
 Today, Explained
 Today, Explained The golden age of exercise
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 Aug 24, 2025  Hady Mawajdeh, a producer passionate about fitness trends, and Danielle Friedman, author of 'Let's Get Physical', delve into the evolution of exercise. They discuss America's fitness revolution, highlighting the rise of budget gyms and shifting motivations. The conversation spans the history of women's involvement in fitness, from early misconceptions to landmark moments, and examines the mind-body connection through practices like breathwork. Listeners gain insights into how societal changes have transformed our approach to health and wellness. 
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Mass Memberships And Diverse Options
- Fitness membership numbers hit record highs with 77 million Americans belonging to clubs in 2024.
- Budget and boutique options together create broad access and appeal across income levels.
Low Cost Drives Rapid Growth
- Budget-friendly gyms are the fastest-growing sector because of low cost of entry.
- Cheap monthly memberships like Planet Fitness at $15 lower barriers and expand participation.
Solidcore Class Test Drive
- Jonquilyn Hill and Hady Mawajdeh attended a Solidcore reformer-style class and found it intensely challenging.
- They noted muscle shaking, breath control struggle, and community encouragement during the workout.







