Halotherapy Solutions is going where no health and wellness solution has gone before. 

Looking to give operators the chance to offer a more holistic approach to therapy and recovery, the company recently launched its HaloRestore & Recovery solution. It’s the first and only series of programs merging salt therapy with the company’s complete portfolio of RESTORE and RECOVERY equipment, including red light, cryotherapy and cold plunge.

The solution features Fire & Ice, Vitality Restore, Revive & Rejuvenate and Hyper Restore packages. All carry devices such as the Spectrum Elite Bed, HaloIR & Redlight Tower, Cryo T Cooler, Health Smart Massage Chair and the CyroMed One, just to name a few. Some also include the newly patented Vitality Booth Plus, the world’s first and only multi-function chamber combining salt and red light therapy. 

Meeting Consumer Demands

These steps to establish HaloRestore & Recovery, trailblazing as they are, were requested by the health and wellness industry both from an evolutionary and cost-saving standpoint. 

Lisa Semerly, Halotherapy CRO and creator of the program, did so to give users more advanced recovery options and operators more functionality in their limited spaces.

“I have been in the Halotherapy space for about a decade and have seen a shift throughout the years,” Semerly said. “The industry has moved into ‘next generation’ salt therapy, stacking or layering multiple modalities together in one unit to customize the guest’s experience while at the same time maximizing the return on investment per square foot for the facility owner. Taking that one step further, and keeping pace with the current environment, HaloRestore & Recovery was conceived last year.”

Rarely are gyms given the chance to add a solution that assists such a large percentage of their members. According to Semerly, one in every three athletes experiences some form of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or exercise-induced asthma. It’s almost impossible for anyone to achieve their fitness goals under such circumstances.

“If your respiratory system is rundown, or under attack and you can’t breathe, your workouts are going to be less effective,” Semerly said. “Salt therapy alone expands the airway for increased lung function, and increased oxygen saturation. It helps with muscle endurance and strengthens the abdominal wall for increased lung capacity and oxygenation.”

This is accomplished as users breathe in kinetically active, microscopic pharmaceutical-grade salt. The salt draws out moisture, mucus, and impurities which kills anything in the airway or skin to alleviate inflammation. This, according to Halotherapy, is the only way to address respiratory health and wellness naturally. It also triggers skin microcirculation and membrane activity.

The salt therapy is “stacked on” other modalities, such as red light therapy, as seen with the Vitality Booth Plus.

The Benefits of Salt Therapy x Red Light 

Red light and salt therapy are a match made in heaven — Halotherapy is harnessing their coefficient benefits with the Vitality Booth Plus, making it a potent user engagement tool for gyms or wellness facilities that results in a cycle of wellness. 

“What makes the Vitality Booth Plus so effective and unique is the science,” Semerly said. “The inspiration behind it came from one of our partners and salt therapy enthusiasts who owned a World Gym. He was looking for a game changer in the fitness space to include red light and salt therapy and understood that red light in the presence of salt crystals creates a far more effective experience for both.”

After conducting research with NASA, the Halotherapy team discovered that adding salt therapy to red light therapy creates microbursts of red-light energy by the billions, as they refract off translucent salt crystals. This results in a greater red-light immersion that encapsulates the skin. Simultaneously, the salt therapy becomes more effective, as the red light energizes and dries the salt which results in deeper penetration and expansion into the lungs.

“In a nutshell, the Vitality Booth Plus not only helps with recovery and respiration, but it addresses skin health by a dual-modal mechanism of action,” Semerly said. “This makes it the most effective red-light therapy and salt therapy in the world.”

The blending of salt and red light therapy assists in anti-aging, wrinkle reduction, weight loss and mood enhancement as well. The booth comes in four different sizes and with a U.V. blue light sanitation system. It was recently issued a “patent” on the effectiveness of red light therapy with salt therapy, making it the most powerful red light therapy in the world.

The Bright Future of Recovery

Semerly only expects demand for Halotherapy’s RESTORE & RECOVERY products to increase as education around recovery does. As it did with many aspects of the health and wellness industry, the COVID-19 pandemic has already played a large role in that. 

“We learned a lot in a post-COVID world,” Semerly noted. “More and more folks are taking self-care much more seriously. Those who take health and fitness seriously have realized that without a true recovery component, burnout, injury, and less effective workouts are inevitable.” 

Salt therapy is “one of the top modalities folks are seeking post-COVID,” Semerly added. “Halotherapy will continue to be part of the conversation in the fitness community well into the future,” she said.

The post Halotherapy Redefines Recovery With Salt & Red Light Combo appeared first on Athletech News.

Aescape has launched its whitespace innovation: the first commercially available, fully automated massage experience. The company also announced a partnership with luxury lifestyle and fitness operator Equinox, debuting its massage tables in select locations across New York City this spring.

Backed by $80 million in funding, Aescape aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of massages through advanced technology. .

“Aescape aims to make massage an accessible, regular part of rest and recovery, no longer reserved for indulgence or injury,” said Eric Litman, Founder and CEO. “Working alongside massage therapists over the last seven years, we’ve honed our technology to ensure it caters to diverse body types and lifestyles. It’s designed for anyone looking to book last-minute, or looking for control over their massage when therapists aren’t always available.” 

The technology is a fully automated, artificial intelligence-driven massage table. It scans the user’s body and generates over one million 3D data points to accurately map a user’s body on the table.

Using the 3D scan, the tool identifies key points on the body for a targeted massage. Aescape includes a touchscreen underneath the massage table that users can control to identify pressure points, target areas and music selections. The experience is also customizable—the platform can remember user preferences for future massages.  

Equinox Embraces Recovery

At Equinox, anyone can experience Aescape for $60 for 30 minutes, which will also include a free day pass to the gym for non-members. Beginning in June, the technology will be made available in ten locations in New York City. 

“We’re relentlessly focused on how we can help our community of high-performing individuals live better, healthier lives,” said James Gu, senior director, Equinox Spa. “As we continue to innovate with science-backed preparation and recovery modalities and new technologies, we are excited to offer Aescape. This personalized and accessible format will help our members further integrate recovery into their fitness routines.”

Disrupting the Massage Market

Litman is joined on the Aescape executive team by Sam Bowen, who worked in hardware at Amazon; Becca Valle, who worked in global marketing at Meta, Airbnb, and the New York Knicks; and Alex Linde, who worked in product at Uber, eBay, and Yahoo!

To develop the product, the Aescape team worked with thousands of individuals to develop a solution that caters to all body types and needs. By working with everyone from casual gym-goers to athletes, the company created a solution it says can cater to all audiences. 

The massage therapy market is valued at around $19 billion, and recovery solutions have never seemed more popular, including in gyms and fitness facilities as a value-add or premium membership service. The industry, which is also facing a shortage of therapists, is primed for disruption. Aescape offers an always-available, consistent massage, and aims to drive value for spas, hotels and wellness centers. 

Aescape is launching an early access program for New Yorkers, inviting participants to be among the first to try out the futuristic massage experience while providing feedback to refine the service further. The company is also actively seeking new partnerships. 

The post Equinox Locations Add Aescape, a Fully Automated Massage Bed appeared first on Athletech News.

Therabody is investing over $10 million in scientific research initiatives, forming a Scientific Advisory Board and partnering with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the wellness tech brand announced.

The $10 million investment will be allocated toward conducting scientific and clinical research studies across various domains including beauty, wellness and athletic performance over the coming years. Therabody’s Scientific Advisory Board will also be comprised of four experts in their respective fields to guide research strategy, initiatives and product development.

The board is comprised of Dr. Pamela Peeke, a physician and scientist specializing in integrative medicine and women’s health; Dr. Daniel Giordano, a Doctor of Physical Therapy who focuses on performance health and longevity; Dr. Robin Thorpe, a global leader in recovery science; and Dr. Neera Nathan, a Harvard-trained dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon specializing in dermatologic surgery and laser medicine.

Together, the board will advise on research strategy, related initiatives and content, and co-develop new Therabody products related to their areas of expertise. 

“I am thrilled to welcome this caliber of scientific leadership to Therabody,” said Monty Sharma, president and CEO of Therabody. “Our Scientific Advisory Board, along with our significant investment in scientific research and partnerships, will ensure we remain at the forefront of our industry and dedicated to developing the most effective, scientifically validated products available today and in the future.”

Therabody x ACSM

Therabody is also committed to working with ACSM on the sponsorship and exhibition of new therapies at the ACSM Annual Meeting in May 2024. The organization is made up of over 40,000 physicians, scientists, educators and health fitness professionals, and is considered a leader in sports medicine and exercise science. 

Therabody has long been dedicated to scientific research, demonstrated by an extensive research portfolio with 21 scientific studies completed to date and an additional 26 in progress. Therabody Labs is the company’s in-house team of scientists and engineers to test and optimize their products. 

Expanding Access to Wellness

The new announcements come as Therabody has been focusing its efforts on expanding the accessibility of its products, including its new beauty line. Therabody released the TheraFace Vibration Mask, which is a light therapy mask clinically proven to reduce signs of aging. The mask is a complement to the TheraFace Pro, which has different attachments for various skin concerns, such as aging, acne, tension relief, and more.

Therabody founder and chief wellness officer Dr. Jason Wersland spoke with Athletech News last year about the new beauty line and the company’s mission to democratize access to wellness and beauty through its products.

Last year, the wellness tech brand also launched three new massage guns in a push to target everyday wellness consumers: the Theragun Relief, Theragun Sense and Theragun Pro Plus.

The post Therabody Pledges $10M to Scientific Research, Adds Advisors appeared first on Athletech News.

Reset by Therabody is the wellness tech brand’s in-person, experiential wellness hub, with locations across the United States including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York and Houston.

The whole-body wellness centers offer clients access to Therabody’s technology, guided by trained experts. Services range from 30 to 60 minutes and include offerings like stretching, percussive therapy, cryotherapy, and cupping. Clients can purchase services a la carte or through memberships.

Now, Therabody has launched Reset Rewards, a membership program that offers exclusive benefits and discounts, including on partner brands like Pressed Juicery, Momentous supplements and Stakt mats.

Athletech News spoke with with Shannon Cooke, vice president of retail at Therabody, to learn more about the new Reset program and how Therabody’s in-person experience drives value for the company and its customers.

“It was really important to us to pick brands that were on the same page as us from a wellness and ethos perspective,” Cooke says. “We wanted to have added value for our guests with our memberships and also give them easier access to self-care. So we partnered with a lot of brands with community health and wellness in mind. We’re very excited to have a high bar to stand shoulder to shoulder with the brands that we selected for the program.” 

In terms of the brand selection process, Cooke noted it was both national and local.

“Every single one of our resorts has access to our national brands,” she explains. “Because the local community is so important to us, each of the individual locations has different partnerships that are specific to its city. We have over 10 national brands that we’re working with right now. Then, every city has between five and seven that are local to their community.” 

The Importance of In-Person Experiences

As in-person experiences become more important than ever to many brands looking to forge connections with consumers, Cooke noted that Reset was the embodiment of a third-party ecosystem.

“We take all of the cutting-edge therapies and technologies that we create as a product and we bring them to life inside of these spaces,” she says. “We really want to make sure that health and wellness can benefit as many people as possible. There are big barriers to entry for a lot of the services and products that we provide, so creating this kind of warm, safe space for people to come in and try the products is a really important part of our ecosystem for the customer.”

For Therabody, Cooke noted there is also “a really beautiful, experiential brand marketing component to it. People can come in and ask questions, and touch and feel the brand.” 

Local Marketing Efforts

When asked about Reset’s biggest challenges and opportunities, Cooke noted that building authentic relationships with local communities is effort-intensive but integral to the brand’s strategy.

“On the ground, guerrilla-style connections are not scalable, but we take being in the community and working with the right groups very seriously,” she said. “But it is very important because those messages and allegiances in the community will show people that they have a place where they can go that represents who they are and where they’re coming from.” 

Therabody has a long-term vision to continue using Reset to bring new products to life for the consumer.

“It’s very exciting for me to look at the pipeline and think, ‘How can I bring this to life for the customer that comes into Reset?,'” Cooke says.

Therabody is hoping to create a space where consumers can step outside their comfort zone and learn more about new types of self-care.

“If we have made it more comfortable for someone to participate in cryotherapy, to use LED masks, to get closer to the effective science that we are promoting, then we have done our job,” Cooke adds. “Lowering that barrier to entry for self-care is incredibly important to Reset.” 

The post Therabody Embraces In-Person Wellness Experiences appeared first on Athletech News.

Offering a dedicated recovery and wellness space has become table stakes for fitness industry operators. Over the last few decades, facilities have evolved from exercise clubs into the health and wellness clubs they are today. 

For modern-day clubs, if the wellness piece is missing, so too will be acquisition and retention.

When we think about creating wellness spaces from a business perspective it’s not just about bringing in new equipment, it’s about generating ROI. If done properly, the wellness space will become a highly desired destination for self-care – a destination that keeps members coming back and that can be monetized.

“Members expect to see strength and cardio in every club, and wellness/recovery has joined that list as well, said Kevin Conaway, President of WellnessSpace Brands. “It is non-negotiable now. And the good news is in addition to increasing retention and acquisition and creating a new revenue stream, you can build a space that doesn’t require additional staff, so it won’t be a drain on your time and resources.”

Conaway has been with WellnessSpace Brands for twenty years. The company – previously called HydroMassage – offers multiple products that seamlessly integrate into gyms to support members’ physical and mental health.

“We develop products that are innovative, easy-to-use and highly desirable to drive repeat usage and therefore engagement over the long term,” Conaway says. “WellnessSpace products are designed to swiftly facilitate multiple members with no assistance needed, creating a high return on value for clubs.”

Where To Start

Conaway says the biggest challenges for gyms include discerning exactly what their wellness space should entail, including which equipment and services should be offered as well as placement.

“A good way to start is to ask members what they desire, and then gain an understanding of the options,” Conaway explains. “Kick the tires, try things out and get out in front of what your members want and need.”

Next, he says it’s critical to understand how different concepts might work – or not work – within the gym’s model.

“Hands-on massage is wonderful but may not be practical to administer to multiple members,” he says. “Conversely a HydroMassage Lounge facilitates a full-body massage in ten to 15 minutes with no staff necessary. In that same vein, cryotherapy chambers are great, but they require a full-time team member to administer the service, while the CryoLounge+ offers a smarter self-guided option for comfortable cold therapy.” 

Location, Location, Location

“Give your wellness space the maximum amount of visibility and awareness possible as a focal point in your club,” Conaway recommends. “Allow everyone to see the great things taking place… the rejuvenated, relaxed happy users. It’s like a restaurant … if you drive by and there are no cars in the parking lot, you keep going until you find one with the line because you know that’s the one that’s going to be good.”

Monetizing Your Wellness Space

Conaway says there are a couple of ways gyms can generate ROI.

“By far the best strategy I’ve seen clubs use is to create a premium package for members that includes access to the space and all of the equipment and services,” he explains. “When members or prospects understand that they can work out and get massages, cold therapy, mindfulness, and more, it’s not a hard sell. In this scenario, I typically see 50% to 60% of members opting for the premium package.”

Other clubs choose to offset the cost by adding a small increase in each membership package, then offering the space to all.

In either scenario, operators add value to their offering while increasing ROI.

Your Wellness Space Will Market Your Club

“The most effective marketing for any club is when members advertise for you,” notes Conaway. “When others see your members posting on social media about their fabulous HydroMassage after their workout, they take note.”

He also smartly suggests positioning your staff as influencers. 

“Give your trainers and staff free access to the HydroMassage and CryoLounge and they will become your biggest advocates and influencers,” says Conaway. “Imagine the cycle instructor in front of a 40-person class raving about how his massage relieved his tight legs and is helping him to cycle more miles and get even more fit. That’s hugely impactful.”

Supporting members on their journey to total wellness alone speaks volumes.

“Even if you don’t get a single new person in the door, your wellness space illustrates to current members that you are investing in their overall health, and that will help drive retention rates,” Conaway notes.

Lastly, Avoid This Pitfall

Conaway points to an important pitfall some operators make when getting into wellness.

“I’ve seen clubs try to ‘dip their toe’ in with only one piece of equipment, and that’s a mistake,” he says. “No member wants to go and use the one piece of equipment in the corner by themselves. Plan properly for the space, support your member’s needs, and your wellness space will become a destination with a great ROI for your club.”

The post How Gyms Can Build Winning Wellness & Recovery Spaces, With WellnessSpace Brands appeared first on Athletech News.

The wellness industry may have consumers inundated with ways to look and feel younger, but Matterhorn Fit is taking a neurologically based approach to pain reduction and long-term fitness training. 

Behind the personalized program are co-founders Ryan Vesce, a former NHL player, and strength coach Sean Sullivan.

Their proprietary method touts an impressive 94% or more of clients reporting significant pain reduction in just two weeks.

“The results are far exceeding any other type of physical therapy out there,” Vesce said.

With such high success rates in rapid time, Vesce and Sullivan decided to accelerate Matterhorn Fit’s expansion through franchising so others could soon experience life-changing pain relief.

Pain Prevalence 

The comforts of modern life may bring benefits in certain areas, but they’re undoubtedly contributing to discomfort in our bodies — and at a startling rate.

“Over 50 million people suffer with pain, and one out of every two adults live with musculoskeletal pain,” Vesce said. “I don’t know if it’s the pivot to remote work or just our daily life —how we live now with the phones and with working more in general.”

The Cornell grad sees the rising “work-all-the-time” culture has made sitting long hours in front of a computer result in lower back and neck issues. 

“You also see the lack of movement — which ultimately affects those neurological patterns that get disrupted and cause issues to occur,” Vesce added.

The Matterhorn Method

In response to the prevalence of pain, Sullivan and Vesce created a seamless integration between pain relief, rehabilitation and performance with neuropriming, plasticity and precise pain root cause identification. With a client-led approach based on the neurological system, Matterhorn Fit challenges the brain and body in tandem for long-term health.

“That’s ‘The Matterhorn method,’” Vesce said. “It’s one of the primary reasons we’re so uniquely positioned to be the most differentiated hack for rehab and fitness franchises in North America.”

Franchising White Space

As wellness franchises battle to dominate crowded spaces such as infrared saunas and cryotherapy, Matterhorn Fit offers franchisees a chance to help consumers without direct competition — a feat in and of itself. 

Currently solidifying its relationship with its first franchise partner, the pain reduction and fitness brand is looking to open other franchises in its inaugural franchising year.

“We have a lot (of interest) in the pipeline,” Vesce said. “Fortunately, the amount of attention we’ve gotten so far has been very promising and positive, and we’re excited to continue to go through the process with the prospective candidates.

Matterhorn Fit’s approach to pain outperforms other therapy modalities, according to Sullivan, which he sees as a key differentiating factor for franchisees. 

“We’re so focused on the process and essentially finding the dysfunction between the brain and the muscle connection,” Sullivan said. “We’re looking for the right people that essentially fill the void and help us drive that process through a broader spectrum.”

The Matterhorn Method has caught the eye of prospective franchisees including orthopedists, who view it as complementary to their existing practices, along with physical therapists, conditioning coaches and even professional athletes. 

Life Beyond Pain 

Once a Matterhorn client’s pain has been resolved, they transition to a long-term personal training program for ongoing results.

“We have clients that started with us five years ago and they still train three days a week, every week,” Vesce said. “That’s our goal, and that’s how we think about our philosophy in terms of movement and training: we believe that everyone should be moving, and we believe that doesn’t stop after you fix an injury.”

As new data is released about the brain-muscle connection, Vesce sees a growing awareness in consumers who are looking to ease their pain and make lasting improvements. Most of all, being able to deliver results quickly and give clients a glimpse at life beyond pain is at the heart of Matterhorn Fit. 

“Many clients come to us and they’ve lost hope,” Vesce said. “They’ve been injured. They tried other types of treatment, and they’re searching for an answer to their pain. And they start working with us and in only six sessions, we’ve been able to solve their pain issues. There’s a ton of people out there in pain, and there’s a ton of people who have lost hope, and one of the things we do really well is fix people fast and inspire hope.”

The post Matterhorn Fit’s Mission To Make North America Pain Free  appeared first on Athletech News.

Therabody has added Michael Giordano and Peter Noverr to its executive team as chief revenue officer and chief operations officer, respectively, as the wellness tech company gears up for what it calls “ambitious growth plans.”

Giordano has a background in consumer electronics and will drive Therabody’s market expansion, online and offline. Noverr has experience driving global supply chains and growth engines. 

Before Therabody, Giordano was chief commercial officer at Progressive Leasing, and spent 14 years at Samsung Electronics America. Noverr previously worked at The Better Being Co., where he was chief operating officer for three years. He also served as chief operating officer at Jenny Craig and was CEO and co-founder at Level Life Foods, a company that specializes in diabetes management products. 

“Mike and Peter bring years of experience, success, and outsized value creation in sales and operations across multiple industries, including Consumer electronics,” said Monty Sharma, CEO and president of Therabody. “We are excited to have them join our excellent Therabody team and supercharge the pursuit of our purpose.”

Therabody Eyes Consumer Wellness

As it gears up for more growth, Therabody will look to build on a big 2023. The wellness tech company unveiled several new products, including the Theragun Pro Plus, the Theragun Sense, and Theragun Relief, in the hopes of increasing product accessibility to new audiences and demographics.

“We’ve become so accustomed to living with pain and it doesn’t have to be that way,” Dr. Jason Wersland, founder and chief wellness officer of Therabody recently told Athletech News, teasing the company’s plans to release more wellness and beauty products. “We started with the pro athletes and have flipped the script to deliver the most effective and innovative therapies to everybody.”

Therabody also partnered with United Airlines to promote wellness travel. United customers flying via United Polaris international business class are provided a Therabody amenity kit with TheraFace eye serum, face spray, hand cream and cleansing towlette. In the United Polaris lounges, travelers will have access to Therabody products like the Lounger, Theragun and RecoveryAir JetBoots.

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Life Time has issued intriguing findings, the results of a 2024 fitness survey examining consumers’ current mood and approach to fitness and well-being. 

Compiling the responses of nearly 3,000 survey participants, the luxury fitness and lifestyle operator has stumbled upon some noteworthy and promising changes in the wellness landscape, namely an almost 30% increase in consumers aiming to prioritize their health and well-being this year when compared to 2023. 

Instead of working towards six-pack abs, 51% of consumers are mainly focused on putting in the work to live health-abundant lives so they can participate in their preferred hobbies and activities with gusto. 

In contrast, only 9% report prioritizing health and wellness to improve their appearance — an interesting finding when juxtaposed with the rising demands of the GLP-1 sector. Still, weight loss remains a key priority area, with 36% of respondents admitting they would give up social media forever if it meant losing ten pounds.

Life Time is also leaning into the weight loss medication space and longevity therapies with the launch of Miora Longevity and Performance Clinics.

Strength Training & Stress Relief

One statistic that likely comes as no surprise is that strength training remains a leading interest in 2024, with LifeTime finding that building muscle is the number one goal this year for nearly 36% of respondents, an increase of over 3% from 2023. Following muscle gain goals is losing weight and simply moving more.

Life Time’s findings also hint that consumers may be using their workouts to escape, perhaps in response to the increased remote work. While exercising has proven stress-reduction benefits, it’s also become a time when over 77% of respondents say they avoid all work emails and calls, with 90% reporting they rarely, if ever, engage in work while working out. 

Fitness has also shown some shifts, with 45% reporting they exercise 4-5 times a week. Just over 50% of respondents revealed they have an equal mix of cardio and strength training, while 18.2 are mostly cardio-focused. On the other hand, 15.6% say they are solely focused on strength-based training.

Recovery & Stretching Surge

Life Time’s survey also indicated that saunas, cold plunges, and stretching are all preferred post-workout recovery modalities for fitness enthusiasts, with 36.2% taking multivitamins as their preferred supplement, followed by protein powder (23.6%). 

The luxury fitness operator recently unveiled a new dynamic assisted stretching program that packs promise, with Life Time founder and CEO Bahram Akradi believing it offers a $50-million-dollar opportunity.

“Personal health is our best defense to live longer and perform better both physically and mentally, and Life Time is unwavering in our approaches to meet members where they are, helping them to live healthy, happy, and fulfilled lives via our best places, programs, performers and experiences,” said Jeff Zwiefel, Life Time president and COO.

The Rise of Wellness Real Estate

Life Time is also tapping into the wellness real estate market; wellness has become a primary motivator for consumers interested in purchasing real estate, notes Global Wellness Summit chair and CEO Susie Ellis. It’s also the fastest-growing sector in the wellness economy, especially as consumers are now spending more time at home.

As Life Time continues to open new clubs, it’s also branched out into healthy living villages with “luxury-to-lease” residences in places like Stamford, Connecticut, Coral Gables, Florida, Burlington, Massachusetts and Green Valley, Nevada. Offering a wellness-centric approach, the living villages feature green spaces, outdoor gaming and meditation areas, special work-from-home and lounge spaces and complimentary access to its athletic country clubs with group classes and training, indoor and outdoor pools, pickleball and basketball courts.

An exclusive resident concierge program is also available, with customized weekly meal prep delivery, personal training, wake-up calls, nutrition coaches and massage therapists.

The post Fitness Enthusiasts Prize Longevity Over Looks, Life Time Finds appeared first on Athletech News.

Hyperice has filed 16 lawsuits in federal court against Sharper Image, Homedics, Ekrin Athletics and other retailers including CVS, Costco, Walgreens and Kohl’s related to the alleged infringement of Hyperice’s percussion massage technology. The relevant intellectual property, Hyperice’s U.S. Patent No. 11,857,482, claims technology dating to 2013 that’s used in products like the Hypervolt 2 and the Hypervolt Go 2 massage guns.

The new lawsuits, filed on Tuesday, come two weeks after Hyperice sued rival Therabody for allegedly infringing the same patent.

“The actions that we have taken today are one part of a larger legal strategy to protect our intellectual property rights,” said Jon Howell, general counsel at Hyperice. “We intend to take additional actions in the coming days and weeks to ensure that our innovative line of percussion massage guns is protected.”

In the lawsuits, Hyperice claims that several of the companies’ products, including the Sharper Image Powerboost line and Ekrin massage guns, infringe on Hyperice’s intellectual property. In the coming weeks, Hyperice says it intends to file additional lawsuits, up to 100 in total, against other sellers and retailers believed to have infringed on these patents. 

Earlier this month, Hyperice alleged that several of Therabody’s products, including the Theragun Elite, Theragun Pro, Theragun Prime and Theragun Sense, infringe on the same patent. 

“At Hyperice’s core, we develop innovative products and technologies to enhance recovery, performance, and longevity for consumers worldwide,” said Hyperice CEO Jim Huether. “For any company working to lead and grow a new and emerging market in the technology sector, the inventive process is extremely important. … There are hundreds of millions of dollars of massage guns sold every year in the U.S. alone, and we believe that a vast majority of these massage guns infringe this patent.”

“We will use aggressive legal actions against all infringers to reinstill credibility of the percussion market,” Huether added.

The massage gun market is substantial, valued at $542.6 million and is likely to reach over $1 billion in the coming years, according to one estimate. Intellectual property disputes in the space are common. In late 2019 and early 2020, Therabody filed patent infringement lawsuits against Hyperice and Achedaway. These lawsuits resulted in Achedaway agreeing to a cease and desist, and Hyperice agreeing to stop selling one of its massage devices. 

The post Hyperice Sues More Brands, Retailers Over Massage Gun Patent appeared first on Athletech News.

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Kineon is a technology company focused on bringing the benefits of light therapy to consumers’ homes. Founded in 2019 by Forrest Smith and Tom Sanderson, Kineon’s Move+ Pro launched on Indiegogo in October 2021 after a couple years of designing and prototyping. On the crowdfunding site, Kineon raised over $1 million, shipping over 10,000 units in around 9 months.

The Move+ Pro promises to help reduce chronic pain in as little as five minutes. Unlike many red light therapy devices, the Move+ Pro uses lasers to penetrate deeper into joints.

Right light therapy works by stimulating blood flow and energy production in the targeted area’s cells, reducing pain and inflammation. Medical research is growing in the field, looking into the efficacy of using red light for different ailments. To date, many of the studies have limited sample sizes or animal subjects, but many more are underway to explore red light’s possible benefits.

Athletech News put the Move+Pro to the test to see how the device works, and if it’s a good choice for your recovery needs.

Pros

Most red light therapy devices only use LED light, whereas the Move+ Pro leverages medical-grade laser technology with traditional LED lights to improve the light’s penetration depth. The depth of such penetration is around 5-6mm, while standard LED panels are only around 2mm. It also uses pulse wave technology, or short pulses of light at a high energy level, instead of the more common constant wave technology. 

Set up with the Move+ Pro was easy with its modular design. Each of its light modules must be charged and then can be attached to adjustable elastic straps that form a circle. The wavelengths of the LEDs were impressive, with eight 650 nanometers of deep red LEDs per module and ten 808 nanometer infrared lasers per module. 

For injuries around smaller areas like knees or elbows, the device is fairly portable and can be secured with its Velcro straps. In addition, Bluetooth connectivity between the light modules allows users to press one on, and the other two follow, activating the entire device. 

Cons

The biggest downside of the Move+ Pro is its high price tag, at $499.00. Another is its limited sizing. Its circumference is perfect for knees, shoulders, or feet, but when I wanted to use it on my lower back, I had to maneuver the device so my back rested on it but could not move around. The Velcro straps also lack enough customizability for all body types and areas of the body. For injuries to smaller areas like ankles, knees or feet, the device could work well, but might not be as easy to use for the thighs, back or upper back. Kineon does offer extender straps for $45.

The Move+ Pro also lacks a companion app for guided use, which has become more common with recovery products. While its use is usually simple, an app could be a nice upgrade for the product, particularly for more complicated injuries.  

Final Thoughts

The Kineon Move+ Pro offers a risk-free, 3o-day at-home trial, which might be ideal for those considering the purchase. Overall, the device is fairly portable and easy to use and could be a good solution for someone looking to try out red light therapy for pain reduction. 

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Gold’s Gym Thousand Oaks has undergone a substantial renovation catering to the evolving needs of fitness consumers, incorporating new equipment, unveiling a new Posing Room for fitness content creators and debuting an exclusive private Escape Fitness Room for more reserved gym goers.

When the opportunity to expand the Thousand Oaks gym’s upper level by 20,000 square feet presented itself, Gold’s Gym SoCal, a franchise group that owns 23 locations in the Southern California area, pounced at the chance — with plans to revamp additional locations in due time.

“In the Southern California market alone, which has 23 health clubs in total, Gold’s Gym has approximately another ten clubs that will be remodeled and re-equipped while reinvesting $15M in those clubs over the next 30 months or so,” shared Brian Morris, senior vice president of Gold’s Gym SoCal.

Seeing a growing demand for Gold’s Gym memberships, particularly in a post-pandemic environment, Morris called it a “no-brainer” to expand and enhance the Thousand Oaks location.

“We want to ensure we react to the needs of our communities and grow our spaces accordingly,” he said. “We also used this moment to bring our entire club up to speed with what consumers are demanding today, which is the crème de la crème of fitness equipment and sleek, spacious settings.”

Inside the Remodel

In addition to its indoor lap pool, the Thousand Oaks Gold’s Gym location now has an expanded weight section, a group workout room, a new turf zone with functional training equipment, an outdoor fitness area and the latest equipment from Life Fitness, Freemotion and Gym80.

With fitness influencers continuing to carve out notoriety on social media, the Gold’s Gym SoCal’s Posing Rooms allow amateur and professional gym goers to create content in private.

In this respect, Gold’s Gym SoCal is ahead of its time. Morris noted it’s one of the club’s heritage trademarks that began at its Venice gym in 1965. Gold’s Gym SoCal plans to eventually implement the immensely popular creator content rooms in all of its clubs.

While content creators have a special space of their own, Gold’s Gym was also mindful of fitness enthusiasts hoping to avoid the crowds with a new Escape Fitness Room, which offers a more secluded yet fitness-serious zone bathed in serene blue mood lighting. 

“Our dedication to creating a great member experience for every workout led to the creation of The Escape Room,” Morris said. “We wanted to create something fun and new to keep members engaged and excited for their gym sessions. The Escape Room is state of the art with top-of-the-line equipment, which allows us to provide our top-tier members with a first-class fitness experience in a more private environment.”

Trends To Watch

Looking ahead, Morris predicts the fitness industry will continue to see a rise in heavy-weight training for all ages and fitness levels, along with another form of strength training.

“Body weight training continues to be on-trend, as it provides options for all endurance levels or those wanting to tailor their sessions for lower impact routines,” he said.

Morris also noted a surge in demand for open-area fitness spaces, indicating that some future renovations will entail repurposing space used for swimming pools and other gym equipment into open fitness areas.

“As a mainstay in Southern California’s fitness scene, we will keep leading the way for 2024,” Morris said. “By having the most up-to-date equipment, programs and products, as well as best-in-class trainers and instructors to lead the charge, we will continue meeting people where they are in their fitness journeys.”

The post Gold’s Gym SoCal Embraces the Future of Fitness appeared first on Athletech News.

Guy Harkless, the new president of Blink Fitness, was recently appointed to invigorate the premium-yet-affordable fitness brand launched by Equinox in 2011.

In his new leadership role, Harkless will spearhead gym operations, elevate the membership experience and develop and implement a strategy to support Blink’s future growth trajectory and enhance overall business performance for the brand’s 103 locations.

“The demand for approachable and accessible fitness experiences is greater than ever,” said Harvey Spevak, executive chairman and managing partner of Equinox Group, to whom Harkless will report. “With Guy at the helm of Blink Fitness, there are endless opportunities to accelerate the brand’s continued success.”

Harkless comes to Blink with an impressive track record of serving consumers from multiple vantage points, overseeing diverse brands in various lifecycle stages. A Howard University graduate, he’s held leadership roles at Champs Sports, Eastbay, Foot Locker, Nike and Puma, and was a founding partner of And1, a footwear brand.

Building Community Through Accessible Fitness

A seasoned industry vet, Harkless has experience in cultivating community connection, providing a glimpse at what’s in store for Blink.

Harkless sees Blink’s competitively priced membership as an ideal fit for the current macroeconomic landscape and emphasizes the distinctiveness of the Blink brand in fostering and building community bonds — an aspect he deems advantageous as Blink charts its course into 2024 and beyond.

“Our overall mantra is that we offer what we call ‘Fitness for All,’” Harkless said. “We operate in all the boroughs in New York City, in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas, and I would say that we have a huge opportunity to continue to deliver that model into the future and provide a ton of accessibility to, in many cases,  underserved communities.”

As Blink’s model is focused on localization, Harkless said the fitness brand takes special attention in making sure it’s hiring from the community and encouraging members at the local level to stay active.

“Connecting to local organizations,  participating in community days, staying active with the local Chamber of Commerce — it’s really about how we build and foster the right overall ecosystem to empower teams to be successful with the Blink model,” he said.

Strength Training Takes Center Stage

As Blink heads into its busy season of January, with fitness consumers eager to embark on their New Year’s health and fitness resolutions, Harkless is focusing on the member experience, engagement and empowerment for the new year.

In becoming attuned to Blink’s members, Harkless says Blink’s ongoing emphasis on delivering sparkling clean fitness facilities continues to resonate as a priority, as does offering value-added services such as personal training. 

“We have almost 600 fully-certified personal trainers that we deploy across our entire network,” Harkless points out.

Blink has been mindful of striking a balance between strength and cardio options, and Harkless indicates that the fitness brand has been “tweaking the model” as fitness consumers are increasingly invested in strength training.

In Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn, Blink is piloting a few different ventures as it works with EGYM, a smart tech-enabled equipment and software provider, and FitBench — a fully-equipped bench that incorporates weights and dumbbells, which Harkless says is helpful for trainers to better connect with members during a training session.

Harkless reports that Blink has already seen increased engagement with some of the strength areas in its Stuy Heights location, which has helped the brand consider zoning additional locations across the Brooklyn area and some other markets. 

Wellness & Recovery Options

Blink is also eyeing the holistic journey around health and wellness and is considering deploying recovery offerings in its locations. In another pilot program, Blink has partnered with the Hyperice Hypervolt team to bring massage guns into its Stuy Heights gym location.

“We’re getting a feel for how members want to be serviced on that level and see the opportunity to augment the member experience across fitness, training and recovery as a key part of the journey,” Harkless said, adding that the intent is to help Blink members experience recovery and prevent injury while preparing them for their next workout or training session. “That’s a large aspect that we think is really going to be unique for us as we evolve our menu of services to best cater to the present and future needs of our community.”

As the fitness brand tests out new offerings for its members, one of the most important aspects of Blink’s mission remains accessibility.

“There are many more active individuals seeking more and better access to fitness services, which is probably the biggest thing in our industry,” Harkless said. “This is where Blink’s model excels in terms of widening the scope of access points for a broad cross-section of fitness consumers who are looking for an in-the-neighborhood solution to be able to leverage their health and wellness journey.”

The post Blink Fitness President Eyes Community, Accessibility & Innovation in 2024 appeared first on Athletech News.

Amped Fitness, a Florida-based gym chain, is touting that its ample fitness amenities and offerings align with 2024’s top health and wellness trends. Known for its positive gym ethos, blue mood lighting and content-friendly areas designed for fitness content creators, Amped Fitness recently opened its first Sapphire location in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

The location marks one of five new Amped Fitness gyms in the southern region of the Sunshine State that is part of the brand’s corporate expansion.

Amped Fitness’s Sapphire spots offer sparkling new facilities with luxury-style amenities and a touch of exclusivity that ensures the comfort of its members. Along with its Fort Lauderdale location’s grand opening, Amped Fitness plans to launch Sapphire facilities in Sarasota, Tampa, Plantation and Daytona Beach. 

Guests at Sapphire locations can expect strict enforcement of an 18-and-over- age policy and state-of-the-art equipment from Core, Amped, Prime, Total Gym, Booty Builder and specialty machines such as the Reverse Hyper Extension, Standing Abductor and Horizontal Leg Press. Other amenities include instructor-led and virtual group classes, a recovery zone, tanning, saunas, a women’s only Babe Cave and a Functional Freedom Zone.

“We are stoked to continue our Florida takeover with these 5 new locations,” said Travis Labazzo, CEO of Amped Fitness.

Aligned With 2024 Trends

As for its in-gym offerings and recognizing the popularity of group fitness and hybrid workout options, Amped Fitness re-introduced its popular AX3 Group Training this year for VIP members to access free HIIT and strength training classes. Members can also work out in the Functional Freedom Zone, an open turf area with fitness equipment and accessories or work with one of the certified personal trainers for a results-driven and time-efficient 30-minute training session.

The fitness franchise has also begun focusing on promoting a mind-body connection, with the addition of yoga classes that integrate deep breathing and meditation and a fun dance fitness experience with Zumba. Virtual on-demand classes are also available to satisfy members who prefer a hybrid approach to fitness.  

Post-workout, Amped Fitness members can head to the Recovery Zone to use massage guns, enjoy HydroMassage beds and CryoLounge+ chairs from WellnessSpacee Brands, Normatec Boots from Hyperice, or use a Body Composition Scanner to keep themselves on track to meet their health goals.

Aside from scaling in Florida and its two locations in Alabama, Amped Fitness is headed to Indiana in the new year, a result of its first franchise partnership with Matt and Kyana Carrico. 

The low-cost, high-value fitness franchise offers 24/7 access for a no-contract monthly base membership price of $9.99 with a capped $26.99 VIP tier, providing flexibility and affordability — ideal for busy consumers in a challenging economic landscape.

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Therabody was founded in 2008 by Dr. Jason Wersland, who was inspired to create the company after a painful motorcycle accident. Over the past decade and a half, Therabody has emerged as a leading recovery technology company, expanding from percussive therapy into areas like skincare, sleep therapy and muscle-stimulating devices. 

The Theragun Pro Plus, which was launched in October as part of Therabdoy’s new lineup of massage guns, kept the same as its predecessor, at $599. But at such a steep price tag, is the Pro Plus worth it?

Athletech News put Therabody’s premium massage gun to the test. 

Pros

The Theragun Pro Plus really is all-in-one. It offers everything from infrared light therapy to vibration therapy, heat therapy, cold therapy and breathwork.

One of the best new features of the Theragun Pro Plus is that it uses both hot and cold therapy for recovery. In addition to its usual attachments (the standard ball, dampener, thumb, micro-point, and wedge), it includes a heated attachment that warms up to three temperatures: 113, 122, and 131 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 10 seconds. The cold attachment, which can be purchased for another $89, cools to 59, 50, and 41 degrees Fahrenheit in the same amount of time. The heat attachment, in particular, is a game-changer for muscle recovery.   

The Theragun Pro Plus also includes near-infrared light therapy, which has been increasing in popularity for recovery. It has been shown to improve muscle recovery and reduce inflammation. The light therapy is delivered through 13 LED lights on the bottom of the handle, and can be turned on and off. 

One of the Theragun Pro Plus’ great new features compared to the Pro (fifth Gen) model is the addition of vibration therapy. For sensitive areas or joint pain, vibration therapy may be more manageable compared to percussive therapy. This was an incredibly helpful tool for areas like the knees. 

The Therabody app has also undergone huge improvements in the last year. The TheraMind sound therapy feature is relaxing and soothing, and uses engaging animated visuals, unlike many guided meditations. It connects to the Pro Plus through the biometric sensors, which makes the device a more holistic tool for wellness. The app quickly connects to the Pro Plus and can switch between Therabody devices if you have multiple. 

Lastly, a simple but effective change for the Pro Plus was clearer labeling on the device’s carrying case. Now, the cases have accompanying images and text to clearly explain how best to use each attachment to optimize recovery. As education is important with such a complex tool, this change was incredibly helpful for day-to-day use. 

Cons

Although the Theragun Pro Plus is likely one of the most advanced massage guns on the market, its steep price might be hard to stomach for many consumers. In addition, that the cold attachment is sold separately adds to the already-high cost for those wanting contrast therapy. 

The massage gun is also a fair amount heavier than its alternatives, at 3.63 pounds. The Pro is 2.86 pounds, while the Elite and Prime are only 2.20. For those who plan to use the massage gun on the go, this might be a potential downside. 

Final Thoughts

The Theragun Pro Plus might not be the best investment for massage-gun novices due to its price point. However, if you’re ready to bring your recovery game to the next level with breathwork, vibration therapy and contrast therapy, consider the splurge.

Read more reviews from ATN’s Product of the Week series here

The post Product of the Week: Is Theragun Pro Plus the World’s Best Massage Gun? 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

Many of the newest products and services that are helping the fitness industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic had their origins, ironically, from a surge in interest in how to recover from workouts.

Post-exercise and injury-prevention treatments like massage, heat, cold, infusions and electronic stimulation, as well as products and apps for mental wellness, nutrition and stress reduction, are outperforming other modalities and channels in the fitness and wellness business today. 

During a panel discussion entitled “The Business of Recovery,” part of Athletech News’ DISRUPT 2023 video Series, a trio of executives driving growth in this booming space talked about the spike in interest in recovery (and its alter ego, prevention), and their predictions about the future of this fascinating category. 

Ryan Duey, co-CEO and co-founder of cold plunge brand Plunge, said that the industry’s longtime focus on the actual act of working out is starting to change.

“Now we’re getting a more holistic understanding of what goes into being a healthy body,” Duey said. “We know now that sleep is the time we’re actually growing our muscles that we tear down during the workouts, so they go hand in hand. A lot of studies and information are coming out. There’s an acceleration of awareness, and a better understanding of the holistic picture of how to be a healthier, more active human. It’s not just the act of working out.” 

Plunge introduced its first product, an affordable in-home cold plunge tub, 3 years ago during the COVID pandemic. Primarily a DTC product, it tapped into the increased interest in cold plunge as an energy enhancement, immunity builder and recovery therapy with a unit that people could install and use conveniently in the comfort of their homes.

Restore Hyper Wellness director of research and wellness Dr. Rachel Pojednic is a muscle physiology scientist who specializes in the intersection between exercise and nutrition, and an expert on the impact that stimulus, or working out, has on muscles. 

“We know that when you exercise really hard, your muscles are going to be broken down and you need to give yourself some time in order to recover,” Pojednic said. “And if you’re a good strength trainer, you know you can’t do that kind of effort over and over again. And there is growing recognition that we need stimulus plus recovery in order to have long-term adaptation.”

Although the interest in recovery seems to have come out of nowhere, it’s actually been brewing for a while, said Paul Lunter, founder and CEO of WellnessSpace Brands, previously known as HydroMassage, whose flagship product is a bed or lounger chair inside of which jets of warm or cold water pulsate and move, giving the user a targeted massage (think hot tub without getting wet or having to change position).

“When we launched our products to the fitness market 15 years ago, recovery was the focus,” Lunter noted. “At first everybody asked ‘Why are you here? Why is HydroMassage a product that we should be looking at in fitness?’ It took a lot of education. In the beginning, we were talking about tear and repair, it was all about recovery. And over time people understood that having a wellness product rather than a recovery product is where the benefit is.” 

Gyms and studios that offer HydroMassage as part of a premium membership or add-on service have had little problem monetizing once members experience the products. Some find that it increases member engagement in unexpected ways. 

“In every conversation we have, they say at some point and always a bit sheepishly, that they have people that don’t even work out, but come in before work or on their lunch break,” Lunter said. “We do a lot of tracking and our products are being used on a regular basis at three o’clock in the morning in some of the 24/7 clubs.”

The Restore Hyper Wellness business started with cryotherapy, which remains, along with heat and red light therapies, its most popular products, but interest is starting to shift more toward prevention, according to Pojednic. 

“As people start to think about this proactive and preventive space, they’re experimenting with a lot more of our medical therapies, so we’re seeing that the I.V. micronutrients, NAD, and injectables are also really important for this type of self-care,” Pojednic noted. “We see interest in products that you need a prescription for from our medical team increasing and certainly not slowing down anytime soon.”

Regarding the market potential of the wellness segment, WellnessSpace Brands’ Lunter feels it will “triple in size between now and 2030,” thanks to Gen Z, a cohort that is rapidly gaining in importance to the fitness and wellness industry: 

“They’re not as much into getting a new house as they are about ‘What can I do today to make my life or my day better?’” Lunter said. “And so the products of all three of our companies are fantastic and right in line with that.”

Plunge has several growth initiatives underway. 

“We’re now getting into the sauna category, and that was directly from our customers,” Duey said. “They were emailing us asking us for recommendations, and asked if we were planning to build one. We surveyed them, and 40% were in the market to buy right now, giving us the ability to readdress our existing customers.” 

B2B is a key focus of Plunge moving forward. With 90% of its business in residential, there is a big opportunity in the commercial sector which, until now, has been handled opportunistically. Duey noted the release of the Plunge All-In Commercial, a new product that’s specifically built for commercial facilities.

“It’s app-enabled, and maintenance is much more seamless,” Duey said.

For Restore Hyper Wellness, the importance of personalization, technology and data to the customers at its 200-plus franchised locations is driving many of the company’s new initiatives. 

Pojednic said that increasingly, people are looking for a hyper-personalized journey and quantifiable results. 

“They’re looking for the data to show them that what they’re doing is working,” she said. “So as they have a child, suffer a stressful event, or change their exercise regimen, they want that feedback so that their journey can change. What we’re thinking about for the future is how can we help people understand what’s going on with their body with their own data, and really personalize their day-to-day with all that information to effect change, and show them evidence that their body is in fact responding rather than just giving them gimmicks and headlines.”

“I’m a scientist, and this is why I’m at Restore,” Pojednic added. “For me, data is destiny.”

The post These Brands Are Driving the Booming Business of Recovery appeared first on Athletech News.

Hyperice has announced a collaboration with Pause Studio that integrates the wellness brand’s award-winning products and technologies across Pause’s nationwide portfolio of studios to optimize performance and recovery. The collaboration aims to provide Pause clients additional recovery benefits through access to Hyperice products. 

Products available in Pause studios include Normatec and Hypervolt products. Normatec is dynamic air compression therapy, a scientifically proven method to reduce swelling and inflammation, and accelerate recovery. The Hypervolt line will bring percussive massage therapy to the studios. The line also now features the Heated Head Attachment, which can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit within seconds. The Hypervolt Heated Head Attachment will be available in the studios’ private contrast therapy and infrared sauna suites. 

“Pause Studio is an extremely progressive partner for Hyperice. Together, through a combination of innovative services and technology, we are delivering a world-class wellness experience for the everyday consumer,” said Hyperice CEO Jim Huether. “Hyperice’s mission has always been to help everyone on Earth move and live better, and this partnership with Pause Studio delivers on that mission.”

Pause Plans Nationwide Expansion

Pause Studios was founded in 2016 by former Equinox executives Jeff Ono and John Klein and wants to help individuals “press pause” in their daily lives, focusing proactively on improving physical and mental health. The studios offer an array of cutting-edge wellness treatments, including floatation therapy, infrared saunas, cold plunges, LED light therapy, IV therapy, contrast therapy, cryotherapy and more.

Pause is set to open its fifth wellness destination in Studio City, California, later this month, and its first franchise location in Newport Beach, California, this spring. Pause has awarded 57 franchises to date, with plans to open 14 studios in 2024. 

“As we begin to open Pause Studios across the U.S. in 2024, the in-studio activation with Hyperice will be a tremendous value proposition for our members and franchise partners,” said Klein, who serves as Pause CEO. “By combining Hyperice’s best-in-class products with Pause’s science-backed modalities, we are furthering our goal towards meeting the recovery needs of our customers on a daily basis.” 

The post Pause, Hyperice Partner as Wellness Studio Eyes Expansion 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.

iCryo may be the coolest business launched in the heat of League City, Texas, and it’s enjoying a scorching hot wellness market. As the year quickly comes to a close, the recovery and wellness brand is encouraged by a successful 2023 with nearly 100 territories sold and projects 2024 to be its biggest growth year yet as it plans to enter the European market.

As iCryo looks ahead domestically, 20 franchise locations are planned for New York, and over 43 others are in development. The brand also recently inked a master franchise deal for Canada to develop 50 facilities, a strategic move that it says will grow its wellness brand by over 15%.

The brand, which opened its concept for franchising opportunities in 2017, recently hosted its second annual Elevate conference in Houston, celebrating its wins, such as a 50% sales growth and a 25% increase in unit volume year-to-date, as it looks forward to continued expansion. 

Existing iCryo franchisees were honored at the event, with special recognition for those who have gone above and beyond, such as Elizabeth and Nick Mericle in New Braunfels, Texas, and Cibolo, Texas, who were awarded “Franchisee of the Year.”

Boutique Wellness Market Grows

iCryo credits its franchise success to the surging consumer demand for holistic health and wellness treatments and the addition of its new services such as Neveskin, regenerative medicine, Seca medical scales, hyperbaric chambers, DNA swabbing and high-dose ozone UV/IV therapy. The additional services allow iCryo clients to select from a wide-ranging menu of pain management, beauty, anti-aging and athletic recovery modalities.

Mindbody predicts cold and heat therapies will be one of the leading wellness trends in the new year. Similarly, consumers continue to gravitate towards therapies that support well-being in addition to non-invasive aesthetic treatments. A 20-30 minute toning facial, one of iCryo’s offerings, promotes anti-aging and skin rejuvenation without post-procedure downtime.  

“As we continue to shape a healthier future and transform lives across the globe, our dedication to providing our members the most innovative and effective personal health services continues to grow,” said Kyle Jones, iCryo co-founder and chief innovation and branding officer. “Affordable, professional, and convenient personal health services are in higher demand than ever before, and as we move into the next year having helped over 150,000 people enrich their health, we will continue to raise the standard as a global wellness brand.”

The post iCryo Expands Wellness Franchise Footprint in US, Abroad appeared first on Athletech News.

Restore Hyper Wellness has created a category of care all unto its own, offering a vast menu of personalized wellness therapies that range from IV Drips to Cryotherapy and everything in between. Restore is rapidly scaling its footprint nationally and beyond, as its mission is to expand the limits of personal health and performance to help people do more of what they love. 

After securing a $140 million investment led by General Atlantic to accelerate growth and innovation in 2021, Restore Hyper Wellness continues to expand, recently opening two new studios in League City, Texas and Nashua, New Hampshire. The brand currently has over 225 locations across 40 states. 

Leaning into the reality that while consumers can’t outrun life’s ticking clock and that discomfort and aging are universal truths, Restore provides proactive solutions through its advanced therapies like Infrared Sauna, Red Light Therapy, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHbOT), Compression Therapy, Biomarker Assessments, Skin Health services and more.

Restore Franchisees Are Passionate About Wellness

Encouraged by the blossoming health and wellness industry, which sees consumers seeking ways to feel their best, Restore’s franchising model has proven attractive to those who are dedicated to serving their community and positively impacting the health and well-being of its clients.

“(Restore franchise owners) realize that we’re in a place and time where health is first and foremost on people’s minds and they want to be a part of that,” said Steve Welch, Co-Founder and CEO of Restore. “They want to be a part of bringing that to their local communities.”

“We’re seeing a tremendous amount of success from our owners. Their passion and belief in the results truly allows them to outperform,” Welch said of Restore franchisees. “Their clients can see their enthusiasm and that has a big effect on us. If you talk to Restore owners, they’ll tell you they just absolutely love that part of the business. Beyond that, we really are on the cutting edge.”

Worldwide Consumer Interest in Wellness & Longevity

As Restore sees impressive domestic growth, the wellness franchisor is confident its therapies can meet the demands of overseas consumers looking to feel their best.

“The exciting thing about our business is the need states we’re addressing are universal,” Welch said. “This is not an American problem or a Canadian problem. This is worldwide.” 

While overseas opportunities are ample, Welch says Restore is currently “focused like a laser” on the U.S. market and is taking advantage of its domestic opportunities before expanding beyond. 

Americans Are Willing To Spend on Wellness

Welch sees the health and wellness industry as in its third wave, with Americans thinking deeply about health care. As he points out, the first wave resulted in an understanding of food’s impact on health. The second wave saw the rise of gyms and fitness facilities, with Americans discovering that exercise can impact long-term health. The third wave — wellness and longevity — is one that Restore is prepared to ride.

“We’re taking that to the next level in Restore by helping people realize that they can invest in their health today, and that’s going to really impact them — not just today, but also in the long-term, as well,” Welch said.

With a comprehensive menu of therapies, Restore clients can select the modalities they feel will help them meet their goals. While many clients come to Restore to improve athletic performance, Welch reveals that a significant portion of clients are focused on longevity and energy management.

“What we’ve done is put together a group of therapies that we really believe you can utilize regardless of what your interest is,” Welch said. “We can help you find a path that is custom for you and is dependent on your own objectives.”

As Welch puts it, consumers aren’t immune to age-related discomfort and energy depletion but are willing to invest in therapies that enable them to return to the things they love to do.

“Cryotherapy and Compression Therapy can really help manage discomfort and allow people to live the lives that they want to live,” he said. “The reality is most people, myself included, tend to have less energy as we age. Part of the reason we have less energy is we’re missing the micronutrients and the elements the body needs at a cellular level to be successful.”

Welch points to Restore’s IV Drip Therapies, which he says have a tremendous impact on delivering nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

One of Restore’s newest offerings, a Weight Management Program developed with its Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rich Joseph, focuses on metabolic health to help clients create personalized plans to help them achieve and sustain a healthy weight that addresses their weight loss goals.

Supporting Franchisees With Expert Knowledge & Tech

As Restore scales, Welch says franchisees have the support and benefit of a full legal and compliance department, both of which are helpful in a highly regulated environment across various states and differing medical, nursing and pharmacy boards. It’s an aspect Welch says often gets missed as people consider different franchises to invest in.

“I think what we’ve done so well as an organization has been to build that infrastructure that enables our studios to compete across the U.S. and have the tools they need to ensure they’re successful in their local geographies,” he said.

The health and wellness provider looks for owners who are fully engaged in the business and play an active role.

“Our owners that have multi-units are outperforming those that have a single unit,” Welch said, adding that the more units an owner has, especially if they’re in the same region, the simpler it is to manage the franchise since they can pool resources. 

Restore also has an app to meet clients where they are -—- which is typically on their phones, which Welch says is just the beginning of the investments Restore is making, all designed to help franchise owners.

Just as Restore is laser-focused on the U.S. market, the franchisor is similarly focused on helping its franchisees succeed. 

“That is a critical part,” Welch said. “It often gets overlooked by people when they’re trying to decide which franchise to go with: culturally, what is this company focused on? And for us, we know our success is tied to the success of our franchise owners.”

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Remedy Place, the social wellness club, is now bringing self-care to homes. Today, the club launched its Tech-Remedy Collection, starting with the Remedy Roller, an automated full-body massage device.

Remedy Place pioneered the term “Social Self-Care,” catching the attention of entrepreneurs, celebrities, and professional athletes in New York City and Los Angeles since its founding in 2019 by Dr. Jonathan Leary. Now, the wellness club is taking its mission of making the world feel better into homes with the Tech-Remedy Collection, starting with the Remedy Roller. 

“The decision to introduce the Remedy Roller as our first product launch stemmed from our desire to extend our experiences beyond the confines of our physical clubs,” Leary told Athletech News. “Recognizing the impossibility of being physically present everywhere, we conceived the Tech-Remedy Collection as a means to reach a broader audience and further our mission of making people feel better.”

The Remedy Roller, the first product in the Tech-Remedy Collection, is an automated full-body massage device that empowers individuals to administer myofascial release, alleviate muscle tightness and enhance connective tissue health. It increases blood flow and improves range of motion. It also offers a full-body lymphatic massage experience, a bidirectional drum system massage, infrared light therapy, and voice-guided treatments. The roller is also crafted from 100% natural beach wood balusters and comes with different speed settings for customization. 

“What truly sets this product apart is its simplicity and effectiveness,” Leary added. “It provides a self-administered solution that outperforms traditional foam rollers, massage devices, or other active-release modalities. Moreover, given our strong emphasis on design, we ensured that it was aesthetically pleasing as well. Our Remedy Roller is designed to guarantee that you not only feel better but also move better than ever before.”

Remedy Place Expands Exec Team

The announcement comes on the heels of Remedy Place appointing Stephen Wright as its inaugural vice president of marketing. Formerly managing director at Azione PR for around eight years, Wright has experience with both emerging and established brands, including Boy Smells, Equinox, Heyday, Moon Juice, Sakara Life, Sweetgreen, Thrive Market, West Elm and more. 

“Remedy Place is at an exciting inflection point as a luxury wellness brand, as it prepares to expand beyond its beloved brick-and-mortar club experience into a product company with the launch of Tech-Remedy Collection,” Wright told Athletech News. “As the new VP of Marketing, I’m hyper-focused on reinforcing Remedy Place’s brand promise of Social Self-Care across every touchpoint of the business. This includes supporting new and existing clubs with dynamic campaigns, online and offline programming, and unexpected partnerships and collaborations that drive long-term value for our members, reach new audiences, and ultimately improve the holistic health and social well-being of our customers.”

New Products, Locations & Services

Remedy has big plans for the future, including physical expansion and new products and services.

“We are excited to share our plans for the coming years, which encompass an ambitious expansion of our global footprint, characterized by enhanced design and amenities with each new opening,” Leary said. “Alongside this expansion, we’re branching out into various verticals, including new additions to the Tech-Remedy Collection and a distinctive product line under the at-home umbrella.”

He added that in the upcoming years, Remedy Place is “on track to open two new clubs annually, pushing the boundaries of innovation within our industry.”

“We are also gearing up to launch a dedicated media platform focused on education, amplifying our mission to empower individuals with the knowledge to take care of themselves,” Leary said.

The Remedy Roller is now available for purchase at a retail price of $11,900. Those who want to experience the Remedy Roller in a club setting can book it as an in-club experience at Remedy Place’s West Hollywood flagship location.

For more details and ordering information, visit www.remedyplace.com.

The post Remedy Place Launches At-Home Wellness Tech Collection appeared first on Athletech News.