Fitness + Technology

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Steven Webster to the show. Steven is the CEO of ASENSEI which captures sports apparel and knowledge into software so that fitness equipment, training apps, and connected fitness products can coach and correct customer's movement in real-time. ASENSEI aims to strengthen engagement by turning solo practice into instructional learning, locks in brand loyalty by connecting coaching to clothing, and increase retention by showing customers measurable progress along a learning path. Today, he joins Bryan to talk about his business and the digital landscape of personalized training. One Powerful Quote: 8:51: “Challenges are just hooks for opportunities.”  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:03: Bryan opens the show by asking Steven about the digital landscape in digital wellness. 6:40: Steven shares his views on the innovator’s dilemma.  9:24: Steven comments on the risk reward dynamic in business valua

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Federico Imparatta to the show. Federico is the founder of Ataraxy, a digital product agency, which helps lead strategic development and execution of digital solutions that drive business growth. His team's technical expertise is in software & hardware development, product development, and design to deliver high-quality digital products with the overarching goal of empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital era. Today, he joins Bryan to talk about his business and the reality of developing digital fitness products. One Powerful Quote: 35:07: “Don’t ever fall in love with the idea.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:18: Bryan opens the show by asking Federico about developing digital fitness products.  7:44: Federico talks about the managing expectations when crafting digital solutions.  11:38: Bryan and Federico discuss how today's business thinking is influencing the development of

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Tessa Thomas to the show. Tessa is the Co-Founder of Pipeline Solutions, a purpose-built automation and analytics platform for boutique fitness studio owners and operators. Today, she joins Bryan to talk about her business, automation and coding, and keeping the human touch in a digitized world.  One Powerful Quote: 21:51: “It’s really still about people.”  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:40: Bryan opens the show by asking Tessa about her background. 5:30: Tessa shares her observations about the startup world.  9:01: Tessa tells the story of what led to starting Pipeline Solutions and its benefits for operators.  15:16: Bryan and Tessa talk about coding and automation. 21:42: Bryan wraps up the show with Tessa imparting her pearls of wisdom to the listeners.  Bullet List of Resources: https://www.pipeline-solutions.co https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessat/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Spencer Honeyman to the show. Spencer is an entrepreneurial business executive with a proven track record of successfully bringing innovative technology to market. He is the Chief Commercial Officer for Vi, an enterprise AI SaaS solution for health industry leaders to supercharge engagement and retention. Today, Spencer joins Bryan to talk about Vi enterprise and the various use case applications of their tools.  One Powerful Quote: 25:37: “Resilience, what happens when you get punched in the mouth?” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:31: Bryan opens the show by asking Spencer to share his story.  5:53: Bryan asks Spencer what Vi does and how they execute on their principles.  12:05: Bryan and Spencer talk about the marketing funnel and understanding how to make better business decisions.  15:38: Bryan and Spencer discuss their general thoughts on AI, predictive analytics, machine learning, and

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Dan Uyemura to the show. Dan currently is a partner and coach at Torrance CrossFit and CEO of PushPress, a business management and billing platform for boutique gyms. With almost 20 years of seasoned web application development fused with a lifetime of entrepreneurial efforts, he has worked on a number of projects in software, technology, and the fitness space. Today, Dan joins Bryan to talk about his story, how operators should use tech, local marketing and boutique gym trends, and overall advice to entrepreneurs.  One Powerful Quote: 24:05: “Ideas are cheap, and execution means everything.”  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:19: Bryan opens the show by asking Dan about his background.  6:58: Dan talks about the challenges of appropriate technology adoption in the industry space.  9:02: Dan shares the value proposition of PushPress.  11:23: Bryan and Dan discuss implementing technology in mark

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Erika Levy to the show. Erika is the founder of The Barre Fusions Method that teaches fitness instructors how to create classes that fuse ballet barre with other formats and streamline class design. She is certified in numerous yoga and active aging certifications and currently teaches Barre Fusions at Gold’s Gym in Camas, Washington and West Coast Fitness in Portland, Oregon. Today, Erika joins Bryan to talk about her business and trends in group fitness programming.  One Powerful Quote: 19:38: “I think there’s a lot of opportunity to monetize your content and to create online experiences that are an extension of the in-person experience.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:38: Bryan opens the show by asking Erika about her background in the fitness space.  4:20: Erika talks about launching her Barre Fusions concept.  8:16: Erika explains how Barre Fusions aligns with distributing group fitness

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Edward Navan to the show. Ed is the Co-Founder of REGYMEN Fitness and founded The Covery Wellness Spa. He has spent his career in every capacity in the industry from personal trainer, vendor rep, national account buyer, and now company owner. While he loves fitness, Edward sees the the biggest opportunity in the growing recovery and wellness sector where he believes the next decade will see a merging of the fitness and spa worlds. Today, Ed joins Bryan to share his thoughts on the fitness industry and the yet to be defined recovery and optimization space. One Powerful Quote: 19:45: “No man is an island.”  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:40: Bryan opens the show by asking what interested Edward in getting involved in recovery wellness.  5:41: Edward shares some of his favorite therapies in recovery wellness. 9:02: Bryan inquires with Edward how the fitness market has integrated with recovery wellne

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Angela Moscaritolo to the show. Angela is the Senior Analyst for Fitness and Smart Home at PCMag. She has been with PCMag for over ten years and has written over 6,000 articles and reviews. She spent eight years as a reporter covering consumer tech news before becoming an analyst in 2020. Before joining PCMag, Angela was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. She earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University and started her career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Angela is also a yoga teacher and has been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade. Today, Angela joins Bryan to discuss her impressions on what’s happening with the latest wearable technology. One Powerful Quote: 34:51: “It’s not about you. Really, it’s about your client and their needs.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:24: Bryan opens

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Jeff Dilts to the show. Jeff is the VP of Global Marketing & Product Innovation at Core Health & Fitness. With a highly respect background in product development, Jeff joins Bryan to share his insights on the trends in commercial fitness equipment.  If you’re interested in learning more about VertiMax’s 2023 Summit, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vertimax-summit-2023-tampa-fl-registration-486879247937 One Powerful Quote: 32:01: “From an operator’s standpoint, you have to constantly being listening.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:10: Jeff shares his insights on the commercial fitness space. 6:18: Bryan and Jeff talk about technology integration with indoor cycling.  11:43: Jeff further articulates on technology integration with other cardio equipment.  15:13: Bryan and Jeff recognize the history of StairMaster and what’s trending in cardio equipment. 20:07: Jeff explains the

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back Rick Mayo to the show. Rick Mayo is an accomplished fitness business entrepreneur and founder and CEO of the Alloy Personal Training Franchise system. Not only has Rick experienced success as a fitness entrepreneur, he has also delivered keynotes on personal training and fitness business trends to audiences around the world. He has also been an advisor to organizations like the Gold’s Gym Franchise Association and the American Council on Exercise, among others. Rick’s views have been featured in numerous reports and articles in addition to several books and many podcasts on fitness business trends around the world. Today, Bryan joins Rick to discuss the state of the fitness industry with specifics on generational dynamics, new tech, and the experience economy.   One Powerful Quote: 32:39: “The greatest business models haven’t been invented yet.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:11: Rick introd

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes John Sanei to the show. John is a keynote speaker, futurist, advisor, and best selling author helping individuals and organizations prepare for the uncertain future and transforming our awareness to perceive new possibilities and embrace change. Today, John joins Bryan in a fascinating conversation on new perspectives to unlock innovative solutions in an ever-evolving world. One Powerful Quote: 2:57: “You cannot solve a problem from the same awareness that created it." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:18: Bryan opens the show by asking John to synthesize how we should be preparing for the future.  8:46: John articulates on the implications of commoditizing in all industries. 15:32: Bryan inquires with John about how leaders should change and reform their businesses.  22:19: John shares his recommendations on books and podcasts.  25:33: Bryan wraps up the show with John imparting his final pearls of

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Bob Esquerre to the show. Bob is both nationally & internationally recognized as a business planner, a leading educator, and personal trainer. As the CEO & Senior Consultant of the Esquerre Fitness Group International, Bob is an active participant in lecture circuits as a sought after speaker in the areas of fitness, health & wellness program design, development and implementation, and personal training. Today, Bob joins Bryan to share his perspective on wellness trends, technology integration, and overall challenges in the industry space.  One Powerful Quote: 18:08: “The biggest asset for us is the customer.”  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:37: Bryan asks Bob what he is witnessing as trends in the marketplace.  6:05: Bob talks about staffing as it relates to health and wellness.  11:46: Bryan inquires with Bob about the primary challenges with staffing.  13:23: Bob articulates on the

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Pablo Viñaspre to the show. Pablo has worked in the sport and wellness industry for over two decades and is the CEO of FitnessKPI, one of the leading business intelligence providers for sports and fitness facilities in Spain. Today, Bryan and Pablo have an engaging conversation on his business and his observations around effective automated intelligence.   One Powerful Quote: 21:22: “Be brave if you want to innovate, if you want to leave an impact around you. Be brave and go for the ideas that you have because you’re going to enjoy that if you follow your heart.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:31: Bryan opens the show by asking Pablo about the tech startup scene in Spain.  6:00: Pablo shares his observations about technology adoption in the space.  10:41: Pablo tells the story of creating FitnessKPI and the why behind it.  15:39: Bryan inquires with Pablo on barriers for businesses not adopting e

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke hosts a webinar with Robert Louw. Robert is the Chief Growth Officer for Wexer, a digital fitness market provider of world-class exercise accessible to more people by harnessing the power of technology, while simultaneously ensuring traditional facilities remain at the very heart of the fitness experience. Together, they answer the complex question of how to optimize customer service strategies in the rapidly evolving landscape of 2023 and beyond. In addition, they shed light on preserving and enhancing brand value through innovative and meaningful content creation. If you’re interested in learning more about FIT Summit 2023, please visit: https://thefitsummit.com/events/global/ One Powerful Quote: 46:43: “I think a lot of operators underestimate the brand that they have.”  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:24: Bryan opens the show by talking about Rob’s work background.  3:40: Bryan & Rob talk about the

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke hosts a webinar with Ian Houghton on AI & user experience. Ian Houghton is a Senior Product Manager for Mitsubishi and Shosabi, an AI-onboarding system that provides gyms the opportunity to enhance the member onboarding experience. Today, Bryan and Ian discuss AI as an emerging technology to further enhance user experience in the fitness industry space. To learn more about FIBO, please visit: https://www.fibo.com/ To learn more about the Europe Health & Fitness Forum, please visit: https://www.europeactive.eu/event/EHFF One Powerful Quote: 5:47: “User experience is the emotion that is evoked as a result of every aspect of a member or user’s interaction with a product or company that contributes to overall perceptions and satisfactions.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:12: Bryan opens the show by introducing Ian and his background.  5:26: Bryan gives an overview on user experience and how businesses

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke records his presentation live from IHRSA 2023 in San Diego. He covers why the next decade will be even more significant and where the future lies with six key themes vital to the industry. To learn more about FIBO, please visit: https://www.fibo.com/ To learn more about the Europe Health & Active Forum, please visit: https://www.europeactive.eu/event/EHFF One Powerful Quote: 44:34: “As we see the future, we act. As we act, so we become.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:56: Bryan opens his presentation by covering six key themes with their respective challenges.   6:02: Bryan talks about these dynamics including demographic shifts, globalism, sustainability, cooperation, and institutional distrust.  12:22: Bryan articulates the cycle of technology creating new solutions and problems for how people are thinking and reassessing their lives.  17:00: Bryan explains the term “prosumer” and emerging new model

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke hosts a webinar with Ian Houghton and Chris Stevenson. Ian Houghton is a Senior Product Manager for Mitsubishi and Shosabi, an AI-onboarding system that provides gyms the opportunity to enhance the member onboarding experience. Chris Stevenson is the Founder of The Empower Group, a consulting firm that supports health clubs, studios, and fitness professionals to achieve success and accomplish their goals through speaking, workshops, and customized services. Today, the three discuss AI as an emerging technology in the fitness industry space and its practical applications for the future.  To learn more about IHRSA 2023, please visit: https://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2023-convention To learn more about the Europe Health & Active Forum, please visit: https://www.europeactive.eu/event/EHFF One Powerful Quote: 11:17: “Mindset, user experience, economics, and execution engines are the real four pillars of competitive capability.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ ti

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Lisa Kuecker to the show. Lisa is the Founder of Studio Grow, a client service firm that helps boutique studios in their every day operational challenges. Today, Lisa joins Bryan to share her background with Studio Grow as well as her insights and experience in the industry space.  If you’re interested in learning more about IHRSA 2023, please visit: https://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2023-convention If you’re interested in attending Boutique Fitness Celebration, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boutique-fitness-celebration-tickets-557789010947 If you’re interested in learning more about the Europe Health & Fitness Forum, please visit: https://www.europeactive.eu/event/EHFF One Powerful Quote: 32:24: “None of us know everything.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:31: Bryan opens the show by introducing Lisa and talking about their shared background.  9:26: Bryan asks Lisa how she got in

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Hugo Braam to the show. Hugo is the Founder of VirtuaGym, a leading tech company providing innovative fitness software for gyms, personal trainers, and corporate health services. First launched in 2008, Virtuagym has grown into an all-in-one solution for client coaching, membership management, billing, scheduling, access control and more. It’s integrated mobile fitness apps offer solutions for exercise and nutrition guidance, progress tracking, and online coaching. Today, Hugo joins Bryan in a conversation about the nexus of VirtuaGym and their thoughts on healthcare, fitness, and technology. If you’re interested in learning more about IHRSA 2023, please visit: https://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2023-convention If you’re interested in learning more about FITC’s survey report, please visit:                                                                                                                                                  https:/

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Alex Peacock to the show. Alex is the Founder of LeisureLabs, a full service digital transformation and software development agency focused on providing custom digital experiences for the fitness and leisure industry. LeisureLabs works with a wide range of platforms to allow clients to focus their development on true innovation and differentiated experiences for their brand. Alex was previously CEO of Netpulse, CCO at Sweatworks, and has over two decades of experience in building and scaling companies across the fitness technology space. Today, Alex joins Bryan in an insightful and pragmatic conversation on the future of technology and how to consider different aspects of it for commercial fitness business.  If you’re interested in learning more about IHRSA 2023, please visit: https://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2023-convention If you’re interested in learning more about the Europe Health & Fitness Forum, please visit: https://www.europ