There’s something special about stepping off a long-haul flight, jet-lagged but energised, knowing you’re about to be surrounded by the best minds in the global fitness industry. Beyond Activ Dallas 2025 delivered exactly that.
As a global fittech company in over 30 countries, we want to be at the forefront of where the industry is heading. With the US fitness market expected to grow to $60B by 2030—and CloudFit servicing more US gyms than any other country—this event was critical. We were beyond excited to connect with the people and brands on the bleeding edge of the future of fitness.
This was my second Beyond Activ (after Sydney last year), but the energy in Dallas was undeniable. After six days of connecting with leaders and exploring the latest tech, we've come back with a clear view of what's next. Here are our key takeaways on the future of fitness and wellness—and what they mean for your business.
The Cooper Clinic Experience
The conference kicked off with a private tour of the world-renowned Cooper Clinic — and it’s safe to say it set the tone for the entire week. Listening to Dr Kenneth H. Cooper, the father of aerobics and founder of the clinic, was one of those moments that stays with you long after you’ve left the room.
His philosophy is timeless yet urgently relevant: exercise is medicine. He challenged us to rethink how we approach health, asking, “How much do you spend on your car insurance? You can fix that and your house. But you’ve got one life.” It was a powerful reminder of why preventative health needs to be prioritised again.
We learned that a comprehensive Cooper examination is recommended from age 35, with yearly check-ups after 55 — a simple framework for living longer and stronger. And when Dr Cooper signed our copy of his book, it felt like the perfect full-circle moment: a nod to how far the fitness industry has come and where it’s heading next.
For us at CloudFit, this idea that movement is medicine mirrors everything we believe in — helping gyms empower their members through smarter programming, better engagement, and technology that supports long-term wellbeing.
Highlights from Beyond Activ
Beyond Activ’s speaker lineup was nothing short of world-class, but two sessions stood out most. The first, “The Data Doesn’t Lie – Today’s Trends, Tomorrow’s Implications” by Conor O’Loughlin, CRO of ABC Fitness, unpacked how data continues to reshape decision-making in the fitness world. It was a great reminder that meaningful innovation doesn’t just come from what’s new — it comes from understanding what’s working.
The second, “Flashy or Functional? Where Are Equipment and Technology Hitting (or Missing) the Mark?”, sparked some lively debate around the balance between trend-driven design and true utility. As a fitness-tech brand ourselves, it reiterated for us that building tools that aren’t just eye-catching, but genuinely elevate the gym experience.
Across every talk, one theme kept resurfacing — longevity. The industry is shifting focus from short-term performance to long-term health. Whether it’s tracking recovery, reducing injury risk, or creating smarter programming, the future of fitness is about sustainability and staying active for life.
Think of CloudFit as an essential piece of gym equipment. Technology and equipment are merging to benefit both the customer and the business. By design, CloudFit improves the longevity of the business and its staff, which directly impacts the member experience and boosts retention
Innovation on Display
If the talks fuelled the ideas, the exhibition floor brought them to life. Walking through the Experience Zone next to the main stage felt like stepping into the future of wellness.
From Yanga Sports Water to Oxefit, CLMBR, FITBENCH, and Art of Cryo’s Flow System — every brand showcased a different way to move, recover, or optimize performance. The VersaSpa Pro booths were buzzing, Pulse PEMF drew crowds curious about recovery science, and reformer innovations proved that Pilates is only getting stronger (literally).
Seeing so much cutting-edge equipment and recovery tech in one place reminded us how fast the industry is evolving — and why CloudFit’s role in connecting gyms to smarter display systems matters more than ever.
Our Favourite Things in Dallas
Of course, a trip to Texas wouldn’t be complete without a little exploring. Between conference sessions and networking events, we managed to soak up the local culture — and fall a little bit in love with Dallas along the way.
🏃♀️ Run the Katy Trail – the best way to beat jet lag and take in the city’s energy.
🍸 HIDE Bar in Lower Greenville – great atmosphere, better cocktails.
☕ La La Land Kind Café – Melbourne coffee energy.
🥤 JuiceLand – perfect post-workout refuel.
💃 Line dancing in the Main Street District – a Friday night we’ll never forget.
🤠 Fort Worth Stockyards & Rodeo – because you can’t visit Texas without embracing your inner cowboy.
Dallas was everything we hoped for and more — inviting, full of southern hospitality, and endlessly welcoming to us Aussies.
Reflections and What’s Next
Looking back, Beyond Activ Dallas wasn’t just a conference — it was a reminder of why we love what we do. The conversations we had, the technology we saw, and the insights we took home all point toward one thing: a more connected, more intentional future for fitness.
As CloudFit continues to grow, events like this reaffirm our mission to help gyms unlock their potential through smarter, simpler tech that supports movement, health, and longevity.
Our favourite moment? Without a doubt — meeting Dr Cooper and hearing him champion a message that transcends trends: “Exercise is medicine.” It’s a principle we’ll keep carrying into every partnership, every innovation, and every conversation ahead.
Next stop: Beyond Activ APAC in Melbourne. We can’t wait to welcome the global fitness community to our hometown this December — to share ideas, showcase innovation, and celebrate how far this industry has come.
Until then, we’re heading home inspired, energised, and maybe just a little more “Cooperised.”
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Thanks for stopping by!
Sam Lopez
