The 2023 Club Solutions Leadership Retreat took place in September and featured a panel discussion on recovery and wellness, sponsored by CryoBuilt. This panel highlighted diverse perspectives from industry leaders including:
- Marcus Wilson, the CEO of CryoBuilt
- Mike Feeney, the EVP of NEV
- EK Navan, the founder and CVO of Regymen Fitness and The Covery
- Derek Gallup, former EVP of UFC GYM and founder of The SPARKLE Foundation
- Ani Oksayan, the VP of Fitness at Chuze Fitness
- Beth Smits, the SVP of Operations and Services at 24 Hour Fitness
Above is the on-demand version of the panel discussion. The following is a summary of key takeaways and insights from each panelist:
Marcus Wilson emphasized the growing consumer awareness of the importance of recovery and wellness, predicting that by 2030, most gyms will offer advanced technologies like cryotherapy and red light therapy. He suggests creating a touchless, self-service recovery/wellness room in gyms to enhance membership value.
Mike Feeney observed that recovery and wellness is not just a trend but a longstanding component of fitness regimes, evolving with the industry’s growth. He advocates understanding client needs for effective service packaging and foresees an expansion of recovery areas within clubs.
EK Navan stressed recovery as an essential element for both physical and mental productivity. His organization focuses on a holistic approach, combining physical activity with rest and offering services like brain fitness and energy work. He anticipates a blend of traditional spa, med spa and fitness services in future wellness offerings.
Derek Gallup linked the increasing attention to recovery and wellness with the growing understanding of physical and mental health. UFC GYM invests in a range of recovery modalities, including nutrition and various therapies, and foresees the integration of technology in monitoring and enhancing recovery processes.
Ani Oksayan highlighted the holistic mindset of gym members, who now seek services that address physical, mental and emotional health. Chuze Fitness offers a comprehensive range of recovery options, focusing on making these services accessible to all membership tiers.
Beth Smits discussed the pandemic’s role in emphasizing mental and emotional health as complementary to physical health. She advocates for holistic fitness approaches and the integration of recovery services to enrich the fitness journey.
The panelists invited further exploration into the nuances of implementing and evolving recovery and wellness services in the fitness industry. Also discussed were topics such as service integration, technology application, and the balancing of diverse member needs and motivations.
