Garmin seems as though it’s in the midst of a major course correction, and 2025 is a pivotal year. As someone who’s been reviewing fitness technology, including the best Garmin watches, for many years, there’s certainly been an increase in dramatic shifts in direction for the company in the past few months. That’s not to […]
Garmin seems as though it’s in the midst of a major course correction, and 2025 is a pivotal year. As someone who’s been reviewing fitness technology, including the best Garmin watches, for many years, there’s certainly been an increase in dramatic shifts in direction for the company in the past few months.
That’s not to say ‘change’ means ‘bad’: the recently announced Garmin Venu X1 looks like a great watch, but it’s a pivot from the way Garmin has been designing watches up until this point.
While advancing artificial intelligence and big data analytics already permeate many facets of professional and personal life, emerging technology is filtering further into the fitness industry. As the fitness world gradually enters an era of intelligence and data-driven optimization, Chen Hang, a bodybuilder and ACE-certified personal trainer, is leveraging innovative technology in fitness to create […]
While advancing artificial intelligence and big data analytics already permeate many facets of professional and personal life, emerging technology is filtering further into the fitness industry. As the fitness world gradually enters an era of intelligence and data-driven optimization, Chen Hang, a bodybuilder and ACE-certified personal trainer, is leveraging innovative technology in fitness to create a space and community for gym-goers.
Motivated by his personal passion for fitness, Hang began his professional career by building personal channels on both YouTube and Bilibili. On these digital platforms, the fitness enthusiast was able to share comprehensive content surrounding professional training methodologies, scientifically backed fitness concepts, and practical instructional materials. Sharing his passion through clear and simple explanations, coupled with professional data analysis, has helped make fitness concepts more accessible. Hang has earned thousands of subscribers and become a prominent content creator in the Chinese-speaking fitness community.
While his digital journey has helped Hang realize online education can disseminate fitness knowledge, he also realized the need to address the personalized needs of trainees, especially those who require more detailed guidance for professional training. This realization prompted Hang to launch his entrepreneurial journey, exploring how smart technology and fitness can be blended to provide more precise training guidance.
Bellevue, Washington, may be a high-tech hub; however, it lacks a dedicated fitness community for Chinese residents. With limited professional bodybuilding and strength training facilities, the area can be challenging for Chinese fitness enthusiasts seeking a space that can meet their personalized needs. After recognizing this specific lack of Chinese community environments, Hang was determined to create a fitness space aligned with Asian fitness culture, creating a professional and data-driven training hub for Seattle-area Chinese and bodybuilding lovers.
With his vision in mind, Hang established Tiger Gate Gym in Bellevue in August 2023. Fostering a bodybuilding community that is centered around an intelligent physical training system, Tiger Gate Gym’s mission goes beyond promoting bodybuilding and powerlifting; it utilizes AI, big data analytics, and deep learning to help trainees optimize their workout plans and improve their training outcomes.
The innovative application of an intelligent physical training system both validates the feasibility of combining technology with fitness and lays the foundation for Hang’s future developmental plans. Hang is actively developing a range of AI-powered training systems, which include smart fitness equipment for data analysis and optimization, a deep-learning-based movement recognition and evaluation system, and personalized training plans for each trainee. His research achievements have secured industry recognition, with multiple practical patents and software copyrights already granted, covering technologies for lat pull training devices, personalized intelligent fitness plan generation systems, and fitness effectiveness evaluation and health risk warning systems. These advancements will help serve as a strong foundation for the future growth of Tiger Gate Gym.
The early stages of Tiger Gate Gym were not without challenges for Hang. Due to the lack of brand recognition, initial gym membership growth was slow, while high operational costs placed significant financial pressure on the venture. Yet, despite these difficulties, Hang was able to adapt his strategy and focus on open house events to attract bodybuilding enthusiasts to experience the smart training system firsthand. Hang’s ability to respond flexibly to such challenges and implement innovative solutions boosted Tiger Gate Gym’s visibility. By the end of 2023, the gym had gathered more than 500 members and welcomed over 1,500 visitors, securing a firm foothold in Bellevue and the wider Seattle area.
Due to Hang’s technological innovations and strategic marketing, Tiger Gate Gym has become more than a professional training facility; it is a Chinese fitness community that serves as a space for cultural exchange and community building, bringing together Chinese fitness lovers, athletes, and trainers.
While growing Tiger Gate Gym, Hang is thinking about the future, actively planning strategic partnerships with notable enterprises to expand the influence of the gym. By focusing on collaborating with leading fitness platforms, like Wellhub, which has established close relationships with major tech giants such as TikTok and SpaceX, Hang aims to position Tiger Gate Gym in the professional and corporate fitness market. He also hopes these initiatives will open up the gym to a broader market for widespread adoption of smart fitness technologies, creating more personalized and efficient training solutions that drive the fitness industry toward a more technology-driven future.
As membership continues to steadily increase, the demand for a larger space has also become evident to the founder. This had led Hang to begin negotiations for a new location that will be three times the size of the current gym space. The new 11,000 square-foot space will include cardio equipment, functional zones, a stretching area, and expanded facilities such as saunas and shower rooms. Additionally, the new space will have a dedicated training section for women to offer a more inclusive and personalized experience for all members coming to work out.
Looking to the future, Hang plans on continuing to push for technological innovation in the industry. Simultaneously, he anticipates launching his line of fitness supplements and blending AI-driven training systems that are able to offer more personalized nutrition solutions for athletes. With the help of his research team, he also aims to advance smart training technologies, intending to extend AI fitness innovations to a broader market, positioning them as a crucial part of the fitness industry’s future.
Building on his success, his vision is centered on the expansion of Tiger Gate Gym, shaping the gym into a lasting force that connects, inspires, and empowers the Chinese fitness community.
Image Credit: Tiger Gate Gym
This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzinga’s opinions and has not been edited for content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
ABC Fitness’ latest report reveals a rise in AI adoption led by Gen Z, but trust issues and privacy concerns could stall momentum. Here’s what the fitness tech company uncovered and what it recommends for fitness operators Something unexpected is happening inside gyms this summer, and it’s not just the spike in foot traffic. Amid […]
Something unexpected is happening inside gyms this summer, and it’s not just the spike in foot traffic. Amid the AI frenzy, not everyone’s sold.
ABC Fitness’ new Summer 2025 Wellness Watch Report reveals how consumers are engaging with AI, who’s still skeptical and what fitness operators can do to keep up.
Drawing on data from 40 million members, more than 30,000 gyms, over 500,000 fitness professionals and third-party research from ClubIntel, the report outlines where growth and engagement opportunities are emerging.
Here’s what the fitness technology company found:
Although summer usually draws fitness consumers to the beach or barbecues instead of the gym, ABC Fitness is reporting an 8.3% year-over-year increase in check-ins and a 27% jump in new memberships across gyms and studios driven largely by HVLP-loving Gen Z and Millennials. The fitness tech company also found members average seven studio visits per month, with gym check-ins up 15% monthly.
As ABC Fitness notes, opportunity lies in tech and AI, with new tools and data emerging that can help boost both retention and acquisition.
“AI is becoming an integral part of the member lifecycle, from the moment someone walks in the door to long after they’ve joined,” ABC Fitness vice president of AI Robert Jackson said. “It’s helping fitness businesses personalize experiences, predict behavior and automate engagement in ways that were never possible before. The future belongs to those who use AI not just as a tool but as a core part of how they operate and grow.”
One key finding from ABC Fitness: while 26% of active consumers say they’re “very familiar” with AI-powered fitness and wellness tools, that number plummets to just 6% among Boomers. Likewise, only 12% of Boomers “strongly agree” that AI can support their personal health and fitness goals, compared to 33% of Gen Z and 38% of Millennials.
Among users who have engaged with AI, 61% use it for fitness tracking and 49% rely on it for nutrition. Additionally, 36% use AI for virtual fitness training or generating workouts and 37% use mental wellness apps. Gen Z shows the highest engagement overall, with 64% saying they’ve used an AI fitness and wellness app, compared to 59% of Millennials, 41% of Gen X and just 17% of Boomers.
Nearly half of respondents (49%) say they use AI-powered tools daily for fitness and wellness, compared to 30% who use them weekly, 18% occasionally and just 4% rarely.
Despite rising usage, trust remains a barrier. Nearly half of consumers report running into inaccurate data from AI tools. Only 17% of Boomers completely trust AI-driven fitness apps, while 43% of Millennials and 33% of Gen Z express full confidence.
Top concerns include data and privacy (55%) and lack of awareness or understanding (38%), followed closely by worries about over-reliance on technology and cost (both at 37%), lack of personalization (35%) and difficulty understanding or using AI tools (24%).
With Boomers still on the fence and privacy a growing concern, the fitness industry faces both a challenge and an opportunity for long-term engagement, especially as younger generations continue to set the pace.
To stay competitive, ABC Fitness urges operators to focus on personalization through adaptive coaching, tailored workout plans and real-time feedback, delivered via intuitive, user-friendly platforms that resonate across age groups.
The report also calls for stronger privacy safeguards, including transparent data policies and secure storage of personal health information. Enhanced connectivity between wearables and apps is another priority, to ensure accurate tracking of performance, recovery and health metrics.
Gamification features like leaderboards, achievement badges and interactive challenges can also drive engagement, ABC Fitness points out. Other recommendations include on-demand AI workouts, virtual coaching, digital communities and biometric-driven recovery tips to help users balance effort with rest.
In sports, even the smallest detail can make a big difference. For Indian athletes trying to compete at the highest level, training harder is important. But training smarter is what sets the best apart. That’s where wearable devices are stepping in. From fitness bands to smartwatches and skin sensors, these tools are quietly changing how […]
In sports, even the smallest detail can make a big difference. For Indian athletes trying to compete at the highest level, training harder is important. But training smarter is what sets the best apart. That’s where wearable devices are stepping in. From fitness bands to smartwatches and skin sensors, these tools are quietly changing how Indian athletes manage their health and performance.
They are now being used to track three very important things like hydration, sleep, and stress. These may sound simple, but they have a big impact on how an athlete performs, recovers, and stays injury-free.
Water is not just something athletes drink after a workout. It plays a key role in how muscles move, how quickly a person recovers, and how focused the brain stays. In hot Indian weather, especially during outdoor sports like athletics, cricket, and kabaddi, losing too much fluid can cause cramps, fatigue, and even dizziness.
Sleep helps the body repair itself. Athletes need quality sleep to recover from heavy training, heal small muscle tears, and feel fresh for the next session. Poor sleep means slower reaction times, poor focus, and higher chances of getting injured.
Every athlete, from beginners to Olympians, deals with pressure. It could be the stress of competition, fear of failure, or personal issues. If ignored, stress can affect physical health, mood, and overall performance. Learning to monitor and manage stress is just as important as any workout.
New wearable patches can now track how much an athlete sweats and how many salts they lose during training. Some smart bottles and bands even remind athletes when they need to drink water.
For example, wrestlers and hockey players training in the heat use these devices to keep track of their hydration levels. Coaches then adjust their water intake or suggest drinks that restore lost minerals.
Fitness trackers like Fitbit, Garmin, and even some budget-friendly smartwatches can measure how long and how well an athlete sleeps. They break down sleep into light, deep, and REM cycles. This helps athletes understand whether they are getting enough rest to recover fully.
In Khelo India camps, young athletes are being guided on how to read their sleep data. Based on these readings, coaches help them set sleep routines, reduce screen time before bed, and avoid late-night training if needed.
Many wearables now include features that track heart rate variability, which can be a sign of stress. These devices alert the athlete if their body is under more pressure than usual. They may also suggest simple steps like deep breathing, taking a short break, or meditating.
Take the example of a badminton player who sees a spike in stress levels before an important match. Instead of ignoring it, her coach can modify her warm-up and include calming activities to help her stay focused.
Not long ago, only top athletes could afford such smart devices. But thanks to government programs like Khelo India and private sports academies, wearable technology is now reaching more young athletes across the country.
Sports startups are building cheaper devices that work well in Indian conditions. Training centres in cities like Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are combining traditional sports knowledge with modern technology. This blend of science and skill is helping athletes get better, faster, and healthier.
There are still some hurdles to overcome.
Many athletes in rural areas do not have access to smartphones or smart devices.
Too much data can be confusing if there is no one to explain it properly.
Data privacy is also a concern, especially when multiple apps and platforms are involved.
That is why support from coaches, sports scientists, and the government is important. Athletes should be taught not just how to use wearables, but how to use them wisely.
Wearables are not replacing human coaches. They are simply giving athletes better tools to understand their own bodies. They offer real-time information that can prevent injuries, improve focus, and build better habits.
For India, a country with so much young sporting talent, wearable technology can be the silent partner that helps turn potential into performance. As more athletes gain access to these tools, we can expect not just more medals but also healthier, more informed, and well-rounded sportspersons.
The journey has already begun, and with every heartbeat, step, and drop of sweat tracked correctly, the future of Indian sports looks stronger than ever.
When I first saw AMBelievable’s tennis racket dampener, I’ll be honest, I was skeptical. I was skeptical about its claims, questioned the product’s ability, and wondered what impact this technology could have. Well, two years later, I have completely changed my opinion and fully believe this technology can revolutionize the tennis world. AMBelievable’s Universal tennis racket dampener […]
When I first saw AMBelievable’s tennis racket dampener, I’ll be honest, I was skeptical. I was skeptical about its claims, questioned the product’s ability, and wondered what impact this technology could have.
Well, two years later, I have completely changed my opinion and fully believe this technology can revolutionize the tennis world.
AMBelievable’s Universal tennis racket dampener on a tennis racket.
AMBelievable is a startup from Torino, Italy, and was started in 2022. Its mission was simple: to use metamaterial technology to make tennis more enjoyable. And, after testing its product for three months now, I can attest that I am enjoying tennis more than I ever have.
AMBelievable’s dampener is made using selective laser sintering (SLS), a 3D printing process that fuses powdered TPU into precise shapes. What makes this so interesting is how they’ve used metamaterial-inspired lattice structures to control how the dampener responds to different vibrations. These internal geometries allow it to absorb specific frequencies while staying incredibly lightweight—something that simply couldn’t be done with traditional molding.
The technology is based on these metamaterial architectural structures, as seen below. They are designed to dissipate frequencies based on a player’s preference and give a person a truly customized feel. Additionally, they are not only tuned to a player’s “feel,” but are also designed to eliminate the vibrations associated with tennis elbow.
AMBelievable’s Metamaterial technology targets high, mid, and low frequency vibrations from the tennis racket.
HEAD acoustics, an independent lab, even corroborated AMBelievable’s claims with data from its own lab, and an interactive chart can be found on AMBelievable’s website for you to review the data yourself.
HEAD acoustic’s data from AMBelievable’s website shows the reduction of racket frame vibrations.
This is a large departure from traditional tennis racket dampeners that only target the mid (250-350 Hz) to high frequency (650-750 Hz) range produced by the strings, but leave the low frequencies (80-200 Hz) from the frame, which are linked to tennis elbow, unchecked.
I am excited to see where AMBelievable goes from here. While its CTO, Tomasso Becutti, sees their work staying in the sporting world and possibly venturing into other sports, I think meta materials like these have numerous applications outside that arena as well. Tomasso did mention Phononic-Vibes, another spin-off from the same parent company, which is exploring this technology for acoustic purposes. I think there are plenty of applications there too, like noise-cancelling headphones, soundproofing walls, and quieter car interiors.
I mean, imagine driving down the highway and not hearing the tires rolling down the road?! What bliss.
Simulation of the AMBelievable’s Universal tennis racket dampener.
Overall, I am extremely impressed by AMBelievable, and having the HEAD study quells my biggest criticism from my first article.
If you are interested in trying the dampener yourself, they are available for purchase on the AMBelievable website. I have been using the “Universal” model, but they also offer a “Tuned” model and can customize the dampener in the shape of a logo, too. However, be warned. Because once you try its dampener, you might ditch all your Agassi rubber band dampeners forever and become an AMBelievable like me.
Images courtesy of AMBelievable.
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For just under $10 billion, private equity firm 3G Capital recently bought Skechers — an ascendant global footwear brand with $9 billion in annual sales and 20,000 employees spread across 5,300 stores. For the same sum, you could now buy the Los Angeles Lakers — a basketball team that generates an estimated $500 million a […]
For just under $10 billion, private equity firm 3G Capital recently
For the same sum, you could now buy the Los Angeles Lakers — a basketball team that generates an estimated $500 million a year, employs 1,000 people, and sells little more than TV rights, tickets, and dreams — plus a century of star-studded mystique.
That’s the
Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) has partnered with Oakley to launch the Oakley Meta HSTN, a high-performance AI smart eyewear product blending advanced technology with athletic design. Targeting athletes and active users, the glasses feature Meta’s voice assistant, built-in camera, open-ear speakers, and IPX4 water resistance, making them ideal for outdoor and fitness-focused lifestyles. With […]
Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) has partnered with Oakley to launch the Oakley Meta HSTN, a high-performance AI smart eyewear product blending advanced technology with athletic design. Targeting athletes and active users, the glasses feature Meta’s voice assistant, built-in camera, open-ear speakers, and IPX4 water resistance, making them ideal for outdoor and fitness-focused lifestyles.
With up to eight hours of continuous use, fast charging, and a high-capacity charging case, the Oakley Meta HSTN is engineered for all-day endurance. Users can capture 3K video and access real-time information hands-free—like surf updates or wind conditions—without reaching for their phone.
This launch builds on Meta’s previous success with the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, created through its ongoing collaboration with eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica. While the Ray-Ban version catered to lifestyle use, the Oakley Meta HSTN focuses on performance, seamlessly integrating AI with sport.
A global marketing campaign will showcase the product’s capabilities through elite athletes like Kylian Mbappé and Patrick Mahomes, emphasizing how the eyewear merges digital insight with real-world action.
The Oakley Meta HSTN will be available for preorder on July 11 at $499, with a wider launch priced at $399 later this summer. Initial availability includes North America, Europe, and Australia, with planned expansions to India, Mexico, and the UAE—highlighting Meta’s growing push into global wearable tech markets.
By combining wearable AI with sports innovation, Meta continues to advance its position at the intersection of fitness, fashion, and smart technology, where eyewear not only looks sharp but functions as a digital companion.
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