The fitness and wellness industry is on the rise, but what happens next? Here’s what leading thought leaders and market analysts are saying
This week, the latest roundtable aired on Nasdaq Trade Talk, where key analysts and thought leaders discussed growth and trading activity in the Connected Health and Wellness Solutions market.
“This is a really exciting space,” said Ed Hertzman, founder and CEO of Athlete Media Group. “One of the issues is that the market is very fragmented, but if you look at it at a macro level, you definitely see more and more consumers interested in this market. There are more and more outlets and retailers available to consumers, and the wearables market and wellness are on the rise. Overall, I think there’s a lot of positive activity happening and a lot of investment in this space. will proceed.”
Max Lakulenko, director of Hardlines & Wellness at TD Cowen, added that the company is planning an omnichannel experience that combines the gym experience with at-home fitness.
“The two will continue to merge,” Lakulenko said, adding that he sees a future that includes wellness within the traditional gym space. He also pointed to Gen Z’s interest in social drivers, gamification, and living a healthy lifestyle as having a positive impact.
The discussion also touched on the impact of GLP-1 on the fitness and wellness industry.
Credit: Nasdaq TradeTalks
“When I first started covering the health and fitness field, one of the main reasons people stopped going to the gym was because they felt they had to work out to go to the gym,” RBC Hugh Paisley, Managing Director of capital market. “And that stereotype has (changed) with models like Planet Fitness and Crunch Fitness. This GLP-1 accelerates that process even more. There are still people on the sidelines. Now they are getting more involved.”
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Jon Canarick, managing partner at North Castle Partners, noted the evolving home fitness trend, which is fueling growth in wellness, recovery and wearable products. The approach to advertising has also changed, no longer targeting just athletes but a wider audience.
He cited Therabody as an example of a recovery and wellness technology company that is currently appealing to a broader demographic of wellness seekers, including people who are on their feet all day, such as nurses and UPS drivers. “It’s working very well,” he said.
To learn more about GLP-1, influencer influence, wellness, the future of fitness, and more, check out our recent trade talk with Jill Malandrino here.
Courtney Rehfeldt
Courtney Rehfeldt has worked in the broadcast media industry since 2007 and freelanced since 2012. Her work has been featured in Age of Awards, Times Beacon Record, The New York Times, and has an upcoming article in Slate. She studied yoga and meditation with Beryl Bender Birch at the Hard & the Soft Yoga Institute. She loves hiking, being outdoors, and is an avid reader. Courtney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Communication Studies.
