The franchise segment is a fast moving and dynamic part of the industry. Kath Hudson rounds up some of the major deals and developments of the last 12 months, including former Xponential Fitness CEO, Anthony Geisler, arriving back on the scene.

For many people the relentlessness of the hustle culture is costing our happiness. Tim Jack Adams, founder of wellbeing consultancy GreenX7, says most of his clients comment on experiencing a lack of sleep and a lack of fun. He says play isn’t just frivolous, it’s essential, especially with mental illness on the rise.

Colin Waggett, Tom Leverton, Elaine Jobson and Liz Clark are among the line-up of CEOs giving their take on current issues, such as how to influence governments and whether the recovery trend is here to stay.

HCM Handbook editorial director, Liz Terry and Kath Hudson predict key trends, influences and opportunities set to shape the sector, including vagus nerve resets, diagnostics and social prescribing.

A study by researchers at the UK's University of Bath has found that daily mindfulness training increases people's overall intentions to stay active in the long term when tracked their steps.

Apple Music and Universal Music Group (UMG) are joining forces to introduce an audio wellness collection designed to help listeners attain clearer focus, deeper relaxation and better sleep.

A UK Active market report by Deloitte shows positive growth and increasing consumer demand, says Matthew Wade

Sweat-sensing wearable innovator, Epicore Biosystems has announced an additional US$6 million in Series B funding, bringing the total raise to US$32 million.

EGYM has been working with Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture to introduce its Smart Strength system in Mablethorpe

Price increases and openings are driving growth in the European market, according to a report from Deloitte Germany

The serial entrepreneur shares lessons learned in tough times with HCM

Taking place from June 18-19 at London’s Excel, Elevate will bring together 6,000 visitors, 200 speakers and 200 exhibitors to further the growth of the sector

The 40th FIBO has taken place in Cologne, Germany, as Kath Hudson reports

The MD of Spain’s Synergym, talks to Kate Cracknell about the company’s strategies for organic growth and how he’s hitting 50 per cent EBITDA

The CEO of Chelsea Piers Fitness gives insights into how the business has evolved since the 1990s and shares his vision for international growth

Small group PT product manufacturers are managing sustainability and helping health club customers do the same with a range of innovations, as Julie Cramer reports

With a mental health crisis among young people, how can the industry help? Kath Hudson asks the experts

Consumer demand and product innovation is making Pilates an exciting proposition for health clubs, finds Julie Cramer

A new study from China Medical University offers robust evidence to support the clinical application of exercise for cancer patients

Core Health and Fitness has supplied Nautilus equipment to Club 24 in Bangor, Northern Ireland working with local distributor, Balance Leisure

As new research from the University of Oxford shows weight loss from medication is not enduring, Liz Terry asks how the industry should respond

Seven Lion Yard’s founder tells us how her holistic wellness centre in London addresses the mind-body connection

Spanish preventative health operator, SHA Wellness, is collaborating withWhoop to enhance its Leaders Performance Programmes, designed to help high-achieving guests achieve their full mental and physical potential.

Preventative healthcare company, Neko Health, has launched a second site in London and plans to open two more sites in the capital and expand to other UK cities this year.

Global sports retailer, Decathlon, has partnered with fitness app, Freeletics, to offer a training solution that combines a new range of equipment and AI-generated coaching for a personalised experience.

Fitness First has entered into a strategic partnership with smart fitness technology specialist, EGYM, to launch “Able with Fitness First”, a personalised AI-driven training proposition.

Kenneth Ryan, former VP of global operations for spa, fitness and retail at Marriott has been appointed chief longevity officer for luxury hospitality concept, The Estate.

US boutique, Solidcore, which offers a strength training workout on a reformer, has partnered with human performance company, Whoop, to enable members to track their workouts.

Technogym is launching Reform for the health club, hotel and home markets, with the beds shipping later this year.

Funxtion, the global provider of digital fitness experiences, will be joining forces with EGYM at FIBO to showcase its new FX Pod, which has been designed for the delivery of bespoke fitness content.