*By Michael Teich*
The ubiquity of smartphones and apps has enabled people looking to improve their health find more convenient, cheaper alternatives to the gym without even leaving their home.
Kayla Itsines, Co-Creator of the Bikini Body Guide, has capitalized on the rapid adoption of such technology to build her fitness empire, which reaches a global audience of over 30 million.
“The app is like a personal trainer in your pocket,” Itsines said in an interview with Cheddar Monday. "You can do it anywhere."
But the rise of technology has also paved the way for other fitness disruptors such as Peloton, which has nearly $445 million in outside funding and lets users live stream spin classes from their homes. Itsines said Bikini Body Guide, which has no outside investments, has a competitive advantage because of its attention to fitness categories such as post-pregnancy and yoga.
"We try to cater to all women, which really puts us ahead of the game," she said. "Our oldest customer that I know of is 76. We're not just for the young ones, we're for the moms and grandmoms as well."
Itsines added that she has found success with her app by focusing on the achievements of other women, not her own.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/kayla-itsines-reinvents-the-fitness-industry).
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Long-haul carrier Emirates opened the Dubai Air Show with a $52 billion purchase of Boeing Co. aircraft.
Krispy Kreme is giving out a dozen free original glazed donuts to the first 500 customers who visit participating stores for World Kindness Day.
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The largest South American airline altered its travel policy because Taylor Swift was supposed to perform in Argentina's capital on Friday but moved the date to Sunday because of inclement weather.
Google's parent company Alphabet says it has dissolved its stake in Robinhood.
Stocks fell slightly in Monday's opening session after credit rating for the U.S. was downgraded on Friday.
Workers at 24 Ford production facilities in Kentucky have voted against a tentative labor agreement.
Thousands took to the streets in San Francisco to protest the kickoff of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperations Summit.
Big Business This Week is a guided tour through the biggest market stories of the week, from winning stocks to brutal dips to the facts and forecasts generating buzz on Wall Street.
