This Week in Fitness: Fittest U.S. Cities, Planet Fitness Heat Promo, Ladder and Diplo, Echelon Acquires FORTË

Welcome to This Week in Fitness by ATFW — crunching the top fitness business headlines in under 5 minutes. Hosted by Krissy Vann.

Here’s what’s making news:

-American College of Sports Medicine Releases 2025 Fitness Index
-Planet Fitness Markets Heat Relief with Summer Promo
-Ladder Partners with Diplo’s Run Club for National Tour
-Echelon Fitness Acquires FORTË and Launches ELEVATE Division
-Pvolve Expands Footprint with Six New Franchise Studios
-Performance Equity Management Reinvests in EoS Fitness Post-Acquisition
-Lifesum Survey: Ultra-Processed Foods Impacting Mental and Physical Health

Stay fit, stay informed, and keep your fitness business in shape.

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:15 American College of Sports Medicine Releases 2025 Fitness Index
• 1:06 Planet Fitness Markets Heat Relief with Summer Promo
• 1:51 Ladder Partners with Diplo’s Run Club for National Tour
• 2:31 Echelon Fitness Acquires FORTË and Launches ELEVATE Division
• 3:11 Pvolve Expands Footprint with Six New Franchise Studios
• 3:44 Performance Equity Management Reinvests in EoS Fitness Post-Acquisition
• 4:16 Lifesum Survey: Ultra-Processed Foods Impacting Mental and Physical Health

Transcript

0:04

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 we start with fresh data on the state of fitness across the United States The American College of Sports Medicine and the Elevens Health Foundation have released the 2025 American Fitness Index ranking the 100 largest US cities across 35 health and activity indicators Arlington Virginia topped the list followed by Washington DC Seattle San Francisco and Denver positive movement was recorded across aerobic and strength activity metrics with Richmond Virginia showing the highest increase at 18.8% however the report also flagged rising food insecurity in 99 of 100 cities and worsening air quality due to wildfires the index is designed to help city leaders make data driven decisions to support healthy lifestyles and infrastructure investments as cities evaluate local fitness initiatives Planet Fitness is leaning into national momentum with a summer promotion offering memberships at $1 down and $15 per month with no long term commitment the marketing play positioning their climate control gyms as a haven from extreme heat according to a recent survey by the brand 76% of Americans said they'd rather face a root canal jury duty or an awkward family dinner than exercise in high temperatures the promotion emphasizes comfort accessibility and value the company is also continuing its High School Summer Pass which gives teens age 14 to 19 free access to over 27 locations in the US and Canada turning to fitness and music crossover trends ladder has announced a new partnership with Diplo's Run Club for the 2025 season the collaboration will bring 5K events strength based activations and live music to cities across the US including a pre race workout hosted by Diplo himself via the ladder app the initiative reflects the growing popularity of community oriented run clubs especially among younger demographic seeking social wellness experiences ladder reports it's on pace to hit 400,000 members by the end of 2025 with strong engagement driven by content coaching and event based programming meanwhile tech and commercial strategy are converging as Eshelon Fitness acquires Forte a digital streaming platform serving fitness businesses in 39 countries the deal LED to the launch of elevate by Echelon a new commercial division focused on software as a service and enterprise solutions Forte's integration brings AI powered personalization automated video production and compatibility with platforms like ABC Fitness Mind Body and DACSO clients range from UFC Gym to boutique operators like 3 0 5 Fitness and the acquisition positions Asheland for deeper penetration into the b to B fitness technology space franchise development also continues to heat up p evolve has signed four new franchise agreements bringing six new studios to Colorado Georgia Indiana and Virginia operators include a former medical social worker a marketing executive and a neurological medicine CEO each aligning with the brand's focus on functional fitness and sustainable health the expansion follows P Evo's partnership with longevity focused Tally Health and leverages its omni channel model of in person classes digital streaming and proprietary equipment in investments Performance Equity Management is continuing its involvement with EOS Fitness following the gym operator's acquisition by TSG Consumer Partners PM had previously backed EOS through an earlier fund and is reinvesting through its latest one signalling ongoing confidence in the company's growth EOS has established itself in the high value low price segment with a focus on large format clubs and broad accessibility under new ownership the brand is expected to continue expanding its footprint and member base across key markets and finally new survey data shedding light on the growing disconnect between food convenience and overall well being according to life some 74% of US adults say ultra processed foods are negatively affecting their physical and mental health with nearly half believing they are addicted the June 2025 survey of 5,000 respondents highlights widespread confusion around nutrition labels and ingredients with 63% saying it's more confusing to identify ultra processed foods than to file their taxes the emotional toll is clear 74% report impacts on mood focus energy or burnout there's also growing public demand for transparency 80% of those surveyed believe manufacturers should be required to clearly label ultra processed foods and nearly one third support regulation similar to tobacco the study underscores a shift in consumer expectations as more people seek clarity and control in their nutrition choices an issue with growing relevance to fitness and wellness operators focused on long term behavioral change 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