At Active Wellness, we don’t just operate fitness centers; we help people, organizations, and communities move toward healthier, happier, longer lives. Through our onsite fitness center management, medical fitness partnerships, workplace wellness programs, and science-backed longevity solutions, we support people wherever they are on their wellbeing journey.
This year, we hosted our first-ever Active University, an immersive leadership and education event designed to strengthen the future of wellness, fitness operations, and member experience for our team. Over several days, our managers, leaders, and partners explored what truly drives retention, motivation, resilience, and joy, both inside our centers and within our teams.
Across every session, one theme stood out:
Wellness and leadership are deeply connected. When we develop resilient leaders, meaningful programs, and healthier workplaces, members stay longer, teams thrive, and communities flourish.
Here are seven big ideas we walked away with relevant for anyone leading a fitness center, running wellness programs, managing teams, or striving for more purpose and balance at work.
1. Fun Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational
Inspired by Dr. Mike Rucker
Fun isn’t the “extra” we squeeze into life—it’s a scientifically validated driver of engagement, mental health, and performance. When leaders and teams intentionally plan moments of joy, they create stronger cultures and more energized workplaces.
Takeaway: Fun fuels retention, resilience, and workplace happiness.
2. Member Conflict: Communication Creates the Experience
Inspired by Chris Stevenson
The way we communicate during tough moments shapes our culture as much as the policies we enforce. Empathy, consistency, and clarity turn conflict into connection.
Takeaway: Trust grows when communication is compassionate and consistent.
3. Feedback That Builds Trust, Not Fear
Inspired by Active Wellness Vice President of Human Resources Meredith DePersia
People don’t need more formal reviews—they need more meaningful conversations. When feedback is rooted in clarity and care, teams feel supported, not judged.
Takeaway: Healthy cultures are built on psychological safety and honest dialogue.
4. Leading in a VUCA World: Resilience Over Comfort
Inspired by Active Wellness Chief Operating Officer Michele Wong
In a volatile and rapidly changing environment, resilient leadership becomes a competitive advantage. Values, intention, and human-centered leadership help teams navigate uncertainty with confidence.
Takeaway: Great leaders stretch people—with care, purpose, and authenticity.
5. Healthspan & Scientific Wellness: The Future of Programming
Inspired by Active Wellness COO Michele Wong & Dr. Nathan Price
The future of fitness is shifting from “workouts” to longevity ecosystems. From bone health and VO₂ max training to microbiome insights and AI-driven prevention, healthspan is becoming the new north star for wellness and medical fitness.
Takeaway: Programming must evolve to help people live better, longer—not just exercise more.
6. Brain Health & Cognitive Fitness: Move With Thought
Inspired by Ryan Glatt
Exercise is powerful medicine for the brain. When movement and cognitive challenge are combined, members experience better balance, improved memory, and enhanced overall well-being.
Takeaway: Cognitive fitness is the next frontier of member engagement and aging well.
7. Sales & Membership: We Sell Trust, Not Access
Inspired by Active Wellness Co-Founder, President & CEO Bill McBride
Membership sales work best when rooted in service, hospitality, and human connection—not pressure. The first moments of an interaction can shape years of loyalty.
Takeaway: Trust is the foundation of retention.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Retention, Leadership & Workplace Joy
Active University 2025 revealed a powerful truth:
Retention, happiness at work, member loyalty, program success, and organizational culture all grow from the same soil—human-centered leadership and meaningful wellness experiences.
When we:
✔ Put people at the center
✔ Communicate with clarity and care
✔ Design programs that support long-term healthspan
✔ Help teams navigate conflict and uncertainty
✔ Make space for fun and purpose
…we create communities where members stay longer, employees thrive, and wellness becomes a lasting lifestyle.
If your organization is exploring ways to build stronger fitness programs, activate wellbeing, or create longevity-focused experiences, we’d love to connect. Together, we can help your community live healthier, longer, and more fulfilled lives.
