The 10 Most Popular Fitness & Wellness Stories of 2023

Throughout the past year, Athletech News has been flooded with numerous fitness and wellness stories, yet some stood out, drawing more attention than the rest.

These top 10 stories, our most-viewed articles of 2023, are presented here in no specific order. If you're looking to catch up on the year's highlights before stepping into 2024, this is your chance to dive in.

Chris Rondeau Out as Planet Fitness CEO in Stunning Move

Planet Fitness employees – and the general fitness community – were shocked this year when Chris Rondeau stepped down as CEO, with Craig R. Benson taking over in an interim role.

Rondeau worked with the company for 30-plus years prior to his exit. Planet Fitness mentioned that the move did not come in any part due to any financial factors, but its shares consequently fell by over 12% shortly after the news broke.

But amid the storm, the low-price/high-value gym franchise continues to grow, with Q2 results showing a revenue increase of 27.6% and success attracting Gen Z after getting three million sign-ups from high schoolers this year. 

The Future of Fitness Wearables: How Whoop, Oura, Garmin Are Innovating

With intel from a variety of industry leaders, Athletech News forecasts and examines the future of fitness wearables.

How new tech already has and could continue to elevate wearables is discussed, as is a potential place for the products in healthcare.

How different wearable companies serve different needs in the fitness and wellness community with their products is analyzed as well.  

Pvolve, Jennifer Aniston Focus on ‘Strength’ in Debut Ad Campaign

We break down Jennifer Aniston and Pvovle’s debut ad campaign, along with the general rise of functional fitness.

Aniston signing on with Pvovle came as a groundbreaking deal for Pvolve and the entire fitness industry given her fame.

The company’s goal to redefine how strength is viewed by the masses received a major boost via the ad campaign. 

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Meta Pushes Into VR Fitness: Why the Tech Giant Is Just Getting Started

After acquiring Within, maker of popular VR Fitness app Supernatural, Meta took an unforeseen leap into the VR fitness arena.

Meta’s director of Metaverse content Anand Dass sat down with ATN to explain why the tech giant is so bullish on VR fitness, how it’s looking to close the gap between those who work out regularly compared to those who don’t, and the future of VR Fitness from a general perspective.

Exclusive: Xponential President Talks Acquisition Plans, Gary Vaynerchuk Partnership

Xponential President Sarah Luna breaks down the global fitness franchisor’s future.

In an exclusive interview with ATN, Luna touches on the rise of boutique fitness in a post-pandemic world, Xponential’s hunger to acquire new brands and expand, as well as the impact of partnering with social media guru Gary Vee.

Peloton Announces Rebrand, Wants To Be More Than a ‘Bike Company’

Peloton’s massive rebrand and the goals behind it are laid out, many of which relate to the company’s desire to branch out and reach larger crowds with its offerings.

By expanding the Peloton app and getting into strength training, the company intends to be much more than just an “in-home bike company.”

F45 Reveals $372M Loss as CEO Plots Plan Forward

F45’s higher-than-expected losses are revealed to the public, including $372.3 million in total losses for 2021 and 2022 combined.

ATN looks into the ways in which the Mark Wahlberg-backed company can rebound after its financial setbacks under new CEO Tom Dowd, who recently stepped in to try and help the functional fitness franchise right the ship. 

CEO Corner: Ryan Duey on How Plunge Grew From the Garage to the Mainstream

Plunge co-founder Ryan Duey explains how he and co-founder Michael Garrett have made cold water recovery tubs more accessible to the masses.

After recapping Plunge’s past, Duey roadmaps the company’s future goals as well as those of the cold water therapy industry in general.

Nike Launches Strength Training Equipment in Latest Fitness Move

Nike made waves by dropping a collection of fitness equipment for the first time in company history.

The brand’s corresponding campaign is highlighted by athletes such as LeBron James and Derrick Henry.

ATN also breaks down the sportswear titan’s additional recent fitness moves, such as opening up a series of boutique studios.

Tonal Sues Smart Home Gym Rival Speediance

Tonal sued rival smart home gym company Speediance earlier this year, alleging infringements on its patents as well as false and misleading advertising on the part of the Chinese brand.

The case could have big implications for the at-home fitness market in 2024.

Source: athletechnews