Basic-Fit has signed up to trial Wellhub across its recently expanded Spanish network, giving access to subscribers and enabling them to use all 152 of its Spanish clubs.

This includes the 42 McFit and five Holmes Place locations it acquired recently from RSG Group.

The move is a change of tack for Basic-Fit, which has traditionally sold corporate wellness packages direct to companies. The operator indicated it's part of a strategy to accelerate growth in Spain, where Basic-Fit is now market leader by number of locations.

The remainder of its c.1,400 clubs in Germany, France, The Netherlands and Benelux will continue with direct corporate wellness sales while the Spanish trial is underway.

Wellhub is the new name for corporate wellness platform, Gympass, which rebranded recently, announcing new partnerships with mindfulness, nutrition and sleep experts.

"Eamon Lloyd, VP head of Europe at Gympass said: "This alliance gives Basic-Fit access to hundreds of thousands of corporate users, generating additional revenue, while ensuring seamless interaction and a premium experience.

"As we continue to deliver incremental value to our partners, we're glad to be working with the largest brands in this region," said Lloyd.

As well as offering access to a global network of gyms, studios, classes and fitness apps, through partners such as Bannatyne, Everlast, Everyone Active, GLL and Nuffield Health, Wellhub lists a number of new categories to address health holistically.

Mindfulness and stress reduction is now on offer thanks to partnerships with apps such as Headspace and Meditopia.

A new therapy category and partnership with LikeiFeel, provides access to licensed therapists for confidential mental health support.

Personalised nutritional support will be available from registered dietitians and nutritionists through collaborations with Lifesum, MyFitnessPal, Nutrium and StrongerU.

Insomnia is being tackled with the aid of sleep apps, including Rise Science, SleepCycle and Sleep Score.

A category aimed at women’s health has been added with dedicated resources, such as period tracking with Clue.

“Our new brand and extended services reflect our commitment to providing a holistic wellbeing solution, going beyond physical fitness to encompass mental health, nutrition, sleep and more,” said Cesar Carvalho, co-founder and CEO.

“This shift ensures we meet the needs of today’s workforce, empowering companies to create a culture where employees can check in with their wellbeing every day."

Corporate Wellness is a hot topic and and a growth opportunity for the health and fitness sector, with 93 per cent of employees valuing their wellbeing as much as their salary.

Employee stress has reached unprecedented levels, while increases in absenteeism is causing a problem for economies around the world.

Wellhub is currently used by 15,000 companies in 11 countries.

FURTHER READING

Competition in the corporate wellness market is growing, with Wellpass – which is owned by Egym – having recently bought Hussle.

Wellpass already owns Quailtrain in France.

Both Qualitrain and Hussle are expected to be rebranded, creating a Wellpass network across Europe that will compete with Wellhub (formerly Gympass).