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Buy 5 High-Flying Health & Fitness Stocks of 2024 With More Upside

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Buy 5 High-Flying Health & Fitness Stocks of 2024 With More Upside

Health and fitness companies focus on improving and maintaining physical well-being through products and services like gym memberships, fitness equipment, nutritional supplements and wellness programs.

Health and fitness companies benefit from consistent demand on growing global awareness of health issues and the importance of physical fitness. This trend is supported by rising rates of lifestyle-related diseases and a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare.

Here we recommend five stocks from the Health and Fitness space with a favorable Zacks Rank that have rallied in 2024. Their favorable Zacks Rank indicates more upside in 2025. The stocks are Garmin Ltd. GRMN, Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. SFM, Doximity Inc. DOCS, Peloton Interactive Inc. PTON and Planet Fitness Inc. PLNT.

The space’s growth is backed by diverse revenue streams, which include subscriptions, product sales and services, making it attractive to investors seeking long-term gains. Moreover, technological advancements, such as fitness trackers and wearable fitness devices, provide new opportunities for growth and drive further consumer engagement and revenue potential.

However, the market is highly competitive. Economic downturns can impact consumer spending on non-essential health and fitness products. Rapid changes in consumer preferences and health trends can make it challenging for companies to lure customers continuously.

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These stocks have strong growth potential for 2025 and have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the past 30 days. Each of our picks currently carries either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank  stocks here.

The chart below shows the price performance of our five picks year to date.

Zacks Investment Research


Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Zacks Rank #1 Garmin is benefiting from strong momentum across the Fitness and Auto OEM segments. While strength in the Fitness segment is primarily attributed to advanced wearables demand, Auto OEM revenues are driven by increased shipments of domain controllers to BMW. GRMN reports operations under five segments: Outdoor, Fitness, Marine, Auto and Aviation.

GRMN’s strong momentum across the Aviation and Marine segments is a positive. Improving demand scenario in the Outdoor segment also bodes well. Increasing demand in the Americas and EMEA regions is a plus. GRMN’s growing focus on continued innovation, diversification and market expansion to explore opportunities across all business segments is another positive.

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What is reformer pilates? And is it worth the cost?

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What is reformer pilates? And is it worth the cost?

Reformer pilates is steadily growing in popularity, with new studios opening regularly in major cities all over the world.

But what exactly is reformer pilates? And how does it compare with regular pilates and other types of exercise?

Classes aren’t cheap so let’s look at the potential benefits and drawbacks to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Pilates with special equipment

Pilates is a mode of exercise that focuses on core stability and flexibility, while also addressing muscular strength and endurance, balance and general fitness. At first glance, it might look a bit like yoga, with some more traditional weight training components thrown in.

Reformer pilates uses a piece of equipment called a “reformer”. This looks like a narrow bed that slides along a carriage, has straps to hold onto, and has adjustable springs that add resistance to movement. You perform pilates on the reformer to target specific muscle groups and movement patterns.

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The reformer was first designed to help people recover from injuries. However, it has now become common for general fitness and even sports performance.

Unlike normal pilates, also known as “mat pilates”, which only uses your body weight, the reformer adds resistance, meaning you can change the difficulty according to your current level of fitness.

This not only provides a way to overload your muscles, but can make the exercise session more aerobically demanding, which has been proposed to improve cardiovascular fitness.

Mat pilates uses your body weight.
Kampus Productions/Pexels

What are the benefits of reformer pilates?

Despite being around for decades, there is surprisingly little research looking at the benefits of reformer pilates. However, what we have seen so far suggests it has a similar effect to other modes of exercise.

Reformer pilates has been shown to help with weight loss, cause some small increases in muscle mass, and enhance cognitive function. All of these benefits are commonly seen when combining weight training and cardio into the same routine.

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Similarly, among older adults, it has been shown to improve strength, enhance flexibility and may even reduce the risk of falling.

From a rehabilitation perspective, there is some evidence indicating reformer pilates can improve shoulder health and function, reduce lower back pain and increase flexibility.

Finally, there is some evidence suggesting a single session of reformer pilates can improve two key markers of cardiovascular health, being flow-mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity, while also improving cholesterol and insulin levels. This suggests reformer pilates could lead to long-term improvements in heart and metabolic health, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Man pulls straps of reformer, with his physio looking on
Reformer pilates was first designed to help people recover from injuries.
Kampus Productions/Pexels

However, there are some key things to consider when discussing these benefits. Most of this research is quite exploratory and comes from a very small number of studies. So we do not know whether these findings will apply to everyone.

Very few studies compared reformer pilates to other types of exercise. Therefore, while it can improve most aspects of health and function, it’s unlikely reformer pilates provides the optimal mode of exercise for each individual component of physical fitness.

Traditional weight training, for example, will likely cause larger improvements in strength than reformer pilates. Similarly, stretching will probably make you more flexible. And running or cycling will make you fitter.

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However, if you want a type of exercise that gives you broad overall health benefits, it could be a good option.

What are the downsides of reformer pilates

Reformer pilates is not for everyone.

First and foremost, classes can be expensive compared to other fitness options. You need to be doing at least two to three sessions per week of any type of exercise to maximise the benefits. So even if you can find a class for A$20 or $30, paying for two or three classes a week (or buying a weekly or monthly subscription) is a significant outlay.

Second, it’s not as accessible as other exercise. Even if you can afford it, not every town or suburb has a reformer pilates studio.

Woman rolls up exercise mat
Cost and access are major barriers. Or you might get better results with specific modes of exercises.
Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

Third, the effectiveness of your workout is likely to be impacted by how competent your instructor is. There are a host of different pilates qualifications you can get in Australia, and some take much less time than others. With this in mind, it might be best to look for accredited pilates instructors, although this will further reduce the number of options you have available.

Finally, there is a learning curve. While you will get better over time, the exercise will likely be less effective during those first few weeks (or months) when you are getting used to the machine and the movements.

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Is it right for you?

Reformer pilates can be a great addition to your fitness routine, especially if you’re looking for a low-impact way to build strength and flexibility.

But if you have more specific goals, you might need a more specific mode of exercise. For example, if you need to get stronger to improve your ability to manage your daily life, then strength training is probably your best bet. Likewise, if your goal is to run a marathon, you will get more specific benefits from running.

The cost and availability of reformer pilates make it less accessible for some people. With this in mind, if you are after similar benefits at a lower price point, mat pilates might be a better option. Not only does it have evidence suggesting it can improve strength and fitness, but it is something you can do at home if you find a good resource (YouTube could be a good starting point here).

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Here Are 5 Tips To Keep Active Through the Winter

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Here Are 5 Tips To Keep Active Through the Winter

Snow and ice, illness, holiday travel and packed schedules are among the many reasons people struggle to stay fit in winter.

Damon Swift, associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development, studies the health impacts of exercise. He said consistency in exercise is important, and switching from an active to sedentary lifestyle for three months could cause you to lose benefits like cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength.

Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to adapt your workout routine and stay healthy during the winter. Swift shared his best advice with UVA Today.

Think Beyond Weight 

To stay motivated, Swift recommends focusing on the many benefits of exercise. “I think sometimes the perception is, ‘If I’m not losing weight, I’m not improving my health,’” he said. “But it’s important to know there are benefits beyond weight control.”

Swift said exercise provides mental health benefits, which are especially important when sunlight is scarce. Research shows exercise can reduce the risk of depression and improve symptoms of depression. 

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Exercise also strengthens the immune system, an important benefit during cold and flu season.

Prepare for the Weather

Freezing temperatures, cold and ice can derail your exercise routine.

Swift said exercising in cold weather affects how the body responds to activity. “When you’re exercising in the cold, blood flow gets directed away from your extremities to protect the warmth at your core,” he said. “Your metabolic rate, or the amount of energy your body is using, also tends to be a little bit higher to try to regulate your body temperature.”

If you enjoy exercising outdoors, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, wear breathable layers, a hat and gloves. Older adults or others at higher risk of injury should take extra precautions if there’s snow or ice on the ground.

Of course, exercise doesn’t have to be outdoors. If working out in the cold and snow isn’t appealing, consider switching to indoor activities like swimming or at-home workout videos.

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Find Small Ways To Be Active

Swift recommends finding creative ways to add more activity to your day. He recalled a study that focused on increasing people’s physical activity outside of formal training.

“We had participants who would call their adult children and just walk around their house and accumulate steps that way,” he said. 

Devices like step counters or activity monitors can help track all types of movement.

Adding more activity can be as simple as parking your car farther from the office or engaging in active play with your children. “Don’t just think about physical activity as being on a treadmill,” Swift said. “Are there places where physical activity can become a part of what you’re already doing?”

Make a Plan

For optimal health benefits, experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week for adults. But making a plan for when to exercise is key.

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“The people that tend to do the best in our research studies are the ones that exercise at the same time every single day because it becomes part of their regular routine,” he said. “If you can say, ‘OK, this is going to be my exercise time,’ and you protect that time, you’re probably better off than if you just hope that you’re going to get out there at some point.”

Swift advises to “never miss a Monday” when it comes to physical activity.

“Planning to get exercise in the earlier parts of the week will help you in case something happens toward the end of the week,” he said. 

Be Flexible

Swift acknowledges that even the best plan may go awry. The most important thing to remember is exercise is not all or nothing. Adding just a small amount of physical activity to your day is where you get the most bang for your buck, health-wise. 

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Feeling Stressed? Here’s Why You Should Make Time for Somatic Workouts

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Feeling Stressed? Here’s Why You Should Make Time for Somatic Workouts

In this hyperactive world of non-stop schedules and endless notifications, busy people often exercise to regulate stress. A solid sweat session can leave you feeling more energised and even happier after your body produces endorphins from all that movement – but that’s not always the best course of action. An intense workout can also crank up cortisol, your body’s stress hormone. If your stress levels are already through the roof, what your body might actually need is something slower and easier, whether you want to admit it or not.

Somatic workouts – a style of slow, mindful, body-focused exercise – have gained popularity as a remedy to society’s collective elevated stress state. This type of training can help you dial things down, relax, and reconnect to your body. Here’s what you need to know and how to work more somatic training into your routine.

What Are Somatic Workouts?

Instead of chasing PRs or burning out in a HIIT workout, somatic exercise is about tuning in toward yourself. ‘It’s prioritising movement that feels good and listening to what your body’s telling you,’ says Julianne Lane, DPT, C.S.C.S., a physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments in San Diego who uses somatic movement in her practice. ‘It shouldn’t be painful, strenuous, or difficult. It’s about allowing your body and your mind to link up so that you can be more in tune with yourself.’

Mind-body practices like yoga and tai-chi are obvious examples, but somatic exercises don’t always look like exercise. Anything that syncs your movements with internal awareness can count – like stretching, walking, and even breathwork. ‘You’re not really going into that exercise with a strength-gain or competitive goal; it’s more about the mindfulness,’ says Lane. During this movement, you’re focusing on how it feels in your body rather than what it looks like.

Who Are Somatic Workouts Good For?

Somatic workouts can benefit anyone stuck in a chronic state of stress. While traditional exercise activates your sympathetic nervous system (the network behind the of nerves behind the fight-or-flight response), somatic workouts have a different effect: they turn on your parasympathetic nervous system, the rest and digest system. ‘It helps your body actually relax,’ says Lane. Your heart rate lowers, you feel calmer, and your muscles can release tension.

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‘Let’s say you have a very stressful job,’ says Lane. ‘If you wake up first thing in the morning and go to an intense workout class – or late at night – that’s stressful on your body. You’re keeping cortisol levels pretty high throughout the day.’ Somatic workouts can help by giving your nervous system a chance to recover before or after those high-intensity sessions. They’re also beneficial for people struggle to sleep, like those with sleep disorders or anyone who has a hard time winding down at night. And sleep is when recovery – and real strength gains – actually happen.

Somatic movement can also be an effective tool for managing chronic pain, like lower back pain. ‘By doing somatic movement, it allows patients to shift their focus away from the pain site to other parts of the body,’ says Lane. Over time, small studies have shown this can actually lower pain perception.

How to Add Somatic Exercises to Your Workout Routine

You don’t need to overhaul your workouts to try somatic movement. Just sprinkle these training approaches into your routine to expand your exercise horizons and connect better to your body. Start with a few minutes of somatic movement to your warm-up, cool-down, or recovery days. Here are a few simple practices to get you started:

1/ Body Scan

This exercise is all about body awareness. Start at the top of your body and move down to your toes, paying attention to how each part feels. ‘Start with gentle movements of the head and neck, and get hose muscles to really relax,’ says Lane. ‘Then you move down to the shoulders (little shoulder roll), and then to the hands (little wiggles). Then lay the hands still, and really work down the body that way.’

2/ Diaphragmatic Breathing

‘A lot of times we breathe with our accessory muscles like our upper traps, our neck muscles, or our chest muscles, rather than using our diaphragm throughout the day,’ says Lane. Instead, inhale deeply through your nose, letting your belly expand first, then your rib cage. Exhale slowly.

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Bonus points: Pair this breathwork with deep stretches to make it a full somatic workout.

3/ Dance

Turn on your favorite song and move however your body feels like moving. Let your intuition guide you – there’s no wrong way.

4/ Yoga

Some fast-paced studio classes may miss the mark, but many yoga practices are inherently somatic when they focus on connecting breath and movement.

Just like any new habit, somatic exercise takes practice, and quieting your inner dialogue and focusing on feeling is easier said than done.

So start slow: ‘Try three days a week and then once that feels manageable, you can increase up to four or five times a week,’ says Lane. As you build consistency, you may notice yourself feeling calmer, more grounded, and better able to handle whatever life throws your way.

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