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.

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Hyperice has filed a lawsuit in federal court against Therabody, asserting that the company infringed its recently issued U.S. Patent No. 11,857,482. The patent claims technology dating to 2013, which is used in Hyperice products like its Hypervolt Go 2, Hypervolt 2 and Hypervolt 2 Pro massage guns.

In the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, Hyperice asserts that several Therabody products infringe on the patent, including Theragun Elite, Theragun Pro, Theragun Prime, Theragun Mini, Theragun Sense and TheraFace Pro. Hyperice said it intends to file more lawsuits in the coming weeks against other companies it believes infringed the patent.

“In 2015 Hyperice launched the Raptor, which at the time was the world’s most advanced percussion massage device. In 2018, when we launched the Hypervolt at a more consumer-friendly price point, our business accelerated rapidly – so much so that we began to see an extraordinary amount of Hypervolt knockoffs and imitators enter the market,” said Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice. “As a company focused relentlessly on innovation and quality to deliver exceptional products to our consumers, we value ingenuity, and we protect our inventions by obtaining patents.”

“We will use the legal system aggressively to clean up the percussion market from imitators and knockoffs who we believe are using Hyperice’s IP in their devices,” Huether added.

Massage Gun Litigation

The massage gun market is substantial; it was valued at around $540 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to over $1 billion in the coming years. Intellectual property disputes in the space have been frequent. Hyperice and Therabody, in particular, have been involved in previous legal disputes.

In late 2019 and early 2020, Therabody filed patent infringement lawsuits in a U.S. District Court in California against Hyperice and Achedaway. In a settlement, Achedaway agreed to cease and desist its use of a product with a massage gun attachment that Therabody alleged infringed its Dampener Attachment. Hyperice, meanwhile, agreed to stop selling a massage device that had the attachment at issue. 

In the lawsuit filed Wednesday, Hyperice is represented by Lawrence LaPorte of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, Ben Herbert of Miller Barondess, LLP and Brian Arnold, associate general counsel and head of IP at Hyperice.

“We will aggressively defend our intellectual property rights and take all appropriate steps to ensure that our innovative products and technology are not misappropriated by opportunists seeking to knock us off,” said Jon Howell, general counsel at Hyperice. “Hyperice has successfully removed hundreds of infringing products globally, and will continue to enforce its intellectual property through litigation in federal court as necessary.”

Therabody didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

The post Hyperice Sues Therabody Over Massage Gun Patent Infringement appeared first on Athletech News.

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

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

• 

  Apple Watch Series 9 

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

   

• 

  Barry’s Gift Card

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

• 

  BeautyBio GLOfacial 

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

• 

  Blazepod

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

• 

  Centr by Chris Hemsworth Workout Kit

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

• 

  Dagne Dover Landon Carryall

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

• 

  Grüns Daily

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

• 

  Fabletics Apparel

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

• 

  Gold VK Carbon Fiber Performance Insoles

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

• 

  GORUCK GR1 Backpack

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

• 

  HigherDOSE Glow Serum + Red Light Face Mask

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

• 

  Hyperice Normatec 3 Legs 

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

• 

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

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

• 

  Methodology Gift Card

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

• 

  NON Sets

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

• 

  Oura x Equinox Rest and Recovery Kit

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

• 

  REVOLVE Beauty’s 2023 Advent Calendar

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

• 

  SOUNDBOKS Go 

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

• 

  Speediance Gym Pal 

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

• 

  Sprig Aromatherapy Experiences 

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

• 

  Therabody Theragun Sense

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

• 

  Tnuck Sport 

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

• 

  TRX YBell PRO Series

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

• 

  WHOOP Body 

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

• 

  Vuori Apparel 

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

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

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

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

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Therabody has been a hit with A-listers and pro athletes, quickly amassing a who’s who list of over 100 investors since debuting its Theragun in 2016. Now, the wellness technology company is ready for its next act, targeting everyday consumers and reminding them that through Therabody products, pain relief and wellness can become a reality as opposed to a wish. 

As part of its ongoing push to the everyday consumer, Therabody recently launched three new massage guns: Theragun Relief, Theragun Sense, and Theragun PRO Plus.

“I think 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, tells Athletech News. “We started with the pro athletes and have flipped the script to deliver the most effective and innovative therapies to everybody.”

Inspiration Through Pain

For Dr. Wersland, his own experience with pain had been a motivation for the formation of the wellness technology brand. After a motorcycle accident that resulted in a disc bulge injury, Dr. Wersland created the Theragun, finding relief and hope in the percussive therapy device. 

Knowing all too well that you don’t have to be a pro athlete to experience pain and discomfort, Therabody continues to create products that alleviate physical and mental challenges.

“It’s true that the sports and fitness community was among the first to adopt recovery as a regular part of wellness, but everyone can relate to having pain and soreness, wanting to improve sleep or lower stress levels,” Dr. Wersland said,

Serving those who spend their days sitting at desks or standing on their feet has long been a goal of the company, driven in tandem by the recent surge in holistic wellness modalities. 

“It’s important for people to know that Theragun — and all our products — are for everybody,” Dr. Wersland said. “Ultimately, Therabody is trying to help each individual live a healthier life.“

Pandemic Drives Demand

The pandemic was a wake-up call for some, with consumers inspired to make beneficial changes in their lifestyles, Dr. Wersland believes. Since his company is centered on encouraging consumers to take control of their health and bodies through its products, he notes that it’s been rewarding to see Therabody’s impact — which continues to this day.

“The pandemic changed the way we think about health and wellness. All of a sudden, the entire world was interested in how healthy they are and wanting to take control of their wellness into their own hands,” Dr. Wersland said. “Consumers want to be able to have the best of the best therapies available to them at hand.”

Without access to physical therapy, massages, gyms or fitness studios, at-home solutions became not only great options but essentials.

“We’ve continued to see that sustained growth,” Dr. Wersland notes. “At Therabody, we had been spreading the message of owning your own health and well-being for many years, but that time in lockdown became an unexpected catalyst for reaching people on a larger scale.” 

Wellness Is Here To Stay

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Therabody: even with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, consumers are still keen on at-home fitness and wellness while seeking ways to feel better and look younger.

Even more encouraging for Therabody and the industry as a whole, Dr. Wersland is assured this new wellness wave isn’t a trend — but is here to stay.

“From what we’ve seen, people are looking for ways to take care of themselves in a more holistic way without medicine or prescriptions – I don’t expect this to slow down anytime soon,” he predicts.

Recognizing that consumers are still busy with their daily commitments, Dr. Wersland anticipates that the health and wellness industry will adopt a more “on the go” approach, which he says will make it even more accessible to the everyday person. Nodding to a fast-paced lifestyle, Therabody recently announced a partnership with United Airlines to promote wellness in the skies and bring rest and relaxation to travelers. 

As for health and wellness in 2024 and beyond, Dr. Wersland predicts that we will see the rise of biometric measurement capability so people can tune into their bodies more than ever before. 

Beauty & Anti-Aging

For now, Therabody is focusing on its beauty branch. It’s an area that the brand is fully embracing, as seen with a dedicated business segment just for beauty and anti-aging technology.

“We’re not stopping with the announcement of TheraFace Mask,” Dr. Wersland promises, referencing the new at-home anti-aging mask that uses LED light therapy and Therabody’s signature vibration therapy for relaxation, and was based on consumer demand and feedback.

“After the blockbuster 2022 launch of our inaugural beauty device TheraFace PRO, we plan on continuing to grow the Therabody Beauty business division,” Dr. Wersland confirmed to ATN, pointing out that the TheraFace PRO catapulted Therbaody into the beauty space with over 14 awards and sales second only to its flagship product family, Theragun.

“With the announcement of the Therabody Beauty division, we are dedicated to innovating in the facial health space by bringing tech to beauty to deliver non-invasive, effectual solutions that are easy to do at home,” he added.

The post Therabody’s Next Chapter: Democratizing Wellness & Beauty appeared first on Athletech News.

While flying is rarely the most relaxing part of traveling for business or pleasure, United is looking to give its guests a bit of recovery in the air, introducing TheraFace comfort products and Therabody devices to its international business class travelers.

The reason? The demand for luxury touchpoints and recovery is there. United reports that its international bookings are up 20% compared to last year, with guests opting for its premium cabin seats 30% more than in 2022. Plus, the airline cites a stat revealing 83% of international travelers identify catching Zs as an in-flight goal, with over half reporting sleep is more important than Wi-Fi access or even beverage service. In an adjacent vein, wellness-centered travel is also on the rise with consumers.

In-Flight & On the Ground

United customers flying via United Polaris international business class will be provided a Therabody amenity kit, complete with a TheraFace eye serum, face spray, hand cream and cleansing towelette. Those in United Polaris lounges will have access to popular Therabody products such as the Lounger, Theragun and RecoveryAir JetBoots, and have the chance to enjoy inflight wellness videos with guidance from Therabody experts. The videos are ideal for travelers looking to relax or ease into a restful sleep with breathwork and guided meditations.

“International travel is booming and our customers have direct access to more places around the globe than any other airline – with these new amenities, now they’ll also have the best experience flying there,” said Andrew Nocella, United executive vice president and chief commercial officer.

United also confirmed it’s bringing its wellness amenities to the ground, with in-airport Therabody’s Reset Suites scheduled to open this fall at all United Polaris lounges.

The suites will initially launch in New York/Newark and San Francisco lounges later this month, followed by Chicago O’Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Los Angeles and Washington Dulles. 

The airline expects each lounge to offer at least one semi-private room complete with Therabody wellness technology, including a Lounger. Other amenities will be available through lounge valets, such as the Theragun, SmartGoggles and RecoveryAir JetBoots. TheraFace skin and body care products will be found in the United Polaris lounge restrooms and showers.

Is Airport Wellness the Next Big Thing?

Therabody’s collaboration with United signals a potentially larger trend as we look to 2024 and beyond. Roam Fitness, an airport-based gym concept, recently launched in Terminal F at the Philadelphia International Airport, its second location.

A global travel trends report by American Express recently demonstrated that 70% of travelers prefer to arrive at the airport early to settle in and relax before taking flight, positioning Roam Fitness and Therabody to be ready to meet their needs.

The partnership with United follows Therabody’s push into beauty with the introduction of its tech–advanced anti-aging mask and new business branch, Therabody Beauty.

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Wellness technology company Therabody has named Jim Allwein as its chief financial officer.

The appointment comes as Therabody expands its product offerings past recovery into everyday health and wellness and a few months after Therabody announced Monty Sharma as president and CEO.

With over 25 years of experience in financial management and extensive experience in finance, technology and health and wellness, Allwein has held leadership positions at Atkins (now Simply Good Foods), Great Brands of Europe/Danone International Brands, Acirca-Walnut Acres, Hitachi America and Vital Nutrients.

For the last four years, Allwein has been a functional advisor at North Castle Partners, a private equity firm that focuses on fitness, health and wellness companies.

During his time as CFO of Atkins from 2006 to 2015, Allwein led the company’s financial turnaround, resulting in double sales, tripled earnings and an eventual sale.

“We are excited to have a proven and experienced executive like Jim join our great team,” Sharma, Therabody’s CEO, said in a statement. “Being an avid user of our products including Theragun, Jim shares our passion to help millions of consumers across the world recover faster, reduce their pain and improve their mobility, sleep and stress.”

The wellness technology company closed a $165 million growth equity round last September as it launched eight new products to broaden its brand to include whole-body health. North Castle Partners led the venture, and existing investors HartBeat Ventures LLC and Aaron Rodgers’ Rx3 Growth Partners also participated.

In April, Therabody and Emily Cole, a Duke University track and field athlete, announced an NIL partnership. As Therabody’s first female NIL athlete, Cole joins an impressive list, as the wellness brand has partnered with other notable athletes such as James Harden, Cristiano Ronaldo and DeAndre Hopkins. 

The wellness company’s healing technology has also recently expanded into the garment market with a new offering, RecoveryPulse. The new product was developed after two years of research at Therabody’s laboratory in Los Angeles, where scientists and engineers worked to better understand the benefits of incorporating vibration into compression therapy. 

Dr. Jason Wersland, founder of Therabody, told Athletech News last summer that the wellness technology company planned to lean into the mind-body connection, explaining that when examining Therabody’s science, there are frequencies that run through its products that access the mind.

The brand recently received a ringing endorsement from model Karlie Kloss, who prepped for the 2023 Met Gala by using Therabody’s RecoveryAir Jet Boots.

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The high-energy convention that the International Health, Racquet & Sports Club Association (IHRSA) hosted from March 20 through March 22 in San Diego, California, was proof not only that in-person conferences have returned in full force, but also that the fitness industry is back in shape.

The unseasonable rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the 8,000 industry professionals from 80 countries who attended the convention (one-third more than attended the 2022 Miami show). From early morning until late at night, fitness professionals worked out, attended over 100 education sessions, explored the mammoth exhibition hall at the San Diego Convention Center and then socialized the night away at of a number of invitation-only parties at local hot spots. 

IHRSA President Liz Clark, in her welcome remarks to kick off the 2023 convention, pointed out that “gymnasium” comes from a Latin word meaning a place where people come together for supervised education and training in fitness. She called 2023 a “year of redemption,” after the pandemic proved to the world how essential exercise and wellness are to people and communities. “Being back together,” she said, “proves our resilience and fortifies what we all know: That we are essential.” 

Clark went on to say that IHRSA’s work of advocating on behalf of the industry has never been more important. As one gym CEO said during a fireside chat later in the week, “Government advocacy is critical. If you don’t have a seat at the table, then you’re on the menu.”

Athletech News spent an exhilarating three days at the IHRSA 2023 in San Diego speaking with fitness brands and their suppliers about industry trends and the newest tech solutions and equipment innovations. Armed with cans of Celsius Fitness Drink, we logged tens of thousands of steps and learned what’s happening, what’s not and what’s top of mind in the fitness and wellness industry today. 

Here are some of the themes that came up again and again during the show: 

Connected Fitness 

“Connected” was one of the most-uttered words during the three days at IHRSA 2023. It not only referred to wearables, biometric tracking, streaming content, gym management software, and hybrid workout tech enablers, but also to the way brands and companies in fitness and wellness are working together to integrate their products and services. More collaboration is underway to reduce friction, time and the expense required to develop new products and services. Brands like Fitness on Demand, Swerve, Myzone, POWR and others are helping customers be more efficient, work smarter and work out more effectively. 

Strength Training

Strength training with weights or other resistance equipment has become the hottest workout trend in fitness, and it dominated the conversation at IHRSA. According to Technogym’s Fabrizio Cecchinelli, who led an education session on the topic, a key reason is that it’s social media-friendly.  Strength training is an extremely photogenic type of exercise, which helps explain why the female GenZ cohort is its fastest growing segment. Another reason for its popularity is science. Studies like those of Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman have shown that weight training has many health and longevity benefits. 

Technogym was one of many companies showing sophisticated new strength training products at the show. Life Fitness’s Hammer Strength training equipment is a customizable system suitable for a wide range of training requirements and space options. Total Gym showed how its ELEVATE platforms can bring strength training using body weight to a new level. 

In keeping with the trend toward hybrid workouts and meeting consumers wherever they are, there were also a few notable innovations in portable and mobile strength training options, including Zerowheel, Max Pro Fitness, Arena, BeaverFit, and FitBench.  

Many gym executives were talking about reducing the space dedicated to cardio workouts in order to meet growing consumer demand for strength training. The treadmills, stationary bikes, boxing and other heart-healthy workout tools that proliferated the show featured more versatility, smaller footprints, better connectivity capabilities and more engaging apps.

Wellness, Recovery and Nutrition

Cryotherapy, massage, relaxation and other wellness and recovery solutions had a big presence at the show. Brands like Theragun, Hyperice and Everest Alpine cryochambers were popular booths. There was a line of folks wanting to recharge in the massage chairs at Human Touch and the hydromassage beds at Wellness Space were full every time we walked by. 

Several supplement brands focused on clean formulas, protein boosts and plant-based nutrition. Bulletproof had a dizzying array of powders and superfoods. 1st Phorm’s Level-1 protein meal replacement bar was one of the most delicious we’d ever tasted. The Smoothie Company’s blenders were going strong for three days, with interesting new flavors bound to convince gyms to open smoothie bars. Stronger U, now a division of Self Esteem brands, shared its nutrition counseling app’s latest features. 

Attracting the 80%

Ever since Planet Fitness proved it’s possible to get people off the couch, motivating the 80% of the population that doesn’t exercise regularly to join a gym or studio has become the holy grail of gym and studio executives. At IHRSA, we heard an oft-cited goal of “converting 30% of the 80%,” which would more than double the size of the U.S. fitness market, a noble goal that would certainly be profitable, but no easy feat. BODi, formerly Beachbody, has rebranded itself to attract this market with its new Health Esteem program that helps people feel good about themselves. Canadian startup Safe Sweat has developed a private pod workout space concept to help people get over the self-consciousness of working out in front of others. 

The Big (Re)branding

ABC Fitness, Xplor, and New York Sports Club are just a few of the companies who have decided in recent months that the whole is bigger than the sum of its parts and that leading with your strongest asset beats trying to create differentiated messaging across multiple sub-brands.  

Prior to the show, New York Sports Club CEO Bill McMenamy told Athletech News that the brand’s origin story is so strong that it no longer made sense to operate Philadelphia Sports Clubs, Boston Sports Clubs and others, so all clubs will rebrand under the original name. “When you think about other brands like LA Fitness, they’re from LA but they have gyms in Ohio and the Midwest, but the naming convention doesn’t stop them from continuing to grow. We have such an iconic and powerful word mark, why not rebrand and utilize it? The consumer understands and knows what it is. And then our messaging is much clearer.” 

Many of the tech solutions providers, driven by the increased hybridization of fitness, are reorganizing their many divisions into sub brands under the parent, offering a suite of solutions that capitalize on economies of scale and remove decision fatigue for clients. 

ABC Fitness Solutions launched its new branding at the show that includes its Ignite, Glofox, Trainerize and Evo platforms under the ABC umbrella. ABC Fitness CEO Bill Davis said, “We can solve common industry problems in a myriad of ways, ensuring the best fit for each specific customer.” 

What We Didn’t Hear Enough About

Despite growing in popularity, yoga was virtually absent from IHRSA 2023, probably due to the fact that it doesn’t require much equipment. 

Sustainability, a topic that is dominating most consumer product markets, was also a virtual no-show, with the exception of a few exhibitors that embraced going green. SportsArt’s Eco-Powr equipment line, which converts the human energy exerted during a workout into usable electricity. Germany-based NNOHrD, owner of the WaterRower, makes equipment and accessories that are beautifully crafted of renewable wood and leather. 

We’re already looking forward to next year’s IHRSA convention, which will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from March 3-5, 2024. See you there!

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Therabody is unwavering in its commitment to helping pro athletes and everyday consumers live pain-free and recovery-focused lives, and it is now expanding its healing technology into the garment market.

RecoveryPulse, a new product from the wellness technology company, combines graduated compression with vibration therapy. The treatment is woven into a germanium-infused wearable sleeve and is intended to provide supportive therapy while on the go or relaxing.

Scientists and engineers at Therabody’s laboratory in Los Angeles, California, spent over two years conducting research and development to better understand the benefits of incorporating vibration into compression therapy. According to the wellness tech company, adding vibration helped people recover faster.

“As we use science and technology to innovate products, services and content that shifts the way people think about and take charge of their health, we believe one of the best ways to help consumers is to provide solutions that integrate into their daily lives,” said Benjamin Nazarian, co-founder and Executive Chairman. “RecoveryPulse wearable technology offers people the freedom they like with the recovery they need.”

Last fall, Therabody announced the completion of a $165 million growth equity round led by private equity firm North Castle Partners, LLC, with existing investors including Aaron Rodgers’ Rx3 Ventures and Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Ventures, LLC.

Therabody, which pioneered percussive therapy with Theragun, facial health with TheraFace, and sleep-assistance SmartGoggles, says that its compression wearables elevate compression therapy, which is widely used for recovery, circulatory issues, edema, and pain.

With the addition of vibration, Therabody’s latest wellness offering can accelerate circulation, reduce tension, improve range of motion, and relieve soreness and pain.

According to Therabody, its new RecoveryPulse sleeves can be a game changer for fitness enthusiasts who enjoy running, cycling, tennis, and golf, but they are also useful for use during and after travel, for those who work on their feet or stand for long periods of time, and for those who sit or work at a computer.

The new vibrating wearables can also help with chronic conditions like golfer’s and tennis elbow, circulatory problems, sore muscles, and general aches and pains. There are three vibration modes available, allowing users to tailor their therapy to their specific needs and level of comfort.

“We developed Recovery Pulse to make pain relief as convenient as possible,” said Therabody co-founder and Chief Wellness Officer Dr. Jason Wersland. “We hope that if people can use a device that is convenient and comfortable enough to wear under their clothes, they will use it more frequently, even wear it to work. Whether people use it between sets in a workout or someone like a nurse wears it under their scrubs, we really don’t want people to think pain and discomfort have to be normal or accepted.”

The co-founder, who started his own chiropractic practice in 2006, was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2007 that resulted in a 9-millimeter disc bulge injury, which changed the course of his life, leading to the creation and patenting of Theragun as a result of his own pain experiences.

At the start of 2023, Therabody appointed health and wellness industry veteran Monty Sharma as president and CEO.

Last year, Therabody filed six lawsuits to prevent unauthorized e-commerce sales from Amazon Marketplace and made a move to protect its intellectual property. The wellness tech company also accused T.J. Maxx for attempting to imitate its Theragun smart percussive therapy devices.

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Theraboody has announced Monty Sharma as President and Chief Executive Officer of the wellness technology company. Co-founder and CEO Benjamin Nazarian will transition to Executive Chairman.

Sharma is a health and wellness industry veteran, having served as CEO at companies such as EAS, Naked Juice, Atkins (now Simply Good Foods), Curves, Jenny Craig, and Better Being Company.

Notably, at both Naked Juice and Atkins, Sharma doubled sales and tripled earnings in under three years and helped facilitate the sale of Naked Juice to PepsiCo. 

“I am thrilled to join Therabody and partner with Ben and the excellent team. Therabody’s category leading and innovative products solve for various consumer pain points to help them lead healthier and stronger lives,” said Monty Sharma. “A significant opportunity exists to bring these incredible products to various consumer segments across the world and for our brand to build a strong and clear leadership position in technology-based wellness.” 

Therabody, which evolved from the therapeutic Theragun, has grown into a vast offering of wellness products. The wellness tech company offers compression systems, a facial health product, muscle stimulators, hot and cold wearables, topicals, and ingestibles. 

“We are working to change the way people think about their health and wellness so that they proactively take care of themselves and stop accepting pain as part of life,” says Nazarian, who has served as Therabody’s CEO since founding the wellness tech company in 2016.

“I am very excited to have Monty join us to help us achieve this goal. Having someone with Monty’s expertise and track record join our company is a testament to our market leadership and speaks to the opportunity ahead of us. I look forward to partnering with Monty to continue to grow and build Therabody into an iconic company that is having a profound impact on people’s lives.”

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

The company named Julianna Hough as an investor and ambassador in 2021.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For some, especially his employees and patients, Dr. Jason Wersland is simply known as Dr. J. But the Therabody Founder and Chief Wellness Officer’s career journey thus far has been anything but simple. As the oldest of seven, Dr. Wersland grew up on a farm and at a young age learned how to become self-sufficient, particularly with his hands.  

As time went on, so did many destined events throughout Dr. Wersland’s youth, including having a neighbor who was a chiropractor for the Utah Jazz. At this moment Dr. Wersland knew “he wanted to do that,” “that” being a chiropractor himself. By the age of 17, he tells Athletech News, he was certain his life’s calling was that of chiropractic medicine. While he started his own chiropractic practice in 2006, it was a motorcycle accident, which resulted in a 9-millimeter disc bulge injury in 2007, that ushered in a life-changing chapter in Dr. Wersland’s life.  

Initially seeking something that would take away his pain from the accident, Dr. Wersland took his physical pain and the advice from a patient to create and patent what is now famously known as the Theragun. The enterprising doctor, who touts Therabody as the “only massage gun company that has science,” went on to create the only tech wellness brand founded by a professional chiropractor that’s “rooted in the desire to help people feel better naturally.” Currently on the fourth generation model of his widely celebrated percussive therapy tool, along with the creation of other devices such as the TheraFace and PowerDot, Dr. Wersland continues to sustain the support of over 250 sports teams worldwide, peers, celebrities, athletes, patients and Therabody consumers, to name a few. For the latest installment of Athletech News’ CEO Corner series, the painstaking path to Therabody’s success and Dr. Wersland’s viewpoints on fitness and the resiliency of the human body are analyzed. 

Athletech News (ATN): Tell us about your background

Dr. Jason Wersland: This idea of becoming resourceful and being able to create was something I learned when I was really young. You don’t go to Home Depot, you go to the barn and figure it out. Like most kids, I didn’t appreciate it until I got a little bit older. I decided to go to chiropractic school a bit later in life. I had a flooring business of my own [in my 20s]. I installed floors at schools and construction buildings, and new construction retail. I worked with my hands a lot. 

When I went to chiropractic school in 2000, I was expecting it to take me about three and a half to four years. But I had two kids, so I had to work at the same time while I was going to school. What was supposed to be four ended up being almost eight years because I didn’t pass National Boards and there were just a lot of situations that I had to get through. When I finally got my degree to practice chiropractic it was like the best finish line I’d ever been through.  

I started a chiropractic practice in 2006 in Los Angeles. I was doing that until I had the motorcycle accident, which triggered a lot of this, in October of 2007. From January 2006 to October 2007, I was building a practice and then suddenly I got injured and I couldn’t practice anymore. It was the first time in my life that I’d really been a patient. [I was] just trying to find something that I could use on myself when I wasn’t in my clinic was really the driving motivation behind this [Therabody]. 

ATN: What was your journey like to get to this point?

Dr. Jason Wersland: My brother is a chiropractor as well and he’d been in a water skiing accident. He shared with me a tool that vibrated. We actually had one in our practice [but] I’d never seen it. It was my business partner’s. I asked him, “Hey, have you seen one of these?” [He said] “Yeah, we actually have one in my closet.” So I go grab [it] and I pull it out, and now I’ve got this cylinder that is about the size of a Coke can and it has an adjustable speed of vibration on the bottom of it and it’s wrapped with neoprene. I put it underneath my armpit and I would just hold that against my body expecting it to last longer. Meaning make the pain stay away longer. But it didn’t. It was the same thing as the table. Now I have a problem — I know I can relieve the pain, but this thing isn’t working. 

What ended up happening is I started realizing vibration never leaves the body. Our bodies are so amazing [because] they [can] accommodate to anything. That’s our main goal in life — is to accomodate to things. I started understanding what this accomodation was and I thought, “How can I have something that my body can’t accommodate? What if I had something that was stronger?”  

I went to my garage, I grabbed a tool and I started making what I thought was possibly going to help me. I took a jigsaw, I bent the blade, I wrapped a dish towel around the blade and I wrapped electrical tape around that and I started using it on my body just to see what it would do. As I was doing that, I found myself two, three minutes [later], and my pain wasn’t coming back. I refined it and refined it and got to the point where I could use this thing on my body all day long if I wanted to, and the pain would always be [gone]. Your body’s pain that you go through is usually what prolongs your injury. But if you can get your body out of pain then you can work on the injury sooner. A lot of time pain causes inflammation, it causes more tenderness, and I was just looking for something to take the pain away not realizing that this thing had a lot of other benefits.  

ATN: Please tell us about your current company and how either your role or the company (if you are the founder) came to fruition.

Dr. Jason Wersland: The first one [Theragun] I made was in January of 2008. By July of 2008, I was better. With the soft tissue damage that I had, that [usually] takes 18 months. The fact that I did it in six months [made] people say, “What?” That’s when I started realizing, “Wow, there’s something to this.” I never thought about bringing this power tool to my office. So I just left it at home and used it on myself.  

[By the] end of 2008, a patient comes into my practice who had been in a head-on bus collision. I thought, “I wonder if I could use this thing on him? I wonder if it’d work on him?” I had him and his wife come back the day after I took his X-rays, [and I] brought this tool in. I sat down on the table and I started showing them that process of how to use it to take away pain, how to use it to increase his range of motion, and how to use it to increase blood flow. Those were the things that I started understanding he needed to have when he wasn’t with me.

After that experience, I realized, “I gotta figure this out.” That patient actually told me, “You need to figure this out, ’cause this changed my life.” From that moment, late 2008 until 2016, that’s what I did. I figured it out.  

I bought 250 jigsaws from Kawasaki in early 2009. [I] took them apart, retrofitted them, put some pieces in, and sold them as fast as I could sell them, [while] learning what percussive therapy was, learning what it could do for the body, understanding the attachments, the mechanism of how you put them on and off, how loud the Theragun was, [and] whether it needed to be battery-operated or a plug-in. I took a lot of advice from a lot of therapists. From 2008 to 2015, I made five different versions.

In 2015, I finally had a final version that we were able to patent and we got a patent on the science of what that was. We launched our G1 in June of 2016. We’re on our Gen 4 model now. 4 different versions in 5 years? That’s not common. People don’t do that unless you’re making cars.  

For us, it’s this story of constantly innovating. That never left me.   

ATN: What else goes into the process of creating a device of this nature?

Dr. Jason Wersland: It’s never a straight line. They say success is a lot of pit stops along the way. What started the idea was I was using a vibrating table at my office. What they taught us, and I learned this first hand, is that vibration makes the body relax. So it actually causes this relaxation in a certain part of our anatomy which is called our Golgi tendon. The Golgi tendon is when you wake up in the morning and you’re really stiff, you can’t lean over. It’s not your muscles. The white tissue is not warm, doesn’t have blood flow. So you feel stiff. If you use something like vibration, it actually activates that Golgi tendon and you take away the stiffness.  

We would put people on this table and do traction on them, cervical traction, lumbar traction, and when you’re pulling the body apart, the body’s natural response is to splint and guard. If you can put vibration there, the body doesn’t want to do that. It just lets it happen. I’m thinking, “why don’t I just lay on that thing? Maybe it takes my pain away, the tension I’m feeling in my shoulder.” So I did —[I]  laid on the table and I [thought], “Oh my God, this is amazing.” But then it would only last for 30 seconds. So [then] I thought, “Maybe I’m not doing it right.” I shift around and… it was literally me being in the pain that I was in that was my driving motivator. 

ATN: How is Therabody leaning into this new era of health & wellness as the world attempts to navigate life post-COVID-quarantine?

Dr. Jason Wersland: That first patient that I used this [Theragun] on? I was empowering him. When you empower someone, they have faith suddenly. They suddenly gain strength. If I told this guy, “The only time you’re going to get relief is if you come in and see me and you can only do that 12 times,” he’s gonna have to suffer a lot. So this idea, for us, of empowering people to feel a certain way and understanding that they can do that? As a chiropractor, I gotta tell you there’s people that come in that all I need to do is touch them and that’s how strongly they believe that they will get better, and there’s others that don’t! They don’t believe that. So it takes a lot of modalities and services and all these different things. But, it’s empowerment and that’s been our story. 

What could I do to empower you? What I can do is create an app. So now when you get on the app, you can look up whatever ailments you want and you now can customize your experience using the app. That didn’t change. We were trying to empower more people, give them trust & faith that they could treat themselves. Now, take that same messaging that wasn’t really popular before the pandemic and now all of a sudden plug it into the pandemic. It just suddenly made sense. People were like, “I can do this on my own? I don’t have to go see a therapist?” 

Then we got into refining our messaging — this doesn’t replace your therapist, doesn’t replace your chiropractor, doesn’t replace your physio. But it bridges the gap between your visits. That messaging is what’s really helped us as we’ve stepped into the pandemic. Our products are for you. We grew like crazy because people couldn’t go see their massage therapist. They couldn’t leave their house half the time.    

If you dig a little deeper into our [Therabody’s] science and you look at the frequencies that we run through our products, they actually access the mind. Now, you have the body and mind connection and we’re going to lean into that more as a company [in the future].  

ATN: Where do you accomplish your best work?

Dr. Jason Wersland: I perform under pressure pretty good, so when there’s high stress and I’ve got to figure out whether it’s travel, or a meeting, or something, I’ve learned how to perform through that. But my best innovation work is after I meditate. Meditation is a practice that I’ve done a lot over the years. It just puts me into this space where I can just free flow. I work really good under pressure and I also work good when [there’s] no pressure and I can meditate and just be in a zone.     

ATN: When did you know you had something of sustainable value?

Dr. Jason Wersland: It was actually the first patient that I had. That was the first time I was like, “Wow! This worked on him like it did me.” I’d come to my practice and there were many times where I put Theragun on someone for the first time and I was kind of nervous. I didn’t know how they were going to react. But over the years I started seeing that every single person reacted the same way. Knowing that it was sustainable was because people would say, “I want to buy one of these. How do I get that? That’s amazing.” People would say all the time, “Oh my God!” and “Wow!” I heard that so many times I then [thought], “OK, this is sustainable. This is scalable because it works for everybody.”  

ATN: What did you want to be when you grew up?

Dr. Jason Wersland: I remember my brother when he was young, he wanted to be a veterinarian, and that was all he talked about. Another one of my brothers wanted to be a chiropractor long before I really thought about that. I wanted to be wise. My grandpa, when I was 10, was asking us, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I couldn’t think of a role, but I wanted to be wise. I feel like if you look at my life, I’ve exposed myself to so many different things that I’ve become wise about a lot of different things.  

ATN: What makes you stressed? How do you manage stress?

Dr. Jason Wersland: My children. I have two kids and, just inherently, they cause you stress. The success of the company really stresses me out. I want everyone that works with the company to experience success. We have a thing at the company called “Hump Day with Dr. J” and I do a little meditation twice a day… and it’s really giving you permission to focus on what’s important to you.  

Our life is consumed with what everyone else wants it to be…The more you can stay focused on what’s important to you, the more fulfilled your life will be. The way I deal with stress is I take a moment several times throughout the day and I stop, focus and breathe on the things that are important to me.   

ATN: Where do you see the future of fitness going?

Dr. Jason Wersland: When I work with some of the best athletes in the world, if they’re up in their head about something — their girlfriend, the coach, the last game — it doesn’t matter what tools I bring. If they’re in their head about stuff, I can’t fix that.  

This idea of true fitness and being fit doesn’t exclude the mind. You have to have a balance between your mind and your body. If your body’s in pain, then you probably have this voice in your head that, and we all have it, questions you sometimes. If [people are] still stressed out in their mind and they’re in their head about things, they’re not really fit. They’re not truly healthy. I think where it’s going is people are gonna start being able to measure what’s happening with their body. With biometrics, it’s going to be much more customizable.  

In my mind I see one day that I could walk up to you as your doctor, could take your phone, and look at all of your measurements if you have an Oura ring or a Whoop or something [else like those health trackers]. I can hold my phone up to you like an X-ray machine and my phone will read to me what’s going on with your body. That’s how I see things going right now with the leading technology and the way we’re able to capture a lot of this information.

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Therabody, a wellness tech company, is growing weary of retailers like T.J. Maxx attempting to imitate its trademarked Theragun smart percussive therapy devices. In response, Therabody announced that it has filed six lawsuits to protect its intellectual property and is also targeting unauthorized Amazon Marketplace retailers.

The lawsuits were filed in California, Delaware, Florida, Texas, and New York.

Therabody’s latest lawsuit against TJX Companies, which owns and operates T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls, is the company’s fifth filing against the off-price retailer. According to the wellness tech company, its current lawsuits involve patent, trademark, trade dress infringement, unfair competition, false designation of origin, trademark dilution, aiding and abetting, and civil conspiracy.

“We pride ourselves in world-class research and development, and invest heavily in technologies and solutions that are fundamentally shifting people’s attitudes around self-care to ultimately revolutionize health and well-being,” says Benjamin Nazarian, Chief Executive Officer of Therabody. 

“We partner with world-class retailers to educate their sales associates and consumers on the benefits of our proprietary products. It is disappointing and surprising when a large, sophisticated retailer such as T.J. Maxx not only chooses to sell knockoff triangle-shaped devices that infringe our patents but also devices that use our trademarked Theragun name,” says Therabody’s Nazarian. “We believe that infringing products like these intentionally trade on Therabody’s name and reputation, and they hurt our brand and deceive consumers who think they are getting the benefits of a Theragun, but end up with inferior products.”

The company says it has over 680 patents, trademarks, and copyrights.  

Therabody is also battling unauthorized resellers on Amazon who they say are detrimental to its consumers. The company says unauthorized resellers are guilty of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and deceptive trade practices for its Theragun Pro, Theragun Elite, and Theragun Prime devices. 

Therabody says it has already removed over 1,000 unauthorized resellers from the Amazon marketplace for offering products that were ineligible for Therabody’s limited warranty. The warranty only extends to products sold by authorized sellers, says Therabody.

In a statement, the wellness tech company says intellectual property infringement is a serious matter and will take legal action against any unauthorized retailers or sellers of infringing products. Therabody has already filed over 14 lawsuits since 2020 to protect its therapy device technology from HoMedics, DJO, Boss Audio Systems, and others.

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Julianne Hough is using her passion for dance and wellness to dive into multiple roles with Therabody (formerly known as Theragun). The performer, who’s ventured into creating her KINRGY fitness platform, is now both a Therabody investor and new ambassador for the fitness recovery brand. Per FORTUNE, Hough released the news of KINRGY’s partnership with Therabody along with her ambassadorship with the company. 

She tells the publication, “Looking at the values of Therabody and the resources that they’re giving to people to nurture and to take care of themselves for maintenance, for longevity, is something that I never gave myself as a dancer and as an athlete growing up.”

Julianne Hough adds that in using Therabody products she not only feels herself “getting younger as I’m getting older,” but also finds the brand’s mission to be “inspiring.”

She declares, “I’ve followed along with the brand as they’ve grown, which eventually led to my investment in Therabody this year.”

In addition, the Rock of Ages star disclosed Kinrgy and Therabody’s plans to “develop recovery protocols and personalized experiences for enthusiasts of both. When it comes to her new job as a Therabody ambassador, Hough announced the news of her new job via Instagram with an electrifying video and message.

On Instagram, Julianne Hough wrote, “I initially became a #Therabody investor because I truly believe in the brand and their mission to help people nurture and take care of themselves, which is something that I never gave myself growing up as a dancer and athlete – and why I’m excited to take my partnership to the next level as a #TherabodyAmbassador.” 

Theragun officially rebranded as Therabody in May. With a primary focus on percussive massage therapy, two divisions are under the company’s umbrella: Therabody (tech wellness products) and TheraOne (organic CBD products). The Theragun remains one of the Therabody’s most well established devices. Hough’s KINRGY is a community with a wellspring of online fitness and movement classes, along with reading materials to feed the mind. 

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“We are very excited to be partnering with Theragun to help our customers discover the importance of recovery in building strength, which directly supports our goal of helping people be their strongest,” said Chris Stadler, CMO of Tonal. “There is also a natural brand synergy and similar core users, particularly fitness enthusiasts, strength trainers, and professional athletes looking to improve their performance, well being, and longevity.”

“Theragun University will be providing Tonal the educational content for its customers to use Theragun’s percussive therapy devices before, during, and after workouts; giving us the opportunity to promote complete whole-body wellness,” said Founder and Chief Wellness Officer of Theragun, Dr. Jason Wersland. “At Theragun, we prioritize education over anything and this partnership will not only showcase Tonal users how to properly utilize our products to the maximum potential, but also optimize the benefits in their everyday lives.”

Tonal is partnering with Theragun to bring customers the best at-home workout and recovery experience possible. Tonal is an all-in-one home gym that replaces dozens of traditional weight machines for a complete workout from home, and Theragun offers industry-leading percussive therapy for whole body healing, tension relief, recovery and performance enhancement. Bringing Tonal and Theragun together is the ultimate way to train and recover strong.

Additionally, all Tonal coaches will be trained by Theragun University to create customized recovery routines integrating Theragun’s percussive therapy devices into the overall Tonal experience. With master trainers in over 12 countries, Theragun University delivers certification courses in-person and through digital online classes. To date, Theragun has trained more than 1,000 professionals worldwide in live certification courses.

Theragun will be available for purchase on Tonal.com starting in May and at select retail locations, and future Theragun offers and recovery content will be available for existing Tonal members. In celebration of Mother’s Day, Tonal is offering a Theragun G3 ($399 value) with Tonal purchases until May 10th or while supplies last. Orders must be placed by midnight on May 3rd in order to receive the Theragun in time for Mother’s Day. More details can be found here.  

About Tonal.

Tonal is the world’s most intelligent home gym and the first truly personalized approach to strength training. Tonal enables people to lead healthier lives by providing them with the equipment, technology, and guidance to effectively reach their fitness goals. Combining a cutting-edge, all-in-one design and personalized virtual coaching, it’s like having an entire gym and personal trainer, on demand, in the convenience of your home. Led by Aly Orady, a supercomputer engineer, the company makes strength training accessible to all. Tonal is backed by leading venture capital firms and investors in health and fitness. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

About Theragun

Theragun, Inc. is a leading health and wellness company rooted in science and technology, helping people feel their best every day, naturally. Building on over a decade of research and development, Theragun’s portfolio of proprietary state-of-the-art products and services were created to effectively reduce tension, accelerate recovery, and improve whole-body wellness. Today, Theragun products are trusted by over 250 professional sports teams worldwide, physical therapists, trainers, chiropractors, celebrities, athletes, and everyday people in over 50 countries. Visit www.theragun.com for the latest news and information about Theragun. Follow the brand on social media via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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