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- Debrief #9
Debrief #9
Endurance vs Hybrid, Wellness over Wine and Brands we Love.
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This month we bring you:
Hot market news,
Endurance vs Hybrid Athletes,
Wellness over Wine
Niche Brands by Sports we love
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📣 Announcements
Nike Strength
Nike’s launched Nike Grind Dumbbells that are made from over 20% recycled rubber from Nike’s shoe manufacturing process, each with unique sustainable accents, a step toward eco-conscious fitness equipment.
Centr Expands Into Equipment
Centr, initially a workout app, has launched a new treadmill collection featuring 9 cardio machines. This move follows their expansion into physical products like benches and weights. Centr’s strategic entry into the equipment market aligns with trends such as Hyrox, where they became the official equipment provider in October 2023. Read more here.
ŌURA’s Acquisition Strategy
ŌURA, the smart ring company, continues its acquisition streak by purchasing Sparta Science to enhance its enterprise data platform. Sparta’s Trinsic software will elevate ŌURA’s B2B Teams dashboard, benefiting corporate wellness, healthcare, and government sectors, including the U.S. Department of Defense. This marks ŌURA’s third acquisition in two years, after acquiring Veri (September) and Proxy (last year). Read more here.
New Gear Releases and other news
• Nike Zoom Fly 6: Combining premium cushioning and carbon-plated tech for a superior running experience.
• HYROX: Set to expand into India with a major 2025 fitness race debut in Mumbai.
• Technogym: Opened a flagship retail and wellness hub in London, enhancing its presence in the UK market.
• 1Rebel London: Launched an in-house contrast therapy concept, integrating recovery into its fitness offerings.
• Remedy Place: Opened its third social wellness club in NYC’s SoHo, continuing to blend socializing with wellness.
• Hyperice: The Normatec Elite device made it to TIME’s List of the Best Inventions of 2024, recognizing its innovation.
Endurance vs Hybrid vs Power-focused training and competitions
Preparing for various types of athletic events, whether endurance-based like marathons and half Ironman triathlons, hybrid competitions like Hyrox, or power-focused sports requiring short, explosive efforts, demands tailored training strategies and recovery protocols to meet the unique physiological and performance needs of each discipline.
We therefore bring you a comprehensive guide detailing these aspects for each type of sport, enriched with data, recovery methods, and trends.
Endurance Events: Marathons and Half Ironman Triathlons
Training Structure:
Endurance athletes typically train 5-6 days per week, incorporating a mix of long runs, tempo sessions, and interval training. These programs often span 16-20 weeks to build a strong aerobic base, progressively increasing volume and intensity to maximize stamina and endurance.
Key Metrics:
• VO₂ Max: Competitive amateur athletes should aim for a VO₂ max of 50-60 mL/kg/min, with elite competitors reaching 60-70+ mL/kg/min.
• Lactate Threshold: Training at 80-90% of max heart rate helps enhance the threshold, allowing athletes to sustain higher intensities for longer without lactate buildup.
Dietary Needs:
• Carbohydrate Loading: Before a race, consuming 7-10g of carbohydrates per kg of body weight per day is essential for maximizing glycogen stores.
• Daily Nutrition: A balanced diet of 55-65% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein, and 20-30% fats supports long training sessions and efficient recovery.
• Hydration: Ensuring a daily intake of 2-3 liters of water, supplemented with electrolytes during long runs and races, helps prevent dehydration.
Recovery Protocols:
• Active Recovery: Low-intensity activities like walking or light cycling encourage blood flow and muscle recovery.
• Stretching: Incorporating both static and dynamic stretching maintains flexibility and reduces injury risk.
• Hydrotherapy: Ice baths or contrast water therapy help reduce muscle inflammation and soreness.
• Massage Therapy: Regular sessions alleviate muscle tension and boost recovery.
• Sleep: Aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night is crucial for muscle repair.
Hybrid Competitions: Hyrox
Training Structure:
Hyrox athletes train 4-5 days per week, integrating strength training, metabolic conditioning, and cardio work. Structured programs of 12-16 weeks help build a balanced mix of endurance and strength.
Key Metrics:
• VO₂ Max: Targeting a VO₂ max of 45-55 mL/kg/min supports both endurance and strength elements.
• Strength Benchmarks: Achieving 1.5x bodyweight in squats and deadlifts ensures the power required for Hyrox events.
Dietary Needs:
• Macronutrient Balance: 40-50% carbohydrates, 25-30% protein, and 20-30% fats provide the energy and nutrients needed for diverse training.
• Protein Intake: 1.6-2.2g per kg of body weight daily aids muscle repair.
• Post-Workout Recovery: Meals with a 3:1 carb-to-protein ratio replenish energy stores and support muscle recovery.
Recovery Protocols:
• Foam Rolling: Effective for releasing muscle tightness and improving mobility.
• Compression Garments: Enhancing blood flow and reducing muscle swelling.
• Sauna: Promotes relaxation and muscle recovery.
• Red Light Therapy: Reduces inflammation and accelerates muscle healing.
• Active Recovery Workouts: Low-intensity exercises maintain mobility and prevent stiffness.
Power-Focused Sports: Short, Explosive Efforts
Training Structure:
Power athletes focus on 3-4 high-intensity sessions per week with significant rest periods to optimize power output. Programs often last 8-12 weeks to develop peak strength and power.
Key Metrics:
• Anaerobic Capacity: Built through short sprints or 30-second max-effort drills.
• Strength Benchmarks: Goals include 2x bodyweight in deadlifts and 1.5x bodyweight in bench presses.
• VO₂ Max: While less crucial, maintaining 40-50 mL/kg/min supports recovery between high-intensity bouts.
Dietary Needs:
• High Protein Intake: 2.0-2.5g per kg of body weight helps build and maintain muscle mass.
• Moderate Carbohydrates: 35-45% of daily caloric intake, focusing on strategic timing around workouts for energy.
• Creatine Supplementation: 3-5g per day is proven to boost power output.
Recovery Protocols:
• Static Stretching: Important for flexibility and reducing muscle tension.
• Cold Therapy: Ice baths or targeted ice packs minimize inflammation.
• Massage Guns: Percussive therapy devices enhance blood flow and reduce soreness.
• Sleep Optimization: Essential for recovery, supporting hormonal balance and muscle repair.
• Nutrient Timing: Consuming protein-rich meals soon after training helps with muscle synthesis and recovery.
Key Differences in Training and Recovery
• Energy Systems: Endurance training develops the aerobic system, while power sports focus on anaerobic pathways.
• Muscle Fiber Recruitment: Endurance activities engage slow-twitch fibers for sustained effort, while power sports use fast-twitch fibers for quick, forceful contractions.
• Dietary Focus: Endurance athletes prioritize higher carbs, hybrid athletes need balanced macronutrients, and power athletes emphasize protein intake.
Trends and Adaptations:
• Endurance Gains: VO₂ max improvements are notable after 8-12 weeks, with further lactate threshold adaptations over 16+ weeks.
• Strength Increases: Power-focused athletes typically see strength gains within 6-8 weeks.
• Hybrid Adaptations: Achievable improvements with structured training in 10-14 weeks, balancing workload to prevent overtraining.
The landscape of social engagement is undergoing a significant transformation, with wellness-focused spaces redefining how individuals connect and socialize. This shift is driven by a growing emphasis on health and well-being, leading to the emergence of alcohol-free venues, fitness-oriented social clubs, and recovery studios that offer communal experiences centered around wellness.
Market Insights and Growth
• Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market: The global non-alcoholic beverages market was valued at approximately USD 1.3 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.9 trillion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2035. (Allied Market Research)
• Sober Bars and Alcohol-Free Venues: The rise of sober bars is a notable trend. This movement aligns with the increasing demand for alcohol-free social spaces, as evidenced by a 20.6% growth in non-alcoholic drink sales in the U.S. between August 2021 and August 2022. (Faire)
• Fitness and Social Clubs: Run clubs and fitness-oriented social groups have seen a surge in participation, with memberships increasing by 25% over recent years. These clubs foster community through shared health and fitness goals, reflecting a broader trend toward active socializing.
• Recovery Studios and Wellness Centers: Establishments like Othership, Remedy Place, and SAUNA HOUSE® are blending wellness practices with social interaction. The global wellness tourism market, which includes such venues, was valued at USD 720.4 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 1,309.4 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%. (Fortune Business Insights)
Emerging Trends and Opportunities
• Wellness Festivals and Events: There is a growing interest in wellness-focused festivals and events that emphasize holistic health, mindfulness, and community engagement. These gatherings offer opportunities for brands to connect with health-conscious consumers in immersive environments.
• Hybrid Wellness Experiences: Venues are increasingly integrating wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork into social settings, providing balanced experiences that cater to both physical and mental well-being.
Consumer Preferences and Behavioral Shifts
• Mindful Drinking: A significant portion of consumers are adopting mindful drinking habits, with 47% expressing a desire to drink more mindfully. This shift is influencing the demand for non-alcoholic beverages and alcohol-free social venues.
• Desire for Alcohol-Free Social Spaces: While 51% of individuals express a desire for nearby sober bars, only 14% currently have access to such venues, indicating a market opportunity for expansion in this sector.
Conclusion
The convergence of wellness and social engagement is reshaping traditional social spaces, creating opportunities for brands and entrepreneurs to develop innovative, health-focused venues and products. As consumer preferences continue to evolve toward healthier lifestyles, the market for wellness-oriented social spaces is poised for significant growth.
Best for Confort: Tracksmith – Offers high-quality running essentials at reasonable prices with a classic aesthetic.
Best for Yoga: Live The Process – Provides high-end, mindful, and stylish yoga wear that blends comfort with sophistication.
Best for Running: Bandit Running – Focused on premium running gear with a modern edge and functionality.
Best for Gym: ASRV – Specializes in high-performance activewear designed with advanced fabrics and cutting-edge style.
Best for Cycling: Pas Normal Studios – Renowned for technical cycling apparel that combines style and performance.
Best for Outdoor Activities: AEANCE – Merges performance with minimalist aesthetics, ideal for versatile outdoor pursuits.
Best for Sustainability: Vaara – Focuses on sustainable, luxury activewear with stylish and functional pieces.
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