This issue of HCM we celebrate the return of industry legend Augie Nieto to Life Fitness. Nieto served as president from 1977 to 2000 and helped transform the company from a single-product business to one of the world’s largest commercial fitness equipment suppliers.
Nieto’s diagnosis with ALS in 2005 and subsequent battle with the disease is well documented, as is his contribution to a cure, which saw him establish a global charity, Augie’s Quest, with his wife, Lynne.
So far, the organisation has raised over US$75m towards research into a cure and Nieto’s strength, resolve and bravery in battling the disease has won him the respect of the industry and the wider business community.
Life Fitness says Nieto will return as a co-investor in the business and will also be appointed to its board of directors.
The move follows the acquisition of the company by KPS Capital Partners in July, which has been followed by a shake up of the management team and board.
New beginnings Life Fitness was valued at US$490m (€434m, £388m) at the time of the deal, which was below its previous valuation and the new owners are moving to drive business growth.
Jay Bernstein, partner at KPS said, “We’re thrilled to bring Augie back as an investor and a strategic partner. We’re confident that his experience and vision will help Life Fitness drive forward its legacy of being a strong, focused, and innovative global market leader.”
Life Fitness has also appointed Chris Clawson as its CEO, succeeding the outgoing Jason Worthy.
The company’s family of fitness brands includes Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group and SCIFIT – all brought into the group by acquisition.
As Life Fitness has not yet optimised these investments, it will be interesting to see how strategy develops going forward under the new leadership and with Nieto back on the team.
Nieto has held numerous other non-exec and advisory roles and currently serves as an operating advisor to North Castle Partners while being on the board of Curves, Jenny Craig and Hydromassage.
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
This issue of HCM we celebrate the return of industry legend Augie Nieto to Life Fitness. Nieto served as president from 1977 to 2000 and helped transform the company from a single-product business to one of the world’s largest commercial fitness equipment suppliers.
Nieto’s diagnosis with ALS in 2005 and subsequent battle with the disease is well documented, as is his contribution to a cure, which saw him establish a global charity, Augie’s Quest, with his wife, Lynne.
So far, the organisation has raised over US$75m towards research into a cure and Nieto’s strength, resolve and bravery in battling the disease has won him the respect of the industry and the wider business community.
Life Fitness says Nieto will return as a co-investor in the business and will also be appointed to its board of directors.
The move follows the acquisition of the company by KPS Capital Partners in July, which has been followed by a shake up of the management team and board.
New beginnings Life Fitness was valued at US$490m (€434m, £388m) at the time of the deal, which was below its previous valuation and the new owners are moving to drive business growth.
Jay Bernstein, partner at KPS said, “We’re thrilled to bring Augie back as an investor and a strategic partner. We’re confident that his experience and vision will help Life Fitness drive forward its legacy of being a strong, focused, and innovative global market leader.”
Life Fitness has also appointed Chris Clawson as its CEO, succeeding the outgoing Jason Worthy.
The company’s family of fitness brands includes Life Fitness, Hammer Strength, Cybex, Indoor Cycling Group and SCIFIT – all brought into the group by acquisition.
As Life Fitness has not yet optimised these investments, it will be interesting to see how strategy develops going forward under the new leadership and with Nieto back on the team.
Nieto has held numerous other non-exec and advisory roles and currently serves as an operating advisor to North Castle Partners while being on the board of Curves, Jenny Craig and Hydromassage.
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
