1. Funxtion and EGYM Expand Partnership for AI-Driven Gym Experiences
Funxtion, a digital fitness content platform, and EGYM, a fitness technology and corporate health innovation company, have expanded their strategic partnership to enhance the integration of digital and traditional gym experiences.
At the core of this collaboration is Funxtion’s FX POD, which integrates with EGYM’s ecosystem. Since April 2023, Funxtion’s content has been embedded in EGYM’s Trainer and Member apps. This integration has already been implemented in fitness chains such as Fitness First, World Gym, The Gym Group, and YMCA facilities.
EGYM CEO Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating that integrating Funxtion’s content into their platform enhances the gym experience while unlocking new business opportunities for enterprise clients. As part of the partnership, EGYM will replace its existing exercise animations with Funxtion’s single-exercise library, offering a more dynamic training environment for users.
2. Johnson Health Tech Recalls Matrix Training Bikes in the US and Canada
In Feburary, Johnson Health Tech North America Inc. (JHTNA) has issued a voluntary recall of Matrix Training Cycles due to safety concerns. The recall (No. 25-109), conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), affects models CXP-03, CXC-02, CXM-03, CXV, and CXM-02.
The recall was prompted by reports that the adjustable seat could unexpectedly lower during use, posing a fall hazard. To date, 63 incidents have been reported, including two cases where users fell off the bike, though no injuries have been recorded.
Affected customers are advised to stop using the bikes immediately and contact JHTNA for a free repair kit installation. The recalled bikes were sold through commercial fitness facilities from January 2021 to October 2024 at prices ranging from $2,530 to $7,305. The bikes were manufactured in Taiwan, and JHTNA is reaching out to all known purchasers directly.
3. iFIT Appoints Chief Subscription Officer to Drive Growth
iFIT Inc., the interactive fitness platform, has appointed Jeremy McCarty as Chief Subscription Officer. McCarty will oversee iFIT’s subscription business, focusing on customer acquisition, retention, and the optimization of the company’s membership model.
Kevin Duffy, CEO of iFIT, emphasized that McCarty’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary and seeks to elevate its subscription offerings. McCarty brings over two decades of experience in subscription-based businesses, having worked in the wireless, telecom, and smart home industries.
McCarty expressed his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting iFIT’s AI-driven coaching and immersive content as key differentiators in the fitness market. He aims to enhance the subscription experience and expand iFIT’s reach globally.
4. Planet Fitness Reports 19% Revenue Growth in Q4 2024
Planet Fitness, Inc. has reported a 19.4% increase in revenue for Q4 2024, reaching $340.5 million, driven by strong equipment sales and steady same-club growth of 5.5%.
Segment Highlights:
Franchise revenue rose by 11% to $109 million, fueled by higher royalty fees and new club openings.
Corporate-owned clubs generated $126.3 million, up 8.5%, driven by same-club growth and new locations.
Equipment sales surged 49.2% to $105.1 million, with increased demand from franchise-owned clubs.
For full-year 2024, total revenue grew 10.3% to $1.2 billion, with system-wide sales reaching $4.8 billion. Net income rose to $172 million, with adjusted EBITDA increasing to $487.7 million. The company opened 150 new clubs in 2024, bringing its total to 2,722 locations.
5. Technogym Introduces “Healthness” Concept for Precision Health and Preventive Medicine
At the 25th Technogym Wellness Congress, CEO Nerio Alessandri introduced the “Healthness” concept, marking the company’s shift toward preventive health management.
Healthness combines AI, health data, and personalized training plans to optimize long-term health and performance. The initiative leverages Technogym’s MyWellness Open Platform and the Technogym Checkup assessment system, analyzing physiological, psychological, and cognitive parameters.
The program focuses on five key health dimensions: muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, flexibility, and cognitive function. It integrates with Technogym’s Biostrength and Biocardio product lines, offering real-time data tracking and AI-driven training adjustments.
Alessandri emphasized that lifestyle choices account for 80% of health outcomes, advocating for a shift from disease treatment to proactive health management. Healthness is positioned to benefit individual users, fitness professionals, and corporate wellness programs.
6. Singapore’s Chi Longevity Acquires Brain Health Fitness Company Sparkd
Chi Longevity, a Singapore-based longevity medicine institution, has acquired brain-health fitness company Sparkd to launch “Chi Longevity with Sparkd,” the world’s first evidence-based longevity fitness gym.
This new fitness model integrates medical diagnostics, cognitive function training, and physical health interventions to delay aging and enhance overall well-being. Chi Longevity, founded by aging science expert Professor Andrea Maier, specializes in preventive medicine, while Sparkd, founded by Anna Milani, focuses on brain-body fitness training.
The partnership highlights the growing intersection of fitness and preventive healthcare, emphasizing cognitive optimization as a key component of longevity. The facility offers programs that combine functional movement, cardiovascular endurance, resistance training, and cognitive exercises.
As longevity and brain health gain more attention, this acquisition sets a precedent for deeper collaboration between the fitness and medical industries, opening new market opportunities in wellness-focused gyms.
7. Matrix Fitness Partners with ILHA to Enhance Wellness in Luxury Hotels
Matrix Fitness has been named the official fitness partner of the International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) as part of a collaboration to enhance wellness offerings in the luxury hospitality sector.
Through this partnership, Matrix Fitness will provide insights into emerging fitness trends, technology integration, and wellness solutions tailored to high-end travelers. ILHA President Barak Hirschowitz emphasized that Matrix’s leadership in wellness technology aligns perfectly with ILHA’s goal of redefining luxury experiences.
Matrix will also participate in ILHA’s INSPIRE Luxury Hospitality Conference in Las Vegas and may extend its involvement to the Luxury Hospitality Summit in Prague.
Rachel Lenzner, Matrix’s strategic account manager for hospitality and wellness, noted that as guest expectations evolve, the partnership will help industry professionals refine their fitness offerings to meet the needs of modern travelers.
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