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SPONSORED CONTENT Spotlight: Hammer Strength
Inspired by the Cybex Squat Press, this machine brings even more firepower to the Hammer Strength plate-loaded lineup.
Featuring articulating foot platforms and a precisely engineered strength curve, the Super Squat Press delivers a pressing motion that feels just right: smooth where it should be and challenging where it counts. Its independent, unlocked unilateral work arms let you train each leg separately, helping you fix imbalances, target weak spots, and build balanced strength without compromise.
What truly sets the Super Squat Press apart is its four-bar linkage system, which keeps your ankle position perfectly aligned and the movement fluid, even under heavy loads. This means more power output, less joint stress, and a pressing experience you can trust to perform when it matters most.
Experience the Super Squat Press along with the full Hammer Strength plate-loaded line—and feel the difference in every rep.
Partner News
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS
American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) announced the nation’s fittest cities in its 18th annual ACSM American Fitness Index rankings. The top 10 cities are Arlington, Virginia; Washington, DC; Seattle; San Francisco; Denver; Minneapolis; Madison, Wisconsin; Atlanta; Sacramento, California; and San Diego. Cities are chosen by 39 evidence-based indicators, including two new ones this year—trail miles and splashpads. “More of us are finding ways to live healthier and embrace fitness opportunities,” says Stella Volpe, Ph.D, FACSM, ACSM-CEP, the past president of ACSM and the chair of the Fitness Index Advisory Board.
American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has been named a 2025 Winner of the Best and Brightest Companies in Wellness in the Nation from the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). This award recognizes organizations that advance health awareness and proactive wellness strategies in the workplace and underscores ACE’s commitment to cultivating an environment where employees thrive personally and professionally. “As a people-centered organization, we take great pride in fostering a culture that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being for our team,” says Amanda Cass, chief operating officer of ACE.
National Academy of Sports Medicine
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has announced its current Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), comprised of eight researchers, academics, and practitioners who help guide the fitness and wellness sector. Established in 2020, the SAB helps shape NASM’s educational content, advising on industry trends and defining best practices in a rapidly evolving fitness and wellness landscape. “The SAB’s insights, ambassadorship, and direct contributions ensure that our programs provide professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to positively impact their clients’ lives,” says Mike Fantigrassi, head of product at NASM.
EQUIPMENT
Eleiko
Eleiko has released its 2024 Sustainability Report as it aims to help build a stronger world. Among the highlights: Eleiko completed a full double materiality assessment to better understand the top environmental and social topics. These insights now align the company more closely with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards. Eleiko also finished its first full Scope 3 emissions screening and joined the United Nations. Global Compact’s Business and Human Rights Accelerator. “Sustainability is a long-term commitment, and this reflects how we’re maturing in our approach,” says Erik Blomberg, CEO of Eleiko.
iFIT
iFIT has partnered with Samsung Health to provide personalized fitness experiences. iFIT will integrate its equipment, such as NordicTrack and Proform brands, and content into Samsung Galaxy wearables like the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch. This enables Samsung Health users to access select iFIT interactive workouts, recovery programs, and mindfulness experiences for a fee. “Together with Samsung Health, we’re helping millions of people engage in healthier lives across the globe,” says Kevin Duffy, CEO of iFIT. “Using real-time data in our iFIT content delivers smarter, more intuitive guidance to drive results.” For more information, contact the company at ifit.com.
Life Fitness
Life Fitness has formed a partnership with YMCA360, the YMCA’s on-demand video platform. By integrating Life Fitness’ Connect System, YMCA members now can access YMCA360 content on Life Fitness cardio and strength equipment. It includes a personalized interface, automated workout builder, enhanced workout tracking, and direct communication between trainers and clients. Facility operators also gain insights on equipment utilization and member exercise patterns. “YMCAs now can offer their members a truly integrated app and workout tracking experience,” says Forrest Cory, national segment manager, YMCA, at Life Fitness/Hammer Strength.
Matrix Fitness
Matrix Fitness has been selected as a supplier by Astria, a procurement resource for the luxury hospitality industry and the preferred sourcing solution of Forbes Travel Guide’s star-rated properties in more than 80 countries. The listing features Matrix’s Onyx Collection, a premium cardio line (treadmill, Ascent Trainer, ClimbMill, and upright and recumbent cycles) that features the exclusive Facility Concierge so users can connect instantly with staff for support. Also included is the Ultra-Onyx Edition selectorized strength series, which brings the same sophisticated aesthetic and attention to detail to strength training.
Precor
Precor is featured in season three of In Pursuit of Wellness, a documentary-style series produced for the Global Wellness Institute. The short film and article, titled “Power of Movement,” is the story of a young athlete as she trains to excel at the highest level of her sport while managing scoliosis. It includes insights from Precor’s design, product, and manufacturing teams, highlighting the equipment’s biomechanical engineering, long-lasting performance, and accessibility for people at every stage of their fitness journey. The “Power of Movement” is the cornerstone of Precor’s latest global campaign.
SportsArt
SportsArt has introduced strength- training equipment, including selectorized machines, plate-loaded systems, benches, and racks. The line combines ergonomic functionality with aesthetic appeal, offering intuitive movements, biomechanical efficiency, and a modern, cohesive look. All equipment features heavy-duty, oval steel construction; precision- engineered movement paths; marine-grade upholstery; and eco-friendly manufacturing. Designed based on input from gym owners, trainers, and athletes, it is suitable for health clubs, boutique studios, universities, hotels, and corporate wellness centers. “This line represents how we apply our mission and core values to performance training,” says Ruben Mejia, executive vice president of SportsArt Americas.
RECOVERY/WELLNESS
Cyrobuilt
CryoBuilt has made an equity investment in residential cryotherapy provider Chillybox, earning global distribution rights for Chillybox products. Plus, CryoBuilt CEO Marcus Wilson has joined the Chillybox Board of Directors. Built for home use, the Chillybox compact, electric cryotherapy chamber is dry, plug-and-play, and runs on a standard 110V outlet—offering a simpler alternative to conventional cold therapy. “This aligns perfectly with where the market is going: more personal, more convenient, and more sustainable solutions for longevity,” Wilson says. “We’re shaping the future of how recovery and wellness are accessed at home.”
TECHNOLOGY
Daxko
Daxko has appointed Aldor H. Delp as president of boutique to lead strategy by accelerating innovation and deepening customer relationships. With more than two decades of executive leadership experience at SaaS and technology companies, Delp has held leadership positions at Procare, ADP, Fiserv, and Community Brands. He has scaled customer-focused businesses, built high-performing teams, and led cross-functional strategy across go-to-market, product, and operations. This appointment supports Daxko’s long-term commitment to evolving its boutique business and delivering smarter, more integrated solutions for gyms, martial arts academies, and boutique fitness studio operators.
EGYM
EGYM issued a joint statement with several of its key integration partners—including Matrix, Precor, and Pulse Fitness—to reinforce their commitment to delivering fully integrated member experiences through exclusive cloud connectivity and interoperable technology. Via the EGYM Cloud, the open ecosystem already connects more than 200 fitness and health brands across cardio, strength, body composition, wearables, and apps. “Our ecosystem is built on trust and long-term collaboration for better member results, lower operational complexity, and more future-proof operating models for gym owners,” says John Ford, chief product officer at EGYM.
Mindbody
Mindbody has introduced Playlist, which combines Mindbody, Booker, and ClassPass under one new parent brand to create a synergistic platform. Each Playlist business will continue to operate as it does today, with no changes to its products or services. “We’ve evolved into a suite of highly successful businesses, each curated to serve different customers, categories, and needs,” says Fritz Lanman, CEO of Playlist. “Playlist represents our ambition to go even further.” Today, Playlist includes more than 40,000 Mindbody-powered businesses, over 73,000 ClassPass partners, and millions of active consumers across more than 30 countries.
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Health & Fitness Business (HFB) is the leading Health & Fitness industry publication. Published monthly by the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) and distributed free to the industry, HFB offers analysis of the opportunities, challenges, issues and news that impact the industry.
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