ATN spoke to ClassPass VP of Marketing Ivy Wu about why the workout has staying power

Pilates has earned the top spot on ClassPass as the most-booked workout for the second year in a row, with reservations surging 84% since 2023. To understand what’s fueling this growth and whether the trend has staying power, Athletech News turned to Ivy Wu, Vice President of Marketing at ClassPass.

“Pilates has maintained its position as the most-booked workout on ClassPass for two consecutive years and that’s no coincidence,” Wu said. “The surge in popularity aligns with a broader shift toward long-term health vs. high-intensity aesthetics.”

That shift reflects a change in consumer priorities. “According to Mindbody’s 2024 Wellness Index, 61% of participants said their primary motivation for working out is to live a healthier, longer life,” Wu noted. “Pilates fits that demand perfectly, emphasizing core stability, mobility and controlled movement—all while being low-impact.”

And once people try it, they tend to stick with it. “The ClassPass 2024 Look Back Report further highlights that Pilates was not only the most-booked workout of the year but also saw the highest repeat bookings, showing that once people try it, they’re hooked.”

Accessibility is another factor in Pilates’ widespread appeal. “It’s beginner-friendly, low-impact and accessible to all levels—whether you’re new to fitness (which most ClassPass users are), or getting back into it after a long break,” Wu said. “It’s a much easier initiation into the fitness world that’s not as intimidating as, say, a HIIT or boxing class.”

And while plenty of workouts can be done at home with minimal equipment, Pilates is a different story. “Most of us don’t have a Pilates reformer. People need to book classes to get their Pilates workouts in, which is likely a driving factor in its staying power,” Wu explained.

But accessibility alone doesn’t fully explain Pilates’ rise. Wu also pointed to the impact of social media. “Our 2024 Look Back Report shows just how much social media-driven aesthetics like the ‘Pilates Princess’ trend have fueled Pilates’ rise—bookings surged 84% from 2023, solidifying it as the most popular workout worldwide in 2024.”

Influencers have played a major role in transforming public perception. “They’ve reframed Pilates as more than just exercise; they’re spotlighting it as a complete mind-body reset,” said Wu. “While the trend is having its moment, the report also shows that Pilates had the most substantial year-over-year growth, proving it’s not just a fad but a powerful staple in fitness routines.”

There’s also the workout’s visual appeal. “Pilates lends itself to social media content: the low-impact nature lets influencers highlight the aesthetic parts of working out—the matching workout sets, the beautiful studios, the unique machines that some jokingly refer to as medieval torture devices,” Wu said.

ClassPass has also observed a trend dubbed “Men in Pilates.” Wu says, “The workouts are deceivingly difficult and social media loves playing into how humbling Pilates is for all genders and levels of fitness.”

Studios are evolving, too. “With the rise in popularity of Pilates classes, we’re increasingly seeing gyms and studios embrace the trend and adapt their classes to have a Pilates flavor, or add mat Pilates classes to their schedules,” Wu said.

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Pilates offers something other workouts don’t: longevity, injury prevention and mental clarity. “Pilates stands out as a low-impact yet highly effective workout that emphasizes core stability, mobility and controlled movement—all crucial for longevity and injury prevention,” Wu said.

That mirrors broader trends toward accessible fitness. “Low-impact classes in general actually saw a huge 109% increase in reservations last year,” Wu said.

Pilates’ flexibility and ease of integration into the workday have also helped. “We offer a Corporate program to companies as a benefit to their employees and we see a lot of users take advantage of their lunch breaks to squeeze in a workout class as a mental or physical break,” she noted.

And it’s not just the body that benefits. “Pilates fosters a strong mind-body connection, which can be a powerful tool for managing stress and enhancing mental clarity,” Wu said. “This dual focus on physical and mental well-being makes it especially compelling for people seeking a more holistic fitness experience.”

Whether you’re sweating through a heated session at Practice Room in Noho, focusing on mindful movement at Holydog Pilates in Kips Bay, or taking a challenging class at Avea Pilates, it’s clear Pilates isn’t just trending, it’s changing the fitness landscape. And as Wu summed it up, “Once people try it, they’re hooked.”

The digital entertainment landscape is evolving at a remarkable pace, with esports and iGaming emerging as two dominant forces that are increasingly converging. Both industries have experienced explosive growth over the past decade, transforming from niche interests into mainstream entertainment options that command billions in revenue and millions of dedicated followers worldwide.

This convergence represents a fascinating shift in how people engage with digital content, blurring traditional boundaries between competitive gaming and online gambling experiences.

What makes this intersection particularly intriguing is how both sectors cater to similar audience preferences while offering complementary experiences. International betting with EU casinos has become a significant component of this ecosystem, providing regulated environments where enthusiasts can engage with both traditional casino games and emerging esports betting markets.

As these industries continue to evolve in parallel, understanding their shared characteristics offers valuable insights into the future of digital entertainment and the opportunities it presents for both casual and dedicated participants.

Technological Innovation Driving Immersive Experiences

The foundation of both esports and iGaming rests firmly on technological advancement, with both industries consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital entertainment. Modern esports titles utilize cutting-edge graphics, sophisticated physics engines, and intricate gameplay mechanics to create compelling competitive experiences that millions find engaging, both as players and spectators.

Similarly, online casinos have evolved far beyond simple digital recreations of traditional games, now offering immersive 3D environments, live dealer interactions, and innovative gameplay features that blur the line between skill and chance.

This shared commitment to technological excellence extends to the platforms that deliver these experiences. Both sectors have adopted cloud gaming, mobile optimization, and cross-platform compatibility to ensure seamless accessibility across various devices and locations. The result is a seamless entertainment ecosystem that allows users to transition between different types of gaming experiences based on their preferences and available time.

The implementation of technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality represents the next frontier for both industries, promising even more immersive and interactive experiences that further diminish the distinction between digital and physical reality.

The integration of artificial intelligence has also transformed both landscapes, enabling everything from more sophisticated game mechanics to personalized user experiences. In esports, AI helps create more challenging computer opponents and assists in matchmaking systems that pair players of similar skill levels.

For iGaming platforms, AI powers recommendation engines that suggest games based on player preferences and behavior patterns, while also supporting responsible gambling initiatives through pattern recognition that can identify problematic behaviors before they develop into serious issues.

Audience Engagement and Community Building

Perhaps the most striking similarity between esports and iGaming lies in their approach to audience engagement and community development. Both industries have recognized that creating vibrant communities around their products is essential for long-term success. Esports organizations invest heavily in content creation, social media presence, and fan interaction opportunities that extend well beyond tournament broadcasts.

This community-centric approach has transformed professional gamers into celebrities with dedicated followings, creating spaces where fans can connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion.

The iGaming sector has adopted similar strategies, moving away from the isolated gambling experience of the past toward more social and community-oriented models. Online casinos now frequently incorporate chat features, multiplayer games, and tournaments that foster interaction between players.

Many platforms also maintain active social media presences and produce content ranging from strategy guides to entertainment videos that keep their communities engaged even when they’re not actively playing. This shift toward community building reflects a deeper understanding that today’s digital consumers value belonging and social connection as much as the core entertainment experience itself.

The streaming revolution has further amplified community engagement in both sectors. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube have become central to how audiences consume content related to both esports and iGaming, with popular streamers serving as influential community leaders who shape trends and preferences.

The interactive nature of streaming, where viewers can communicate directly with content creators and each other in real-time, creates a sense of shared experience that traditional entertainment mediums struggle to match. This phenomenon has created new career paths and revenue streams within both industries, demonstrating their adaptability to changing media consumption patterns.

The Growing Intersection of Betting and Competitive Gaming

The most significant area of convergence between esports and iGaming is undoubtedly the rapid growth of esports betting. What began as informal skin betting in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has evolved into a sophisticated market that mirrors traditional sports betting in many ways.

Major betting operators now offer extensive markets covering all major esports titles and tournaments, while specialized platforms cater specifically to the unique needs and preferences of esports enthusiasts.

This convergence has created new revenue streams and engagement opportunities for both sectors, but it also presents unique challenges. Research has shown that esports bettors may be at higher risk for gambling problems compared to traditional sports bettors, highlighting the importance of responsible gambling measures and consumer protection initiatives.

The demographic overlap between esports fans and online gamblers—typically younger, tech-savvy individuals—creates both opportunities and responsibilities for operators in this space.

The integration of skill-based elements into traditional casino games represents another fascinating area of convergence. Many online casinos now offer games that incorporate elements of skill and strategy similar to those found in competitive video games, appealing to players who enjoy the challenge of mastering complex systems.

Conversely, some esports titles have introduced randomized elements or loot box mechanics that share similarities with gambling, further blurring the lines between these once-distinct forms of entertainment.

As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve in both industries, we can expect even greater convergence in the coming years. The iGaming industry’s experience with compliance and responsible gambling practices provides valuable lessons for the emerging esports betting market, while esports’ success in creating engaging competitive experiences offers insights that can enhance the appeal of online casino games.

This mutually beneficial relationship suggests that the future of digital entertainment will increasingly be defined by experiences that combine elements from both worlds, creating new hybrid forms of engagement that appeal to the next generation of digital consumers.

PARIS — For Novak Djokovic, this is a relatively easy call: He, like many players, thinks the French Open is making a mistake by eschewing the electronic line-calling used at most big tennis tournaments and instead remaining old school by letting line judges decide whether serves or other shots land in or out.

Plenty of sports, from soccer and baseball to the NFL, are replacing, or at least helping, officials with some form of high-tech replays or other technology. Tennis, too, is following that trend, except at Roland-Garros, where competition continues through June 8.

Even the longest-running and most tradition-bound of the majors, Wimbledon, is — gasp! — abandoning line judges and moving to an automatic system this year. The WTA and ATP added machine-generated rulings this season for tour events on red clay, the surface at the French Open. But Grand Slam hosts can do what they want, and the French tennis federation is keeping the human element.

The French Open is pushing back against modern technology

Djokovic, the 24-time major champion, understands why folks might prefer the way to keep things the way they were for more than a century in his sport. He gets why there could be an inclination to shy away from too much change in a world now drowning in cell phones and streaming and social media.

“You don’t want to give everything away to the technology, right? But if I have to choose between the two, I’m more of a proponent of technology. It’s just more accurate, saves time, and … (means) less people on the court” said Djokovic, 38, who was disqualified from the 2020 U.S. Open for inadvertently hitting an official with a ball hit out of frustration between games.

That edition of the tournament in New York only placed line judges on its two largest courts, while others used an electronic setup, a nod to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian Open got rid of all line judges in 2021, a first at a tennis major; the U.S. Open did the same later that year.

The French Open remains a holdout, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon.

Don’t expect electronic line-calling at Roland Garros in the near future

“Unless the players are unanimous and come to us and say, ‘We won’t play if there isn’t a machine’ … then I think we’ve got a great future ahead of us to maintain this style of refereeing,” French federation president Gilles Moretton said, while boasting of the quality of his country’s officials.

Players don’t sound that adamant, although they tend to echo the opinion of 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff, who is 21: “I mean, I don’t know if it’s like the ‘Gen Z’ in me, but I think if we have the technology, we should use it.”

Still, there is some charm to be found in the choreography of players insisting a call was wrong and chair umpires climbing down for a closer look at a ball mark on the clay. Watch a day of TV coverage from Paris and odds are good that dance will take place — probably more than once.

“That’s what makes clay special, in a way — that you can always review the shots. … Obviously, you can’t deny that electronic line-calling is the future, and everything is moving towards AI and artificial intelligence,” said Stefanos Tsitsipas, the runner-up to Djokovic at Roland-Garros four years ago. “But me, personally, I wouldn’t mind playing on clay with maybe the judgment of a human instead of a robot.”

Some tennis players resort to taking photos of ball marks

No matter the form of officiating, there invariably are times when athletes — perhaps eyesight or faith strained by heat-of-the-moment tension and an eagerness to be correct — just won’t agree with a call.

That, in turn, can lead to extended arguments and sometimes a scene seen recently: A player grabs a cell phone from the sideline to snap a photo of a mark in a bid to prove, and win, a point.

Aryna Sabalenka, a three-time Slam champ and No. 1 women’s player, and Alexander Zverev, a three-time major finalist, did just that, although they weren’t the first. Back at the 2013 French Open, Sergiy Stakhovsky put down his racket and took a picture of where a ball had landed during a loss to Richard Gasquet; Stakhovsky said then he’d done it before.

“Linespeople mess up sometimes,” said 2023 Australian Open semifinalist Tommy Paul. “Automatic line-calling is going to mess up probably less.”

As developers race to personalize user experiences, Sahha’s new API offers a shortcut, converting streams of raw health data into evolving profiles

Sahha, a behavioral health data company, has launched an API that converts complex wellness metrics into intuitive user profiles. Dubbed Sahha Archetypes, the tool analyzes long-term patterns in sleep, activity, and mental wellness, giving developers a way to segment users and tailor digital experiences without the need for custom clustering models.

The API outputs weekly or monthly refreshed labels designed to reflect evolving behavioral traits. These fall into two types: ordinal labels that rank behaviors (such as ranking sleep duration from “very short” to “long”) and categorical labels such as “early bird” or “night owl.” With one integration, developers can group users by real-world behavior and trigger dynamic in-app experiences or notifications personalized to each profile.

The system also supports cohort analysis, allowing teams to compare engagement, retention or outcomes across behavioral groups, enabling more targeted strategies.

“Clicks and views alone don’t tell you much in the world of fitness and well-being,” Sahha founder Aleks Dahlberg said. “Serious companies need tangible data to build better, more relatable products. With Archetypes, we turn raw signals into living personas, so digital experiences can behave more like a coach who truly ‘gets’ you and even adapt as your habits evolve.”

As Sahha head of data and science Sugam Budhraja pointed out, Sahha Scores are the snapshot, while Archetypes are the character arc.

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“Because they smooth out day-to-day noise, they’re perfect for automations, cohort analysis and long-term habit change,” Budhraja said.

The Archetypes API is now available for all Sahha partners.

Berkeley’s retail scene is about more than foot traffic. It’s about forward-thinking, innovation, and scalability. Values like this are helping to shape the next wave of retail transformation, so if you’re a business owner, it’s now more important than ever for you to try and stay ahead of the curve.

Source: Pexels

Berkeley Business is Adapting to Change

Berkeley is home to an eclectic mix of local retailers, boutique businesses, and pop-ups. As time goes on, more and more people are turning to digital tools as a way to stand out in crowded markets. Retailers in the area are investing more and more in hybrid experiences, offering more click-and-collect options as well as live streams on social media. Many are also focusing on more sustainable operations, including zero-waste packaging and locally sourced tracking systems. Streamlining things like logistics and finance is also important, as tools like this often reduce paperwork, keeping businesses leaner and more efficient than ever.

AI and OCR Have a Part to Play in Retail

One trend that is standing out right now is intelligent document processing. This uses AI, OCR, and machine learning to automatically extract data from important documents. Software like this can read invoices, shipping forms, customer returns, and more. Information can be classified and organized, with the information rivaling the accuracy of a human team. For local businesses in the area, this can be a huge benefit. Intelligent document processing allows smaller teams to keep their margins lean while avoiding costly mistakes. As it’s so easy to adopt software like this, it’s a key trend that local retailers not only need to adopt but also embrace.

Adopting software like this helps to reduce the time spent on manual data-entry, and it also allows staff to focus more on customer service, planning, and engagement. Areas like this are where human input matters the most, and if local shop owners want to stay competitive, it is the key to success. AI can also help with restocking, allowing for streamlined logistics as well as better resource allocation. Artificial intelligence can also aid with real-time financial reporting, with numerous retail software packages including this now as standard.

Automated Returns Process

Returns are a major headache for those who work in retail. Automation tools help people process the returns more smoothly. Refunds can be issued, and items can be re-stocked quickly. When combined with IDP, it’s possible to categorize return documentation, with entire logistic chains being reversed with ease. This is the key to ensuring that customers get the experience they need, and it also helps to ensure that the whole process is streamlined and easy for everyone.

Touchless Payments

Over the last few years, touchless systems like Apple Pay have rocketed. QR-code checkouts have also seen a notable rise in adoption, with systems like this not only improving convenience but also speed. As if that wasn’t enough, it also becomes possible for staff to free up more time, which again allows them to focus on things that have a bigger customer impact. As time goes on, it’s more important than ever for Berkeley businesses to adopt tech like this, as it not only improves customer experience but also the workflow for staff, both of which have a notable impact on sales.

Becoming Leaders in Sustainability

Berkeley businesses need to start being leaders in sustainability. New tech helps to track this, with more businesses than ever adopting carbon calculators. Ethical sourcing tools can also help retailers improve their general commitment to the environment. Data can also be extracted from supplier documents to ensure that ESG standards are met. Zero-waste packaging and green delivery routes are also being adopted more and more, ensuring that sustainability goals are met. As time goes on, more and more green customers are appreciating efforts like this. Sustainability is also a key driver of customer traffic, and with so many advanced tech options now available, it’s easier than ever for businesses in the local area to make sustainability a core part of their operation.

Unified Commerce

Instead of having a separate system for online shoppers and then a system for in-store sales, a lot of retailers are now moving to a more unified platform. This is helping them to manage inventory as well as customer data and sales. Fulfillment can also be managed within the centralized platform, making it easier to reduce data silos. On top of this, it allows smaller Berkeley businesses to make better decisions. Systems like this play a huge role as they feed data from many sources and keep records synchronized. As if that wasn’t enough, it also paves the way for scalability. Berkeley is a very competitive space for retailers, and new stores are opening all the time. Having a unified commerce system is one of the best ways for you to stay ahead of the curve, as it gives you access to real-time data while ensuring that you are always able to act on things before it’s too late. For small business owners, this is critical and something that should be widely adopted moving forward.

Moving Forward

As Berkeley continues to position itself as a leading hub for retail innovation, local businesses have a huge opportunity here. Leading by example allows retailers to stand out from the crowd while ensuring the adoption of tools that will go on to have a huge impact on business success. Things like touchless payments, unified commerce platforms, and even sustainability tracking all have a huge role to play here. This, combined with intelligent document processing, means that businesses can function much more efficiently while also making sure that they build a better connection with their customer base. As we move forward, it’s clear that retail isn’t all about making sales. It’s about building a genuine connection with customers, as well as finding new ways to exceed expectations. For business owners in Berkeley, this means investing in tech today, so that it becomes possible to thrive tomorrow.

The Daily Californian’s editorial and newsroom staff were not involved in this advertisement’s production. 

When the Chinese electronics giant TCL entered the North American TV market a little over 10 years ago, the reaction from many might have been “TC-Who?” Some might have also put them in the category of bargain brands in comparison to the legacy brands. Perhaps, but remember that it wasn’t all that long ago that the likes of Samsung and LG, once known as “Lucky Goldstar” were viewed the same way in comparison to the Japanese and US-based legacy brands.

My, how things have changed. Other than Sony and more recently a reintroduced Panasonic, the legacy Japanese brands are now mostly used on licensed products. Samsung and LG? One might now say that they are the legacy brands, with both in the top five best selling brand listings and Samsung often at the top of that list. TCL, and their Chinese competitor Hisense? They are now well established as major forces in the TV market, right at the top of the sales charts with the older legacy brands in no small part to their features and technology, not just for price.

With that as background, TCL has just introduced their latest model line, the QM8K series. If you were a time traveler coming back from their first sets back in 2013 to today and saw the new models with that brand name covered up, you’d think that these sets were from a different brand. As will be described here, these are very noble competitors in the higher end of the TV set universe that is on par with anything from any other brand, legacy or otherwise.

As is natural for what will be a top-line contender, the main focus for QM8K, pun intended, is picture quality and the way it is achieved. At the top of the list is what TCL calls their Halo Control System that combines high energy mini-LED chips with a “Super Condensed Micro Lens” on the LEDs behind a newly designed CrystGlow WHVA panel with a special anti-reflective front surface that is said to deliver a 40 percent wider viewing angle with better contrast than previous models. From an appearance standpoint the set as what is called “Zero Border” the virtually eliminates the bezel and extends the image viewing area to within 4mm from the edge, a 90% reduction in bezel border size from first generation sets. Total screen depth has also been reduced

The Halo Control System also includes what TCL calls “Micro OD”, which places the LEDs closer to the screen for reduced blooming and Zero Delay Transient Response for crisp frame-to-frame transitions with virtually no lag between the input signal and how the backlight responds to it, preventing imager blur and maximizing specular highlights. Driving this is a new 23-bit backlight controller that enables over 65,000 levels of brightness for each individual LED.

Putting this all together, these individual technologies, the panel’s technologies and the system’s TCL AiPQ Pro processor the set is able to deliver up to 3800 precise local diming zones and HDR5000 brightness.

From the spec sheet viewpoint, on the video side of things all four new QM8K models have HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG, IMAX Enhanced and the latest version Filmmaker Mode. Gamers will take note of the 144Hz native panel refresh rate, Game Accelerator 288 for 288 VRR and AMD’s FreeSync Premium Pro.

On the audio side the set features audio designed by Bang & Olufsen with up-firing Dolby Atmos drivers for immersive audio as well as DTS:X audio. Operationally, the new sets continue TCL’s move away from Roku with Google TV as the operating system and there is a new backlit voice remote for hands-free voice control.

Wi-Fi 6 is there for the connectivity conduit along with wired Ethernet with four HDMI inputs and one each USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports available. Bluetooth is also there for use with headphone or earbud listening. Important in these days of cord-cutting, all models now include ATSC 3.0/NextGen TV tuners along with the standard ATSC 1.0 system for off-air reception. With NextGen now reaching over 75% of the US population this is an important feature, particularly for sports fans given the upcoming changes which will see more NBA broadcasts and other sports leagues increasing their free-to-air coverage next season.

The 65” and 85” models are available now at $2,299.99 and $3,799.99, respectively. 75” and 98” models will be available next month at $2,999.99 and $6,499.99, respectively.

While the audio capabilities of the new QM8L models are impressive, TCL is not leaving anything to chance on the audio side with the announcement that the QM8K, as well as the QM7K and QM6K models will support Dolby Atmos Flex Connect. This technology will enable users to place speakers almost anywhere they choose in a room and let the FlexConnect system optimize the soundfield for an optimal sound experience when used with the TCL Z100 smart, panoramic speakers that will be introduced later this summer.

Also, on the sound side of the home theater experience, TCL is also introducing their new Q65H sound bar. Its 5.1 channel configuration with 290 watts of amplifier power with a total of 8 speaker drivers that include wide dispersion side surround speakers to deliver the imaging that best reproduces the unit’s Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding and DTS Virtual:X processing. A 6.5” wireless subwoofer is also included with the.

The new soundbar uses the TCL mobile app for automatic room calibration and features HDMI eARC and optical digital inputs as well as Bluetooth 5.2 and USB audio playback. The Q65H is available now at $499.99.

With these new additions to their model lineup TCL is continuing to prove that they are no longer one of the “new guys on the block”. Indeed, their technology, features and breadth of model ranges validates their market position and merits consideration alongside any of the major brands.