Welltodo Today: Americans Head To The Gym, NotMilk’s Billion Dollar Valuation, Venture-Backed Sex

Today’s key global wellness news articles from around the world, impacting the industry and influencing the business of wellness.

Americans are heading back to gyms as interest in at-home workouts wanes, Jefferies says

As Covid restrictions ease across the country, vaccines are jabbed into arms and fitness centers revoke mask-wearing policies, more people are heading back to the gym, new research shows. Jefferies has been tracking visits to fitness chains such as Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness and monitoring online searches for gyms and digital fitness programs such as Peloton.

Jeff Bezos-Backed Plant-Based Milk Brand Targets $1 Billion Valuation

NotCo, a plant-based milk brand backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is eying ‘unicorn’ status – a valuation of $1 billion – in its next funding round. The Chilean startup boasts hiking sales this year. And, according to some reports it’s set to triple its current worth.

Sex Sells, But How Well? The Viability Of Venture-Backed Sex

In a matter of days, a trio of lubricants-including one called “Tush Cush”-will appear on the shelves at thousands of Walmart stores nationwide. Walmart has been carrying products, including vibrators, designed to enhance sexual pleasure and upgrade the staid “family planning aisle” for a few years now.

Why Oatly, an alternative milk maker, bought electric trucks

“If the company’s priorities are between growth and profitability, it is always going to be growth for us,” says CEO Toni Petersson.

EXCLUSIVE: Google is downsizing its health team and moving employees to Fitbit as part of a major reorganization

Google’s young health division is splintering, according to employees and an email seen by Insider. Google Health teams working on sensors, research, and records are moving to Fitbit and Search. It’s yet another growing pain for a big tech company that’s still finding its voice in healthcare.

What Is Your Microbiome? A Wellness Trend Taking On Post-Covid Urgency

Call it a sign of the times: Microbiomes-the network of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms (or microbiota) that our bodies play host to-have been getting more attention of late. Though they’re known for aiding digestion, their role in healthy immune function may be what’s currently boosting their reputation.

Meditation Apps Want Us to Chill Out. Musicians Are Happy to Help.

Music and mindfulness have become increasingly linked during the pandemic, and artists like Erykah Badu, Grimes and Arcade Fire are teaming with tech companies to make it happen. When Erykah Badu creates a new song, she begins with instruments that are usually treated as accessories, like singing bells, shakers, mallets and tuning forks.

Rae Wellness expands into CBD

Supplement brand Rae Wellness is the latest to enter the CBD category as the ingredient gains more mainstream traction, but major retailers have yet to get on board. Today, the brand launches its first CBD products, 600-milligram capsules and drops for $39.99 sold DTC and via wellness e-tailer Standard Dose.