement-capturing software. 

Going Beyond Connected Fitness

After being founded by Hemsworth in 2019, Centr and fitness equipment company Inspire Fitness were acquired in 2022 by HighPost Capital, a private investment firm. Centr has been integrating the two over the past year, utilizing Inspire’s experience to develop high-quality, accessible training equipment and enhancing its health and wellness ecosystem.

As Sugerman shared with Athletech News last month, he sees a distinction between Centr’s connected fitness ambitions and those of Peloton and Lululemon, who have pivoted from hardware to a digital content approach.

“We’re selling products that are augmented by our digital ecosystem but don’t require it,” Sugerman told ATN. “We’re trying to bring more solutions to more people, whether it’s content, a physical product or a combination of the two. Connected fitness, where the hardware is restricted to one digital tool, is a closed-funnel solution. We try to offer products and solutions that open the funnel so that consumers can come in from many angles.”

Sugerman also points to Centr’s price points, which he says are cost-effective while providing high-quality products, supporting the company’s intent to democratize wellness for all.

What’s Next for Centr?

While Centr used this year to focus on at-home fitness, Sugerman has confirmed it would use 2024 to explore broader commercial opportunities and is working on a product line designed for competition-level athletes.

Aside from its fitness ambitions, Centr has also invested in longevity-focused endeavors, partnering with Lifespan.io to accelerate interventions for age-related diseases and to promote global wellness. 

As for AI, Sugerman said Centr would be looking for ways to enhance personalization as it continues its journey to provide a completely integrated wellness solution for consumers.

“Over the next few years, I think there will be a much more integrated approach to wellness,” Sugerman said. “We’ve led that charge at Centr since launching in 2019 and we’ll continue to lead it in the months to come.”

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Centr, the health and wellness platform founded by Chris Hemsworth, is embarking on a new chapter, looking to evolve its brand into a one-stop hub for its members to access all physical and digital resources needed to fuel them on their wellness journey.

Earlier this summer, Centr centralized its workforce in the U.S. and partnered with longevity-focused Lifespan.io to rev up the development of interventions to fight age-related diseases and promote longer lives. 

Most recently, Centr introduced a new product line that ties into its digital training offerings. Now, Centr will roll out a “Functional Movement Challenge,” introducing functional strength training to members. 

The program will promote stability and mobility while utilizing Centr’s new equipment and accessories and will include four 30-minute workouts each week, ranging from intermediate to advanced fitness levels. While dumbbells are required for the 30-minute sessions, members can intensify the workout using new products such as sandbags, slam balls, fabric bands and slide discs. 

To track progress, members can take a functional test to monitor their strength, mobility, locomotion, coordination and balance as they go through the program.

A New Approach to Interconnected Wellness

Centr has built a holistic approach to wellness with its products and guidance team of trainers, nutritionists and mindfulness experts, so members have all bases covered on their journey to optimal health and wellness. The app, which offers personalized plans that span workouts, meal planning and mindfulness, can also integrate wearables. 

It’s an approach that has resulted in success for the A-list actor and founder.

“Early on in my career, I experienced the power of interconnected fitness, nutrition and mental wellness and how these pillars worked together to help me perform at my absolute best,” Hemsworth said. “Centr has always offered exceptional digital content and guidance, and is now taking it a step further with best-in-class equipment to help everyone seamlessly reach their goals by giving them all of the tools to get there.”

After being acquired by HighPost Capital early last year, a deal that also included the purchase of equipment marker Inspire Fitness, Centr hired Andrew Sugerman as its new CEO. The former Walt Disney Company executive has made Centr’s mission clear: to enable members to achieve balance across movement, meals, mind and motivation while democratizing wellness. 

In a recent interview with Athletech News, Sugerman gave a glimpse into what’s ahead for Centr, hinting that the health and wellness company is working on a product line designed for competition-level athletes, which will be revealed in the coming months. In 2023, the company is focusing on at-home products, but Sugerman told ATN that Centr will be exploring “broader commercial opportunities.”

Blending Physical Products With Digital Content

Centr’s fitness accessories, now available in the U.S. and Australia, will soon launch in additional locations and were designed to offer versatility for at-home fitness, gym-based workouts or a “fitness anywhere” approach. The four kits, available exclusively on Walmart’s website and in 3,000 of its stores, are themed for targeting core, strength, all-in-one workouts and recovery. However, fitness consumers can also purchase the accessories individually to meet their individual needs.

Aside from the new kits, Centr offers fitness products ranging from slam balls, slide discs, push-up bars, body weight training straps, battle ropes, massage roller sticks, pull-up bars and yoga mats.

In addition to its fitness accessories, Centr has also introduced home gym functional trainers, such as the Centr 1 Home Gym, a 160-pound single weight stack, the Centr 2 Home Gym, a dual 165-pound stack and the Centr 3 Home Gym, a dual-weight stack with a Selectorized Smith Bar.

Centr’s kits, accessories and equipment come with a complimentary three-month digital membership.

“The launch of Centr’s physical product line marks an incredibly exciting milestone for the company as we’re entering a new category of health with state-of-the-art fitness equipment in the U.S. and abroad,” Sugerman said. “Since merging with Inspire Fitness, we’ve been committed to developing a premium selection of products that complement Centr’s unparalleled digital content, fulfilling our mission of making health and fitness accessible, achievable and fun for everyone.”

The post Chris Hemsworth’s Centr Unveils Comprehensive Wellness Strategy appeared first on Athletech News.

Centr, the Chris Hemsworth-founded health and wellness platform, has introduced over 25 new products, including fitness kits and strength training equipment.

The items are now available at Walmart.com and in 3,000 Walmart stores nationwide.

Centr’s equipment offerings include the Centr 1 Home Gym, a new functional fitness cable machine and sleek fitness accessories crafted to complement the home.

“Since we started Centr, we’ve offered an extensive library of digital content across fitness, nutrition and meditation to help our members reach their individual goals,” said Hemsworth, actor and Centr’s founder. “With the launch of Centr’s new product line at Walmart, we now offer the physical tools with the digital membership that are designed to amplify the everyday wellness experience of everyone.”

The accessories and strength equipment include a complimentary three-month Centr digital membership for personalized coaching inspired by Hemsworth’s team. 

Centr’s curated fitness kits span the following and range from $49.77 to $99.99:

• Core Kit – Ab roller, physio ball and slide discs.

• Recovery Kit – Massage roller stick, lacrosse ball, trigger point ball, stretch strap, foam roller and spikey ball.

• Strength Training Kit – Push-up handles, body weight training straps, a pull-up bar and an eight-pound sandbag.

• Workout Kit (Exclusive to Walmart) – Fabric resistance bands, a straight bar and resistance bands with handles. A travel bag is also included for easy storage and on-the-go workouts.

Centr’s individual products are also available at Walmart, such as slam balls, push-up bars, slide discs, body weight training straps, battle ropes, massage roller sticks, pull-up bars and yoga mats, with prices starting at $17.97.

Andrew Sugerman, CEO of Centr, said the products signal a new chapter for the company, reaching nearly a quarter-billion Walmart shoppers. Sugerman joined Centr as CEO in the fall of 2022, and he was tasked in part with leading the launch of new products and services.

Centr’s piece de resistance, however, is its Centr 1, an at-home, compact functional fitness trainer for $899. The Centr 1 takes up less room than other trainers and has a pulley system for versatility, with customers able to move its dual radial swivel pulley arms to 165 positions, providing a variety of strength training workouts. 

In a recent interview with Athletech News, Sugerman revealed that in 2024, Centr will explore broader commercial opportunities, while 2023 was earmarked for at-home fitness. He also hinted that Centr is developing a product line designed for competition-level athletes, a project which will be announced in the coming months. 

Perhaps learning from connected fitness companies such as Peloton and Lululemon’s Mirror, which have pivoted away from their original hardware-focused ambitions, Centr has taken the approach of selling products augmented by its digital ecosystem without requiring it.

“We’re trying to bring more solutions to more people, whether it’s content, a physical product or a combination of the two,” Sugerman recently told ATN. “Connected fitness, where the hardware is restricted to one digital tool, is a closed-funnel solution. We try to offer products and solutions that open the funnel so that consumers can come in from many angles.”

In addition to its fitness equipment endeavors, Centr recently partnered with Lifespan.io to accelerate interventions for age-related diseases, promote global wellness and democratize health. Earlier this summer, the fitness company made moves to centralize its workforce in the U.S. The company was acquired by HighPost Capital in early 2022.

The post Centr by Chris Hemsworth Unveils Home Gym, More Fitness Equipment appeared first on Athletech News.

Centr, the fitness and wellness platform created by Chris Hemsworth, is taking the next step on its journey to becoming an all-in-one “ecosystem” for health and wellness, teasing a new line of equipment that its CEO says will transform the company.  

After being acquired by HighPost Capital in early 2022 as part of a deal that also saw the investment firm buy equipment maker Inspire Fitness, Centr has looked to expand into new areas, including physical products that complement its digital content, which includes workout, nutrition and mental wellness videos. 

In September 2022, the company hired longtime Walt Disney Company executive Andrew Sugerman as its new CEO to oversee the integration of Centr with Inspire and lead the launch of new products and services. 

Under Sugerman’s watch, Centr made its first foray into exercise equipment with the Centr Fitness Essentials Kit and expanded its content offerings, including giving users access to longevity and anti-aging science.

Now, Centr is set to roll out an all-new line of consumer goods and fitness products that Sugerman says will transform the company into an integrated “digital and physical solution.”

Sugerman spoke with Athletech News about Centr’s upcoming product line, his first 11 months on the job, and where he sees the fitness and wellness industry heading. 

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

Athletech News: How do you view Centr as a brand following the acquisition by HighPost Capital and integration with Inspire Fitness?

Andrew Sugerman: Centr is a wellness ecosystem that combines high-quality content with fitness equipment, accessories and consumer goods. We’re bringing those two worlds together in partnership with Chris Hemsworth and his team of experts across numerous areas of wellness. We’re looking to enable our users to achieve a lifelong balance across the parameters of movement, meals, mind and motivation. 

We’re also looking at how to democratize wellness for everyone by taking the insights, knowledge and learnings that a few people have and bringing them to the masses. Chris has worked with the best of the best, and he saw firsthand the power of interconnecting fitness with nutrition and mental wellness. When you combine those, the outcome is amazing. Our goal is to bring that sort of transformative wellness to the world. 

ATN: What’s been your main priority since you took over as CEO of Centr around 11 months ago?

AS: Integrating Centr and Inspire Fitness has been a big undertaking. With Inspire, we have a company that brings 20 years of quality craftsmanship in fitness equipment, specifically within the strength training arena. That gives Centr the ability to create new tools and connect our content with those tools in new ways. 

ATN: What new products does Centr have planned?

AS: In the coming weeks, Centr will be rolling out an entirely new line of consumer goods and fitness products that will be available at almost every major retailer in the United States as well as in select markets around the world. Effectively, we’ll be relaunching Centr as an ecosystem that combines digital content with physical goods that will be available on a global scale. It will be the first time that Centr exists both as a digital and physical solution.

We’ll also be rolling out strength equipment from Inspire Fitness. So there will be Centr-branded strength machines, functional trainers, workout benches, Olympic weight sets, and really all the tools you’d need to unlock Centr’s content. We’re also working on a (product) line designed for competition-level athletes. I can’t get into too much detail on that, but we’ll be announcing it in the coming months.

The products that we’re launching in 2023 will be for at-home, consumer use. In 2024, we’ll look at broader commercial opportunities. 

ATN: Why has Centr chosen to launch physical products at a time when other top fitness brands, like Peloton and Lululemon, are increasingly moving away from hardware in favor of digital content?

AS: We’re not a connected fitness company like the companies you’ve mentioned, where if you buy the physical goods you have to purchase the digital counterpart. We’re selling products that are augmented by our digital ecosystem but don’t require it. We’re trying to bring more solutions to more people, whether it’s content, a physical product or a combination of the two. Connected fitness, where the hardware is restricted to one digital tool, is a closed-funnel solution. You need to have bought the bike to unlock the digital ecosystem, for example. We try to offer products and solutions that open the funnel so that consumers can come in from many angles.

Also, the line we’re launching has extremely cost-effective products. We believe the demand for quality, affordable products continues to be strong, which really leans into the notion of democratizing wellness for everyone.

ATN: Who is Centr’s target customer base?

AS: We’ve created a lot of clarity around this segment that we call the “holistic explorer.” It’s predominantly a 25 to 44-year-old professional demographic that cares deeply about health and wellness. They usually have interests in technology, trends and the latest research, and are constantly curious. But we also know that the fitness enthusiast is the lifeblood of our company. As we bring Centr into the competition space over the coming months, it’ll speak well to that demographic. Those are the two areas where we focus most of our energy.

ATN: What fitness and wellness trends are you noticing and how are they influencing Centr’s strategy?

AS: Strength training has picked up a ton of momentum over the last two years. Coming out of the pandemic, it’s almost like traditional cardio has dropped off and strength training has completely replaced it one for one. So as we look at future products and content, it’s very much leaning into functional fitness training.

A second area is personalization. You can throw a stone and hit an article about AI (artificial intelligence). I think there’s going to be a lot of smoke and mirrors with AI, but there’s also going to be a lot of truth and reality with AI, and in the next year or two, you’ll see which is which. There are going to be opportunities in the industry, and for us at Centr, to look at how we can continually enhance personalization, leveraging elements of AI in the right way. 

We also believe strongly at Centr in the integration of wellness, or this notion that mental wellness and nutrition are interwoven with physical fitness and conditioning. Consumers have been trained that those are individual things that exist on their own. Over the next few years, I think there will be a much more integrated approach to wellness. We’ve led that charge at Centr since launching in 2019 and we’ll continue to lead it in the months to come.

The post CEO Corner: Andrew Sugerman on Centr’s Push Into Fitness Equipment appeared first on Athletech News.

Centr, the health and wellness app that provides personalized workout programs and meal plans inspired by Chris Hemsworth, has partnered with Lifespan.io to empower individuals with resources to live longer, happier and healthier lives.

Lifespan.io, founded in 2014 as the Lifespan Extension Advocacy Foundation, is dedicated to advancing longevity research and promoting awareness about the incredible advancements in science and medicine that enable individuals to live longer and healthier lives. The organization is passionate about educating the public on healthy aging and the latest rejuvenation science and longevity biotechnology, engaging scientists, investors, startups and the broader community to drive impactful initiatives.

By making longevity science and biotech accessible and comprehensible, Centr and Lifespan.io’s partnership aspires to accelerate the development of effective interventions for age-related diseases and foster a global community committed to longer and more fulfilling lives.

Athletech News spoke with Jerry Solomon, chief operating officer of Centr, and Stephanie Dainow, executive director of Lifespan.io, about the inspiration behind their partnership, its value in the market and the biggest misconceptions about longevity and aging.

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

Athletech News: Why did Centr and Lifespan.io decide to partner?

Jerry Solomon: At Centr, we believe in the power of interconnected wellness and know that today’s decisions impact tomorrow’s well-being. Finding a leading academic and science-based partner was something we always wanted.

As founder, Chris Hemsworth’s mission is to democratize health and wellness to help people live longer, happier and healthier lives. Upon connecting with Lifespan.io, we immediately realized the tremendous synergy and that their comprehensive information on rejuvenation science and longevity biotechnology provided the expert content we were looking for. From there, the partnership seamlessly developed, almost writing itself. 

Stephanie Dainow: A partnership between Lifespan.io and Centr empowers both organizations to increase the reach of our combined messaging that people can live longer, healthier lives with incredible advances in science and medicine. 

Our team was deeply moved by Chris’ story in the “Limitless” docuseries and how it showcased the power of interconnected fitness, nutrition, and mental wellness, with science as a core component. A natural alignment between Centr and Lifespan.io was clear to us.

Lifespan.io creates an unrivaled amount of content on topics related to health, longevity biotech, and rejuvenation science, all intended for expanded audiences. Sharing this information on Chris’ platform helps bridge a gap between the scientific community and general public.

We’re delighted that Centr is joining us on this transformative journey!

ATN: How does the partnership drive value in the market? What differentiates it from competitors’ alternatives?

JS: Through this partnership, both organizations want to foster an educated and passionate consumer when it comes to health and wellness. We are two sides of the same coin. 

With Centr, we provide the means: movement, meals and mind. These are the pillars or daily habits that lend themselves to leading a happier, healthier and longer life. Lifespan.io provides something a bit different but with the same intention. Through Lifespan.io’s science-backed content authored by world-class experts who educate the public on healthy aging and the latest longevity research, members can leverage the motivation and reasons behind what they’re doing. It’s not what you do, but why you do it, which is equally as important, if not more so. 

Together, Centr and Lifespan.io bring knowledge and action into one easily accessible ecosystem at scale. It completes the wellness circle. No one else is talking about it or going about it quite in this way.

ATN: What is the biggest misconception about longevity and aging?

JS: That longevity and aging connotes delaying death when it’s really about prolonging quality of life. 

Another misconception is that only those who are over 40 care or think about longevity as they start to consider their own mortality. Younger people may not think about longevity in those terms but they do think about health, especially mental well-being, which is a key factor in longevity.

SD: Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions out there! (see here). But here’s one of the most important ones: we’ve spent thousands of years thinking that aging is mysterious, inevitable and always comes with suffering. 

Today’s advances in science and medicine are showing us that this thinking is wrong. Lifespan’s mission is to help people understand that research taking place right now is setting the stage for a future in which aging does not necessarily equate to declining health.

If we recognize that aging is a set of biological processes that we can understand and modify, then we can address the root causes, and more effectively prevent and treat many aging-related diseases simultaneously (Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer).

Longevity science and biotech is not only about fighting against death. It’s about living longer, healthier and happier lives with the people we love, which we can do when we have access to the right information. 

ATN: How do longevity and aging tie into Lifespan and Centr’s overall goals and mission?

JS: The science proves that adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes well-being leads to better mental health, stronger relationships and greater productivity. These are all values Centr strives to incorporate in everything we do and no one embodies and substantiates these beliefs better than Lifespan.io.

SD: Lifespan.io’s initial mission was focused on educating the public, showing how the “science fiction” of slowing or even reversing biological aging was turning into “science fact”. We knew that creating a productive dialogue around this topic would be paramount to bringing talent, resources and funding to achieving further insights into the biology of aging. Those insights would eventually underpin a growing set of approaches to slow, halt or perhaps even reverse the aging processes. Since then, the organization has branched out into a variety of initiatives to support the field of aging research and biotech development, but Lifespan.io has not forgotten its roots in engaging the public and has become a trusted international resource for reliable information about the science behind our current understanding of the biology of aging.

Public interest in longevity biotech is crucial.  When we believe that we can live longer and healthier, we can advocate for our healthcare systems and governments to prioritize healthy aging opportunities. When younger generations see that there is real biomedical technology behind today’s longevity research, they can pursue longevity-inspired careers—maybe as a scientist, or as a business founder, or perhaps as a leader who understands that longer lives will translate into a very different future. When individuals and organizations can directly donate to fund longevity research through Lifespan.io, they know that they are donating to positive change.

For example, cancer used to be a pariah disease. It’s hard to imagine now, but decades ago, cancer was talked about in whispers and the very idea of “solving” it was absurd. At Lifespan.io, we take inspiration from the early cancer research advocates and how the community they built changed that perspective and rallied the general public around the previously unthinkable goal of curing and preventing cancer.

We believe that we can support and create the same kind of mindset shift for aging and aging-related diseases.

The post Centr, Lifespan.io Execs Talk Partnership, How To Make Aging Science Accessible appeared first on Athletech News.

Centr, a fitness and wellness app, has laid off roughly 22 employees in Australia to instead concentrate on efforts to centralize in the U.S.

The wellness app, founded and endorsed by actor Chris Hemsworth, was sold last year to HighPost Capital, a private equity firm co-founded by Mark Bezos, brother of Jeff Bezos. The deal marked the firm’s first significant foray into the connected fitness space. 

Centr reportedly announced the layoffs in a company meeting, followed by an email that explained some roles were now deemed redundant, impacting some of its Australian employees. 

In the email, Centr CEO Andrew Sugerman wrote that the health and wellness app would pivot to centralizing the company in the U.S. and outsource some work.

Sugerman was appointed to his position last year to oversee the global integration and growth of Centr and Inspire Fitness, which was also acquired by HighPost Capital.

“As we look to make Centr a global wellness brand by bringing the digital and physical sides of the business even closer together, we have made the difficult decision to relocate and outsource specific operations in the Melbourne office,” the email read, according to Sky News Australia, which obtained screenshots.

One employee, a vice president of engineering at Centr, wrote on LinkedIn that the layoffs in Melbourne impacted some engineers. Other affected positions reportedly included creative services and certain marketing and product functions.

“The decision did not come lightly and is not a reflection of any individual,” Sugerman wrote. Instead, he stated the recent restructuring is a “strategic decision” meant to focus on growing Centr’s global user base by consolidating and connecting key roles to Centr’s headquarters in Los Angeles.

The app, which offers personalized training and tools inspired by Hemsworth’s team, allows members to create shopping lists, track progress and connect to wearables.

In an interview with Athletech News last year, Sugerman shared that Centr’s mission is to create a holistic health and wellness ecosystem.

Centr recently partnered with Lifespan.io, a 501(c)(3), to democratize health and wellness education. The collaboration will see Centr as an official media partner at Lifespan.io’s sixth annual conference in August in New York City. 

In late 2022, Centr announced a partnership with Hyperice to deliver guided meditation content by Hemsworth.

The post Chris Hemsworth’s Fitness App Centr Eyes US Centralization of Workforce appeared first on Athletech News.

Luke Zocchi is one of the leading trainers in the health and fitness industry, best known for training actor Chris Hemsworth in his various film roles. As a trainer and Program Director on Hemsworth’s fitness platform, Centr, Zocchi has made his training techniques available to a larger audience. In January, Centr announced a campaign called Moves that Matter in partnership with Good Sports, a national non-profit driving equitable access in youth sports and physical activity. Moves that Matter was, in part, inspired by Hemsworth and Zocchi’s childhood playing sports together. Athletech News spoke to Zocchi about Moves that Matter, his perspective on training, and his goals for Centr and his career.

Athletech News (ATN): Can you tell me more about Moves that Matter?

Luke Zocchi (LZ): I’ve known Chris [Hemsworth] for a very long time. We played Australian rules football together. And we were both talking about how important it is to have an activity and learn to train, and for the next generation to be healthier and happier. That’s how this campaign got started. It’s pushing our members to have extra motivation for the work they do. It’s going to turn into a bigger donation for Good Sports, a nonprofit organization helping youth sporting groups all across America that need help most.

ATN: Why is Centr’s approach to training so unique?

LZ: We have a more holistic approach to training and health and wellness. It’s not just one size fits all. If you look at our app or just on the training side of things, we’ve got such a diverse group of training styles and modalities. Each specialist has their own style. The stuff in the app is the same stuff that Chris and I actually live and breathe. He started training a different way, and he went, “Zoc, I’ve been doing these workouts, come try them out,” and we’d literally be at Chris’s house in the mornings. With his wife Elsa and her friends, we’d test it out and then turn it into a program that we launch in Centr. So, it’s actually stuff we believe in and do, and we’re just sharing it with the people who are a part of the app.

ATN: What’s your proudest training story?

LZ: As far as training other people, I get random people who follow my Instagram and they tell me, “I started looking at what you do, your recipes, and your workouts, and I’ve lost five kilos. Thank you so much.” And it’s cool because I’ve never met these people, and I see how much of an impact I’ve had on other people. For my personal training, it’s funny, because I’ve never run a marathon, but the hardest thing I’ve probably done is bear crawl a mile.

ATN: Where did your interest in training come from?

LZ: I played sports with Chris, and when we were younger, I got into amateur boxing and really liked it. Then, I ended up having a few amateur fights. That’s where my love for training really grew. Then after that, I did my personal training course, and it just progressed from there.

ATN: Do you have any short-term goals for Centr or for your career?

LZ: The short-term goal for Centr at the moment is to get the 300 active minutes with Moves that Matter. If we hit that milestone, that would be really cool. Personally, I think I’m going to run a marathon this year. I’ve never done it. I’ve been so focused on lifting weights, so I’m trying to commit to it– or to a triathlon.

ATN: Where do you see Centr going long term?

LZ: I’m really excited to see where Centr could end up because I’m very interested in new technology. AI technology and integrating technology with physical equipment could bring about really cool offerings. It’s such a complex space—it’ll be so interesting to see where it goes in the future.

The post Trainer Talks: Luke Zocchi From Centr appeared first on Athletech News.

Chris Hemsworth’s fitness app and workout program, Centr, has revealed a brand new campaign to kick off 2023 — Moves That Matter. The initiative was created in an effort to encourage Centr users to make healthier habits. Centr has also aligned with youth nonprofit organization Good Sports to drive the Moves That Matter mission even further with their “giveback partnership.” Minutes racked up using content from Centr’s library will go towards “healthy minute milestones.” Each healthy minute milestone reached ensures proceeds donated to Good Sports.

“Organized sports and exercise have been critical guiding forces in my life,” begins Hemsworth in a statement, adding, “The youth leagues I was fortunate enough to participate in as a kid taught me valuable lessons across teamwork and empathy. It’s a joy to partner with an organization like Good Sports as we both look to support childhood mental and physical health.”  

In regards to the collaboration, Good Sports President Christy Keswick adds, “Good Sports is excited about the upcoming partnership with Centr and the opportunity to educate more people on the importance of physical activity and why every child should have the opportunity to play. Since 2003, our mission has impacted over 9 million children across the US and in 2023, we hope to impact so many more lives.” 

Keswick continues, “Chris and the Centr team have done so much already to influence everyday people to live their most extraordinary life, and with this partnership, we hope to deliver that same message to children nationwide.”

In 2019, Hemsworth launched Centr with the goal of sharing his own fitness knowledge and experiences to a wider audience. The “Thor: Love and Thunder” actor’s platform includes a Facebook community, digital offerings, and Fitness Essentials Kit, with the latter being available exclusively at Walmart. Centr CEO Andrew Sugerman spoke in-depth about Centr’s digital content expansion plans and new equipment launch in an exclusive interview with Athletech News in September of 2022.

Centr and Good Sports’ partnership began on January 2 and will carry on until the end of the year. To learn how you can join and give back for a good cause, head over to centr.com/movesthatmatter.

The post Centr & Good Sports Aim to Prove That Moves Matter in 2023 appeared first on Athletech News.

While many fitness apps proclaim ease of use, Centr’s digital platform truly takes the guesswork out of health and wellness. With a daily planner that provides a workout, meals, and a guided meditation, Centr by Chris Hemsworth makes it easy for users to reach their fitness training goals.

Centr is a one-stop-shop for health and wellness with a dedicated following. The platform’s community is strong, with a Facebook group where members post pictures of their progress and accomplishments. Centr’s instructors provide challenging and diverse workouts based on their backgrounds and areas of expertise. Users have the option to choose coached (video) or self-guided workouts. The app has rep- and weight-tracking functionality, as well as stretching and relaxation exercises to promote holistic health. Its comprehensive recipe bank is easily searchable based on dietary preferences and restrictions. Centr’s recipes are healthy but also recognize the need for filling food and the occasional indulgence. Unlike many other workout platforms, Centr focuses on nutrition, which speaks to the significance of food in the training regime that Hemsworth follows.

Centr Power, the platform’s revamped muscle-building offering, was inspired by Hemsworth’s workout and nutrition program to get into shape for the Thor blockbusters. Hemsworth stated, “Centr Power shares the formula we have used to get me in my best shape for over 20 movies, including the Thor franchise. It is built around the key principles of muscle-building and will have you working to your max no matter how long you’ve been lifting – now super-sized for even bigger results.”

Compared to the original Centr Power, the revamped program is three weeks longer and includes tougher lifts, equipment alternatives, and low-impact modifications. Members can select beginner, intermediate, or hard for the program, based on their lifting experience. Centr is also offering at-home Centr Power, for members who have continued to primarily work out at home. Hemsworth commented, “The past few years have seen a lot of people mix up their exercise routines and our members were very keen for a version of Centr Power they could do in or out of the gym. You asked, we listened. Centr is the ultimate destination for muscle-building… now adapted with an at-home option, also.” Workout levels are divided into four three-week phases, with an additional deload week to prevent plateauing.

Centr’s focus on holistic wellness is evident in the app. Outside of Centr Power, users can supplement their daily schedule with a variety of other workout programs, like Centr Align, a combination of yoga and pilates, Centr Fusion, strength, yoga, and boxing, and Centr Masterclasses on functional training. Various meditations are available, even a kids series narrated by Hemsworth and Taika Waititi. For those looking for an all-in-one digital fitness platform, Centr is comprehensive and engaging. The app’s mission is to make health and fitness accessible to all, in a personalized experience tailored to specific goals.

The post Fitness App of the Week: Centr Brings the Training Regime Chris Hemsworth Developed to a Digital Platform appeared first on Athletech News.

Centr by Chris Hemsworth, a health and wellness platform with personalized workout programs and meal plans, is entering a new phase with the launch of its exclusive new equipment, the Centr Fitness Essentials Kit, new digital content, and the appointment of former Walt Disney Global executive Andrew Sugerman as CEO. Earlier this year, HighPost Capital acquired Centr and Inspire Fitness, and Sugerman will oversee the integration and growth of both businesses globally. Athletech News spoke with Sugerman about his background and his plans for Centr by Chris Hemsworth.

Athletech News (ATN): What is your background, and what brought you to Centr?

Sugerman: I spent 12 years with the Walt Disney Company, and oversaw the company’s publishing and digital media efforts, really across all the different franchises. That experience shaped my thinking and how I approach building brands and franchises on a global scale. When I saw the opportunity with Centr, it shared a lot in common with that. It’s a mission-driven business, with an amazing library of content, and the opportunity to bring something meaningful to people around the world that is not always readily accessible. It has a holistic approach to health and wellness. It combined something that is a personal passion of mine with things that I’ve enjoyed building throughout my career. In life, rarely do you have that mixture of work and pleasure in one experience, and this really combined those two. 

ATN: What is Centr’s mission? 

Sugerman: When I came into the process of learning more about the businesses, and Chris’s belief system on health and wellness and a holistic platform, it wasn’t about looking like Thor, it wasn’t about a physical appearance objective, it was really about how to live a happier, more holistic life. And whether you’re fit, you eat well, you’re in a good mental state, all those things feed your perspective on life. I don’t think could be any more important than it is today. Coming out of the pandemic, the demands on mental health have been significant. People figuring out the new normal, all these things are happening in real time. We can play a leadership role in bringing a program for life to the masses and help people find a way to live a fuller, happier life. There is a lot of emphasis on longevity and “health hacks.” For me, the opportunity to work with the success the team has already had, but also Chris, is a very unique combination. Chris’s passion for the business and making a big impact is certainly very prevalent and clear. 

ATN: What are the differentiating qualities of Centr compared to other fitness apps/platforms? 

Sugerman: Broadly speaking, our mission to create and deliver a holistic health and wellness ecosystem is the start of that. We are not looking at it through the lens of “mental health—and oh, by the way, here’s some fitness content.” We really want to have a holistic, integrated approach to how we can help people on their journey. A lot of this was Chris’s experience firsthand, and the people he worked with to prepare for different roles. He realized that there’s something much bigger here that everyone can benefit from. It was taking that team of award-winning nutritionists, and fitness experts, and bring their hacks to the populace. I think that’s a big one. I think Chris represents a lot of the ideals of that, so that personality, and that approach, exist in the product, and will continue to exist in the product. I think that’s really important as well, as a differentiator. We place a lot of value on the impact of nutrition and diet into lifestyle. Exercise is only going to get you so far without focus on the other areas. We make sure that there is a weighted perspective on how to help people at different stages. I’d say the combination of Centr and Inspire give us a perspective on how to bring not just content and services but accessories and products in whatever way fits their lifestyle: at home, on the go, at a gym, at work. Being able to make sure that we have the things they need at the right time. Inspire is already so successful in the fitness space, so being able to build on that opens up a lot of opportunity. 

ATN: Tell us a little more about the new equipment launch, and how it ties into what is going on in the larger fitness landscape. 

Sugerman: The pandemic created a lot of challenges, but when there are challenges, there are obviously opportunities. What we’re seeing is that the pandemic has pulled forward a lot of demand. So, the market’s now sorting itself out with supply and demand. That’s creating a lot of challenges for both traditional and connected fitness companies, as we have seen in the news. That being said, the medium-to-longer-term prospects in the market are huge. It’s a gigantic space, and will continue to grow and thrive. What we’re seeing is that there are different bets are made over time: the home fitness space was it during the pandemic. What people are realizing now, is that it’s more of a hybrid model. When we think about products, content, and accessories, we’re thinking about the hybrid model in mind, so that we are providing solutions that can be leveraged as far and wide as possible. The Fitness Essentials kit is a way to provide people with the starter kit for all the pieces that someone needs to pursue a healthier, fit life from the comfort of their home, or take them with them. The product itself was designed with an eye towards beginners, even though it can be used by all levels, so that we provided an easier on ramp for people getting into fitness for the first time. We are providing content alongside that, so we have hundreds of specially curated workouts made to go alongside every one of the products. That content is really what’s going to help someone from beginning to understand something to having comfort, and ideally having fun along the way. We are bundling the equipment with three included months of access to the Centr content library as a part of those packages. It’s about engagement and repeat usage, and we think that Chris, by default, makes things fun. He tries not to take things too seriously, and we try to bring that voice through the experience.

The post CEO Corner: Centr by Chris Hemsworth Appoints Andrew Sugerman as Chief Executive; Digital Content Expansion, Equipment Launch Next appeared first on Athletech News.

Private investment firm HighPost Capital has acquired Centr, a digital health and fitness platform, and Inspire Fitness, a fitness equipment manufacturer and at-home fitness studio.

The private investment firm specializes in the consumer tech sector. The deal’s financial terms have not been disclosed.

Centr, which was founded in 2019 by Chris Hemsworth, provides fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness programs to over 200,000 global subscribers. Centr features a subscription app for its users, which offers daily planners, workout programs, meal plans, and meditations. 

Both companies will be merged under Centr LLC, with Hemsworth remaining heavily involved in Centr. The Australian actor is the combined company’s second largest shareholder.

Hemsworth celebrated the news in an Instagram post, writing, “Get ready for @centrfit 2.0!”

The combined company is valued at over $200 million. 

Centr LLC will be led by Scott Dickey, Chairman, and Jeff Laborde, President of Inspire. 

“Centr was created to provide people with carefully curated and integrated fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness programs, guiding beginners and more experienced users in achieving their unique health and fitness goals. I look forward to partnering with HighPost and Inspire to continue the success of Centr, inspire people to lead healthier and more active lives, and increase our strong subscriber base worldwide by developing outstanding new content and expanding our offerings,” Hemsworth stated.

David Moross, Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of HighPost Capital, described the new investments as an exciting endeavor, calling the combination of Centr and Inspire Fitness an appealing opportunity to create a best-in-class fitness platform for health and wellness enthusiasts. 

“For nearly two decades, Inspire Fitness has set the standard for developing innovative, high quality fitness equipment at compelling price points. We look forward to providing the strategic and capital support to further grow Centr’s subscriber base, expand the Inspire retail distribution footprint, and build a robust fitness brand with multiple levers for growth in a resilient and expanding sector,” Moross said in a statement.

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