The platform lets users try different gyms without committing to a membership. Gyms gain access to a larger pool of potential clients

The gym industry is booming post-pandemic, but much of that growth has been funneled into the coffers of large chains and franchise brands, which have seen their numbers surge since facilities re-opened following COVID lockdowns. 

REP Gym Pass is out to help mom-and-pop gym brands get in on the action. 

Launching this September, REP Gym Pass allows fitness enthusiasts to find and book sessions at locally owned gyms across the United States.

For a monthly fee, REP subscribers can access the platform’s entire network of gyms. At launch, REP will offer options of a 5-day, 10-day and unlimited pass. 

The idea behind the platform is simple but potentially revolutionary: users can try out new gyms, especially while traveling, without having to commit to a full membership. On the other side of the equation, gyms that are part of the REP network gain access to a large pool of potential clients, increased visibility and a share of the platform’s revenue.  

“REP aims to be a catalyst for the growth and exposure of locally owned gyms,” REP Gym Pass founder and CEO Zac Paul tells Athletech News. “Our goal is to shift market share to local gym owners who are passionate about their gym and their community.”

Revenue Sharing for Gyms

On the surface, REP seems to function similarly to apps like the highly popular ClassPass, but for gyms instead of boutique fitness and wellness studios. However, there are some important distinctions designed to give gyms that utilize REP a bigger slice of the revenue pie.

At launch, 70% of all pass revenue will go directly to REP’s partner gyms, giving locally owned facilities an additional revenue stream beyond traditional memberships. REP will use the remaining revenue portion to invest in marketing efforts, including initiatives with local influencers, to drive exposure for its partner gyms.

“With this ‘co-op’ payout structure, gyms will not only see revenue from people that walk through the doors, but also from non-active and non-local users,” Paul says.

He believes this unique payout structure is a top selling point for gyms interested in joining the REP platform. 

“Any of these gyms are relatively limited to seeing faces and revenue from within their neighborhood,” Paul says. “For these gyms to see revenue from the other side of the country is a massive catalyst towards floating their overhead and scaling their business.”

New World of Fitness Possibilities

For gym-goers, the benefits of a platform like REP are compelling. While traveling, users can attend locally owned gyms across the country instead of being forced to use chain brands or hotel fitness centers. They can also use the platform to test out new gyms in their area before committing to one spot with a full-time membership. 

REP will cater primarily to “high-caliber bodybuilders and powerlifters,” many of whom prefer to work out in specialty gyms rather than big-box chains. But traditional fitness enthusiasts may also be intrigued by the ability to work out in local gyms while on the road. 

“Nobody likes being stuck with a hotel gym,” Paul says.

REP has around 50 gyms already onboard in states including California, New York and Texas, with more locations in the pipeline. The platform is targeting 100 in-network gyms for next month’s launch.

Notable REP partner gyms already include Pwrbld Gym in Pennsylvania, Performance Strength Academy in New Jersey, Georgia Strength Compound (owned by famous powerlifter Steve Goggins) and multiple independent Metroflex locations in Washington.

REP’s 5-day plan is priced at $33/month for an annual subscription; a 10-day plan starts at $55/month; and the unlimited plan starts at $111/month.

Through the app, users will be able to leave reviews of gyms they attend. 

Ahead of the launch, REP’s team is focused on tweaking and improving the platform to make its tech more seamless for users and gym partners.

“REP operates on an independent system, where we’ll never ask a gym to install hardware or face any administrative burden when a user walks through the door,” Paul explains. “They’ll check in and accept the gym’s liability waiver through our app, and they’re ready to go.”

“On the other end, gyms will have a web-based portal to track usage and also see contact info,” he adds. “This way they can follow up with the user and try to secure them as a full-time member.”

The post REP To Launch as Monthly Subscription Service for Local Gyms appeared first on Athletech News.

Whole body vibration equipment will be central to group fitness classes in the new holistic health club

Power Plate® has been selected as the vibration training equipment of choice for Love.Life’s flagship Holistic Health and Wellness Club in El Segundo, California. Love.Life, founded by John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market, along with former Whole Foods executives Walter Robb and Betsy Foster, is a new venture focusing on comprehensive, holistic health care.

Love.Life, a 45,000-square-foot facility located near a Whole Foods Market, evokes the familiar aesthetic of the popular health grocer, featuring signage with a background that mirrors Whole Foods’ signature kale green branding.

The partnership between Power Plate and Love.Life reflects a growing trend among wellness brands to integrate advanced technology into their offerings to enhance the overall health and fitness experience. This collaboration underscores the increasing importance of functional fitness tools that support diverse wellness practices.

The El Segundo facility, which opened last weekend, features a broad array of services including functional medicine, fitness and performance training, recovery treatments and spa services. Notably, the facility houses 14 Power Plates, which will be integral to the group classes designed around sports, performance and longevity. 

Lee Hillman, CEO of Power Plate, emphasized the alignment between Power Plate’s mission and the holistic approach championed by Love.Life. “The Love.Life brand aligns perfectly with Power Plate’s tenet to holistically accelerate health, fitness and wellness to enhance quality of life at any age,” said Hillman. “We could not be more delighted to be a part of their mission to improve lives.”

For fitness professionals, the integration of Power Plate technology in such a prominent wellness setting reinforces the need to stay informed about emerging tools and techniques that can enhance client outcomes. As the wellness industry grows, partnerships like this could signal a broader shift towards more integrative and technology-enhanced approaches to fitness. 

With Love.Life planning to expand its footprint, the relationship with Power Plate is expected to grow, potentially setting standards for how technology can be utilized in holistic health clubs across the industry.

The post Power Plate Chosen for Love.Life’s New Flagship Wellness Club appeared first on Athletech News.

Lower will bring over two decades of professional experience to the brand’s executive team

ABC Fitness has officially announced a new addition to its executive team. Marketing professional Maggie Lower will serve as its new chief marketing officer, effective immediately. 

With over 20years of experience in the marketing industry, Lower now brings her vast career portfolio to ABC Fitness and aims to continue building up the studio brand. Lower has worked as chief marketing officer for several well-known companies, including Hootsuite and TrueBlue.

Lower will lead a 40-member marketing team, working to elevate ABC Fitness’ various platforms, such as ABC Ignite and ABC Trainerize, a personal workout training program.

“I am thrilled to join such a mission-driven organization that continues to be recognized for its culture, product innovation and commitment to the fitness and wellness industry, “ Lower said. “Ensuring fitness businesses continue to help people around the world live their best lives remains ABC Fitness’ singular focus and I look forward to bringing this powerful mission to life in new ways.” 

In addition to her decades-long work in the marketing field, Lower also holds roles for several boards, such as SafePlace International and SimonData. 

Bill Davis, CEO of ABC Fitness, commends Lower’s seasoned portfolio, saying he is eager for her to join the team. 

“Maggie is an accomplished marketing leader with a tremendous background in scaling global technology brands in market,” David said. “I could not be more excited to welcome her to the ABC Fitness executive team as our next chief marketing officer and am excited to see how she will help shape our growing marketing capabilities.”

The previous chief marketing officer, Christine Kao, served in the role for 5 years. 

The post ABC Fitness Names Maggie Lower As New CMO appeared first on Athletech News.

The metabolic health software startup is using crowdfunding to help fuel its growth

Levels, a software startup co-founded in 2019 by longevity expert Dr. Casey Means, which uses artificial intelligence for meal monitoring and personalized insights based on biomarkers, has announced a $10 million Series A extension.

The round included $3 million in crowdfunding from over 2,000 investors and follows a $38 million Series A in 2022. Crowdfunding has been part of Levels’ mission as it grows, having previously raised $5 million of its Series A in a crowdfunding round that saw over 1,400 Levels members participate.

In addition to Dr. Means, the startup has other notable co-founders on board as it seeks to solve the metabolic health crisis, including former SpaceX and Hyperloop engineer Josh Clemente and David Flinner and Andrew Conner, formerly of Google. 

Since its inception, Levels has assisted over 60,000 members in improving their metabolic health through real-time blood-sugar monitoring with an optional continuous glucose monitor that syncs to an app. From there, members can discover valuable glucose data and insights into how their lifestyle choices (such as nutrition, sleep and exercise) affect their health.

Levels members can also go beyond glucose readings and get tested for health markers such as HbA1c, fasting insulin, ApoB, triglycerides and uric acid, accessing the results on the app.

Although consumers have become increasingly health conscious, the number of Americans who are metabolically unhealthy is staggering, with more than a third of Americans having prediabetes. While grim, it’s a number that can change, say Levels’ founders.

“Consumers want to take their health into their own hands, and Levels’ expertise, data science, and guidance through the app allows them to see real improvement, whether or not they’re wearing a CGM,” Clemente said. “This is how we start to address metabolic health at scale.”

While having access to comprehensive and personalized health data is key to improving metabolic health, Levels takes it a step further with AI-powered food logging, macro tracking and an accountability feature so users can understand the most optimal choices.

“Simply tracking meals isn’t enough,” Levels CEO Corcos said. “That’s why Levels goes beyond basic food logging to actually show you how these choices affect your health and what you should do to achieve your goals. Our members see results.”

The startup is also conducting a large-scale Institutional Review Board-approved research study to better understand the glucose patterns of people of various ages, genders and races.

“Levels is an immediate answer for the metabolic health crisis, the defining health crisis of our era,” stated Marc Andreessen, Levels investor and co-founder and general partner at a16z. “Both the health of our people and the fiscal solvency of our country are at stake — Levels is a case study of the application of technology to both.”

The post Levels Raises $10M in Extended Funding Round appeared first on Athletech News.

Rising health awareness, the popularity of home fitness, and technological advancements are key drivers in the market’s projected growth over the next six years

The global fitness equipment market is on a trajectory of significant growth, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The report provides an in-depth analysis of market dynamics, trends and forecasts, highlighting a robust expansion from USD $17.01 billion in 2023 to an anticipated USD $25.17 billion by 2030.

The market, which saw a valuation of USD $17.97 billion in 2024, is expected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.75% through the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing global health consciousness, a rise in the number of gyms and fitness clubs and a growing demand for advanced fitness equipment.

The report notes that the prevalence of chronic diseases and obesity is prompting more individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, further fueling the demand for fitness equipment. Additionally, the integration of smart technology into fitness equipment is changing the industry, offering consumers enhanced workout experiences.

Regional Insights

The Americas, particularly the United States and Canada, remain significant markets for fitness equipment, bolstered by high health awareness and technological advancements in connected fitness devices. Europe follows closely, with countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK leading the market due to a growing emphasis on the health benefits of regular exercise.

In the Middle East and Africa, rising disposable incomes in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are driving demand for premium fitness equipment. The Asia-Pacific region, especially China, is poised for substantial growth due to rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and government investments in gym facilities. Japan’s aging population is also contributing to the market, with a growing focus on healthcare initiatives that emphasize physical exercise.

Market Challenges & Opportunities

Despite the optimistic outlook, the market faces challenges, including the high cost of fitness equipment and the availability of counterfeit products. However, the increasing popularity of home fitness equipment, driven by busy lifestyles and the desire for convenience, presents significant opportunities. The report highlights that companies are actively investing in research and development to overcome these challenges and cater to the growing demand for innovative and technologically advanced fitness equipment.

Several noteworthy developments in the fitness equipment market were highlighted in the report:

Chris Hemsworth’s Centr has launched 27 new products, including fitness kits and strength training equipment, available online and in Walmart stores. These products are designed with a modern aesthetic, complementing Centr’s digital membership tools.

Luton Sports Village has invested £175,000 in new cardio equipment to enhance customer experience, introducing state-of-the-art machines like the Hammer Strength HD Tread curved treadmill and Air Bike.

TRX’s acquisition of YBell Fitness has expanded its product range, offering a more comprehensive functional training experience. This strategic acquisition reinforces TRX’s commitment to providing high-quality fitness equipment and education.

The report provides detailed segmentation analysis, market dynamics and insights into the competitive landscape. Key areas of focus include:

Product Utilization: Increased demand for strength training equipment.

Distribution Channels: A shift towards online retail stores as consumers seek convenience.

End-User Application: Expanding use of fitness equipment in fitness centers and gyms.

The report also delves into market disruptions, technological advancements, pricing and regulatory frameworks, offering a comprehensive view of the global fitness equipment market.

For more detailed information about the report, visit ResearchAndMarkets.com.

The post Fitness Equipment Market to Expand by Over $8 Billion by 2030 appeared first on Athletech News.

If you’re in the market for the best greens powders, you’ve probably heard of AG1. Athletic Greens AG1 is a broad-ranging micronutrient supplement that claims to support your overall health and well-being, including energy levels, immune system strength, mental clarity and focus, gut health, and more. It does this, the logic goes, through its vegan-friendly formula of more than 50 “superfood” ingredients, such as spirulina, green tea leaf, chlorella, ashwagandha, and wheat grass — and through its “no” list, including added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and GMOs. 

So what’s the issue? Registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois says, “AG1 Athletic Greens may help boost your intake of important nutrients, but it definitely comes at a cost — and the cost ain’t cheap!” Specifically, it comes at a cost of $99 per month for 30 servings of the powder. Yikes. At BarBend, we’ve tested over 40 of greens powders, and we think Transparent Labs Prebiotics Greens, Jacked Factory Greens Surge, and Vibrant Health Green Vibrance are all excellent (and more affordable!) Athletic Greens alternatives.

Top Athletic Greens AG1 Alternatives

As Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, an RD and one of BarBend’s expert reviewers, points out, AG1 provides a concentrated source of nutrients, along with beneficial probiotics and digestive enzymes. It’s also third-party tested, which Bourgeois says is a major pro in the supplement industry — which is not regulated by any agency. The best alternatives to Athletic Greens feature nutrient-rich formulas and transparent labels:

Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens

Jacked Factory Green Surge

Green Vibrance

Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens Vs. Athletic Greens

Transparent Labs frequently tops our guides to the best dietary supplements because our team of certified nutrition coaches, personal trainers, and registered dietitians appreciates the brand’s commitment to transparent labels — we like knowing what’s in our supplements, and we think you will, too. 

Registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois rated the formula for Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens with 4 out of 5 points. “I’m a huge fan of the nutrition facts for Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens,” she says. “The greens powder contains a list of health-promoting vegetables that provide 6 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein per scoop.” 

And, she continues, “There are no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. You’re paying for high-quality ingredients, not fluff!” It’s Informed Choice certified, too, meaning it’s third-party tested and certified to be free from harmful impurities like mold, yeast, and metals.

You may notice when comparing labels that the Transparent Labs label is eons shorter than the AG1 label, and therefore think AG1 is automatically better due to its longer list of ingredients. That’s not necessarily the case. The Transparent Labs formula is narrower and focused on aquatic greens and prebiotic fiber, but it still provides a respectable dose of nutrients, including electrolytes, antioxidants, and fibers. 

Plus, there are no proprietary blends in Transparent Lab’s formula, so you know exactly how much of each ingredient you’re getting. The proprietary blends in AG1 are a major downfall of the product, according to Bourgeois. “Unfortunately, AG1 Athletic Greens is packed with proprietary blends, so you don’t really even know what you’re spending your money on. On a budget, I’d be more inclined to add more nutrient-dense whole foods to my diet to obtain the same effects.”

Looking at pricing, Transparent Labs Prebiotic Fiber is substantially less expensive than Athletic Greens AG1. Prebiotic Greens cost $1.53 per serving compared to AG1’s $3.30 per serving. “Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens powder is packed with nutrients, protein, and fiber all at an affordable price,” Bourgeois says. “It’s also third-party tested, giving customers added peace of mind in its formula. And no proprietary blends!”

[Related: High-Fiber Foods to Support Digestion]

Jacked Factory Green Surge Vs. Athletic Greens

Another green superfood powder high on our list is Jacked Factory Green Surge. Registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois sums it up: “Jacked Factory’s Green Surge is a cost-effective way to include a greens powder in your supplement routine.”

And it sure is, at just $1.65 per serving. The price isn’t the only appealing thing about Green Surge. The formula is chock-full of ingredients that may bring about multiple health benefits, such as fiber and antioxidant-rich barley grass and broccoli plant powder. 

“I love that Jacked Factory Green Surge includes a probiotic and inulin blend — talk about a way to promote strong immune function and gut health,” says Bourgeois. “Still, we can’t be sure how much of each ingredient is included in the blend.” 

That said, all of the other ingredients are present with exact doses listed, which Bourgeois says she’s a big fan of. The fewer proprietary blends, the better, because we know what we’re really consuming. All things considered, Bourgeois rates the Green Surge formula with 4 out of 5 points.

Compared to Athletic Greens, the ingredient list for Green Surge is shorter. As mentioned when comparing AG1 to Transparent Labs, this doesn’t automatically mean AG1 is better. Instead, think of Green Surge as a more focused formula that includes several high-impact ingredients, including spirulina, spinach leaf, wheatgrass, collards, green tea leaf, grape seed extract, and more. 

One big thing to note is that Green Surge does not appear to be third-party tested by an independent lab, whereas AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport. While our team of fitness and nutrition professionals prefers supplements with independent testing, we still like Green Surge’s transparent label with clearly listed doses for most ingredients (as opposed to the stack of proprietary blends in Athletic Greens).

[Related: Best Multivitamins]

Green Vibrance Vs. Athletic Greens

Green Vibrance from Vibrant Health is another popular greens powder and a popular one among individuals who prefer organic ingredients: Several items in the ingredients list are USDA certified organic. 

Like AG1, Green Vibrance carries a stacked formula with an impressive list of more than 50 ingredients. The two powders feature many of the same ingredients, and both contain probiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and mushroom blends for cognitive benefits. AG1 contains more adaptogens, while Green Vibrance contains significantly more probiotics with 25 billion CFUs per serving compared to AG1’s 7.2 billion CFUs per serving. 

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., explains: “Most greens powders hide their claims in proprietary blends, but not Green Vibrance. I’m still waiting on conclusive evidence that greens powders are as beneficial as they claim to be, but in the meantime, I appreciate the transparency that Green Vibrance offers in their product…Green Vibrance offers some decent transparency in their ingredients list. No proprietary blends in this greens powder,” unlike Athletic Greens.

The primary downfall of Green Vibrance compared to Athletic Greens is the fact that it doesn’t appear to be third-party tested, while AG1 has an NSF Informed Sport Certified mark. Cost-wise, Green Vibrance is cheaper, like most Athletic Greens alternatives. It costs about $1.65 per serving compared to AG1’s whopping $3.30 per serving. Plus Vibrant Health is a Black-owned company, which may be a big plus for many customers.

[Related: How to Improve Gut Health]

What Is Athletic Greens AG1?

Athletic Greens AG1 is what some would call a superfood blend. It’s a dietary supplement with more than 50 ingredients in proprietary blends, and it aims to provide all of the nutrients you’d get from a day’s worth of servings of fruits and vegetables. 

In addition to vitamins and minerals, the blend also includes a probiotic blend, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, and fiber. Sweetened with stevia, it’s virtually sugar-free, with less than 1 gram of naturally occurring sugar. 

It’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, and keto-friendly, making it suitable for most dietary needs and preferences. (It is not soy-free.) 

Read our full Athletic Greens Review.

Why Should You Consider Athletic Greens Alternatives?

The main reason people look for an AG1 alternative, in my experience, is the price point, and that’s a perfectly valid reason to look elsewhere for your greens powder supplement. Spending nearly $100 per month on a greens powder simply isn’t realistic for the majority of people, and there are absolutely solid options available that cost much less. 

Our tester scooping Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens.

Another reason people may look to other options is the prevalence of proprietary blends in Athletic Greens AG1. Nothing on the label is listed with an exact dose, so there’s no way of knowing how much of which ingredient you’re taking. 

So, though the formula is stacked with nutrient-rich ingredients like moringa, beetroot, turmeric, and alfalfa, the doses of these ingredients are unknown. According to registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, that’s a major con to the product, and she says she’d spend her money on whole fruits and veggies if on a tight budget. 

Athletic Greens AG1 Vs. Alternatives

What Makes a Good Greens Powder?

As a potential buyer of a greens powder, it’s important to consider a few key factors in your search. 

Price

Considering that the scientific verdict is still out about whether or not greens powders actually work, my advice to you as a nutrition coach is to start with budget as the primary factor in your purchasing decision. Greens powders range from as little as $1 per serving to more than $3 per serving. With this wide price range, it’s important to pick one that fits into your monthly budget.

Formula 

Greens powders can contain a handful of ingredients or a list that’s dozens long. Choose based on your goals and what the greens powder claims to do. For instance, some have formulas focused on weight loss, others aim to prevent bloating or cravings, and still others simply intend to replace a multivitamin. Though it’s unclear whether fruit and vegetable powders work or not, the ingredients in them certainly do have potential benefits. It’s all a matter of investigating whether the ingredients in the formula support your health goals. (1)(2)

Dosing and Proprietary Blends

Perhaps even more important than what’s included in the powder is how much of each ingredient is present. Many greens powders utilize proprietary blends, which is just a fancy way of saying a blend unique to the manufacturer. Because greens powders are supplements and not foods, manufacturers are not required to list the amounts of each ingredient if they are present as part of a proprietary blend. So, though a lot of greens powders contain 20 or more ingredients, many of them don’t list the actual dose, leaving consumers wondering about the potency and efficacy of the powder. (3)

Our tester opening a container of Jacked Factory Greens Surge.

[Related: Best Fruit and Vegetable Supplements]

Third-Party Testing

Because supplements are not heavily regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), it’s unfortunately common for supplement labels to be inaccurate. In fact, one study found that only 11% of supplements actually contain what’s stated on the label in the stated amounts. (4) Third-party testing, depending on the thoroughness, can certify that what’s on a label is what’s in the product, as well as detect harmful impurities like yeasts, molds, pathogens, and metals. 

Taste and Texture 

Greens taste…green. Typically, even with sweeteners and flavorings, greens powders still taste grassy or earthy. We recommend taking a quick peek at customer reviews to find out whether the taste is palatable or just plain yucky. Same with texture: A greens powder will be that much more difficult to drink if it doesn’t mix well in water or juice. 

FAQs: Athletic Greens Alternatives

References

Lamprecht M. Supplementation with mixed fruit and vegetable concentrates in relation to athlete’s health and performance: scientific insight and practical relevance. Med Sport Sci. 2012;59:70-85. https://doi:10.1159/000341960 

Esfahani A, Wong JM, Truan J, et al. Health effects of mixed fruit and vegetable concentrates: a systematic review of the clinical interventions. J Am Coll Nutr. 2011;30(5):285-294. https://doi:10.1080/07315724.2011.10719971 

Office of Inspector General — OEI, H. (2012). Dietary Supplements: Structure/Function Claims Fail To Meet Federal Requirements (OEI-01-11-00210; 10/12). October. https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-01-11-00210.pdf 

Cohen PA, Avula B, Katragunta K, Travis JC, Khan I. Presence and Quantity of Botanical Ingredients With Purported Performance-Enhancing Properties in Sports Supplements. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(7):e2323879. https://doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.23879 

The post These Athletic Greens Alternatives Cost Less and Taste Great, According to Our Experts appeared first on BarBend.