Fitness Industry Roundup: Training, Prehab & Solutions

Aerobics isn’t everyone’s favorite activity, but it’s long been believed that aerobics or cardio were the only exercises that burn fat. Lucky for those who despise cardio, that theory has been debunked!

Without further ado, this week’s roundup covers a new study focused on burning fat, a startup that aims to predict and prevent injuries, two fitness companies that partnered to create solutions for customers, and the return of a popular Middle Eastern fitness event.

Not Enjoying Your Aerobics Routine? Strength Training Burns Fat, Too

A new systematic review and meta-analysis from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), featured in ScienceDaily, shows that strength training alone can burn 1.4% of body fat—similar to cardio or aerobics. "Resistance training does so many fantastic things to the body that other forms of exercise don't, like improving bone mineral density, lean mass and muscle quality,” said Mandy Hagstrom, senior author of the study, exercise physiologist, and senior lecturer at UNSW Medicine & Health. “Now, we know it also gives you a benefit we previously thought only came from aerobics." While the findings are encouraging and open up more opportunities to lose weight, the study authors note that eating healthy foods and participating in both cardio exercise and strength training is the best approach to lose fat.

FIR 10 22 21 Column Width Listing Image

Read the entire study.

Startup Suggests DNA Research Can Predict and Prehabilitate Injuries

Palo Alto, CA-based AxGen suggests that peer-reviewed DNA tests can indicate key genomic markers of specific injury risk in athletes to predict and prevent these injuries. “It's scientifically rigorous, and it addresses the idea that all athletes are not created equal, and some of them are going to be at more risk for a knee injury at birth and more at risk for shoulder injury,” Stuart Kim, co-founder and CEO of AxGen, said to SportTechie. The startup currently tests for 13 sports injuries and 15 biomarkers that can prompt users to take action through preventative exercises or nutrition. The first professional sports team to sign on as a client is Sheffield United FC in hopes of prehabilitating any possible injuries.

Learn more about AxGen.

FITBENCH & YBell Develop All-in-one Workout Solution

The new FITBENCH YBell combines FITBENCH’s industry-leading compact and functional workout bench with YBell Fitness’ patented, one-of-a-kind, 4-in-1 fitness tools. The YBell, an IHRSA member, embodies a dumbbell, kettlebell, dual-grip medicine ball, and push-up stand. It makes for a great and easy addition to FITBENCH’s all-in-one, modular training system—also an IHRSA member. “FITBENCH offers an exciting line of high-quality products,” said Mark Livingston, vice president, worldwide sales & marketing, YBell Fitness. “In joining forces, we are able to provide a new workout concept that allows us both to bring our customers a smart and innovative solution for their members.”

FIR 10 22 21 Column Width YBELL

Source: FITBENCH / YBell

Read more.

Fifth Dubai Fitness Challenge Returns to Energize the City

From October 29 to November 27, Emiratis are encouraged to get outside and complete 30 minutes of daily exercise with a diverse and inclusive range of fitness activities—including over 5,000 free live and virtual fitness classes. According to Gulf News, participants can enjoy three Fitness Villages hosting family-friendly activities, water zumba and aerobics, obstacle courses, running events, gym areas, yoga, spinning, numerous sports, and more. “Dubai Fitness Challenge was created to ... help people embrace a more active lifestyle, take advantage of the incredible range of fitness facilities across the city and bring everyone together to have fun while focusing on their physical and mental wellbeing,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. Amid the pandemic, more than 1.5 million people participated in the 2020 Dubai Fitness Challenge.

FIR 10 22 21 Column Width Dubai

Learn more and register.

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.