Industry Insights

November 19, 2025

Beyond Reps: Why the Future of Wellness Is Human

Inspired by Beyond Reps: The Rise of Wellbeing in the Fitness Industry by Dr. Glenda Rivoallan & Casey Conrad

For years, the fitness world revolved around output—reps, miles, calories, and performance. But as adults navigate a culture shaped by anxiety, emotional fatigue, and rising disconnection, one truth has become impossible to ignore: doing more isn’t making us feel better.

In their influential book, Beyond Reps, Dr. Glenda Rivoallan and Casey Conrad illuminate this shift, arguing that the next era of wellness must move past performance metrics and return to what people crave most, connection, community, and a sense of belonging.

At SOZO, this belief is foundational. It’s why we exist.

The Evolution
From Fitness to Whole-Person Wellbeing

Rivoallan and Conrad highlight a cultural shift: adults no longer seek places just to “work out.” They want places to feel well—physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

They want movement that strengthens, recovery that restores, and environments that help them reconnect with themselves and others.

This is the essence of SOZO. Movement matters, but wellbeing is bigger. It’s emotional. It’s relational. It’s human.

Connection
The Most Overlooked Component of Wellness

A central theme in Beyond Reps is that community is not an extra—it’s a wellbeing multiplier. People stay committed not because of equipment or programming, but because of the relationships, accountability, and atmosphere around them.

That is the gap SOZO was created to fill.

We are building a Social Wellness Health Club where adults experience:

  • Environments that spark conversation
  • Shared-interest tribes that create belonging
  • Supportive cultures that replace comparison with connection
  • A sense of “I fit here”. These are my people.”

This is where wellbeing begins—beyond reps, beyond metrics, beyond the traditional gym experience.

A Modern Third Place for Today’s Adults

Rivoallan and Conrad describe the future of wellness as immersive and human-centered. Not transactional. Transformative.

SOZO is envisioned as exactly that, a new kind of Third Place:

  • Movement studios that elevate strength and mood
  • Recovery spaces that slow the rhythm and restore balance
  • Lounges and social zones designed for connection
  • Outdoor retreats that inspire calm and joy
  • Programs and tribes that build identity and community

This is wellbeing that feels intentional, social, and whole.

What This Means for the Future

The insights from Beyond Reps are reshaping the global wellness of conversation. The next chapter of wellness will prioritize:

  • Whole-life vitality over quick wins
  • Emotional and mental wellbeing alongside physical health
  • Social connection as a core wellness driver
  • Longevity, balance, and belonging

SOZO is built on this same foundation, wellbeing that is felt, shared, and deeply human.

A Movement Toward Wholeness

Beyond Reps challenges the industry to evolve. SOZO is part of that evolution.

We’re creating environments where people feel supported, connected, inspired, and whole reflecting the meaning behind our name: SOZO, “to heal, restore, and make whole.”

Because in the end, wellbeing doesn’t thrive in isolation. It thrives where people belong.

Disclaimer

This article is inspired by themes explored in Beyond Reps: The Rise of Wellbeing in the Fitness Industry by Dr. Glenda Rivoallan and Casey Conrad. It does not quote or reproduce content from the book.

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