This Week In Fitness: Novo Nordisk Drops Hims & Hers, Solace x Mental Health, Pvolve & Franchise 500

This Week In Fitness by ATFW delivers the top fitness business headlines in under 5 minutes. In this episode:

Novo Nordisk Ends Partnership with Hims & Hers
Novo Nordisk cuts ties with Hims & Hers Health Inc. over concerns related to compounded versions of Wegovy®. What does this mean for telehealth partnerships and the future of obesity care?

Solace New York Launches Mental Health Collaboration
A first-of-its-kind partnership is embedding mental health services directly into a Manhattan fitness club. Could this signal a shift in how wellness is delivered?

American College of Cardiology Issues New GLP-1 Guidance
GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide are now recommended earlier in treatment—even before lifestyle changes. What this clinical update means for fitness providers.

Congress Weighs HSA Coverage for Fitness Expenses
With the PHIT Act provision on the line, advocates push to include gym memberships and youth sports in HSA-eligible spending. Where do things stand?

Pvolve Joins Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® List
The boutique fitness brand earns national recognition. What contributed to its rise—and how it’s positioning for future growth.

Zumba Cruise Returns in 2026
After a 7-year hiatus, the Zumba Cruise is back. Thousands are expected to join at sea, but it’s more than just a dance party.

🎧 Hosted by Krissy Vann
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Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:16 Novo Nordisk Ends Partnership with Hims & Hers
• 1:14 American College of Cardiology Issues New GLP-1 Guidance
• 2:09 Solace New York Launches Mental Health Collaboration
• 2:50 Congress Weighs HSA Coverage for Fitness Expenses
• 3:42 Pvolve Joins Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® List
• 4:27 Zumba Cruise Returns in 2026

Transcript

0:06

welcome to This Week in fitness by ATF W where we crunch the latest fitness business headlines all in under 5 minutes I'm your host Chrissy Van and here's what's making news Novo Nordisk has ended its relationship with Hims and Hers health alleging the telehealth provider promoted and sold compounded versions of Vogovi in ways that could pose patient safety risks the company says Hims and hers will no longer have access to Agovi through its Novo Care pharmacy platform according to Novo Nordisk Hims and hers promoted mass produced compounded semiluglide products under what it described as a false guise of personalization Dave Moore executive vice president of US Operations stated when patients are prescribed semaglutide treatments they're entitled to receive authentic FDA approved and regulated Wegovy will continue to take action when companies engage in illegal sham compounding that jeopardizes the health of Americans the FDA has previously warned about the safety risks of compounded semaglutide particularly those containing salt based variants not used in the approved drug Hims and hers has not issued a public response at the time of recording next the American College of cardiology has released new clinical guidance that may shift how the fitness industry interacts with clients managing obesity the update recommends glp 1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepide earlier in treatment regardless of whether patients have tried lifestyle changes obesity affects more than 40 percent of US adults and is linked to increased cardiovascular risks clinical trials show these medications lead to 15 to 21 percent average weight loss and reductions in stroke and heart attack risk for fitness operators this signals a growing need to integrate strength training and sustained engagement strategies that aligned with medical treatment plans some brands are already adapting lifetime has introduced medically integrated programs and Weight Watchers and F45 are building hybrid care models staff education around these medications may become increasingly important especially as access expands meanwhile a new mental health partnership is pushing the boundaries of wellness and fitness environments starting July 1st Solis New York will offer free confidential mental health services on site through a collaboration with non profit Solis House Dr Nandini M Collins CEO of Solus House explained the approach this is about meeting people where they are not just physically but emotionally the virtual counseling services aim to reduce barriers to care and normalize mental wellness as part of the gym experience Soulcycle New York CEO Brian Bullock added mental wellness matters just as much as physical strength the model may prompt others in the industry to explore more holistic approaches to member care turning to policy news fitness operators are watching closely as Congress finalizes its tax reconciliation package at issue is whether health savings account funds can be used for fitness memberships classes and youth sports the current Senate draft excludes the fit act provision but advocacy efforts are underway to reinstate it The Health and Fitness Association is calling on clubs to mobilize members and staff by sharing a pre written letter to Congress Mike Gezinski vice president of government affairs at HFA emphasized that the window for influence remains open and urged direct engagement from the industry if passed the change would allow up to $500 per person or 1,000 per household in pre tax HSA dollars to go toward physical activity proponents argue this could support preventative health and increase access to fitness services in brand growth news P valve has landed a spot on entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list its first appearance on the ranking the company placed No. 78 in the Top New and Emerging Franchises category a nod to its continued expansion with more than 20 studios and 50+ locations in development P Evolve combines studio fitness with a digital on demand platform President Julie Cartwright said this milestone reflects the strength of our brand the dedication of our franchise partners and team members and the growing demand for innovative science LED fitness across the country celebrity partnerships and national campaigns have contributed to its visibility as it scales P volve joins a growing list of boutique concepts expanding their footprint through franchising and finally Zumba is bringing back one of its most popular community events after a seven year hiatus the Zumba Cruise will return in March 2026 aboard the Norwegian Pearl the five day event departs from Miami with a nonstop in Cozumel Mexico the cruise will feature daily workouts including classes from Zumba creator Beto Perez along with Strong Nation Circle mobility and nightly themed parties the revival taps into Zumba's global community and brand loyalty while blending travel fitness and entertainment into a single immersive experience that's it for This Week in fitness by ATF W I'm your host Chrissy Van and remember stay fit stay informed and keep your fitness business in shape