Author Archives: Ashley Hurley

Weighted Walking Is In: Why Everyone’s Talking About Rucking

If your regular walks are starting to feel… too easy, it might be time to level up. Enter rucking—the old-school military workout that’s quickly becoming this year’s go-to fitness upgrade. All it takes? A backpack and some weight. Originally developed for soldiers carrying gear over long distances, rucking has become a civilian favorite for good […]

HIIT It Hard: Why Short Workouts Torch More Fat

Quick, Intense, Effective What if a 20-minute sweat session could outperform long cardio marathons? That’s the promise of high‑intensity interval training (HIIT). Research from Canada’s McGill and McMaster Universities reveals that brief bursts of all‑out exercise—like 1‑minute sprints with equal rest—can nearly double fitness gains over standard moderate workouts, even among stroke survivors. Short Workouts, […]

Do Gym Wipes Actually Work? Here’s What Experts Say

You wipe down gym equipment, right? Good. Because skipping it might cost you. One Maryland woman recently picked up a nasty case of ringworm after skipping that simple step. While gyms may not be the germ hotspots we fear, shared surfaces still carry risks—and gym wipes play a bigger role than you might think. Yes, […]

The Wellness Forecast for 2025: What Experts Are Saying Is Actually Worth Paying Attention To

Forget fads. Wellness in 2025 is serious business — and it’s going way beyond abs and protein shakes. This year, it’s all about living longer, feeling stronger, and using smarter tools to get there. We’re talking personalized supplements, brain-friendly wearables, and gut health routines built just for you — not your Instagram feed. We pulled […]

Fitness Tech Isn’t Just Data — It’s a Mental Health Power Tool

Tracking your steps and calories is great — but today’s fitness tech is doing something even bigger: helping you feel better. Because let’s face it, we’re not just burned out physically. Mentally, we’re fried. From stress to anxiety to lack of sleep, your fitness gear can now do more than count reps — it can […]

Mind Over Muscle: Why Top Gyms Are Now Training Your Brain

These days, working out isn’t just about breaking a sweat — it’s about hitting reset. More gyms are evolving into full-body wellness spaces, where mental health matters just as much as muscle. Because let’s be real — looking good means nothing if you’re still feeling stressed. With anxiety on the rise (43% of U.S. adults […]

LA Just Got Smarter: AI-Powered Gym Opens Its Doors

Los Angeles isn’t just about celebrity workouts anymore—it’s now the testing ground for the future of fitness. Artemis, a cutting-edge fitness center powered entirely by artificial intelligence, just opened in the city. And it’s not messing around. “We didn’t build another gym,” says Artemis CEO Jonathan Hoffman. “We built the smartest fitness experience in the […]

AI Is Reshaping the Gym—Here’s How to Stay Ahead

If you’re running a fitness facility and you’re not paying attention to AI, you’re already behind. We’re not talking about some Silicon Valley buzzword. We’re talking real-world tech that’s changing how gyms operate and how members train. The facilities that figure this out early? They’re the ones who win. Smarter Operations, Better Business AI isn’t […]

Smarter Training Starts Here—How Big Brands Are Using AI

The connected fitness industry has its share of challenges, but there’s no denying its growing presence. As gyms and studios slowly recover from the pandemic, at-home fitness is still going strong. Top executives from leading fitness brands are doubling down on personalization, strength training, and AI-powered experiences to ensure their products meet the needs of […]

The Fitness Invasion No One’s Ready For

How tariffs on imported dumbbells and treadmills hurt gym members

The Fitness World in Europe Is About to Get Shaken Up If you thought the European fitness market was crowded enough—think again. Orangetheory Fitness and Anytime Fitness, now under one powerhouse parent company called Purpose Brands, are about to flip the script. This isn’t some slow, cautious entry. This is a full-throttle move to dominate. […]

The Gym Pod Invades Hongkong: Are Big-Box Gyms on Life-Support?

Does Hong Kong need private fitness pods like The Gym Pod?

A New Era of Fitness: Privacy Meets Technology In a world where personal space is increasingly valued, The Gym Pod introduces a revolutionary concept to Hong Kong’s fitness scene. This app-controlled, private workout space challenges the conventional gym model, offering users a secluded environment to exercise on their terms.​ Breaking Away from the Pack: The […]

Tariffs Are Raising Your Gym Membership — Here’s Why

gym membership cost increase

You might not be importing dumbbells or ordering leg presses from China, but the tariffs placed on gym equipment absolutely impact you — especially if you’re a gym member or planning to join one.  Why Are Tariffs a Big Deal? New tariffs (up to 145%) on imported fitness equipment mean: Higher prices for gyms buying […]

Rethinking Fitness Equipment in a Tight Economy

how to maintain fitness equipment on a budget

Stretch Every Dollar: Maintain, Don’t Replace Make your fitness equipment last—and your budget go further. Why Maintenance Matters More Than Ever In a volatile economy, every dollar counts—and nowhere is that more true than in fitness facilities, gyms, and home setups across the country. Instead of rushing to replace aging machines, smart operators are pivoting […]

Smart Money Moves

smart money moves

In today’s economy, long-term value beats short-term savings. When budgets get tighter, it’s tempting to chase the lowest price tag. But in the fitness industry, cutting corners on equipment can cost more in the long run—through breakdowns, repairs, and replacement cycles. That’s where premium brands come in. Brands like InBody, Cascade, StairMaster, and Octane didn’t […]

Why Your Treadmill Costs More in 2025

Global Tensions, Local Price Tags If you’ve noticed a jump in fitness equipment prices lately, you’re not imagining things. Behind the scenes, a web of international trade disputes is quietly reshaping how fitness gear gets made—and how much it costs. In recent years, tariffs on imported fitness equipment—especially those manufactured in China—have surged. These import […]

The Rise of Flexible Fitness Spaces

gym layout optimization

A successful gym layout is one that flows with the activity, offering flexibility for every workout. As fitness routines evolve, so must your gym layout. Consumers are looking for space that supports both their intense workouts and their recovery needs. Designing your space to accommodate a wide variety of workout types is key. Design for […]