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Franchising giant, Xponential Fitness, appoints new CEO

Mark King replaces Anthony Geisler, who was dismissed in May

King has a wealth of sales and franchising experience

Have fun and take risks is King's approach to leadership

Xponential Fitness has appointed sales and franchise expert, Mark King, as CEO, to take the company forward following Anthony Geislers abrupt exit in May.

King had announced his retirement when he left Mexican restaurant chain, Taco Bell, in December 2023, having steered the company through the pandemic and took up a number of non-exec roles, however, he's resumed his full-time career with Xponential.

During his four and a half years as CEO of the fast food giant, he led the franchisor to positive same-store sales growth in all but one quarter and opened more than 1,400 new franchise locations.

King was also integral in the acceleration of Taco Bells international growth and was credited with establishing a domestic franchise system. He will be using these skills to grow the nine brands of the franchising giant, which Geisler had previously indicated to HCM would double in size, to 6,000 units, within five years.

Previous to Taco Bell, King spent more than five years with Adidas, as president of North America, where he doubled market share and trebled sales in four years. His changes to the working culture resulted in an 'industry-shattering' retention rate and more than 500k job applications in one year.

He started his career working at golf company TaylorMade, joining as a salesperson in 1980, rising to be president 19 years later in 1999 and CEO in 2002. During his time as president and CEO, it became the most profitable golf company in the world, spending time as part of Adidas before being bought by KPS Partners, growing from US$300 million to US$1.85 billion in sales.

In todays fast-paced world you need to constantly lead change, says King. Successful companies have to constantly innovate and create new things the world has never seen before. Organisations have to change at the same pace or faster than the marketplace.

King describes his approach to leadership as creating a culture of innovation and the right atmosphere to unleash the potential of people to make breakthroughs by allowing them to make mistakes and fix them themselves: Dont fear failure. Have fun. Take risks. And then you can break through.

Chair of Xponential Fitness, Mark Grabowski, says Kings track record in growing global brands and strengthening franchise systems will help Xponentials growth: Mark is a brand builder and innovator and his approach to fostering customer-centric cultures and supporting franchisee success is a perfect fit for the company, he says.

On his appointment, King shared that he's excited to continue the companys mission to make health and wellness more accessible, saying: We have a strong portfolio of brands that are category leaders and as one of the leading franchisors in the health and wellness space, we're ideally positioned to continue to grow our global footprint.

King is also chair of BIG3 basketball league and serves on the board of director for the V Foundation Victory Over Cancer. With his daughters he has raised more than US$10 million for children's charities through their OneKind Foundation.

Xponential Fitness has had a tumultuous year: last summer it had to fight back from a damning Fuzzy Panda report; two heavyweights John Kersh and Garrett Marshall left in April and the following month Geisler was suspended following a legal challenge by the United States Attorneys Office for the Central District of California. It has also offloaded two of its brands: Stride and Row House.

On the upside, there is some forward momentum for King to build on. In November, it brought metabolic health company, Lindora, at the same time as announcing a partnership with Julianne Hough to take her online platform, Kinrgy, into bricks and mortar studios. In November it opened its 3,000th studio and in January took its most successful brand, Club Pilates, to the UK.

It currently offers nine franchises: Club Pilates, CycleBar, StretchLab, BFT, AKT, Pure Barre, Yoga Six, Rumble and Lindora.

Excerpt from:
Mark King is new CEO of Xponential Fitness - Health Club Management

For the last three days, youth from across the KCII listening area have been putting in work at the Southeast Iowa Fitness Camp, hosted by the Iowa Army National Guard. The free event was held at the Armory in Fairfield.

Created by First Sergeant Jesse Howard of New London in 2014, participants of the camp meet for two hours a day for four days. With the help of National Guard members as well as volunteers, they are put through a variety of workouts, from standard push-ups and sit-ups to team-building competitions. It is open not just to prospective military members, but also local athletes preparing for next season. This year, attendance reached more than 80 young men and women.

One of them was incoming junior at Sigourney High School, Aidyn Parker. Parker shared with KCII what he has taken away from the experience. I feel Ive gained some self-discipline. [When Im] thinking about stopping or slowing down I have people next to me who are putting in just as much effort as I am and thats encouraging me to keep moving, to keep pushing and making myself better. I thank those people. They continue to drive me and make me a better person.

You can hear more about the fitness camp in tomorrows edition of the In Touch With Southeast Iowa Program.

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Iowa National Guard Holds Annual Southeast Iowa Fitness Camp - KCII Radio

A persons heart rate can say a lot about their fitness levels.

With the average smartwatch or fitness tracker, people have a wealth of information about their health and fitness, including their heart rate. From heart rate zones to variability, theres a lot of information at our disposal, but sometimes the meaning of all these statistics can get lost on those unfamiliar with them.

Mayo Clinic cardiologist Kathryn Larson recommends that patients determine their health and fitness goals first to identify what they plan to do with the information. She told The New York Times, The discussion changes a lot based on what that patient or athlete wants to do with that data.

Experts suggest measuring your heart rate - the number of heartbeats in a minute when you are not exerting yourself - without a device by finding your pulse in your neck or wrist to get the ball rolling. When you place your fingers by either, count the beats you can detect within 15 seconds, and multiply that number by four - thats how youll find your heart rate.

Meanwhile, your maximum heart rate can be determined by measuring how fast your heart beats during intense exercise, which is when fitness trackers like the Apple Watch come in handy. Throughout the day, devices like these can measure your heart rate through a tiny light that measures changes in the blood flowing through the vessels in your wrist. A healthy resting rate lies between 60 and 100 beats per minute, however, people with higher fitness levels like athletes will often have lower resting heart rates than less active people.

With this information, you can determine how you want to approach different zones of your heart rate and find out what you need to do to train them. Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Dr Tamanna Singh explained to the outlet, The best way to really understand zones is by understanding the effort, and the purpose.

Fitness trackers can estimate your heart rate zones and inform you how to reach them in your workout. They can also help you design workouts that specifically target goals including building endurance and stamina.

Experts recommend different exercises for each zone: zone one can be either a warm-up or a cool-down, zone two should be slightly more challenging but manageable for long stretches, zone three should be higher intensity and less sustainable, and zone four should be what you consider your threshold workout in which you max out.

Devices can also calculate heart rate variability, which monitors how recovered or tired you are between workouts by tracking how your heart rate naturally fluctuates between beats. Lower numbers after a hard workout indicate that the person needs a longer recovery time while higher numbers show that the person can bounce back much quicker.

However, experts note that fitness trackers arent always reliable and can make mistakes, adding that prospective users shouldnt rely too much on the data. Dr Larson told the Times, Any device is going to be detecting things accurately at times and also can be sometimes unreliable.

She recommends trying to talk while exercising to gauge your heart health, paying attention to this can be an easy way to monitor how youre doing without any fancy devices.

Continue reading here:
What your heart rate says about your fitness level - Yahoo Lifestyle Australia

Trumps victory, former Sinclair CEO David Smith told an audience the day after the 2016 election, was a really serious opportunity to seek complete deregulation of broadcasting. Steve Ruark/AP

This story was originally published on Judd Legums Substack,Popular Information, to which you can subscribehere.

This month, Sinclair Broadcast Group has flooded a vast network of local news websites with misleading articles suggesting that President Biden is mentally unfit for office. The articles are based on specious social media posts by the Republican National Committee (RNC), which are then repackaged to resemble news reports. The thinly disguised political attacks are then syndicated to dozens of local news websites owned by Sinclair, where they are given the imprimatur of mainstream media brands, including NBC, ABC, and CBS.

For example, on June 10, Biden attended an event on the White House lawn celebrating Juneteenth. The event included a musical performance, and Biden listened with a broad smile but did not dance. The RNCs research team posted a clip of Biden on X with the caption, Why isnt Biden moving? Hours later, the RNCs post was embedded intoan articlepublished by Sinclairs National Desk, with the headline, Biden appears to freeze, slur words during White House Juneteenth event.

On June 6, Sinclair devotedan entire articleto amplifying the right-wing fabrication that Biden soiled himself on stage.

Thearticleclaims, without evidence, that Biden was dazed and only snapped out of his stupor when the man next to him put his arm around his shoulder. It also quotes the Trump campaigns social media response to the same RNC video: Lights are on but no ones home. The incident was described as one of multiple senior moments for Biden during the event.

The other senior moment highlighted in Sinclairs article is based on a clip posted on X by Fox News Sean Hannity, one of Donald Trumps closest allies. Hannity posted a low-quality clip of Bidens speech at the event with the caption, Biden sparks concern as he slurs his words during Juneteenth speech. Biden, who has been open aboutovercoming a stutterthat he has had since childhood, slightly swallows the word history. But thefull videoof his speech shows that he spoke clearly.

The article concludes by promoting an absurd rumor, based on adeceptively edited clip, that Biden soiled himself on stage while attending a D-Day celebration in Europe a few days earlier. Bidens strange stooping motion caused several terms to trend on X, including diaper, pooping and pooped,' Sinclairs National Deskreported.

On June 6, Sinclair also devotedan entire articleto amplifying the right-wing fabrication that Biden soiled himself on stage. The URL for the article even includes the word pooping. According to Sinclair, the incident paints a poor picture for President Biden, 81, who is fighting off harsh criticisms of his physical and mental capabilities. Another article referencing pooping was published by Sinclair and syndicated to its affiliates onJune 7.

Each of these crass political smears masquerading as journalism was syndicated to at least 86 local news websites owned by Sinclair.

Articles produced by Sinclairs National Desk are published at the exact same time on every local website. The June 10 article, for example, was published on each website at exactly 9:24 AM Eastern. This suggests these articles are automatically syndicated, and local journalists at affiliates are not able to exercise editorial discretion. When these articles are syndicated, they appear alongside identically formatted articles on local government, weather, and sports.

Sinclair did not respond to a detailed list of questions about these articles and its editorial practices. Instead, Sinclair sent the following statement: It is evident that you are promoting a specific agenda regarding Sinclair, a false narrative you continue to push irrespective of the facts, allowing you to gain clicks and some notoriety. We do not believe you can remain objective.

On June 13, Sinclairs National Desk published an article headlined, Biden appears to wander away during G7 summit, escorted back by Italian PM. The article links to asocial media postby right-wing polemicist Collin Rugg, who commented on a video clip by RNC Research.

The tactics Sinclair is using on local news websites are similar to those it is deploying on local television.

Rugg says Biden appears to start wandering off at the G7 summit and has to be handled back in, describing it as a clown show. The Trump campaign claimed Biden was wandering around like a brain-dead zombie. Sinclair, echoing the Trump campaigns political attack, described it as one of a string of strange incidents for Biden.

There was nothing strange about the incident. The G7 leaders watched a skydiving demonstration, with each parachuter carrying a flag for each nation. Biden briefly walks away from the group to give another parachuter a thumbs up. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that Biden was being very polite and went over to talk to all of them individually.

Nevertheless, Sinclair framed the G7 incident as another example of Bidens mental infirmity. Thearticlelinked Bidens conduct to Sinclairs previous allegation that Biden was dazed during the Juneteenth celebration and suggestions that Biden soiled himself at the D-Day event. It was then syndicated to the same large network of local news affiliates. Baseless attacks by the RNC, the Trump campaign, and Sean Hannity were now legitimized under the branding of ABC, CBS, and NBC.

Sinclair was participating in a disinformation campaign led by Trump supporters and Trump himself. [Biden] goes over to France and something happened and its not good, I dont know what it is, Trumpsaidin an interview with right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. This is the level of journalism that is being automatically syndicated to dozens of local news outlets, which most Americans still trust as a source of information.

The tactics Sinclair is using on local news websites are similar to those it is deploying on local television. Last week, Popular Information and Public Notice exposed how Sinclair aggressively promotes specious claims about President Joe Bidens fitness for office throughdozens of local newscasts.

All four Sinclair articles attacking Bidens age this month were written by Jackson Walker, a member of Sinclairs Rapid Response Team. Walker was hired by Sinclair less than two months after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison inMay 2023.

Walker spent his college yearswriting for The College Fix, a national right-wing student publication. The College Fix is based in Hillsdale, Michigan, and is connected to Hillsdale College, a far-right educational institution closely aligned with Trump.

The College Fix was founded in 2011 by John J. Miller, the director of journalism at Hillsdale College. Its purpose,according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, is to groom young conservatives for careers in the news media by placing college students in internships with right-leaning publications. Many academics have criticized The College Fix for factual inaccuracies, biased language, and publishing articles that were completely off base.

On X, Walker frequently highlights when his stories are circulated by Libs of TikTok, an anti-LGBTQ activist. Walker retweeted a post by Libs of TikTok that highlighted one of hisarticlesand described the LGBTQ community as a child mutilation cult.

Other articles published by Walker this year include US Oil & Gas Association accuses Leftists of hypocrisy, Stefanik files misconduct complaint against judge in Trump trial, Female darts player forfeits competition over trans opponent, and House Judiciary Committee slams Biden after Penguins bobblehead theft.

Unlike the articles attacking Bidens age, however, these articles appear on a much smaller number of Sinclair affiliates.

Read more:
Conservative Media Conglomerate Amplifies Misleading Attacks on Biden's Fitness Mother Jones - Mother Jones

With her third-place finishes at the 2015 and 2016

Here's her recipe for staying mind-body strong.

'I am the opposite of a morning person. I could train at midnight and have the best session of my life, but at 6am, no one wants to be around me. Ill wake up at 7.30am and then train from 8am to 10am. Im so lucky that, as a professional athlete, training in the gym is my job. I train for between six and eight hours a day, with breaks in between.'

'I write in my journal every morning. The ritual helps me be present, especially on those days whenI wake up and there are so many things to do that my mind feels overwhelmed. I love the journals structured format: it will prompt me to write three things that Im grateful for, along with one "I am..." affirmation. Im always working on: "I am calm" its an ongoing goal for me.'

'It doesnt matter what other people think; whats important is that youre honest with yourself about what type of training will help you hit your goal. Maybe thats three months of the year with no-pressure workouts, where you just do your thing. Or maybe you work best under pressure. Do what works for you.'

'I used to be shamed for being muscular. Id walk through an airport and get so many comments like, Oh, that girl can beat me up! Those men would never say that to another man. Once I started coaching, I fell in love with the idea that the more you push yourself and work hard, the more attractive you are.'

'In 2021 I hurt my knee. I felt it click during a split jerk [raising the barbell from the shoulders to the overhead position, with the feet jumping into a lunge position to receive the bar] and an MRI scan showed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament [which meant I had to miss the 2021 CrossFitGames]. So, I thought,What can I do about it? I can have surgery, recover and then achieve the most epic comeback. Its all about finding a story that can motivate you.'

'Just before I got injured, I came out of an 11-year romantic relationship and then my beloved dog, Morley, was hit by a car. Its been tough, but I remind myself that everything is teaching me something. Im still going through this in a positive way, and Im learning to enjoy every day instead of always projecting into the future. Ive had a difficult time, but its teaching me to be present.'

'In my downtime, I love to draw, which Im pretty shit at to be honest! Ive also started playing guitar. It can be so frustrating the way youll be progressing nicely with it, but then youll pick it up again the next time and be hopeless. But I love the way that whenIm practising, Im so engrossed in the process that it takes my mind to an altogether different place.'

'The other side of my job is the admin: all the pieces of paper I have to sign and endless meetings I need to attend. But the way I see it, I can either whine and put off all these things Id rather not do or I can just be in the present moment, maybe stick on some good music (I love classic rock) and just get it done. I tell myself often that Im choosing to do what I do and that Im thankful for it. Its so important not to lose sight of that.'

Become a member of the Women's Health Collective and get full access to the Women's Health app, available to download on Google Play and the App Store, to get the latest celebrity-inspired workouts and fitness content.

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CrossFit champion Sara Sigmundsdttir on training, rehabbing, and expressing her creativity - Women's Health UK

Dwayne Johnson has consistently lived up to his Rock moniker by appearing to be chiseled out of stone. And part of the success that hes had with his phenomenal physique is owed to an inquisitive approach to bodybuilding. Johnson is always searching for new ways to put his home Iron Paradise gym to great use, and in a recent video posted to Instagram, the Peoples Champion demonstrates how he adds a simple twist to a dumbbell row variation in order to make it super effective.

DJ is currently shooting the The Smashing Machine, a movie based on the life and exploits of mixed-martial arts legend, Mark Kerr, and has been training hard to replicate Kerrs solid physique. To that end, The Rock has been working long hours in the weight room, and one exercise that he says is one of his favorites is a dumbbell variation, as follows:

The Rock demonstrates chest supported dumbbell row with 2 second hold

In this double-arm dumbbell row variation, The Rock leans forward onto an incline bench. The bench will provide support and place the body at an angle to reduce the load on his hamstrings and glutes, instead allowing the upper body to do the work. This exercise will hit the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, trapezius, and rear deltoids, making it awesome for back strength and posture.

2 sec peak hold, with deep stretch at the bottom, explains Johnson. For each rep, the former WWE champion can be seen holding his position with the dumbbells for 2 seconds at the top of each row. Studies have shown that prolonged time under tension can bring about greater protein synthesis during the muscles recovery process. A 2012 study said: greater muscle time under tension increased the acute amplitude of mitochondrial and sarcoplasmic protein synthesis and also resulted in a robust, but delayed stimulation of myofibrillar protein synthesis 2430 h after resistance exercise.

These are a b*tch and kicks my ass but super effective and one of my fav DB rowing exercises, commented The Rock, who also utilized a deep stretch at the bottom of each rep. By stretching, youll activate your muscles and help them to grow. Try the Rock dumbbell row variation for yourself. The Smashing Machine is expected to hit screens in 2025, but in the meantime, The Rock continues to smash his workouts.

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The Rock Demonstrates This Super Effective Dumbbell Row Variation - Muscle & Fitness

American International Group Inc. lowered its position in shares of Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:PLNT Free Report) by 3.1% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 115,761 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,747 shares during the period. American International Group Inc. owned approximately 0.13% of Planet Fitness worth $8,451,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cadian Capital Management LP increased its position in shares of Planet Fitness by 9.6% during the fourth quarter. Cadian Capital Management LP now owns 4,430,368 shares of the companys stock valued at $323,417,000 after acquiring an additional 386,861 shares in the last quarter. Dorsal Capital Management LP bought a new stake in Planet Fitness in the 4th quarter worth approximately $182,500,000. Point72 Asset Management L.P. grew its position in Planet Fitness by 39.1% in the 4th quarter. Point72 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,837,231 shares of the companys stock worth $134,118,000 after purchasing an additional 516,790 shares during the period. Greenvale Capital LLP grew its position in Planet Fitness by 291.3% in the 4th quarter. Greenvale Capital LLP now owns 1,741,140 shares of the companys stock worth $127,103,000 after purchasing an additional 1,296,140 shares during the period. Finally, Broad Bay Capital Management LP grew its position in Planet Fitness by 15.4% in the 4th quarter. Broad Bay Capital Management LP now owns 1,223,000 shares of the companys stock worth $89,279,000 after purchasing an additional 163,000 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 95.53% of the companys stock.

Planet Fitness stock opened at $72.56 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $64.01 and its 200-day moving average price is $66.30. Planet Fitness, Inc. has a twelve month low of $44.13 and a twelve month high of $75.86. The company has a market cap of $6.40 billion, a PE ratio of 41.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 1.43.

A number of research firms have commented on PLNT. Stifel Nicolaus downgraded shares of Planet Fitness from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their target price for the stock from $80.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Friday, May 10th. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on shares of Planet Fitness from $80.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, May 10th. StockNews.com raised shares of Planet Fitness from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 8th. DA Davidson reiterated a neutral rating and set a $62.00 price target on shares of Planet Fitness in a research note on Friday, June 14th. Finally, Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of Planet Fitness from $75.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, May 10th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Planet Fitness currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $75.00.

Read Our Latest Analysis on PLNT

(Free Report)

Planet Fitness, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, franchises and operates fitness centers under the Planet Fitness brand. The company operates through three segments: Franchise, Corporate-Owned Stores, and Equipment. The company is involved in franchising business in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, and Australia.

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American International Group Inc. Sells 3747 Shares of Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:PLNT) - Defense World

The Paralympics' audience has been steadily growing for over two decades. The International Paralympic Committee reported that 1.8 billion people from 25 countries tuned into the Athens 2004 Games and 4.1 billion in 154 countries watched the Rio 2016 Games; they expected 4.25 billion from 177 countries to tune into the Tokyo 2020 Games. And there's reason to believe that Paris 2024 could bring in even more viewers, in part due to increasing media coverage and promotion of the Paralympics including the Paralympics official TikTok account, which has gone viral on and off for the better part of the last year.

As social media virality is wont to do, the past 12 months have brought the official account of the Paralympic Games its fair share of controversy. The account is run by a Paralympian themselves and uses a humorous approach to content creation.

With 3.5 million followers and counting, some people say that the content strategy is spot on, garnering more eyes on the oft-overlooked arena of disabled sport. (While viewership for the Paralympics has increased over the last couple of decades, it still lags behind the Olympics. NBC reported that the 2020 Tokyo Games saw 15.5 million viewers tuning in on an average night, while the Paralympic Games drew 14 million viewers in total, according to WKAR News.)

Much of the content showcases athlete performances. But the account has been criticized for its use of trending sounds that can seem to make light of the athletes' performance, or even poke fun at them. In one video, skier Martin France paces it down the slopes set to the tune of the Cha Cha Slide. A tense overtaking clip of hand cyclists racing through the road track is soundtracked by an infamous Formula 1 commentary clip. And a triumphant snippet of cyclist Darren Hicks uses a meme-ified sound that says, "left, left, left, I'm going to make a left." Other clips show athletes making mistakes or crashing into one another.

Many members of the disabled community argue that the tactics used in the videos fail to help build wider public respect for elite disabled athletes.

Michelle, who is 23, told PS, "I'm scared it will reinforce this idea that Paralympic athletes are not real athletes. I think disabled people making jokes about themselves is great but maybe it would open the door for other people making the same kind of videos and not taking the athletes seriously."

Tess, 32, agrees that laughing at ourselves feels good, but suggests that it gets complicated when the context changes: "I think humor is a good means to talk about disability and get the discourse going, but I think it's more effective when it's used by an individual in relation to themselves and their own story," she explains. "But when humor is applied to someone else's disability it feels like we're laughing at them more than with them."

The IPC didn't respond to PS's request for comment by press time, but addressed concerns of the account content to NPR last year, telling them the account is run by a "Paralympian who fully understands disability." However, a 'full' understanding of disability is impossible given that there are no two people with identical experiences of disability, and that there are infinite ways disabled people experience the world, whether they are athletes or not. Therefore, one disabled person's judgment on whether this content is offensive or not isn't a good enough measure.

When comparing the Paralympic account's content strategy to that of the official Olympic account, clear disparities are apparent. The Olympics account showcases athletes at the peak of their performance, offering insight into the history of various sports and interviews with notable Olympic figures.

There are a small number of informative videos on the Paralympic account, such as one explaining the rules of Boccia, a unique precision ball sport. However, the majority of videos use trending sounds and lean heavily on humor.

That's not to say that all of the content on the account is offensive. In fact, most people I interviewed agreed that some videos felt funny to them and others made them deeply uncomfortable. However, it's essential to consider the context in which these videos are consumed. Case in point: While there are fewer recent posts that use a sound or clip that directly highlights an athletes' disability, there are still some and these are the videos that tend to go viral.

For example, the Darren Hicks video, from April 2024, racked up seven million views and over 800K likes. A funny but admiring video posted a month later showing clips of Birgit Skarstein competing in three sports, set to a trending sound saying, "So you're this. but you're also this. And you're this? How does anybody date you?" earned around 40K views and under one thousand likes.

We live in a fundamentally ableist society that already considers disability as something to be mocked or ignored. Do we need to fuel that fire?

Lucy, a Paralympian who competed in the Rio 2016 Games as part of the South African Rowing team, explains her complicated feelings towards the content: "It's very nuanced," she tells PS. "My team and environment were full of jokes and banter. We were friends and spent hours together with a common goal. We could make jokes about each other like that. But I would never do it with someone I didn't know, it's just rude."

Can the type of self-deprecating humor that can sometimes grow out of a supportive and trusting community ever translate to a wider audience? Lucy is uncertain: "In terms of the videos, it's the same thing. Who's making the jokes? What is the punchline? Some of the videos are very funny, some make my tummy turn. I'm so glad that that format is getting views and getting people to engage with para sport, but at what cost?"

Could this new found attention end up having positive outcomes? Of course. But are those payoffs worth the risk of potentially amplifying prejudiced beliefs against para athletes, compounding an already present idea that they are less impressive than their able-bodied counterparts? It's a question with no easy answer and one that may take on new meaning after the 2024 Games.

Hannah Turner is a disabled writer and journalist living with complex chronic illnesses. Her writing focuses on disability, anti-wellness culture, and pop culture. Her words have appeared in many places, including PS, Refinery29, Mashable, and Dazed.

Read more:
What to Know About the Controversy Behind the Paralympics TikTok Account - POPSUGAR

Sennheiser could have just trotted out a set of wireless earbuds that were rated IP55 and called it the Momentum Sport ($330), but it went further, adding heart-rate and body-temperature sensors to the made-for-exercise earbuds. These additions give you more insight into workouts, but also feed data to your existing third-party activity apps. Of course, the Momentum Sport also has to excel at the normal earbud stuff, and offer an ergonomic design, active noise cancellation (ANC), touch controls and other common features. Sennheiser has a solid track record with sound quality, but now it has to balance that with the expanded capabilities of the Momentum Sport.

While the Momentum Sport has a better design than the Momentum 4, it struggles in key areas. The biometric sensors work well, but sound quality is inconsistent and on-board controls are frustrating.

The Momentum Sports overall shape is what I wish Sennheiser used for the Momentum True Wireless 4. The formers rounder profile fits my ears better and feels more comfortable even though theyre slightly larger. Without the fit wing, the Sport version still rests nicely in my ears, though that extra part definitely helps keep them in place during workouts. Simply put, this design feels more refined and Id love to see the company take a similar direction on its flagship model.

Sennheiser says it aimed for vivid sound and impressive bass that would help amp up a workout and it delivered. The stock tuning has noticeably more low-end thump on Justices Hyperdrama, bracing the electronic tunes with a thicker layer of tone. Thats definitely something that assists with your energy levels during physical activity. But, as Ill discuss later, the extra bass isnt always a good thing.

The Momentum Sports marquee features, which are heart-rate and body-temperature tracking, work well. Thanks to the earbuds secure fit, you can get constant, dependable readings in Sennheisers Smart Control app. Heart rate figures matched those on my Apple Watch, and I confirmed my temperatures with a forehead scan. The Momentum Sports readings were consistent with the other devices every time, which means the earbuds are as reliable as other at-home alternatives.

Whats more, theres tight integration with apps like Polar, Peloton, Strava and Zwift, so you can use the Momentum Sport with their devices and not just Sennheiers app, which is mostly designed to tweak settings. However, only Polars Flow supports the Momentum Sports body-temperature tracking. Sennheiser says this is because Polar is the only company with an ecosystem that keeps tabs on that metric and supports the appropriate sensors. No matter which third-party app you prefer, youll probably want to sync the Momentum Sport to one of them, since the Smart Control software only displays real-time readings and wont keep tabs on trends or monitor stats during workouts.

Although it has to power more sensors, the Momentum Sport still delivers solid battery life. Sennheiser says a single charge offers five and a half hours of playback, and that claim holds up. I didnt have any issues hitting that figure during my testing of looping audio at about 65-70 percent volume. Thats with ANC on normal mode and heart-rate and body temperature sensors active. The company says you can extend the battery on the Momentum Sport by 30 minutes if you enable Eco Mode in its app. This feature disables aptX audio and both of the body-tracking sensors.

The Momentum Sport lets you tap your cheek for playback and call controls. This is convenient when running, for example, since you dont have to find the exact location of the touch panel while on the move or if youre wearing gloves. The downside is that it can be activated by chewing. It is intensely annoying. During my tests, chewing gum or food frequently triggered the controls.

Sennheiser says this is because I have strong jaw muscles (yay?) in close proximity to the sensor, but that doesnt make it any less maddening. I chew gum during both runs and lifting sessions, so this is a dealbreaker. Just clenching my jaw didn't trigger it, so at least there's that. The only way to remedy the issue is to turn off the onboard controls entirely, which disables both the cheek tapping and more common earbud tapping gestures.

The Momentum True Wireless 4s ANC performance is solid but not amazing and that holds true on the Momentum Sport. Both sets of earbuds perform similarly with constant noise sources, lowering the volume of the external roar rather than blocking it completely. Like a lot of the competition (and the True Wireless 4), the Momentum Sport struggles with human voices. Overall, neither of them offer the kind of robust, world-silencing power that Bose and Sony muster.

Transparency mode on the Momentum Sport is serviceable, but its far from great. The earbuds let in your surroundings well, but dont pipe in enough of your voice and I found myself getting shouty during a few calls. Theres also an anti-wind mode that comes in handy during outdoor workouts, but its a tool nearly all new earbuds are equipped with these days.

Unfortunately, good audio performance isnt universal on the Momentum Sport. While some albums are detailed and crisp despite the added bass, others are missing punchy highs and a strong mid range. The sound profile compresses things like grungy, distorted guitars and bass lines. Vocals consistently cut through, but the more prominent kick drum in songs like Knocked Looses chaotic Suffocate relegates guitars to the backseat. In fact, guitars across a range of styles including alternative, rock and country lack the depth and detail the Momentum 4 provide. By dialing up the low-end tone, Sennheiser has sacrificed some of the dynamics that usually give its earbuds such great audio. And in a set of earbuds that cost over $300, thats a shame.

Lastly, lets discuss the case, which is less sophisticated than Sennheisers previous designs. These earbuds cost $330 and the charging case shouldnt feel this flimsy. The lid closes securely most of the time, but the hinge is just a piece of rubber so the case doesnt stay open unless you lay it all the way flat. The soft-touch coating feels nice, but compared to the accessories that come with the Momentum line, this case is what Id expect with a set of earbuds that cost half as much. The good news is, there is wireless charging support and the case is rated IPX4, so its not all a loss.

The Momentum Sport presents a dichotomy. On one hand, theyre excellent workout earbuds that reliably track biometric stats for an inside look at your training regime. On the other, they lack the overall sound quality Ive come to expect from Sennheisers Momentum lineup and the overly sensitive controls are an extreme nuisance. The earbuds could improve with some software fine-tuning, but for now, theyre too expensive to buy just for workouts and dont even perform consistently enough to be your go-to set.

1 / 10

The Momentum Sport comes with different sizes of ear tips and fit wings.

Read more:
Sennheiser Momentum Sport review: Fitness earbuds that lack finesse - Engadget

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The entertainment world has always been rife with rumors and speculations, especially concerning celebrities personal lives and health. Recently, Ashley Benson found herself at the center of such speculation. Following the birth of her child, whispers began to circulate regarding her rapid weight loss. Some speculated that she might have used Ozempic, but Benson was quick to address these accusations. In a candid interview, she emphasized her dedication to fitness and well-being as the primary drivers behind her postpartum transformation.

A significant aspect of Ashley Bensons journey after giving birth is her approach to fitness. Postpartum fitness, while challenging for many moms, can be an empowering phase if managed correctly. For new mothers, its essential to balance rest and physical activity to aid in recovery while also working toward their fitness goals. Proper guidance from fitness experts can help tailor exercises that cater specifically to a mothers needs post-delivery.

Ashley attributes much of her success to a structured and disciplined workout regimen. Instead of resorting to shortcuts, she engages in various exercises ranging from cardio to strength training. Her personalized workout routine, designed by professionals, includes elements like Pilates, yoga, and interval training. This holistic approach not only aids in weight reduction but also promotes mental well-being.

Benson highlights the importance of balancing cardiovascular workouts with strength training. Cardiovascular exercises help in burning calories and improving heart health, while strength training builds muscle, which in turn boosts metabolism. By integrating both forms of exercise into her routine, she ensures that her body remains fit and agile without overexertion.

When rumors about her using Ozempic surfaced, Ashley was forthright in addressing them. She clarified that her weight loss was a result of consistent hard work rather than any medication. She expressed concern over how such unfounded accusations could impact her fans, particularly younger ones, who look up to her as a role model. Transparency and honesty were her primary tools in dispelling these rumors.

In todays digital age, social media amplifies both support and scrutiny. While platforms like Instagram and Twitter provided a space for Ashley to share her fitness journey and connect with fans, they also became avenues for spreading baseless accusations. Screen names hiding behind anonymity often make comments that lack empathy and understanding. Despite this, Benson chose to use these platforms to educate her followers about her real journey and the efforts she put into regaining her pre-pregnancy shape.

A key element that Benson emphasizes is having a robust support system. Friends, family, and professional trainers played an indispensable role in her journey. They provided the encouragement and motivation needed to stick with her fitness regimen. New moms often find solace in knowing theyre not alone and that having a supportive community can significantly enhance their postpartum experience.

Physical health cannot be discussed without touching upon emotional and mental well-being, particularly for new mothers. The transition to motherhood brings a mix of joy, anxiety, and physical strain. Ashley has openly talked about her struggles and the importance of maintaining mental health. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and even simple activities such as walking or spending time outdoors can be immensely beneficial. Melding these practices with fitness routines creates a balanced lifestyle conducive to overall health.

Bensons transparency regarding her motherhood journey sets her apart. Rather than conforming to unrealistic standards often perpetuated by Hollywood, she chooses authenticity. She frequently updates her followers on her progress, sharing both highs and lows. This honest portrayal offers reassurance to other moms navigating similar paths, promoting a healthier, more realistic view of postpartum recovery.

Ashleys story serves as an inspiration to countless mothers who may feel pressured by societal norms. Her commitment to fitness and well-being post-birth shows that its possible to achieve ones goals through perseverance and dedication without succumbing to shortcuts. By taking one step at a time and focusing on sustainable health practices, new moms can effectively navigate the complexities of postpartum life.

One significant impact of Ashley Bensons public declaration is the shift in focus from purely aesthetic goals to overall health. Media portrayals often emphasize appearance, overshadowing the critical components of health and wellness. Benson encourages her audience to prioritize well-being over mere looks, providing a refreshing change from conventional celebrity narratives. This mindset fosters a healthier approach and motivates individuals to adopt fitness routines that benefit both mind and body.

By sharing her real stories and experiences, Ashley helps change perceptions surrounding celebrity transformations. When stars like Benson open up about their journeys, it bridges the gap between public figures and ordinary individuals. Fans see that achieving goals takes effort and discipline rather than magic pills or fad diets. These revelations dispel myths and promote a grounded, achievable path to health post-childbirth.

Peter, a distinguished alumnus of a prominent journalism school in New Jersey, brings a rich tapestry of insights to The Signal. With a fervent passion for news, society, art, and television, Peter exemplifies the essence of a modern journalist. His keen eye for societal trends and a deep appreciation for the arts infuse his writing with a unique perspective. Peters journalistic prowess is evident in his ability to weave complex narratives into engaging stories. His work is not just informative but a journey through the multifaceted world of finance and societal dynamics, reflecting his commitment to excellence in journalism.

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No Shortcuts Here: Ashley Benson Debunks Ozempic Rumors, Focuses on Fitness Post-Baby - The Signal

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