Today, I’m joined by Rebecca Parekh, co-founder & CEO of The WELL. Burned out by a career on Wall Street, Rebecca had a personal wellness epiphany. Now, she’s helping others relieve stress at The WELL, a health-focused members club and lifestyle brand. In this episode, we discuss the company’s integrated approach to wellness. We also cover: • Healthy third spaces • Entering real estate and hospitality • Unmet consumer needs across the industry Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podca...
Apr 30, 2024•42 min
Today, I’m joined by Eric Litman, Founder and CEO of Aescape. Underwhelmed by traditional massage therapy, Eric created Aescape. Using AI robotics, the company provides a precise, consistent, fully automated bodywork experience. In this episode, we discuss Aescape’s seven-year journey to launch. We also cover: • Partnering with Equinox • The future of human-robot interactions • Creating an on-demand massage marketplace Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast Subscribe to our newslette...
Apr 23, 2024•29 min
Today, I’m joined by Cheryl Sew Hoy, Founder & CEO of Tiny Health. Designed for moms and infants, Tiny Health’s comprehensive microbiome tests aim to improve immune systems and prevent chronic disease. In growth mode, it secured $8.5M last month. In this episode, we discuss the company’s family-focused approach to gut health. We also cover: • How the gut impacts infant well-being • Tiny’s future plans for pet microbiome tests • The relationship between daily environment and microbiome Subscr...
Apr 16, 2024•42 min
Today, I’m joined by Krystal Zell, CEO of Tonal. After raising $130M last year, Tonal is recalibrating. Doubling down on hyper-personalized at-home fitness, it's leveraging AI to make its hardware smarter than ever. In this episode, we discuss the company’s intelligent strength training system in depth. We also cover: Bringing strength training to new audiences Building a profitable and sustainable business Creating and scaling truly personalized workouts Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt....
Apr 09, 2024•39 min
Today, I’m joined by Samantha Citro Alexander, co-founder & CEO of bitewell. Streamlining food as medicine, bitewell combines nutrition education with insurance-subsidized grocery shopping and delivery. Partnering with employers and providers, the company is on a mission to make healthy eating healthcare’s first line of defense. In this episode, we talk about the company’s digital food “farmacy.” We also cover: • Food insecurity vs. nutrition insecurity • bitewell’s approach to making food a...
Apr 02, 2024•39 min
Today, I’m joined by Brian Kirkbride, co-founder & co-CEO of FitLab. An experienced founder, Fortune 500 exec, and investor, Brian oversees the company’s 11-brand portfolio of studios, equipment, and experiences — including Assault Fitness, XPT, Ragnar, and McGregor FAST. Scaling up FitLab is pushing expansion. In this episode, we discuss the company’s integrated lifestyle platform. We also cover: • Acquiring vs. building companies • Partnering with Nike to launch boutique studios • Uniting ...
Mar 26, 2024•50 min
Today, I’m joined by Amanda Rees, co-founder & CEO of Bold. A fitness-based approach to healthy aging, Bold’s personalized exercise programs help older adults build strength, ease pain, and prevent falls. Partnering with Medicare, the platform aims to replace musculoskeletal disability with lifelong vitality. In this episode, we talk about tailoring fitness to an underserved demographic. We also cover: • Amanda’s experience as a caregiver and fitness instructor • The importance of fall preve...
Mar 19, 2024•36 min
Today, I’m joined by James McMaster, CEO of Huel. Hacking meal prep, Huel wants to simplify healthy eating on the go. Catering to time-strapped consumers, the brand makes nutritionally complete instant meals, drinks, and powders. In this episode, we discuss the company’s mission to replace junk food, reduce waste, and make healthy options affordable. We also cover: • Creating a lifestyle brand rather than a product • Evolving from a single powdered shake to multiple SKUs • Huel’s customer obsess...
Mar 12, 2024•34 min
Today, I’m joined by Jeff Byers, CEO of Momentous. Raising the bar on quality, Momentous makes science-backed supplements for high-performers. Trusted by the US military and pro sports teams, its products are transparently sourced, third-party tested, and NSF-certified. In this episode, we talk about fixing the flawed supplement industry. We also cover: • Prioritizing product quality over variety • Rebuilding culture after an acquisition • Consolidation within the industry Subscribe to the podca...
Mar 05, 2024•48 min
Today, I’m joined by Dr. Daisy Robinton, co-founder & CEO of Oviva Therapeutics. Daisy is a Harvard-trained molecular biologist on a mission to extend female healthspan. Targeting ovarian function as a lever for longevity, Oviva hopes to make menopause optional. In this episode, we discuss how Oviva Therapeutics plans to deliver additional years of vibrant living to women. Plus, we talk about the intersection of biology and longevity. We also cover: • The future of women’s health • How lifes...
Feb 27, 2024•38 min
Today, I’m joined by Phil Levin, Founder & CEO of LiveNearFriends. After starting a coliving compound in Oakland, Phil saw the impact of community on well-being firsthand. Encouraging others to follow suit, he launched LiveNearFriends, a social real estate platform helping loved ones find homes near each other. In this episode, we discuss designing neighborhoods for social wellness. Plus, we talk communes, country clubs, Blue Zones, and more. We also cover: • How living within walking distan...
Feb 20, 2024•34 min
Today, I’m joined by Will Bartholomew, founder and CEO of D1 Training. Will developed the idea for an athletics-based training center after an ACL injury cut his NFL career short. Since 2001, D1 has grown from one Nashville location to 40+ facilities nationwide — helping aspiring college athletes, pros, and the general public reach their goals. In this episode, we discuss Will’s journey scaling a multi-million-dollar business. Plus, we talk trends in youth sports and boutique fitness. We also co...
Feb 13, 2024•34 min
Today, I’m joined by Nick West, co-founder & CEO of Bandit. Born in NYC, Bandit is an apparel brand founded for runners, by runners. The company’s community vibes and state-of-the-art gear catapulted it to cultish success — but its physical products are just the beginning. In this episode, we discuss Bandit’s mission to evolve the sport of running. Plus, Nick shares the secrets to building a loyal following. We also cover: • What Nick and his co-founder brother learned from working in ecomme...
Feb 06, 2024•41 min
Today I’m joined by Jeff Zwiefel, executive director of Life Time MIORA. Former president and COO of Life Time, Jeff now heads the brand’s spinoff concept MIORA. Targeting the medical wellness market, MIORA longevity clinics pair personalized training and nutrition programs with medical and aesthetic treatments to help members reach their goals. In this episode, we discuss Life Time’s evolution from gym chain to athletic country club, and its plans to prescribe GLP-1s. We also cover: • How Life ...
Jan 30, 2024•40 min
Today I’m joined by Crunch Fitness CEO Jim Rowley. Known for its inclusive atmosphere, the national gym chain offers a mix of classes, state-of-the-art equipment, personalized training programs, and digital experiences. In this episode, we discuss the future of fitness franchises — including the role of group classes, wellness offerings, and recovery modalities. Plus, Jim shares why Crunch won’t be dispensing GLP-1s. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Crunch’s franchise-first strategy and roadmap ...
Jan 23, 2024•30 min
Today, I’m joined by Rachel Drori, founder of Daily Harvest, a plant-based frozen meal delivery service. Valued at over $1B in 2022, Daily Harvest is reimagining frozen food. Partnering with Kroger, the company recently expanded into retail — launching its pre-prepped smoothie, soup, and healthy bowl kits to the masses. In this episode, Rachel discusses preparing to step down as CEO. Plus, we talk entering grocery stores, weathering a recall, and trying to transform a broken food system. In this...
Jan 16, 2024•45 min
Today I’m joined by TRX founder Randy Hetrick & CEO Jack Daly. In the 90s, former Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick developed portable suspension straps while on deployment before launching TRX in 2004, then led the business for 15 years before selling. In 2022, Randy teamed up with Jack Daly to buy the brand back out of bankruptcy, kicking off a new chapter for the company. In this episode, we discuss TRX 2.0. We also cover new product development, acquisition opportunities, and TRX’s digital platfor...
Jan 09, 2024•55 min
Happy new year! To kick off 2024, we’re changing things up a bit. We have some incredible episodes lined up, but today – we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at Fitt Insider and a preview of what’s to come. In this episode, we cover: • Fitt Insider’s backstory and mission • Highlights from 2023, including sponsorships, press releases, and international growth • New offerings, including our recruiting firm and consulting business • Our plan to invest in more health and fitness startups Fitt Tal...
Jan 02, 2024•4 min
Today, I’m joined by Julie Cartwright, president of Pvolve, an innovative low-impact fitness program with in-studio and at-home offerings. Founded in 2017 by Rachel Katzman, Pvolve leverages resistance-based functional movement training to help exercisers restore body alignment and health. Ditching the no pain, no gain mantra, the company is proving fitness doesn’t have to hurt to be effective. In this episode, we talk about the brand’s signature equipment and workouts. Plus, we discuss key part...
Dec 19, 2023•36 min
Today I’m joined by Ed Buckley, CEO of FitOn Health, a wellness benefits platform for employers and health plans. On a mission to bridge healthcare and fitness, Ed founded corporate wellness platform Peerfit in 2011 — connecting people with quality digital health content and in-person fitness classes. FitOn acquired Peerfit in 2022, launching FitOn Health and breaking into B2B. In this episode, we discuss the company’s approach to serving customers, employers, and health plans. Plus we cover the...
Dec 12, 2023•47 min
Today, I’m joined by Garrett Marshall, president of digital fitness platform Xponential+. Part of Xponential Fitness, Xponential+ hosts streaming classes from the company’s portfolio of boutique studio brands — including Rumble Boxing, Club Pilates, and Row House. Reimagining at-home fitness, Xponential+ is also partnering with Meta to make VR workouts mainstream. In this episode, we discuss the challenge of repackaging physical classes in digital form. Plus, we talk VR technology, navigating in...
Dec 05, 2023•50 min
Today I’m joined by Sam Jactel, founder and CEO of Ayble Health, a digital GI care platform. Sam’s lifelong battle with inflammatory bowel disease fueled him to design better solutions for gut health sufferers. Frustrated by ineffective treatments, he founded Ayble Health — combining personalized AI-powered gut health plans with human coaches for guidance. In this episode, Sam shares how his health journey led him to launch Ayble. Plus, we discuss the mind-gut axis and the future of patient-driv...
Nov 28, 2023•37 min
Today, I’m joined by Andrew Sugerman, CEO of Centr, a global fitness brand pairing personalized digital content with state-of-the-art gym equipment. Founded by Chris Hemsworth, Centr’s omnichannel ecosystem offers custom workouts, meal plans, mindfulness programs, and more. Leveraging his experience leading content and partnerships at Disney, Andrew has scaled the brand to new heights, inking deals with big box retailers like Hyrox and Walmart. In this episode, we break down the company’s integr...
Nov 21, 2023•41 min
Today, I’m joined by Tom Dowd, CEO of F45 Training, a studio franchise built on high-intensity functional group workouts. Founded in 2012, F45’s early success skyrocketed it to 2200+ franchises and a 2021 IPO, before financial troubles hit. Now, investor Tom Dowd has stepped in as CEO, leveraging experience as an executive at GNC and Performance Inspired Nutrition to steer the course. In this episode, we discuss how the company’s recent challenges — including layoffs, a leadership shakeup, and f...
Nov 14, 2023•39 min
Today, I’m joined by Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen, a fast casual chain serving fresh meals with transparently-sourced ingredients. Studying abroad in Australia, Jonathan noticed the country had managed to make healthy eating cool. So in 2007, he set on a mission to recreate that sentiment overseas — launching Sweetgreen to make salad mainstream. Sixteen years later, the restaurant has 220 locations and a recently expanded menu featuring protein-rich plates. In this episode, w...
Nov 07, 2023•41 min
Today, I’m joined by Cameron Falloon, founder of Body Fit Training, an Australian fitness franchise scaling progressive, strength-based group training. After training pro athletes for 30 years, Cameron wanted to recreate structured conditioning for weekend warriors. He launched Body Fit Training in 2017 — packaging resistance, cardio, and functional movement in guided 8-10 week programs. Since then, the company has added over 450 locations, 60K members, and partnerships with Xponential Fitness a...
Oct 31, 2023•44 min
Today, I’m joined by James Williams, CEO of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, a boutique studio franchise with classes modeled on Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s training regimen. No stranger to celebrity brand building, James previously advised on Beyonce’s Ivy Park line and co-founded a lifestyle brand with Laird Hamilton. Now, he’s growing Mayweather Boxing + Fitness into a generational name. In this episode, we discuss teaming with Mayweather to capture demand for boutique boxing. Plus, he shares his visi...
Oct 24, 2023•38 min
Today, I’m joined by Jeffrey Kaditz, founder & CEO of Q Bio, a company democratizing personalized preventive health with streamlined whole-body MRI’s and digital twin technology. An engineer and serial entrepreneur, Jeffrey’s tackled everything from fintech to mobile gaming. Now, he’s revolutionizing healthcare at Q Bio, building a platform that promises to help doctors detect disease and diagnose root causes early. In this episode, we discuss the company’s clinical digital twin technology. ...
Oct 17, 2023•40 min
Today, I’m joined by Jesse Itzler, serial entrepreneur, NYT bestselling author, and co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. Jesse’s success crosses industries, with past exits including Zico Coconut Water, Alphabet City Sports Records, and Marquis Jet. Now, he’s leveraging his love of endurance sports to scale his two latest ventures, apparel line All Day Running Co. and event company 29029 — both highlighting physical challenge as a force for transformation. In this episode, Jesse discusses prioritizing...
Oct 10, 2023•38 min
Today, I’m joined by Taylor Pemberton, co-founder & CEO of Superset, a turn-key operations platform for online health and fitness coaches. With experience working at companies like AirBnB and Spotify, Taylor’s passionate about applying tech’s lean product design ethos to the fitness industry. The Superset app automates client payments, contracts, onboarding, programming, and more for seamless end-to-end user experience. In this episode, we discuss how Taylor’s background as an athlete and Bi...
Oct 03, 2023•37 min
