Fitness Industry Roundup: Partnerships & Giving Back

This week’s Fitness Industry Roundup covers new deals and ways fitness facilities are giving back to their community.

With the holidays right around the corner, we’ve wrapped up a few fitness industry stories that revolve around scoring deals and giving back.

Inertia Wave Scores a Partnership With Gronk Fitness

Inertia Wave Products, set to be an exhibitor at IHRSA 2022, has finalized a partnership with Gronk Fitness. The announcement that the Gronkowski brothers became investors of Inertia Wave was made in November. As for why the brothers chose to partner with Inertia Wave, they unanimously agree that Founder and CEO Dave Parise’s passion and mindset ultimately sealed the deal. “It’s all about having the right people by your side with the right mindset and the same passion that you have,” said Chris Gronkowski. In terms of the product, the brothers couldn’t be happier with the exercise it provides. “When I first used this product, I felt strong, I felt energized after, I felt powerful,” said Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end and four-time Super Bowl Champion. “And that’s the type of product and companies I want to work with and be involved with.”

Find out more about Inertia Wave.

Therabody Named as Official Association of Tennis Professionals Recovery Partner

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has announced Therabody, an IHRSA Partner, as the Official Recovery Partner of the ATP Tour. Per terms of the agreement, Therabody will be taken on the tour to help players warm up, recover, and manage soreness. “Effective recovery and injury prevention are vital to protecting the long-term health and well-being of our athletes,” said Todd Ellenbecker, ATP vice president of medical services. “We’re thrilled to bring Therabody on board and leverage their expertise and suite of products in our day-to-day care for players.” Therabody’s innovative recovery products are trusted by more than 250 professional athletes, sports teams, celebrities, elite trainers, and medical practitioners globally. ATP physiotherapists will learn from Therabody University education sessions to develop best practices to aid player performance and provide optimal care.

Learn more about the partnership.

First Native-owned Digital Fitness Studio Makes its Mark

After teaching exercise classes online throughout the pandemic, Bridget O’Carroll made her mark in the fitness industry with Studio Qila, meaning spirit of the earth in Alutiiq, her Alaskan Native tribe. O’Carroll, founder and owner of Studio Qila, the first Native-owned digital fitness studio, aims to use exercise to support and uplift BIPOC communities, reports Verywell Health. Upon launching Studio Qila, O’Carroll said, “It was really important to me to integrate a sense of belonging and authenticity [among the BIPOC community]. Given the history of Indigenous people, just having recognition is one of my major goals.” To give back to the community, 10% of proceeds are donated to BIPOC organizations and Studio Qila hosts donation classes and offers scholarships to those who cannot afford memberships.

FIR 12 10 21 Qila Column Width2

Source: Yekaterina Gyadu / Qila Studio

More on Studio Qila.

GoodGym Members Get Fit & Help Their Local Communities

“Active travel”—aka, running to locations—socializing, working on community projects, completing “Community Missions,” and helping the elderly are at the core of GoodGym. The first GoodGym opened in London, England, in 2008 and now totals 58 groups across the U.K. Members enjoy GoodGym because they can be part of a group, stay in shape, and volunteer their time all in one. "I really liked the idea of using a good deed as a reason to go out running. I volunteer for a few other things, and I was also getting back into running at the time. So it seemed a natural fit for me,” Ellen Perry, a four-year GoodGym member, told Wales Online. “It was also the idea of a group run that helped - it wasn't about racing or times, but about simply getting fit while doing good with other people."

Read more.

Has your health or fitness-related business been featured in the news recently? We want to know! Send a link to any news article or video that highlighted your business to pr@ihrsa.org, and we may include it in a future issue of the Fitness Industry Roundup.

Author avatar

Sami Smith

Sami Smith is IHRSA's Senior Manager of Digital Communications, working to shape the organization's image on various digital platforms. On a typical day, she creates content, delivers impactful communications, and executes targeted marketing efforts to keep IHRSA at the forefront of the industry. Outside of the office, you can find her exploring new destinations, indulging in food, or participating in just about any sport.