Fitness brands, startups and investors are set to debate the next phase of growth for the boutique sector, as Sweat returns for a second year in March.

A fitness app that rewards people who are physically active has secured financial backing of US$5.7m (£4.1m, €4.7m) to help boost its presence globally.

Virtual reality fitness brand Black Box VR has been named a CES 2018 Innovation Awards Honouree for its resistance-based gym technology.

Fitness kit and software supplier eGym will receive up to €25m (US$30m, £22.2m) in financing to support its R&D and engineering.

Technogym and Versaclimber are among the latest fitness products on the market

ClubIntel’s Stephen Tharrett and Mark Williamson share the industry trends revealed in the annual report

FIBO’s new event director on taking the show in a different direction this year

We discuss if it’s time for gyms to stop using images of unrealistically perfect physiques in marketing materials

Wellness looks set to take centre stage in the fitness industry, says Lauretta Ihonor

Science meets fitness

As gym-goers become more nutritionally savvy, they are demanding more tailored food options. How are operators responding to the opportunity presented?

IHRSA’s new chair shares his plans for his time at the organisation and discusses his role at private-equity firm NeV

The MD of Virgin Active UK tells us about his plans for making wellness and customer service key priorities for the fitness brand

David Lloyd Clubs’ head of procurement explains how he makes purchasing decisions

Bringing EMS personal training to the classic low-cost gym

The woman behind the evolution of Psycle on going from brand nutritionist to CEO

The ex-footballer’s new venture sees him partnering with a health clinic in Dubai

WeWork’s head of wellness explains why the workspace brand has launched a gym

US researchers say that regular exercise may be the secret to reducing the risk of the common eye condition glaucoma

Kiosks, Concierges and Convenience

Seven New York health clubs have been added to the fitness app POPiN, offering city- dwellers a wider variety of gyms to visit.

Fitness tech startup Fiit has announced a £2.4m seed investment to launch its on-demand home exercise platform.

Fitness and wellness studio FlyFit is planning to expand to three more airports next year, while it puts the finishing touches to its first site at Heathrow.

Former England football captain Alan Shearer has helped launch the second of seven new Speedflex studios planned by Bannatyne Group before the end of the year.

Fitness First Australia has become the first operator in the world to introduce cardio equipment to its gym floor that pairs wirelessly with Apple Gymkit technology.

Lauren Heath-Jones takes a look at the latest health and fitness products and innovations, including Speedflex’s training pods and Bkool’s smart trainers

The founders of the functional training gym on taking on the Indian fitness market

We showcase the street-art-inspired design of Hotel Jen Beijing’s new 24 hour gym

Luxury London spa ESPA Life at Corinthia recently launched a tech-centred hybrid fitness and wellness concept: BodySPace. We meet the duo behind it

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