Fitness entrepreneur Anthony Geisler joined a select group of health leaders at the White House this week to discuss national health outcomes, marking a milestone moment for the exercise industry's role in public policy conversations.
Geisler, CEO of boutique fitness franchisor Sequel Brands, participated in high-level discussions alongside health innovators and policymakers as the Presidential Commission released its Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report. The comprehensive document addresses declining health trends across the United States, with particular emphasis on the urgent need to increase physical activity among American children.
The invitation positions Geisler as the fitness sector's representative in policy forums traditionally dominated by medical institutions, academic researchers and government officials. His presence signals growing recognition that physical movement deserves a central place in national health strategy.
"The fitness community has waited a long time for this moment," Geisler said. "Physical movement isn't optional anymore. It's essential to the nation's health."
The newly released MAHA report revealed troubling statistics about youth physical activity that underscore the urgency of the White House discussions. More than 70% of children aged 6-17 fail to meet minimum daily moderate-to-vigorous activity recommendations, with that figure climbing to 85% among teenagers.
These numbers place American children's outdoor activity levels below those of individuals in maximum-security facilities, according to data referenced during the discussions. The stark comparison highlights how sedentary lifestyles have become normalized in American youth culture.
Geisler has spent recent months advocating for physical movement in public health policy through conversations with key figures including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, and Special Advisor Calley Means.
"These stats are a serious wake-up call," Geisler said. "When kids and teens aren't moving enough, we're setting them up for serious health issues down the road. The fitness industry has a real role in making movement simple, accessible and part of everyday life."
Geisler built his reputation by scaling boutique fitness concepts into national brands. He founded Xponential Fitness in 2017, growing it into the world's largest fitness and wellness franchisor through acquisitions of brands including Club Pilates, StretchLab and Pure Barre.
After departing Xponential in 2024, Geisler launched Sequel Brands earlier this year with four wellness concepts: Pilates Addiction, iFlex Stretch Studios, Beem Light Sauna and BODY20. Each brand focuses on different aspects of physical performance, from reformer-based Pilates to assisted stretching and electro-muscle stimulation training.
His companies have delivered tens of millions of workouts to Americans, providing him with practical insights into consumer exercise habits and preferences that inform his policy discussions.
During his Washington visit, Geisler participated in media interviews alongside journalists and podcasters to raise awareness about youth inactivity trends. He emphasized the fitness industry's potential to reverse declining movement patterns through accessible programming and community-based approaches.
The entrepreneur has consistently advocated for making physical activity central to American health priorities. He points to research from the world's longest-living communities, which prioritize daily physical movement as a cornerstone of longevity and wellness.
Geisler will continue his public platform role as keynote speaker at the Athletech Innovation Summit in New York City this June. The June 17-18 event will feature his first major public appearance since leaving Xponential, where he plans to detail his vision for boutique fitness franchising's future.
The White House discussions represent the beginning of what Geisler expects will be ongoing collaboration between fitness industry leaders and policymakers. He sees potential for the exercise sector to play a larger role in national wellness outcomes through targeted programming and community engagement initiatives.
"The last few months have consisted of very productive conversations," Geisler said. "I look forward to continued collaboration to bring the industry together and support the mission of Make America Healthy Again through physical movement."
Sequel Brands operates flagship studios in major U.S. markets and continues expanding through franchising. The company positions itself to lead boutique fitness franchising while contributing to broader conversations about public health policy and the importance of physical movement in American communities.
