EuropeActive Highlights - March 2024 by EuropeActive

EUROPEACTIVE EU

01 EVENTS

EUROPEACTIVE EVENTS IN 2024

EUROPEAN HEALTH AND FITNESS MARKET REPORT 2024

EUROPEAN HEALTH AND FITNESS FORUM 2024

03 MEMBERS

PARTNER IN THE SPOTLIGHT: MATRIX

SPECIAL INTERVIEW: GYMPASS

HIGHLIGHT TALK: POWER PLATE DON ´ T MISS THESE HEADLINES!

02 EU AFFAIRS

HOW DO WE PREPARE FOR THE 100-YEAR LIFE?

ADVANCING INCLUSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN EUROPE

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

TRAINING PROVIDER IN THE SPOTLIGHT: PHYSICAL COACHING ACADEMY YOUR ASSURANCE OF EXCELLENCE: FITCERT®

EVENTS

10APRIL2024

Cologne, Germany

29-31 OCTOBER 2024

Milan, Italy

NH Collection Milano Touring

Sponsors: FIBO, PerfectGym, Technogym

AUTUMN2024

Northern Italy

More info coming soon..

23SEPTEMBER2024

Across Europe/ Our National Association Countiries

6-7NOVEMBER2024

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Report 2024 SPONSORS

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors of 2024 European Health and Fitness Market Report. With their support, we continue to shed light on the latest trends and developments in the health and fitness sector, contributing to the collective knowledge of the industry. Thank you to our sponsors for enabling us to deliver this comprehensive report and furthering the understanding of the market ´ s landscape.

PREMIUM SPONSORS

CORE SPONSORS

EHFF 2024

10th of April

See you there!

YOUR LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!

FIBO FUTURE TALKS

FIBOxEuropeActive: Fitness, Tech, Digital Fusion Event

FIBO FUTURE TALKS

FIBO EXHIBITION

World's leading trade show for fitness, wellness and health

#EHFF2024 �� 07

europeactive AWARDS

SohailRashid FounderandCEO,Brawn AdriennBánhegyi Founder&CEO, JumpplusWorld

NerioAlessandri BarbaraKlein RenéMoos Founder&CEO,Technogym CEO,FLEXI-SPORTSGmbH &BKbyBarbaraKlein CEO,Basic-Fit PhilippRoeschSchlanderer ChiefExecutiveOfficer, EGYM LouAtkinson LeeManley SarahRoberts HeadofResearch,Exi SustainabilityManager, DavidLloydClubs HeadofFitness,Places Leisure-UK GintsKuzņecovs Chairoftheboard, LatvianHealthandFitness Association

EUAFFAIRS

W H A T H A P P E N E D T H I S M O N T H ?

How do we prepare for the 100-year life?

Advancing Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities in Europe

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS:

The European Union is anchored in values of equality, social fairness, freedom, democracy and human rights Both the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union serve as the foundation to combat all forms of discrimination, establishing equality as a cornerstone of EU policies According to estimates there are 87 million persons with disabilities in the EU. Despite the progress has made over the last decade, people with disabilities continue to experience inequalities in various aspects of life, including access to physical activity.

The European Commission introduced the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2023 in March 2021, aiming to address the diverse challenges faced by persons with disabilities The goal of the strategy is to ensure that persons with disabilities across Europe enjoy their human rights, have equal opportunities, freedom of movement and equal access to participate in society and economy, and no longer experience discrimination The strategy represents the EU's roadmap for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

EUAFFAIRS

On the 19th of March 2024, the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union organised a conference on the future of the European Strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities, in collaboration with the European Commission and with support of the European Disability Forum.

The conference aimed at advancing the discourse on developing a set of actions and initiatives in the next legislature, and focused on three main topics:

Access to employment for persons with disabilities; Free movement of persons with disabilities; Strategies to reinforce the implementation of the EU strategy and the UNCRPD on EU and national level

Reflecting the priorities of the Belgian presidency and recognising the importance of promoting inclusion and equal access to physical activity for all, this year #BEACTIVE DAY campaign places its focus on empowering individuals with disabilities, aligning with the ongoing mission of breaking down barriers to physical activity and healthy lifestyles To support campaign organisers, the 2024 #BEACTIVE DAY project will develop an Accessibility Guide for implementing activities tailored to people with disabilities, offering insights into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of effective inclusion strategies. The guide serves as a vital tool in expanding the reach of the EWoS and #BEACTIVE DAY campaigns, moving away from generic, one-size-fits-all approaches and embracing tailored strategies

In support of the broader fitness and sport sectors’ commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, EuropeActive was thrilled to attend the event commemorating Basic-Fit's 20 Years of Partnership with the Paralympic Team Belgium. Taking place on the 8th of March in Basic-Fit Wemmel, this incredible event was a true celebration of inclusion, empowerment, and remarkable achievements in the realm of fitness and sports. Attendees had the privilege of connecting with Belgian Paralympians such as Tim Celen, Manon Claeys, and Marc Ledoux, experiencing inspiring stories and shared workouts

Throughout the event, Basic-Fit reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive fitness community. With Adaptive Training Plans tailored to various abilities, including workouts designed specifically for sitting athletes, single-leg athletes, and single-arm athletes, Basic-Fit continues to champion accessibility and inclusion in fitness

MEMBERS 15

W H A T H A P P E N E D T H I S M O N T H ?

Partner in the spotlight:

Matrix

Special Interview: Gympass

CHECK OUT WHAT INTERESTS YOU THE MOST

HIGHLIGHT TALK:

Power Plate

PARTNER IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

MATRIX FITNESS INTRODUCES THE ONYX COLLECTION, AN ULTRA-PREMIUM CARDIO LINE

Matrix Fitness, the world’s fastestgrowing commercial fitness brand, announces the launch of the Onyx Collection, a five-machine assortment of ultra-premium cardiovascular products designed to invigorate the senses with premium materials, advanced technology and meticulous attention to detail

Carefully crafted by Matrix’s global product development team, the collection, comprised of a treadmill, Ascent Trainer, ClimbMill, upright cycle, and recumbent cycle, is a testament to thoughtful innovation and customer-centric design.

Onyx creates a unified aesthetic that complements a facility’s décor and elevates their space with a fusion of luxury accents and details. The refined design combines elegant angles, seamlessly smooth surfaces, rippling textures and fullspectrum Ambient Lighting to make a statement of style A large, captivating touchscreen console, intuitive app-based display and Interactive Touchscreen Controls with haptic feedback create an immersive and multi-sensory exercise experience that is the first of its kind

MEMBERS

Press

Release provided by Matrix

MEMBERS

The Onyx Collection was carefully crafted to meet and exceed the needs of high-end health clubs and luxury hotels a growing global market estimated to reach over $300B (USD) by 2030.

“Feedback from our industry partners was central to the development process of Onyx, beginning first when Onyx was a mere concept and in every design phase to follow,” said Kolman “As a commitment to the success of our partners, we have made significant investments in enhanced manufacturing processes, machinery and more exacting quality standards that will not only meet but exceed the expectations of the ultra-premium customer ”

Customers and prospects can see the Onyx Collection firsthand at the 2024 IHRSA tradeshow (Booth #1200) March 6-8 in Los Angeles, CA USA or the 2024 FIBO tradeshow (Hall 6, Booth #C43, #D56 and #E42) April 11-14 in Cologne, Germany.

“Every touch point and every element of the Onyx Collection was designed to be exceptional, immersive, and unlike anything else in our portfolio,” said Andrew Kolman, Vice President of Global Product Development.

“At Matrix, meaningful innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our partners can expect to see this guiding principle artfully expressed in every design detail ”

About Matrix Fitness Matrix Fitness

(matrixfitness.com) is the fastestgrowing commercial brand in the world and is the commercial brand of Johnson Health Tech. Matrix offers a complete portfolio of cardiovascular, group training and strength training equipment for health clubs and other fitness facilities.

About Johnson Health Tech Johnson

Health Tech, Inc. (JHT), Taiwan, is among the world’s largest and fastestgrowing fitness equipment manufacturers and is home to some of the most respected brands in the fitness industry, including Matrix, Vision and Horizon The company manufactures a wide assortment of fitness equipment for both commercial and residential use, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and strength training equipment JHT’s global management headquarters is based in Taichung, Taiwan, with global product development, marketing and engineering based in Cottage Grove, Wis

SPECIAL INTERVIEW:

EAMONLLOYD

VP - Head of Europe - Partnerships at Gympass

During the European pilot project, the article mentions a significant conversion rate of inactive individuals to active lifestyles. Could you provide more details on the strategies or initiatives that led to this success.

We work extremely hard to find new ways to encourage the inactive employees of the companies we work with to visit or use our partners. There is no silver bullet, but working closely with the Wellness or HR teams within businesses, to build out communications plans that speak to their employees interests and demographics help us cut through to them directly We've seen more interest in providing both in person and digital support for employers, with the majority of requests in the digital world to allow for those companies with hybrid workforces. For example we ' ve run a cross company webinar series which has terrific engagement!

The integration of AI technology to activate inactive professionals is intriguing. Can you share more insights into how Gympass plans to leverage artificial intelligence in this context and its potential impact on encouraging healthier habits?

One of the key trends we see is personalisation, and we ' ve been using AI to tap into this opportunity to speak directly to those employees with access to Gympass through our Trainiac proposition Trainiac has industry leading levels of engagement, offering a blend between AI generated personalised workout plans based on the goals of each user and one to one coaching with a trainer via video. This has allowed us to support a huge proportion of our users with structure around their wellness needs, at scale

MEMBERS 19

MEMBERS

What specific benefits can Gympass members expect from accessing RSG Group's extensive network of fitness centres, particularly regarding the range of facilities and services offered?

Gympass members can access some of the most recognisable and forward looking product offerings in the fitness industry.

The partnership with RSG Group emphasises accessibility and convenience for Gympass members.

Can you delve deeper into the technological integrations or features within the Gympass app that enhance the user experience and facilitate seamless access to RSG Group's fitness centres?

Our integration with Magicline means we will be providing a seamless experience for our users to access the RSG gyms across the 3 markets we launched in. We've worked closely with the fantastic team at RSG to ensure that the experience in the clubs ensures users keep coming back for more and are motivated to keep visiting.

The article highlights Gympass's impressive growth in check-ins over the last year. Could you elaborate on any key strategies Gympass implemented to achieve this growth and how they reflect the platform's appeal to users and fitness partners.

Our product is constantly evolving and improving, day by day. That's why I am so excited to be working with RSG, who bring a fantastic proposition at scale, where our corporate clients and their people work and live.

We've also added some of the industry leading digital Wellness offerings, including Strava, Headspace and My Fitness Pal. With partners like these, overlaid on top of our in person partner network, means we are constantly reaching new users and appealing to their specific needs in a Universal Wellbeing Platform provided by employers. We are constantly listening to the needs of our clients and their employees, doing our best to add what they would like to see on the Gympass ecosystem.

HIGHLIGHT TALK:

MEMBERS 21

HIGHLIGHT TALK:

EuropeActive continues the fight against inactivity with the aim of being recognised as a public health solution. How does your organisation promote physical activity and implement strategies to combat sedentary behaviour among your customers or clients?

Incorporating physical activity into our daily routines is imperative for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Power Plate enables physical activity in a variety of environments - providing users with a highly effective, accessible, and simple to use exercise choice for those that are seeking to become more active.

Power Plate’s workplace wellbeing initiative FITSTOP, is a short programme, created to positively impact workplace inactivity. Whilst remaining in usual office attire, employees can use vibration training regularly as part of their daily working routine - ideal for those looking to release tension, promote better posture, reduce neck and back pain, relieve tiredness, reduce stress and improve circulation

Likewise whole body vibration is incredibly beneficial within the senior wellness sector, supporting healthy longevity through increased participation, reduced risk of injury, improved confidence and greater independence amongst the older population. Independent studies and research has shown that by incorporating just 5 minutes whole body vibration per day can have life changing effects on the elderly including; improved muscle strength and power, increased bone density, enhanced balance and stability, greater flexibility and mobility, cardiovascular improvements - leading to a whole range of emotional and social benefits.

MEMBERS

Vice President EMEA at Performance Health Systems

MEMBERS

Working to bridge the gap between ‘health’ and ‘fitness’, Power Plate’s vibration therapy has been utilised for rehabilitating patients all over the world. From musculoskeletal health to neurological, and proprioceptive to cardiovascular and hormonal; the effectiveness of whole body vibration has been proven in numerous medical and scientific studies as well as clinical rehabilitation and wellness research. With Power Plate, “exercise is medicine” becomes an attainable reality.

By introducing vibration training across various sectors, Power Plate is dedicated to tackling sedentary behaviour and promoting healthier, more active lifestyles for all.

EuropeActive’s long-term ambition is to get to 100 million members of health and fitness clubs by 2030. Tell us about your views for the sector in terms of growth and consolidation towards 2030.

Over the last few years, our industry has seen major changes, with many new or emerging fitness trends coming to light. For Power Plate the main focus areas in terms of growth in the health club sector will be centred around recovery, biohacking, “exercise is medicine” and campaigns to attract new / non members into facilities.

We are seeing a rapid increase in the number of recovery spaces being requested; this has led to collaborations with partners such as Indigo Fitness who developed a unique solution incorporating Power Plate for their recovery choice, cleverly designed for a well rounded, positive exercise experience.

An increase in awareness of these health related concerns has led to an explosion of Biohacking. Described by Gymdesk as “Do it yourself biology” it involves making incremental changes through diet, exercise, lifestyle, and supplementation to improve health, well-being, and cognitive performance. Supporting this ‘biohacking’ trend, programmes incorporating whole body vibration are proven to optimise results in less time, reduce body fat, increase muscle mass, and boost immune systems. With the longevity market projected to reach $44bn by 2030 (Allied Market Research) the quest to remain healthy later in life is a trend we can’t ignore

In order to make more people more active, more often as an industry we need to come up with innovative, new methods of attracting and encouraging current non-members into facilities

MEMBERS

One way to achieve this could be through offering one-to-one prescriptive programming; setting up safe, and shielded environments that make non-gym-goers feel more comfortable We therefore need to carefully consider programming, language and customer experience as part of this shift. In addition we are seeing a rise in combination therapies, whereby whole body vibration is used in conjunction with other products such as cryotherapy and red light therapy to provide a holistic approach to recovery and healing

As EuropeActive cooperates with the EU institutions and other international organisations like WHO, what opportunities and benefits do you see in such collaborations for your organisation and the fitness sector as a whole?

Partnerships with brands like DexaStrong, a bone and muscle clinic, enables Power Plate to leverage its powerful health benefits to reach and engage with people outside of the fitness industry. As a business we ’ re keen to look beyond this landscape to learn from other sectors in order to grow

Collaborations and partnerships that help us to raise awareness of the powerful health benefits of whole body vibration are always a consideration for Power Plate, as we strive to help all people, not just gym members, to live a better quality of life, for longer.

The International Council on Active Ageing (ICAA) states that by 2025, more than half of the senior living sector aims to transform into “wellness lifestyle communities with care ” , with expectations rising to 71% by 2030. Conversations and collaborations with organisations like ICAA would benefit the fitness industry as a whole.

Can you describe any sustainability initiatives your company has implemented in its manufacturing processes or product offerings for the fitness industry?

Reducing energy consumption is a key consideration for health clubs around the world, and Power Plate’s newly launched self-powered REV bike is a first in class, innovative vibration modality that allows users to get more from their session, in less time.

When the vibration mode is turned on, the body is immediately challenged to produce more power, resulting in elevated muscle activation of up to 167% vs. pedalling without vibration.

When compared to a traditional fitness bike, the REV increases calf activation by 43 percent, hamstring activation by 144 percent, quad activation by 167 percent and glute activation by 138 percent - indicating that Power Plate REV is a powerful addition to any health club operator offering a performance led programme.

Research by the Centre for Sports Science & Human Performance at the University of Greenwich, UK, also found that level 1 resistance with vibration on the self powered Power Plate REV is equivalent to level 5 resistance without vibration, making Power Plate REV not only highly effective but also distinctly energy efficient.

What is your perspective on the increasing demand for connectivity in fitness equipment or technology, and how is your company adapting to these changes after COVID-19?

The evolution of technology over recent years has resulted in a shift in customer expectations

For example, wearable technology, once existed as a niche market for tech enthusiasts - now it is a mainstream requirement, enabling users the ability to track steps, monitor heart rates, and analyse sleep patterns. Our partnership with Myzone has allowed Power Plate to support its community by optimising physical performance, health and wellness for users via a class experience from any location, with full access to personal statistics and constant contact with instructors.

Myzone connectivity has also enabled clubs to bring Power Plate group exercise classes into the mix, allowing members to try something new, and add a competitive edge with live participant workout data shown on the class’ big screen

In addition, the powerful interactive capabilities of app development has enabled Power Plate to give its global community greater access to its product solutions. The soon-to-be launched Power Plate Academy, will provide customers with online courses, workshops, programmes, libraries and research, creating opportunities for future growth

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DON'T MISS THESE HEADLINES...

CHECK OUT OUR MEMBERS' TOP STORIES FROM THIS MONTH!

02

RSG Group and Gympass forge exclusive partnership to strengthen corporate wellbeing in Europe

How Women Are Redefining Fitness on Their Own Terms

Technogym launches Checkup, an assessment station with AI personalisation

01 03

MEMBERS

EDUCATIONALSERVICES

W H A T H A P P E N E D T H I S M O N T H ?

Read

TRAININGPROVIDERINTHESPOTLIGHT:

In the heart of Europe, nestled in Belgium, Physical Coaching Academy (PCA) stands out as a leader in fitness education. Established in 2011 by Fabrice Williquet, PCA embarked on a mission to revolutionize the fitness industry, catering to both French and Dutch-speaking communities. Their goal was clear: to professionalize the sector, support coaches in their careers, and make a positive impact on people's lives. PCA's journey has been marked by innovation, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

EDUCATIONALSERVICES

EDUCATIONALSERVICES 30

31 EDUCATIONALSERVICES www physicalcoachingacademy com

YOURASSURANCEOFEXCELLENCE:

FITCERT®

In response to the growing demand for standardized quality assurance in the fitness industry, FITcert® emerges as a beacon of excellence Anchored in the robust European standards of EN17229, FITcert® offers fitness clubs a pathway to showcase their adherence to best practices in operations and management

Designed to bolster consumer confidence, FITcert® empowers fitness centers to uphold exemplary customer service standards while fostering safe and conducive environments for patrons By undergoing an independent certification process, clubs demonstrate their commitment to meeting stringent European-level requirements, vital in the post-COVID era to regain trust from consumers, staff, and regulatory bodies alike.

EuropeActive spearheads this initiative, striving to harmonize standards across national borders and elevate expectations within the fitness realm. The introduction of FITcert® not only fills a longstanding void for a European quality mark but also fosters a culture of transparency and accountability within the industry.

LAST MONTHS IN NUMBERS:

Exciting updates mark the journey of FITcert® adoption across Europe. With over 116 SportCity clubs in the Netherlands achieving FITcert® Level 4 status, alongside 2 Sprek Trening clubs in Norway, the momentum is palpable. Furthermore, 230 clubs under The Gym Group have attained Level 3, signaling a widespread commitment to excellence In Portugal, 21 Solinca Classic and 9 Solinca Light clubs proudly join the ranks of Level 4 achievers, solidifying their dedication to setting industry benchmarks.

As FITcert® gains traction, the fitness landscape evolves towards a future defined by quality, safety, and trust. The public register offers transparency, allowing stakeholders to verify the status and progress of certified clubs Looking ahead, EuropeActive and NEN aim to further educate and engage its members on the benefits and opportunities inherent in the FITcert® framework.

EDUCATIONALSERVICES

EuropeActive

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