It’s been a busy week in the fitness industry. Several awards, new offerings and key promotions were announced from all across the country, and it can be hard to keep track of all the new developments. Below, you’ll find a list of the biggest and most relevant top news stories this week in the fitness industry.
Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen Named Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 Award Winners in Heartland
On Monday, July 9, EY announced Anytime Fitness co-founders Chuck Runyon and Dave Mortensen received the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 Award in the Heartland program.
“Dave and I are truly humbled by this honor,” said Runyon, the CEO of Anytime Fitness, in a statement. “But the real credit for any success we’ve had belongs to the thousands of Anytime Fitness franchisees who help others get to a healthier place every day, and to our corporate employees who support those franchisees in every way imaginable. We all share the same purpose of helping others lead happier, healthier lives.”
Runyon and Mortensen were selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a special gala event on June 14 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis.
As a Heartland award winner, Runyon and Mortensen are now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 National Awards. Winners in national categories, including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 10, 2018.
Club Pilates On Demand Delivers On-The-Go Pilates Classes
Club Pilates has taken its proprietary full-body workouts to the mobile space with the launch of its new state-of-the-art Club Pilates On Demand. The new on demand product launched to the public nationwide on Monday, July 9.
Club Pilates On Demand, available in several app stores including Google Play, iPhone and iPad, Amazon Fire and Apple TV, provides a solution for Pilates lovers to practice at home, while traveling or at your gym of choice. It allows users to track workouts completed within the app, monitoring the progress of their mind and body routines.
“At Club Pilates, many of our clients are constantly on the go, whether it be juggling work, school, family or travel,” said Sarah Luna, the senior vice president of operations of Club Pilates, in a statement. “We felt it was important to offer Club Pilates On Demand to cater to these busy clients who need to squeeze in a workout in their hotel rooms, late at night after the kids go to bed, or even on an airplane. Club Pilates On Demand allows everyone to continue their Pilates journey wherever and whenever they please, while still being connected to the Club Pilates family online.”
Everyone interested in the program will receive a free one-week trial, and can then join on a monthly or annual agreement. There are no long term requirements, and interested parties can sign up online or in-studio.
Planet Fitness Growth Partners, LLC Promotes Chris Cavolo to Chief Operating Officer
Planet Fitness Growth Partners, LLC has announced the promotion of Chris Cavolo to Chief Operating Officer. Cavolo, who has been with the company since 2013, has been leading the charge in marketing, operations and development as the COO in the Nashville and Seattle markets.
In his new expanded role as COO, Cavolo will oversee the entire enterprise and look to continue the accelerated growth path and move the company forward as they take on new markets and territories.
“I am as excited today as I was when I opened the first Planet Fitness in the Nashville market in 2013,” said Cavolo. “I look to continue our record of success by ever improving efficiencies, customer service and branding throughout all our markets in the U.S. and maybe beyond. [We’re] approaching 60 clubs and I feel like we are just beginning.”
The Edge Fitness Clubs Plans Expansion into Midwest and Further into the Mid-Atlantic
On Thursday, July 12, The Edge Fitness Clubs announced its expansion into the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. The newest locations in Christiana, Delaware, and Media, Pennsylvania, are set to open early 2019, marking the 11th and 12th locations for the brand in the past three years.
Looking ahead to 2019, The Edge Fitness Clubs’ expansion plan includes the following markets: Detroit, Michigan; Providence, Rhode Island; and St. Louis, Missouri. Expanding into the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic is an exciting next step for The Edge, which sees these markets as opportunities to expand its brand and cultivate a new community of gym-goers who are looking for the high-end feel of a boutique studio, but with affordable pricing that fits into every budget.
“We foresee 2019 as a big year for The Edge and are excited about continuing our growth and expansion,” said Joe Moretti, senior vice president of operations at The Edge Fitness Clubs. “Not only is this a thrilling time in The Edge’s history, but we’re looking forward to bringing high-end facilities, amenities and amazing fitness results to these communities.”
