50 on Fire, BostInno’s annual awards celebration, hits the Innovation District on December 4th. Buy tickets today before early bird pricing ends Friday.
When those from outside of Boston conjure up images of the city in their head, it’s not long before they inevitably end up picturing something to do with sports. Whether it’s one of the region’s ever-expanding list of successful sports startups, or a more traditional powerhouse, such as the New England Patriots, or the Boston Marathon, the area is synonymous with sports and fitness.
With that in mind, the hardest part in determining Boston finalists for the 50 On Fire Sports & Fitness category wasn’t finding worthy candidates, but narrowing down the formidable list.At long last, the finalists are out.
Here’s the 2014 list, with winners to be determined from this exclusive group by an expert panel of judges. Check out more about 50 on Fire here.
The Companies & Organizations
Patriots receiver Julian Edelman and CoachUp: Two 50 on Fire finalists in one image.
CoachUp
Considering that CoachUp is now the largest network of private coaches in the country after launching only a few years ago, the Boston-based company has certainly made a name for itself.
And CoachUp has been making rapid moves in 2014. The most notable, without a doubt in New England, was adding fellow 50 on Fire finalist, Julian Edelman. The Patriots receiver joined CoachUp’s growing Athlete Advisory Council, which consists of several recognizable names, expanding the coaching company’s brand even farther.
ENERGYBits
Each ENERGYbit serving is not only chock full of 40 vitamins and minerals, but also houses 64-percent protein. And since each tiny tab is only one calorie, they are officially the most highly-dense form of protein in the world.
And earlier this year ENERGYbits flew to Sochi where they were consumed by athletes participating in the winter Olympic games.
Turnstyle Cycle
New to Kendall Square, Turnstyle Cycle is an indoor cycling and TRX (a suspension training system) studio unlike any other. Integrating both music and light to enhance the member experience, Turnstyle truly has an innovative approach when it comes to fitness.
And with unique touches like utilizing RealRyder bikes — which move side-to-side instead of staying stationary —this studio is taking fitness to the next level.
BollyX Fitness
What began as a vision from 2 students studying at Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan quickly became a new form of fitness.
BollyX is a Bollywood-inspired cardio dance class that will have you both sweating and smiling all while getting a high-intensity workout. This year alone BollyX has travelled nationwide to show off their skills and get individuals interested in the trending workout.
The Boston Athletic Association
In the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon, and the tragedy that marred what should have been another spectacular race, the Boston Athletic Association came back in 2014 with a perfect response.
This past year’s race went off without issue, and the B.A.A. calmly handled increased security while also hosting one of the largest fields of runners in its distinguished history.
DraftKings handed out the first of their Millionaire Maker winner’s checks in 2014.
DraftKings
A notable Boston startup from 2012, DraftKings has been the definition of a success story. They’ve expanded by leaps and bounds since their inception, but in 2014 this has been especially true.
The daily fantasy site has exploded onto the scene, and are now a nationally recognized force. One of the company’s crowning achievements of the year was clearly the addition of the Millionaire Maker challenge. It’s arguably the most prominent example of DraftKings becoming a major fantasy powerhouse.
Mobile Locker Co.
If you’ve ever run in a road race you understand the difficulties involving where to put your belongings. Well, thankfully with this company, you’ll no longer have to worry.
Forget the crowded bag check, with Mobile Locker Co. you can safely store your coat, keys and phone without worrying about stolen (or soggy) belongings post-race. This innovative company is expanding rapidly, traveling to more races each and every weekend.
The Individual Finalists
Jermaine Jones
Honestly, the World Cup goal seen above should be reason enough to ensure Jones’s nomination, but the U.S. international has since signed with the New England Revolution and become an instant force in MLS.
Jones was the highest profile acquisition in the history of New England’s team, and hasn’t disappointed. He was also one of the best players on the 2014 U.S. World Cup team, which survived the so-called “Group of Death” against enormous odds.
Brian Weller
As the co-founder of Barry’s Bootcamp Boston, Weller is more than just a brilliant business man with washboard abs. Weller is one of the talented instructors at this challenging fitness facility that claims their workout is ‘the best in the world.’
Whether you’re motivated to sprint faster by Weller’s one-liners or simply enjoy the community Barry’s Boston possess, this Hub resident is sizzling this year. And we’re talking more than just dripping sweat.
Julie Erickson
As the owner and instructor of Endurance Pilates and Yoga, Julie Erickson works hard to help others lead a healthy lifestyle. However, for this Arlington-based entrepreneur, her talents go beyond strengthening muscles.
Erickson won the 2014 Best Personal Trainer award courtesy of Boston Magazine and was recognized not just for the success of her studio, but also her charitable donation to work with Boston Marathon victims who had lost limbs gain strength.
George Foreman III
While this famous name may remind you of summertime grilling, George Foreman III has built quite an empire in Boston. The Club by George Foreman III is located in South Boston and hosts one of the grandest group fitness schedules of our city’s fitness facilities.
Foreman is complemented by his powerful staff of employees who range from front desk attendants to energetic instructors.
Christina Lodde
As both a Barry’s Bootcamp and Flywheel group fitness instructor, Lodde proves she can motivate just about anyone to be healthy and lead an active lifestyle. Not only does she teach upwards of 16 classes per week, she is also a Sweetgreen ambassador — which ties in nicely to the essential element, nutrition.
However Lodde was not always a Boston fit pro. Over this past year, she has truly made a name for herself in the fitness community, continuously selling out her classes as well as supporting her fellow industry colleagues.
Julian Edelman & Superdigital, The New England Patriots
Having emerged in the last 12 months as a definitive force in the Patriots offense, Edelman has simultaneously become one of the most visible members of the team around Boston.
From his domination of social media as well as other creative platforms, Edelman and Superdigital (his resourceful marketing team) have made him one of the most recognizable faces on one of the NFL’s premier teams. Fans have gotten to know him not merely from his ability to make plays on the field, but also his personality. As a member of the most popular team in sports-obsessed New England, Edelman and Superdigital have created an unorthodox, yet popular personal brand in 2014.
Meb Keflezighi
The veteran runner pulled off a spectacularly historic result, winning the 2014 Boston Marathon. After more than three decades of international winners, the U.S. runner finally won the men’s race on home soil.
Following the 2013 Marathon, Keflezighi was in many ways a perfect champion for Boston, considering the perseverance he had shown in his own life matched that shown by the city in the wake of tragedy. His fantastic victory is more than enough to propel him onto the list of finalists.
More on 50 on Fire:
5 Reasons to Get Your 50 on Fire Early Bird Tickets Today
Next 50 on Fire Meetup Hits Society on High November 19th
