Our teammate Ali McNutt, Senior Associate, Investments, attended the Connected Health & Fitness Summit in Los Angeles – A dynamic two-day event filled with curated insights, inspiring speakers, and invaluable networking opportunities with top leaders in the active lifestyle and health & wellness industries.
Here are some of Ali’s key takeaways and eye-opening statistics shared at the conference:
Live Longer, Live Stronger: Longevity
- We are experiencing a major shift in how people approach aging – focusing not just on lifespan, but on healthspan. While the average lifespan in the U.S. is 79 years, the average healthspan is only 64 years, leaving a 15-year gap where quality of life declines. There is a critical opportunity to improve health outcomes as consumers age.
- We are redefining wellness from sick care to preventative health & wellness – The traditional healthcare model is reactive, with $4.9T spent primarily on treating illness rather than preventing it. Currently, $0.83 of every $1 is spent after someone is already sick. A shift toward preventative health could be transformative –Â “For every $1 spent on prevention, we can save $7.33 on treatment in the healthcare system” – Brian MacNamara / CEO, Haleon
- Technology is playing a pivotal role in this shift – Consumers now have access to data-driven insights that encourage healthier behaviors, helping to extend both lifespan and healthspan.
The Great Debate GLP-1: Threat or Opportunity?
- While challenges exist (side effects, muscle mass reduction), overall belief that GLP-1 presents a major opportunity for the fitness and health & wellness industry
- Studies show that individuals on GLP-1 medications are 3x more likely to exercise – a crucial entry point for fitness brands to engage with new consumers who previously weren’t active.
- “Muscle is the currency of aging” – Jeff Zwiefel, Chief Operating Officer LifeTime Fitness. If GLP-1 users (or the broader population) do not engage in resistance / strength training, we run the risk of becoming a frail society.
- Nutrition is key. Brands that provide high-quality, nutrient-dense foods are set to outperform, as they support muscle preservation and overall health.
Building & Strengthening Your Brand
- Successful operators clearly define the problem they are solving and create meaningful customer experiences. Key strategies include:
- Focusing on “moments that matter” to deepen connections and build loyalty – celebrating birthdays, cultural events (e.g. Black History Month, Pride), recognizing members by name, and implementing gamification challenges.
- Understanding your core customers. The top 20% of members drive 80% of your operating margins – it is critical to intimately know these consumers and what matters to them
- The gym as the “third home”: After home and work, fitness spaces serve as community hubs where people unite around shared wellness goals.
Looking Ahead: Key Industry Trends
- Consolidation will accelerate – The industry remains fragmented, but there is strong belief that vendors, operators, and technology providers will continue to consolidate in years to come.
- AI will enhance (but not replace) human connection – While AI can streamline operations (e.g., scheduling, business insights, automation), real human interaction remains essential for customer engagement.
- GLP-1 will be a long-term tailwind for health & wellness – Despite challenges like muscle mass reduction, there is strong belief that it will drive incremental consumers toward fitness and nutrition solutions.
Written by Ali McNutt
