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Surf-Ready Fitness Tracker Timepieces : G-SHOCK G-LIDE GBX-100S

The G-SHOCK G-LIDE GBX-100S timepiece is the brand’s latest model that’s engineered with fitness tracking, surfing and more in mind to work well for adventurous athletes alike. The watch is constructed with a bio-based resin material case and a mineral crystal lens, while the MIP LCD display offers impressive readability. The watch connects to the […]

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The G-SHOCK G-LIDE GBX-100S timepiece is the brand’s latest model that’s engineered with fitness tracking, surfing and more in mind to work well for adventurous athletes alike. The watch is constructed with a bio-based resin material case and a mineral crystal lens, while the MIP LCD display offers impressive readability. The watch connects to the Casio Watches app, which will enable users to program the surf conditions automatically after choosing from the more than 3,300 locations offered.

The G-SHOCK G-LIDE GBX-100S timepiece comes in black and royal blue color options, and also offers compatibility with Strava to help athletes track their performance on the platform. The watch is rated to provide around two-years of use per battery and is priced at $170.

Image Credit: G-SHOCK



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Who wants Mass to legalize online poker? DraftKings and MGM.

So who’s putting this on the fast track? It’s unclear who, but it will need get through House and Senate leadership. A spokesperson for House Speaker Ron Mariano, who championed the legalization of sports betting, said in a statement that the “Speaker is not familiar with the details of the bill and has not yet […]

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So who’s putting this on the fast track? It’s unclear who, but it will need get through House and Senate leadership. A spokesperson for House Speaker Ron Mariano, who championed the legalization of sports betting, said in a statement that the “Speaker is not familiar with the details of the bill and has not yet taken a position on it.”

For those already in the gambling business, the stakes are high, and the politics of it all have made for strange bedfellows.

On one side is homegrown sports betting behemoth DraftKings and arch rival FanDuel, which support the bills and stand to benefit by providing the digital platforms that power these games. Joining their camp: MGM Resorts International, which operates a casino in Springfield and online gaming platform BetMGM.

A DraftKings employee in the lobby of their Back Bay offices.Lane Turner/Globe Staff

On the other side is Encore Boston Harbor, the Everett casino operated by Wynn Resorts, and UNITE HERE Local 26, the politically influential hospitality union with many members who work at Encore; they oppose the bills, saying online gaming would cannibalize the brick-and-mortar casino business and reduce jobs in the industry. And then there are those who are wary for fear it will create more problem gamblers by making it even easier to bet on your phone.

Supporters and opponents of online casinos squared off during a hearing last month that was a little more than an hour long, tucked in between a debate about allowing more horse racing. If you stepped out for a cup of coffee, you might have missed most of it.

DraftKings and FanDuel argued that online casinos should be legalized because there’s already a robust illegal market, so why not regulate and tax it? According to the American Gaming Association, about $338 billion is wagered annually on online slots and table games — mostly on websites based outside the United States.

It’s the same argument that’s been made to legalize sports betting in many states, including Massachusetts, ever since the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban in 2018. Since sports betting began in Massachusetts in early 2023, it has flourished here with billions of dollars wagered, generating more than $300 million in taxes and assessments, according to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

Type “online casino in Massachusetts,” and you quickly realize how we’re all one Google search away from trying our luck. McLuck.com topped my search results, and it took me a minute to set up an account.

Seven states, including Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey, have legalized internet casino gaming, and proponents estimate that if Massachusetts levied a 20 percent tax, the state could generate $230 million to $275 million a year in new revenue. (That’s the same tax rate as online-only sports betting, while land-based resort casinos are assessed at 25 percent.)

And with state lawmakers facing tough budget decisions this year, David Prestwood, a government affairs manager at DraftKings, knew exactly what to tell the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

“This money may be especially critical for Massachusetts in the face of anticipated federal funding cuts and reductions in state and local aid,” he said at last month’s hearing.

Online casinos may seem no different than sports betting, but their appeal runs broader and deeper than placing a bet on a baseball game. And internet gambling is far different than going to a brick-and-mortar casino, which requires getting there and interacting with staff. Online, you can gamble in your pajamas.

“There’s all these friction points where the player has the chance to think twice with about placing the next bet,” said Mark Stewart, a board member of the National Association Against iGaming, a coalition of casinos and unions that formed in January to fight online casino bills. “That doesn’t exist with iGaming. It’s just nonstop, constant action and 24/7 access.”

Stewart, who is general counsel of The Cordish Companies, a Baltimore real estate and casino developer, testified virtually at the hearing, while Encore Boston Harbor president Jenny Holaday provided written testimony opposing online gaming and warned how it could result in a “dramatic reduction in the associated taxes that Encore pays to the Commonwealth,” a sum that has totaled nearly $1 billion since the casino opened in 2019.

The owner of Encore Casino in Everett is pushing to stop a bill on Beacon Hill that would broadly legalize online gambling on slots and poker games.John Tlumacki/Globe Staff

Encore employs about 3,300 workers, about a third of whom are part of Local 26. A union representative also testified against the bills, citing an independent research analysis funded by the National Association Against iGaming that indicated that Massachusetts casinos could lose about 862 gaming jobs and additional 2,786 supporting jobs if online gaming were legalized. (A pro-iGaming trade group, of course, has its own study, which found online casinos actually boost revenue at their land-based cousins.)

It’s shaping up as a test of who has more clout on Beacon Hill — Encore and its coalition of boots-on-the-ground supporters in the unions and Everett, or tech companies that have deep pockets.

Brick-and-mortar casinos could get in on the game, too. The legislation sets aside licenses for the state’s existing casino operators, along with four licenses for internet gaming platforms. Along with slots, they’d allow poker, blackjack, craps, and even games with a live dealer.

But what about the Massachusetts State Lottery, which only last year, after years of debate, won the Legislature’s blessing to launch its games online?

I can’t imagine state Treasurer and Lottery chair, Deb Goldberg, being happy about online casinos, which could eat into lottery profits. The lottery in fiscal 2024 netted nearly $1.2 billion — money that’s distributed as unrestricted aid to municipalities.

“If online gaming expands, we must ensure the Lottery is supported and stays competitive,” Goldberg said in a statement. “Every dollar spent on private platforms could mean less for our cities and towns and early childhood education.”

Then there are concerns about addiction, with calls to the state’s problem gambling helpline surging since sports betting was legalized.

Lia Nower, director of the Center for Gambling Studies at Rutgers University said what drives up the risk of problem gambling is giving people more options.

“There’s a cumulative effect,” she said. “The more things that you gamble on, the more often you gamble and the more venues in which you gamble, the higher your risk.”

In this digital era, online casinos may feel inevitable, yet internet gambling is so new we don’t really know how addictive it could be, especially among young bettors. Remember how we initially thought social media was just fun and games?

Critics of online gaming say it reduces barriers to problem gambling, compared with going to a brick-and-mortar casino.Steve Helber/Associated Press

Yet the pressure will be intense from a gaming industry that’s keen to keep expanding online. Boston-based DraftKings is playing for keeps, hiring former House Ways and Means chair Brian Dempsey as its local lobbyist.

Why? Just follow the money, explains Nower.

“It’s the cash cow for the industry,” she said.

State Senator Paul Feeney — who is sponsoring the online casino legislation with state Representative Daniel Cahill — said lawmakers are well aware the need to carefully weigh all the costs and benefits, in particular the investments made by land-based casinos which he described as “sacrosanct.”

Yet there’s also an urgency with the state facing budget pressures.

“I wouldn’t say that anything is on a fast track,” said Feeney. “There’s a renewed interest in looking at how we can maximize tax revenue without broad-based tax increases on residents.”

We tend to give the Legislature a hard time for moving too slowly, but this time we shouldn’t. At the very least, the state should conduct its own independent analysis, rather than relying on industry-funded studies to weigh the impact on existing land-based casinos and the lottery, and whether it would create a new class of problem gamblers.

Online gaming is too big of a gamble to not get this right.


Shirley Leung is a Business columnist. She can be reached at shirley.leung@globe.com.





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Is the Fitness Industry Seizing Its GLP-1 Opportunity?

At the ATN Innovation Summit, industry leaders explored how gyms, clubs and studios can not only stay relevant in the GLP-1 era, but also become trusted weight-loss companions for their members Americans’ waistlines may be shrinking in the age of weight-loss medications, but the opportunity for the fitness industry is only growing. Still, many fitness […]

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At the ATN Innovation Summit, industry leaders explored how gyms, clubs and studios can not only stay relevant in the GLP-1 era, but also become trusted weight-loss companions for their members

Americans’ waistlines may be shrinking in the age of weight-loss medications, but the opportunity for the fitness industry is only growing.

Still, many fitness operators, coaches and wellness platforms are at a critical crossroads. Can they remain essential? And more importantly, are they approaching the business of losing weight the right way, or are they already too far down the wrong path to turn back?

Those questions and more took center stage during “Monetizing Muscle in the Age of GLP-1s,” a panel at the ATN Innovation Summit 2025 moderated by ATN founder and CEO Edward Hertzman.

The discussion brought together Edward Zouroudis, co-founder and CEO of Evolt; Mitchell Keyes, vice president of operations at Anytime Fitness – Purpose Brands; Jeff Zwiefel, strategist and advisor to Life Time. Life Time; and Cyrus Massoumi, founder and CEO of Dr. B, to explore how gyms can merge science with sweat and coaching with care in the age of GLP-1s.

Not a Quick Fix

One key theme was accountability, as Massoumi argued that GLP-1s shouldn’t be handed out without commitment to lifestyle changes. It’s a stance that may be a hard pill to swallow for some consumers.

“We only actually prescribe to people who commit to working out,” Massoumi said of the Dr. B platform. “We won’t let them move forward unless they’re committing to that up front.”

That commitment appears to make a difference. “Whereas the average weight loss that’s lean muscle mass is about 30% (for the general population taking GLP-1s), for people on our program, it’s generally sub 5%,” he said.

Cyrus Massoumi at the ATN Innovation Summit
Cyrus Massoumi (credit: Flickman Media)

Zwiefel echoed Massoumi’s point, noting the importance of dosing, nutrient support and biomarker tracking to mitigate negative side effects and lean mass loss. “We’ve learned a ton,” he said.

While public perception often views GLP-1s as a shortcut, Massoumi stressed that responsible prescribing demands more discipline than many realize. Instead, he said, the industry has witnessed a troubling surge in misuse in the last two years. He believes that both telehealth and fitness operators must align around accountability, not access.

“What telehealth brands like Dr. B and what fitness brands can do is really to collaborate and to make sure that they’re holding the patient accountable, that they’re only giving them these treatments if they’re going and showing up to the gym, they’re only giving them these treatments if they’ve committed to the lifestyle change,” Massoumi said.

When that happens, he added, GLP-1s become a temporary tool, where people can take weight-loss medication for three to six months and have long-term benefits.

“I think so much of the medical community is talking to patients like this is something you’re going to take for the rest of your life,” he said. “And what we’ve seen is in our patient population, that’s not true.”

The Business of Body Composition

 When accountability becomes the standard, tracking progress becomes even more essential. That’s where body composition data plays a pivotal role.

For Evolt’s Zouroudis, the ability to measure and track progress is non-negotiable. The company has seen a surge in demand for its body composition scanners in the era of weight-loss medications.

“Previously, 67% of that population was telling us (their goal was) fat loss,” he said. “The last few years have shifted… probably 54% now is muscle and better health.”

Edward Zouroudis (credit: Flickman Media)

Anytime Fitness, which uses Evolt’s body composition scanners across its clubs, is putting that data to work, Keyes said.

“The reassessment tells you, are you making progress? Are you doing the right things? How can we manipulate the programming and training, nutrition and recovery to ensure that you’re getting the best results?” he said. “And if you are… high five, handshake, and you drive referrals through that process.”

Care & Coaching as the Next Revenue Frontier

For Zwiefel, the rise of GLP-1s signals a strategic opening for operators to package meaningful offerings that support members and strengthen the bottom line.

“We have an amazing opportunity, unlike ever before, to be the leaders of ensuring that the consumers are being supported the right way,” he said.

That opportunity, he said, lies in delivering holistic solutions that blend fitness, healthcare and accountability.

“Personal training, assessments, reassessment, nutrition, protein…” Zwiefel said. “There’s no question that there’s incremental revenue generation opportunities and amazing stickiness, because once that customer creates that connection to a doctor that’s trusted and a fit pro that’s trusted…it’s powerful.”

Jeff Zwiefel at the ATN Innovation Summit
Jeff Zwiefel (credit: Flickman Media)
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Personal trainer working out with client

Even so, he finds many members are hesitant to disclose their medication use, despite growing demand.

“This drug, like testosterone, has (been) somewhat taboo,” Zwiefel noted, adding that 35% of Americans say they want to be on GLP-1s. “Our members don’t like to come in and admit they’re on it…but it’s coming.”

Operators, he said, must prepare to manage that reality with care.

“We’ve got to think about things like bone density and avoid the misuse,” he said. “This is a $111 billion (market). It’s been 4% of the population. It’s going to be 9% or double digits by 2030. It’s a megatrend that’s here to stay.”

Monetizing Responsibly

For gyms looking to tap into this market, panelists stressed the importance of doing so legally and ethically.

“There are three industries in this country that are heavily regulated: alcohol, tobacco and health care,” Massoumi said. “It is against the law in about 30 states to actually pay for a doctor referral. What that means is, if you send a lead to a telehealth company, they’re paying you for that lead. It’s a criminal offense. Someone can go to jail for that.”

Many in the fitness space may not fully grasp the implications, he warned, encouraging operators to educate themselves and structure partnerships carefully. “You have to be very sensitive to health care laws,” he added.

Long-Term Empowerment

As GLP-1 medications become more mainstream, the fitness industry is being called to evolve. With new clients entering gyms in pursuit of long-term health, often for the first time, panelists agreed that education is more than a value-add. It’s a necessity.

Mitchell Keyes at the ATN Innovation Summit
Mitchell Keyes (credit: Flickman Media)

“The average consumer… just doesn’t know where to start,” said Keyes. “As you educate the consumer, you empower the consumer… that’s where you really (evolve) from being a trainer to a coach.”

That shift, from transactional instruction to long-term guidance, may be the industry’s biggest opportunity, panelists agreed. Empowered members are more likely to stay engaged, ask better questions and commit to sustainable change.

This article is based on a live discussion held during the ATN Innovation Summit 2025, a two-day event dedicated to the future of fitness and wellness. See here for more Innovation Summit coverage.





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A Case for Long-Term Growth in the AI-Powered Sports Security Sector

The sports security market is undergoing a quiet revolution. As stadiums and arenas grapple with the dual challenges of terrorism threats and fan expectations for seamless entry experiences, AI-driven solutions are becoming indispensable. At the forefront of this transformation is Evolv Technologies (NASDAQ: EVLV), a company that has combined cutting-edge artificial intelligence with a relentless […]

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The sports security market is undergoing a quiet revolution. As stadiums and arenas grapple with the dual challenges of terrorism threats and fan expectations for seamless entry experiences, AI-driven solutions are becoming indispensable. At the forefront of this transformation is Evolv Technologies (NASDAQ: EVLV), a company that has combined cutting-edge artificial intelligence with a relentless focus on client retention to position itself as a leader in a high-growth niche. For investors, the interplay of renewed customer loyalty and sector expansion offers a compelling case for long-term upside.

The Power of Recurring Revenue and Client Retention

Evolv’s financials tell a story of disciplined growth. In Q1 2025, the company reported $32 million in revenue, a 44% increase year-over-year, with annual recurring revenue (ARR) surging 34% to $106 million. This growth is not just about winning new clients but retaining and expanding with existing ones. A standout example is the renewed contract with Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew, which now deploys Evolv’s Express systems at all entrances to Lower.com Field. This renewal, along with the deployment of systems at over 50 pro and collegiate venues in the U.S. and England, underscores Evolv’s ability to lock in high-profile clients.

The company’s 54 new customers in Q1 2025—combined with a 36% increase in recurring revenue—highlight its strength in converting one-time buyers into long-term partners. For SaaS investors, this is critical: recurring revenue models provide predictable cash flows and reduce the volatility of growth. Evolv’s focus on this model has driven a net loss reduction from $11.3 million in Q1 2024 to $1.7 million in Q1 2025, while adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $1.7 million.

Sector Expansion: From Sports to Global Security

While sports venues remain Evolv’s core focus, the company’s expansion into other high-traffic environments—such as schools, hospitals, and public spaces—has broadened its addressable market. This diversification is not just a hedge against sector-specific risks; it’s a catalyst for scaling. Evolv’s systems have scanned over 2 billion people since 2019, a testament to their reliability and scalability.

The company’s recognition by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) has further opened doors. This designation, coupled with awards from the Security Industry Association (SIA), positions Evolv as a trusted brand in a market where trust is paramount. With 12 professional soccer teams in the U.S. already using its technology, the potential for replication in other leagues—both domestically and internationally—is vast.

A Path to Profitability and Strategic Investments

Evolv’s 2025 guidance—$125–$130 million in revenue (20–25% growth)—is underpinned by a disciplined approach to capital allocation. The company plans to invest $2 million in systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency, a move that signals confidence in its ability to scale without sacrificing margins. These investments are expected to drive positive full-year Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow by Q4 2025. For investors, this trajectory suggests a transition from growth-at-all-costs to a more balanced focus on profitability.

However, challenges remain. Evolv’s history of accounting restatements and reliance on a concentrated customer base (e.g., U.S. sports teams) pose risks. Yet, the company’s proactive governance overhaul and focus on expanding into new sectors mitigate these concerns.

Investment Implications

Evolv Technologies is not a high-margin tech unicorn, but its combination of recurring revenue, sector expansion, and improving margins makes it an intriguing long-term play. The sports security market, valued at over $10 billion globally, is expected to grow as venues prioritize safety without compromising fan experience. Evolv’s AI-driven solutions, which reduce screening times and enhance threat detection, are uniquely positioned to benefit from this trend.

For investors seeking exposure to the AI security boom, Evolv offers a mix of growth and defensiveness. While short-term volatility is possible—especially with its recent history of losses—the company’s progress in client retention and profitability metrics suggests a turning point. With a forward P/E ratio that remains attractive relative to its growth trajectory, EVLV could outperform broader tech indices if it maintains its momentum.

Conclusion

The future of sports security is being rewritten by companies like Evolv Technologies. By marrying AI innovation with a client-centric approach, the company has created a flywheel of growth: satisfied customers drive word-of-mouth referrals, while sector expansion opens new revenue streams. For investors, the key takeaway is clear: Evolv’s ability to retain clients and scale its solutions across industries makes it a compelling candidate for long-term investment. As the demand for smarter, faster security solutions grows, so too does the potential for EVLV to deliver outsized returns.



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Best Health and Fitness App Development Solutions to Launch in 2025

In today’s digital-first world, investing in health and fitness app development has become a strategic move for startups, personal trainers, gyms, and wellness brands. With millions of users prioritizing their health and relying on mobile technology to stay active, sleep better, and manage nutrition, fitness apps are now essential tools for modern living. Stormotion, a […]

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In today’s digital-first world, investing in health and fitness app development has become a strategic move for startups, personal trainers, gyms, and wellness brands. With millions of users prioritizing their health and relying on mobile technology to stay active, sleep better, and manage nutrition, fitness apps are now essential tools for modern living.

Stormotion, a trusted development partner, helps businesses create custom fitness apps that engage users, drive retention, and deliver measurable results.

Why Health and Fitness Apps Are Thriving in 2025

The global health and fitness app market continues to grow, fueled by consumer demand for personalized wellness experiences and the rise of wearable devices. People are no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all solutions — they expect real-time data, guided plans, and seamless mobile experiences.

Key trends driving growth include:

  • Increased focus on mental health alongside physical fitness
  • Demand for hybrid online/offline fitness models
  • Use of AI and data analytics for personalized recommendations
  • Integration with wearables and smart devices
  • Gamification to boost motivation and retention

Businesses that invest in high-quality apps are well-positioned to attract and retain loyal users in this competitive space.

Workout and Training Apps

Apps that offer on-demand video classes, step-by-step exercise instructions, and personalized workout plans. Many users also expect progress tracking and performance analytics.

Nutrition and Diet Apps

Calorie counters, meal planners, and macro trackers that help users maintain balanced diets and reach specific health goals.

Meditation and Mindfulness Apps

Focused on mental well-being, these apps guide users through breathing exercises, sleep routines, and relaxation sessions.

Hybrid Fitness Apps

Combining live classes, pre-recorded workouts, nutrition tracking, and habit building, these all-in-one wellness platforms are increasingly popular.

Must-Have Features in Modern Fitness Apps

When choosing health and fitness app development services from Stormotion, businesses gain access to features that meet evolving user expectations.

Personalization

AI-driven recommendations based on fitness level, goals, and behavior patterns keep users engaged.

Wearable Integration

Syncing with Apple Health, Google Fit, Garmin, and Fitbit allows automatic activity and health data tracking.

Gamification

Leaderboards, badges, challenges, and streaks transform fitness into a fun, addictive experience.

Building social features like groups, challenges, and peer support increases motivation and time spent in the app.

Progress Visualization

Charts, graphs, and achievement milestones help users visualize success and stay motivated.

Audio & Video Content Delivery

High-quality media streaming for classes, coaching, and guided meditation ensures a rich user experience.

Advanced Features to Stand Out

Live Streaming Classes

Stormotion can integrate live video features for real-time group classes, personal training sessions, or virtual events.

AI-Powered Coaching

Apps can adjust workout intensity, suggest rest periods, or recommend recovery activities based on real-time inputs.

In-App Messaging and Notifications

Push notifications and in-app messages gently remind users to stay active without feeling intrusive.

Subscription Management

Stormotion helps implement flexible monetization through in-app subscriptions, class packages, or lifetime access.

How Stormotion Builds Health and Fitness Apps

As a specialist in health and fitness app development, Stormotion provides end-to-end support from concept to post-launch scaling.

1. Product Discovery

Stormotion begins by helping clients define:

  • Target audience and personas
  • Core features and value proposition
  • Monetization model
  • Technical feasibility and integrations

2. UI/UX Design

Stormotion creates sleek, intuitive interfaces that:

  • Motivate users through visuals and feedback
  • Simplify onboarding and habit formation
  • Support accessibility and multi-device use

3. Development

Using technologies like React Native for cross-platform development and AWS/Firebase for scalable backends, Stormotion ensures rapid delivery and long-term maintainability.

4. Testing and QA

Rigorous functional, performance, and security testing ensures the app performs flawlessly across devices and scenarios.

5. Post-Launch Support

Stormotion offers continuous updates, feature enhancements, and data-driven optimization based on user feedback.

Monetization Options for Fitness Apps

Stormotion assists clients in designing monetization strategies such as:

  • Freemium models: Basic features for free, premium content behind paywalls
  • Monthly/annual subscriptions
  • One-time purchases (e.g., workout plans or diet guides)
  • Corporate wellness packages

Choosing the right model depends on your audience, content strategy, and market position.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Overbuilding the First Version

Stormotion helps businesses focus on launching lean MVPs that can be improved iteratively based on real-world feedback.

Neglecting Retention Features

Daily engagement features like streaks, reminders, and community forums boost long-term retention.

Skipping Security and Privacy

Handling sensitive health data requires robust security and GDPR compliance, which Stormotion embeds from day one.

Why Stormotion is the Right Partner

Stormotion’s combination of technical expertise, user-centered design, and product thinking makes them the ideal partner for:

  • Startups launching innovative wellness platforms
  • Fitness coaches or influencers building branded apps
  • Gyms and wellness centers creating hybrid fitness experiences

Their services ensure apps are visually stunning, highly functional, and designed to grow.

In 2025, health and fitness apps are more than digital tools — they are lifestyle companions. To succeed in this market, your app must inspire, guide, and deliver real value every day.Stormotion’s health and fitness app development services help transform ideas into impactful, revenue-generating products that users return to again and again.


The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.



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Taroko Sports announces grand opening for 1st AZ location

PHOENIX — Batter up! A new high-tech batting cage facility and entertainment venue is opening this week in Mesa and it’s the first of its kind in Arizona. Taroko Sports will hold the grand opening for its first Arizona location on Friday at 5 p.m. It is located inside the Mesa Riverview shopping center near […]

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PHOENIX — Batter up! A new high-tech batting cage facility and entertainment venue is opening this week in Mesa and it’s the first of its kind in Arizona.

Taroko Sports will hold the grand opening for its first Arizona location on Friday at 5 p.m.

It is located inside the Mesa Riverview shopping center near Dobson Road and Rio Salado Drive. It will be inside the old OfficeMax location near The Home Depot.

There will be a DJ, caricature artist, stilt walkers, jugglers and other performers at the grand opening. All games will also be 50% off from Friday-Sunday to celebrate opening weekend.

What will be inside Taroko Sports’ Mesa location?

The nearly 18,000-square-foot facility will have cutting-edge batting cages that will allow batters to get feedback on how far their hits travel in real time, along with ways to keep score for games.

“Our goal is to make baseball fun and accessible — not just for athletes, but for everyone,” TRK Corporation Founder and CEO Gordon Hsieh said in a press release Monday. “Taroko Sports is about creating a space where families, friends and coworkers can come together to play, compete and connect.”

Taiwan-based TRK Corporation is the parent company of Taroko Sports.

The Mesa venue will also have pitching cages, mini bowling, electronic darts, 5D racing simulators, arcade games, video games, basketball pop-a-shot games and air hockey.

There will also be 12 big-screen TVs. A majority of them will be dedicated to showing live sports, according to the release.

Taroko Sports will be open Mondays-Fridays from 11 a.m. to midnight and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to midnight.

The company currently operates just one other U.S. location in Texas, but plans to open a facility in Chandler later this year.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.






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After 90 Days on a Vibration Plate, My Legs Feel the Same, but My Brain Feels Amazing

We may earn a commission from links on this page. From 1969 to 2025, the idea of vibrating your way to fitness just won’t go away. Whatever shape they take, vibration plates are a relentless wellness trend, with influencers claiming they’ll transform your body with minimal effort. Both Lifehacker’s senior health editor Beth Skwarecki and […]

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From 1969 to 2025, the idea of vibrating your way to fitness just won’t go away. Whatever shape they take, vibration plates are a relentless wellness trend, with influencers claiming they’ll transform your body with minimal effort.

Both Lifehacker’s senior health editor Beth Skwarecki and I have previously busted those myths. While your muscles do contract during the vibrating experience, these aren’t the same type of contractions that build substantial strength or burn meaningful calories. After all, if something sounds too good to be true on social media, it probably is. But does that mean it’s completely without merit?

Given all this context, I still gave my vibration plate a shot. I wasn’t expecting to get a new set of legs, but I wanted to see what these devices actually do when used consistently in real-world conditions.

My 90-day vibration experiment

I used this $109.99 (currently $98.99) vibration plate from Merach, a popular brand on the TikTok Shop.

My approach was deliberately simple and sustainable. Every day for 90 days, I committed to 10 minutes on the vibration plate. I kept myself engaged with light squats, calf raises, or simply standing in different positions while the machine did its thing. Most evenings, I’d park myself on the plate while watching TV, listening to music, or simply zoning out at the end of a long day. It became a ritual—a small pocket of time that was entirely mine.

The beauty of this routine wasn’t in its intensity but in its consistency. Ten minutes felt manageable even on the busiest days. Sometimes I’d be actively moving, other times I’d just stand there and let the vibrations wash over me like a full-body massage. There was something oddly meditative about surrendering to the mechanical rhythm.

The unexpected brain benefits

After three months, my legs look and feel exactly the same. As expected. My strength hadn’t dramatically improved, and I wasn’t suddenly running faster or jumping higher. But the most interesting effect wasn’t physical at all.

I loved the way the vibration plate cleared my head. Maybe it was placebo, or perhaps more about the ritual than the vibrating itself, but I found this device tickled my brain in an amazing way—and I’m not alone. Scrolling through comments on vibration plate videos or Reddit threads, tons of people share this sentiment, particularly when it comes to their ADHD symptoms.


What do you think so far?

I have ADHD myself, and those 10 minutes became a reset button for my scattered thoughts. Whether I’d had a stressful day at work or felt overwhelmed by endless tasks, stepping onto that vibrating platform seemed to shake loose the mental static. My racing mind would slow down, and I’d feel a little more more centered and focused.

What the science says

Since this was all wildly anecdotal and subjective, I wanted to understand if there was any research backing this up. A small study from 2014 found promising effects of whole body vibration on attention in both healthy individuals and adults with ADHD. More research is needed, but their theories suggest that the sensory input from vibration might help regulate an overactive mind, similar to how fidget tools can help people with ADHD concentrate.

I’d love to see more research about the effects of vibration plates specifically on people with ADHD and other attention disorders. For now, all I know is that it felt like it calmed my mind in ways I hadn’t expected. The vibration plate didn’t transform my physique, but the gentle shaking sure was like a fidget spinner for my brain.

The bottom line

The wellness industry loves to oversell simple solutions, and vibration plates are no exception. Still, I sincerely enjoy my vibration plate as a recovery tool and relaxation device (rather than a fitness game-changer). It’s become part of my wind-down routine, like bedtime reading or yoga. The physical benefits might be minimal, but the mental ones are noteworthy enough for me.

If you’re considering a vibration plate, adjust your expectations accordingly. Don’t expect miraculous muscle gains or dramatic weight loss. But if you’re looking for a unique way to decompress, manage stress, or quiet a busy mind, these devices might offer unexpected value.





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