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March 6, 2024

UPDATE

Three app creators shaping the future of education, fitness, andhealth

The creators behind Boddle, Run Legends, and Wysa all alumni of Apples Entrepreneur Camp share how theyre empowering people with their cutting-edge apps

Around the world, developers are building apps that break down barriers across gender, race, socioeconomic status, language, and physical ability.

In celebration of Entrepreneur Camps fifth anniversary, Apple spoke with alumni app creators whose apps are shaking things up in education, fitness, and mental health. All three women have participated in the immersive tech lab that invites developers from underrepresented groups to take their apps to the next level with one-on-one guidance from Apple experts, engineers, and leaders. Entrepreneur Camp underscores Apples ethos that apps for everyone should be made by everyone.

Edna Martinson, a 2023 Entrepreneur Camp alum based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, launched Boddle Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, when students and teachers were adjusting to the sudden transition to learning from home. The education app for kids uses gameplay and machine learning to tailor content to their learning levels, helping them tackle learning gaps and boost their confidence in the classroom.

After graduating from MIT, 2022 Entrepreneur Camp alum Jenny Xu founded her own studio and fused two of her lifelong passions running and gaming into Run Legends. The immersive multiplayer game was designed to make walking and running more fun, encouraging players of all fitness levels to team up with friends to battle and overcome real-life anxieties.

And Jo Aggarwal, a 2019 Entrepreneur Camp alum, is the founder and CEO of Wysa, an emotionally intelligent chatbot written by therapists working with AI designers to help users talk through difficult emotions and thoughts anonymously, anytime. Based in Boston and Bengaluru, the app has helped millions of people across 95 countries learn how to feel happier.

Below, Martinson, Xu, and Aggarwal reflect on their journeys to becoming app developers, how theyve infused personalization into their apps to make them more accessible to all, key lessons theyve learned along the way and at Entrepreneur Camp, and how theyve harnessed technology to craft innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Making Space for Women in App Development

Jenny Xu (JX): When I started out in the gaming industry, I felt like I was the only one doing what I was doing. I grew up playing a lot of story-based interactive fiction artistic games that make you come away having learned something about life, and I think thats a genre thats predominantly popular with women. With Run Legends, even though its a battle game, it isnt a game that makes people feel really aggressive when theyre playing it they can feel empowered. Now that Ive raised some money and shipped some games, I try to give back and show that its possible to build games that arent just shooters, but games that actually make the world a better place.

Edna Martinson (EM): My perspective as a woman in this field has really shaped our team and how we connect with our community, especially since most elementary school teachers that we serve are women. Weve had a blast doing virtual career days on Zoom, showing kids how we made Boddle, and introducing them to game design. Its super rewarding to see the excitement on little girls faces when they find out a woman cofounded Boddle. It shows them they can be leaders in tech too.

Breaking Down Barriers Through Personalization

Jo Aggarwal (JA): We set out to solve for global mental health and give people a safe space to work through their thoughts and emotions, building resilience irrespective of stigma, race, gender, access to a therapist, or diagnosis Language can also be a barrier, and in an effort to make Wysas support more inclusive, we are launching Wysa in Spanish to create more equitable access to marginalized communities.

EM: At Boddle, we understand that every kid learns differently and at their own pace, so were using machine learning to tailor content to kids levels and help identify learning gaps through fun and interactivegameplay. We also provide teachers with the tools to be able to support their students, giving them access to kindergarten through sixth-grade assessments and videos in math and English, and a host of grading and reporting tools.

JX: We noticed that in other fitness experiences, people who were faster or more fit were often rewarded for how fit they were, so others would be intimidated. Run Legends uses core location, core motion, and accelerometer data on the Apple platform to detect how fast somebody is going and adjust the gameplay based on that. So if you want to play at a 20-minute walking pace or at an eight-minute running pace, its all the same. Theres actually no advantage to going faster or slower through our game. There are quite a few walkers who play the game and say that the games gotten them to go from walking to eventually going faster and moving up to a jog.

Finding Support and Mentorship

JA: Entrepreneur Camp was amazing, meeting so many like-minded entrepreneurs and making friends with them. I do stay in touch with some of the cohort who are in similar fields. The campus is so beautifully designed, and to learn Apple design principles within that environment was like a dream come true. We had design sessions with Apple team members who helped us understand how to position Wysa, and today, we are one of the top-ranked apps in our space.

JX: When we attended Entrepreneur Camp, it was very early on in Run Legends. We didnt even know necessarily what the game would look like. We got this opportunity to talk to the design team, who knew what was working on the App Store and would do deep dives on our app. One example was our onboarding experience our rep told us, What happens if a player isnt ready to run or go outside? You would lose so many people if you didnt provide an alternate experience that could be played indoors. So we changed our entire onboarding flow because of that feedback and realized after launch that almost half of all players used the alternate experience.

Building More Immersive Experiences

EM: Boddle is more than just a game for math or English. Were creating a learningmetaverse with different gameexperiences. If kids love basketball, they can jump into a basketball game. If theyre into pets, they can check out our pet-battling game. The cool part is they get to pick what they want to play, and their learning goes with them wherever they go in Boddles world. Theyre in charge of their own learning adventure, picking what they want to do and learning along the way.

JX: In Run Legends, we use Spatial Audio so that when you turn your head, it sounds like thebattle is actually happening around you. If you turn to the left, you might hear the monster snarling at you, but if you turn right, you could hear your teammates cheering you on. You feel the haptics as you charge up your attack and as you sprint, and you feel like the battle is happening right there. That feeling gets people to work out longer and harder. Players often tell us theyve done the fastest walks or runs in their entire life through it, and its because of that interactive audio experience.

JA: What has truly been unique about Wysa has been how we iterated the product. We did not start with a clinical workbook and turn it into a chatbot. We took evidence-based techniques that worked, and then listened to users about what they needed and where some didnt work for them. We then worked with clinicians to create models that worked for users when they tried to help themselves. This created a power balance between users and clinicians, powered by AI and analytics, which had never been possible before.

Creating Innovative Solutions to Real-World Problems

JA: We wanted to make access to mental health permissionless something you could reach out to on your phone at 3 a.m. and continue to use as often as you needed. Research shows that people are 3x more likely to open up to AI than even a human therapist. This creates an opportunity to create psychological safety, but also must be followed through with privacy-first design and proven, measurable outcomes. We were able to show impact with adolescents as well as older adults with chronic pain, with blue collar workers as well as tech professionals.

JX: The narrative in Run Legends is that youre fighting real-world anxieties through your battles in the game. So youre not fighting a minion or a generic enemy: Youre fighting your critical grandma whos telling you youre not good enough, or a hyper-competitive Chad whos always trying to beat you. Weve heard our players say its a cathartic experience. Theyre actually healing from the battles and the narrative of overcoming obstacles.

Press Contacts

Cathy Park

Apple

cathypark@apple.com

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com

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Three app creators shaping the future of education, fitness, and health - Apple

There is no shortage of places to exercise in Vancouver, but there is definitely a shortage of truly safe, inclusive places to do so. And soon well have one less.

Olympic Village fitness studio Cmmn Grnd announced today that it is closing down on March 28.

Despite pouring our souls into this endeavour, we must acknowledge the reality that we haven't reached a sustainable state where our business could thrive while also repaying the debts incurred during our tumultuous initiation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Cmmn Grnd posted in an Instagram statement. To our incredible community, words cannot express the depth of our appreciation for your unwavering support and belief in our mission.

Cmmn Grnd practises radical inclusivity in every aspect of its workout offerings. Sure, they have spin classes and yoga classes, like every other gym in the city. But from their diverse instructors and staff, to their programming, to the very way they speak about fitness and movement in their classes and marketing materials, the studio has been doing things refreshingly different.

With the pillars of social wellness, body neutrality, and gender neutrality guiding the vision, Cmmn Grnd promotes the idea that movement is for everyonenot just fitspo models with six-packs. It makes exercise about feeling good and giving back to your body, not about punishing yourself.It takes the fear out of exercise studios, which are so often intimidating spaces in this city, and brings back the joy.

Which is all to say: this one hurts.

Those who want to show support for Cmmn Grnd can still attend classes until the 28; drop-in and five-class passes are available for 20 per cent off.

Cmmn Grnd is located at 121 West 2nd Avenue.

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Cmmn Grnd, a pillar of inclusive fitness, is closing - The Georgia Straight

George Heaton does not consider himself an influencer. But if you live and breathe training with every thread of your being or aspire to then the co-founder of the UK

From holding a blistering 2.5 min KM pace, racing side-by-side with Hyrox World Champion Hunter McIntyre, to building a 5000 sq ft functional fitness gym at Represent HQ which he staffs with world-class coaches and opens up to all members of the Represent team for Heaton, fitness is more than just a solo pursuit, it's a mission to make his world a better place. He also has a rig that any bodybuilder would be proud of.

Taken from his exclusive interview, which you can read in the latest issue of Mens Health, Heaton shares the training advice that has helped him achieve front cover status.

I was always overweight and could never control my diet or get to a point of consistency with my training,' said Heaton. 'I want to get the message across that youve got to dial it in.

Youve got to be consistent for a long period of time to see the results you really want. You need to have patience. So many people rush in head on and expect results yesterday. It can be disheartening when they dont see them. It takes time. Lay those foundations, youll get there.

Robert Hicks is the Executive Editor at Mens Health UK. A Sport Science graduate and author of three fitness books published by Bloomsbury, Robert has written numerous articles on health, fitness and nutrition and created several documentaries, most notably Britains Steroid Epidemic and The Faces of Attempted Suicide. Robert has been working at Men's Health UK for seven years.

Original post:
Top Fitness Tips from the Founder of Represent - Men's Health UK

Looking like a fitness model is one thing. But feeling strong, fit and energised is something very different. For George Heaton co-founder of British streetwear

Along with his brother Michael, Heaton founded Represent in 2011. But only in the past five years has he really started to take his training seriously a fact that makes him stick out among the fashion crowd, he says.

I was always a morning person I was never a heavy drinker and wouldnt take a load of drugs or whatever. That was never me, he tells MH. When you think about creatives in fashion or the arts, you have this idea of people whose outlets and hobbies arent quite as healthy... Thats something that kind of held me back for a while because I thought I had to be that way. Everyone in fashion is nocturnal and theyre up at night drinking. Not many people in fashion are extremely diligent with fitness.

But Heaton chose to do things his own way. Today, his training comprises everything from functional fitness and marathon-running to CrossFit and bodybuilding. Running, in particular, has played a significant role in his creative output.

What Id read about running is that the high and how you feel after a workout is a form of creative expression, he says. [I thought], Why cant I try to figure out if thats the way it works for me? I found an area where I could express what Im feeling on those long runs. For me, thats when Im actually thinking about things and where the best ideas come from. Youre finding that sense of stillness where the creativity can come through.

With his Represent 247 clothing range which is designed to be stylish enough for everyday wear, but functional enough for the gym Heaton believes he can help others make the transition into fitness-as-a-lifestyle, too.

A lot of our customers were that guy who was drinking at night and partying and not into their fitness. Now theyve changed their lives through the brand, he says.

Scarlett Wrench is the Senior Editor at Mens Health UK.

With more than 12 years experience as a health and lifestyle editor, Scarlett has a keen interest in new science, emerging trends, mental well-being, and food and nutrition. For Mens Health, she has carried out extensive research into areas such as wellness in the workplace, male body image, the paradoxes of modern masculinity, and mental health among school-age boys.

Her words have also appeared in Womens Health, Runners World and The Sunday Times.

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George Heaton: 'Not Many People in Fashion Are Diligent With Fitness' - Men's Health UK

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New senior fitness group 'Chatham Chiliad' to meet for the first time March 19 - New Jersey Hills

Crossfit Salute, a health and fitness gym, relocated to Tomball after nine years in The Woodlands.

The details

The gym offers a wide range of classes catering to individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to enthusiasts, owner Frank DeSantis said.

DeSantis said the programs provide functional fitness training with a focus on movements that benefit everyday life.

CrossFit really encompasses community, DeSantis said. It's not your typical gym where you punch in and check out.

A closer look

Before, the gym was located in a smaller facility on 28543 Kuyendahl Road, The Woodlands, but has since moved to a larger space, about 40% bigger than the previous location, DeSantis said.

The gym has moved in with Rivalry Baseball, collaborating to offer enhanced fitness and baseball training opportunities for members.

The facility offers various classes, such as:

Whats next?

Soon to come, DeSantis said he plans to host events for the area in the future and introduce:

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CrossFit Salute opens in Tomball, prioritizing community, fitness - Community Impact

WASHINGTON The message that Joe Biden most needed to deliver Thursday night wasn't so much that the American union is strong but that the American president is fit.

It's not the highest bar, but it's one that he cleared.

Amid polls showing that most of the country believes he is too old to serve another four-year term, Biden stood for 68 minutes in the House chamber and gave a speech that was both energetic and crisp. He then set a modern presidential record for the time spent shaking hands and giving hugs in the chamber afterward.

Biden spoke with fluency about the stakes in the presidential race, never mentioning former President Donald Trump by name but making more than a dozen references to his "predecessor." The first came just three minutes into the speech, when Biden skewered Trump for inviting Russian President Vladimir Putin to attack NATO allies who don't contribute enough money to the alliance.

Drawing a distinction, Biden said: "My message to President Putin is simple. We will not walk away. We will not bow down. I will not bow down."

Biden flubbed a few prepared lines and stumbled a bit during ad-libs notably when he said drug prices in Moscow are lower than in the U.S. but he belied the GOP caricature of him as an enfeebled old man who needs to retire.

No ones going to talk about cognitive memory now, Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., told the president after he finished the speech and made his way out of the House chamber.

That was, of course, the idea when Biden's speechwriters worked on the draft. The prepared text included 80 exclamation points cuing Biden to when he needed to raise his voice and project strength. By contrast, there were no exclamation points in last year's text.

It's too soon to tell whether Biden's address will make an enduring impression on voters who may have been watching. The Biden campaign is likely to repurpose snippets of the speech in which he was his most eloquent, while Republicans may showcase instances when he tripped over a word.

What didn't happen Thursday night, though, may be the biggest takeaway. Biden, 81, didn't stumble as he walked through the chamber as some of his allies feared might happen. Nor did he freeze as he read the teleprompter or get rattled when Republicans jeered him. Indeed, at times he seemed to goad Republicans into unscripted back-and-forth.

Urging Congress to revive a border security bill that House Republicans scuttled, Biden gazed out at Republican members and said: "You're saying no. Look at the facts. I know you know how to read."

Heckling can test a presidents wits and alacrity in its own way. Aides were thrilled last year as Biden turned Republican derision to his advantage. When Republicans hooted that they didnt intend to cut Social Security and Medicare, as Biden had claimed, he ad-libbed that the boos must mean they, too, wanted to protect the entitlement programs.

Biden's challenge Thursday night was to "convince people that hes got the strength, energy, vigor and focus to be an effective president," Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., said in an interview in the hours before the speech.

Gone is the era when a State of the Union speech served as a unifying national event. Over the years it has devolved into a televised drama in which the president and the opposing party, arrayed before him on the House floor, grasp for ways to gain ground at each others expense.

Jeff Shesol, a speechwriter in Bill Clintons White House, said in an interview, Part of the game really is to make sure that youre writing some lines and sections that are forcing the other party, against its better instincts, to stand and applaud or to force them to remain seated while the rest of you applaud apple pie and the American flag."

The night had a partisan feel from the first. Biden looked taken aback when he entered the chamber and made eye contact with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., wearing a bright red "Make America Great Again" hat. (House rules prohibit wearing caps in the chamber.)

At the lectern, he suggested he was on the side of democratic freedoms while Trump was among those who wanted to "bury the truth" about the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump supporters nearly prevented the peaceful transfer of power.

After he said his core values include honesty, decency, dignity and equality, Biden added: Now, some other people my age see a different story: an American story of resentment, revenge and retribution. Thats not me. In one breath, he sought to neutralize questions about his age while painting Trump as a menace to a functioning democracy.

The speech came later in the year than usual, and it came close to being pushed back even more.

House Republican leaders were prepared to move the date of the speech in case Congress failed to reach a budget deal, forcing a partial government shutdown, a House GOP leadership aide said.

GOP leaders didnt want to give Biden a chance to berate them about a shutdown as millions of Americans watched from home, the aide said. It turned out that Congress reached a budget deal averting a shutdown, so the date wasnt changed.

We were thinking about moving the speech because you dont want to give him [Biden] something to beat up on us for an hour, the House aide said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy.

With the campaign now fully engaged, the White House sought to wring maximum advantage from the speech. Aides stocked the gallery with people symbolizing the key components of the Democratic coalition. Guests invited to sit with first lady Jill Biden included Kate Cox of Texas, who needed to leave the state to get a doctor-recommended abortion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade; Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers labor union; and Bettie Mae Fikes, a civil rights advocate who was part of the Bloody Sunday march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965.

Biden made sure to name-check them during the address.

Whether those sorts of gestures are remembered in the fall is by no means certain. Terry Szuplat, a speechwriter for President Barack Obama, pointed to the irony of State of the Union addresses. For all the work that goes into them, they're often quickly forgotten.

"It's the greatest platform a president has, and it often becomes the least memorable speeches of his presidency," he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com

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Biden stares down questions about his age and fitness for office with spirited speech - Yahoo! Voices

The fitness franchise industry is growing fast, with high interest from investors and consumers alike as new modalities emerge

The fitness franchise industry has seen remarkable transformations over the years, with 2024 marking a pivotal point in its evolution.

Amidst a landscape of innovation, sustainability and personalized wellness, fitness franchises are redefining what it means to be fit, both physically and mentally. With high CAGR growth, the Fitness Franchise industry is flushed with interest amongst new franchise investors and new founders. At the heart of this transformation is a cadre of visionary leaders who exemplify the drive and innovation steering the industry forward.

To get a pulse on the fitness franchise category growth and forecast in 2024, we dove into the details with helpful insight from a well-known leader in the space.

Franchise Growth by The Numbers

Franchises like F45 Training and Orangetheory Fitness have rapidly expanded their global footprint, with F45 Training boasting over 1,700 locations and Orangetheory Fitness over 1,500 locations worldwide. These numbers underscore the scalability and consumer appeal of these fitness models, particularly in offering high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and heart-rate-based workouts that promise effective and efficient fitness results.

Another growth player in the industry yielding significant growth in locations is Fit Body Boot Camp, with nearly 300 locations system wide as of 2024. The organization has twice been listed among Entrepreneur Magazines 500 fastest-growing franchises and four times listed on Inc. Fit Body is a great example of high growth within the category, showing potential future growth as a strong indicator for the industry as a whole.

Strategic Considerations for Franchisees

For outsiders looking to enter the fitness franchise industry, understanding trends and consumer behaviors is crucial. The growth in online fitness, the importance of catering to older demographics and the success of specialized fitness franchises offer valuable insights into where the market is headed.

Additionally, the resilience shown by the industry in the face of economic challenges suggests a strong underlying demand for health and fitness services, making this an opportune time to invest in or expand within the fitness franchise sector. As the fitness industry continues to evolve, staying informed about these trends and leveraging them in business planning and strategy will be key to success in the competitive landscape of 2024 and beyond.

At Fit Body Boot Camp, we believe that the key to success lies not just in adapting to trends, but in anticipating them, ensuring that we provide an unmatched fitness experience that meets the diverse needs of our evolving clients, says Bryce Henson CEO of Fit Body Boot Camp. There will always be a need for preventive health and wellness services and fitness franchising has become a leading business solution for this ever-growing societal demand.

Its an opportune time for entrepreneurs to invest in a sector where impact and profitability go hand in hand and a growing industry shows indicators of continued bright horizons, Henson adds.

Technology Integration

The integration of technology into fitness routines has significantly transformed the industry, making workouts more accessible and personalized. Wearable devices now track everything from steps to sleep, offering insights that help users optimize their health routines.

Fitness apps have grown smarter, employing AI to create tailored workout and nutrition plans, adjusting to feedback and progress in real-time. Virtual and augmented reality technologies have introduced immersive exercise experiences, turning routine workouts into engaging adventures. These advancements allow users to explore virtual landscapes or participate in gamified fitness challenges, making exercise more enjoyable and varied.

AI extends beyond personalization, utilizing predictive analytics to prevent injuries by recommending adjustments in workout intensity or form. It also facilitates seamless integration between various devices and platforms, ensuring that users have a holistic view of their health data.

Moreover, the shift towards online and hybrid fitness offerings has democratized access to fitness, enabling users to join classes from anywhere, at any time. This flexibility caters to todays diverse lifestyles, ensuring that fitness is within reach for everyone, regardless of their schedule or location.

The integration of AI has been able to bridge the gap between providing personalized recommendations and scalability, Henson says. Now being able to both help more people and deliver better client results.

Community & Corporate Social Responsibility

The fitness franchise industry in 2024 has witnessed a significant evolution, driven not just by the goal of improving physical health but also by a profound commitment to enriching community life and embracing corporate social responsibility (CSR). This transformative approach underscores a broader, more integrated vision of wellness that extends beyond individual fitness goals to encompass societal well-being and environmental sustainability.

Franchises are increasingly active in local communities, leveraging their platforms to foster a sense of unity and engagement. From organizing health awareness events to participating in local clean-ups, the industrys efforts are aimed at building stronger, healthier communities.

This engagement also extends to supporting charitable causes, with many franchises aligning with organizations that tackle a wide range of issues from mental health to environmental conservation. Such partnerships not only amplify the impact of non-profits but also resonate with consumers who prioritize businesses that contribute positively to society.

Inclusivity has become a cornerstone of the industrys CSR initiatives. Recognizing the diverse needs of their clientele, fitness franchises are striving to create welcoming environments for all individuals, regardless of their background, ability, or financial status. This includes offering tailored programs for underserved populations and ensuring facilities are accessible to everyone. Such efforts reflect a commitment to breaking down barriers to fitness and wellness, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support.

The industrys embrace of corporate social responsibility and community engagement reflects a deeper recognition of our role beyond the gym walls, Henson says. By actively participating in local initiatives, were not just advocating for individual health but for the collective well-being of our communities. This approach is about forging connections, breaking down barriers to access and ensuring that our contributions leave a lasting positive impact on society.

Final Thoughts

In 2024, the fitness franchise industry is poised to redefine wellness through a blend of innovative technology, enhanced community engagement and a robust commitment to inclusivity and environmental sustainability. This year is set to witness fitness franchises leveraging advanced digital tools to offer personalized workout experiences, making fitness more accessible to a wider audience.

The emphasis on corporate social responsibility is expected to strengthen ties with local communities, highlighting the industrys role in promoting societal well-being. As fitness franchises continue to evolve, leaders are not only catering to the changing needs of todays health-conscious consumers but are also laying the groundwork for a future where fitness is an integral part of a holistic approach to health.

This forward-thinking approach promises to shape the landscape of the fitness industry, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of promoting wellness, inclusivity and sustainability.

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Shaping the Future: The Evolution of Fitness Franchises in 2024 - Athletech News

March 7, 2024, 10:00 AM HST

Playing in :00

Continuing his goal of ending childhood obesity and fighting mental illness, fitness icon Jake Body by Jake Steinfeld, chair of the National Foundation for Governors Fitness Councils (NFGFC), has kicked off the year by selecting the state of Hawaii for its 2024 Dont Quit! Campaign.

The NFGFC will deliver a state-of-the-art Dont Quit! Fitness Center tothreeelementary or middle schools.Public and public charter schoolnominations will be accepted through March 29. Visitwww.natgovfit.org/apply-now, then click the Hawaii state seal to download the short application and nominate a school.

This opportunity for three suites of fitness equipment for our Hawaii schools is a wonderful opportunity and will be an even bigger blessing for our keiki who attend the selected schools, said Gov. Josh Green. As a physician, I know that getting energized by physical activity helps students to learn better.

By the end of the year, NFGFC will have gifted fitness centers to all 50 states. Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Carelon Foundation and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Fit Supply provides the fitness equipment.

I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact our fitness centers have on students and communities, said Steinfeld. When you provide schools the tools, youll be amazed by the changes that take place. Not only are we seeing increased academic scores, but we are also seeing confidence and self-esteem skyrocket.

Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life, and reduce health care costs. In schools, studies show that physical activity improves academic achievement, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces discipline problems, cuts absenteeism and fosters better interpersonal relationships.

For more information about the NFGFC or to download an application, visitwww.natgovfit.org.

Read more here:
3 Hawaii schools to receive $100K fitness centers from national foundation - Big Island Now

Led by names like Google, Apple and Samsung, the wearables category of the connected economy has become a study in contradictions.

New, high-profile introductions have accelerated due to recent events like the Consumer Electronics Show and Mobile World Congress (MWC). On the other hand, niche players have also become more aggressive providing new use cases for the category.

And while some companies are working to create a super wearable that unites disparate fitness data sources, others are sticking with the proprietary approach. These dynamics have put wearable innovations back on the agenda for a huge consumer market.PYMNTS research as of November 2022 put that market north of 96 million U.S. consumers.

However, interoperability and data usage has become an issue, as seen with the most recent product introductions. Samsung used MWC to introduce a coordinated series of connected devices featuring its first-ever smart ring. Called the Galaxy Ring, it will compete with Oura and eventually, Apple.

Like other smart rings, it ticks all the boxes for personal health data, from movement to sleep to heart rate and more. The Galaxy series leans heavily on mobile AI, and one of its selling points is its ability to aggregate at least some of the data a consumer will get from watches, headsets, glasses and other more niche products such as headbands that track brainwave activity.

Samsungs new Galaxy series, introduced at MWC, uses the phone as the AI-driven hub, connecting the ring, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Book series of laptops and even the smart home Internet of Things platform. The companys positioning distanced itself from the hype surrounding the ring, focusing instead on the data issue.

One of the biggest challenges the healthcare industry is facing today is fragmented data and how to bring it all together, said Samsungs Dr. Hon Pak, vice president and head of the digital health team. Our vision is to improve the health of billions through connected care centered around the home by connecting devices, services and people.

The Galaxy Ring will only interact with Android OS platforms and Samsung products. But Paks mission to unify data is one that wearables manufacturers are taking seriously.

For example, Googlerecently announced that its Google One data subscription platform will include Fitbit. A short time before that, it announced that the redesignedFitbit app through Health Connectwill include data from other wearables and apps like AllTrails, Oura Ring and MyFitnessPal.

Consumers can access the Fitbit app via any Android phone, head to the You tab to see all the connected data such as steps, calories burned, floors climbed and distance traveled from Health Connect-compatible apps.

Google has not made any announcements about a potential ring introduction, although it did file apatent for one in 2015.

Oura which is valued at $2.55 billion isnt stopping at its Google partnership. It announced a new integration on March 5 with digital exercise community Strava, which claims 120 million users. Strava doesnt have a wearable and Oura needs user growth, so the partnership makes sense for both.

Stravas announcement sounded the data unification theme. Strava further defines itself as the nucleus of their active life, connecting health inputs from more devices to tell the full story of an athletes performance and improvement, it stated.

Other more niche players are also leading with data, many of them designed to address specific health conditions.Dexcom, for example, provides glucose and insulin level data in real-time via a wearable that sticks on the patients skin.

At Los Angeles Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, research is going much deeper into potential disease diagnosis, based on the data produced by a customized wearable device. For example, according toDr. Joseph Schwab, director of the Cedars-Sinai Center for Surgical Innovation and Engineering, when a doctor uses a reflex hammer above your knee to test for a reflex reaction, they are only able to identify the presence or absence of the reflex. Wearable devices in development can measure the reflex response, assign data points, and provide a more complete report to the doctor.

Consumer wearables on the market are essentially motion trackers,Schwab said. They may have an accelerometer or gyroscope that can simply measure your position or motion to track steps and other data. What were doing is different in that our devices are sending energy in the form of light, electrical energy and sound into the tissues, and we can measure that energy as it leaves the tissue, and we can deduce things based on how the energy was affected by the tissue.

Read more:
Google and Samsung Wearables Focus on Fitness Data - PYMNTS.com

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