Extreme fitness challenges such as Tough Mudder have really captured the imagination of the public. So how can health club operators benefit from the trend?

Refer-all, the software solutions specialist for exercise referrals, has added two new staff member to its customer support and integration teams.

A ‘wellness ring’ that uses health stats to make lifestyle suggestions has taken crowdfunding website Kickstarter by storm, raising more than double its US$100,000 (€88,601, £63,737) target in a matter of days.

Technology must be placed front and centre in initiatives to get communities moving if the health and fitness sector is to overcome the UK’s inactivity epidemic, according to a new white paper.

It’s often said that you get what you pay for, and it seems that fitness apps which cost nothing provide little more than that, according to a new study.

Mobile developers and coding experts from across the UK are being invited to create an app that “facilitates social change through sport” at the inaugural Sport England Sport Technology Awards Hackathon.

Members hate a crowded gym and operators hate an empty one, so a new sensor that can help regulate footfall could well be the answer to everyone’s prayers.

The burgeoning wearable tech market is expected to triple in value over the next 10 years, according to a research forecast by IDTechEx.

Forest Green Rovers Football Club (FGR) has revealed ambitious plans to build a £100m, eco- friendly sports and green technology complex which would include a new 5,000-capacity stadium.

Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz, France – a museum dedicated to the deep blue – has unveiled a new exhibition using Oculus Rift to give visitors a virtual surfing experience.

Spotify has sought to tackle the often-tricky task of finding a decent playlist that will help runners pick up the pace through the launch of Spotify Running.

Sportswear giant Under Armour has continued its charge into the fitness technology sector through the acquisition of workout-focused search engine Gritness.

A US report further shows the key role doctors should play in advising obese and overweight children and their families, says Doug Werner of Core Health and Fitness

In the second part of our series showcasing best practice in health club design and architecture, we take a look around the world and spotlight four of our favourites

We round up the latest launches and innovations in the world of strength training

Global fitness giant Les Mills has kicked off its new On Demand streaming service, enabling fitness fans to workout wherever and whenever they like by accessing classes via a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Saunas can aid cardiovascular health, a Finnish study shows

miha bodytec has created a fast-track to superior fitness, using EMS (electrical muscle stimulation)

Kristen Walsh looks forward to the IHRSA European Congress being held in Marseille, France, in October

A recent Protein World ad caused a huge furore over its body image message. What do our experts think?

Fitness operators must be heretical towards their brand heritage, asking challenging questions about what they do – and, crucially, who for – says Kate Cracknell

The Wellness Lifestyle CRM platform allows members to track all their activity, and operators to base programmes on real-time data

Intenza’s sleek new energy-saving product range is unveiled for the UK market

Michelle Segar PhD explores how health clubs can retain members by helping them find joy in exercise, both inside and outside the gym

ukactive chair Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson on the move towards a new workforce development structure for the activity sector

England Rugby’s Tom Youngs looks ahead to the Rugby World Cup

Competitive advantage through data was one of the topics on the agenda at the European Leaders Forum, reports ukactive’s Steven Ward

Chris Wilcox looks at the importance of sound in creating brand consistency in your club

Operators with limited space can still create viable thermal areas that generate a healthy revenue

Rochester Midtown Athletic Club in the US believes there’s no charity too big or too small to support