Fitness + Technology

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Elisabeth Bohlmann to the show. Elisabeth is the VP of Client Strategy for December Labs where she drives expansion strategy and accompanies up-and-coming startups and enterprise companies as a product strategist towards scalable and continuous growth. As an executive in emerging technologies, Liz joins Bryan in a conversation around the challenges of successfully developing technologies in business.  Bryan mentions the upcoming EGYM Series August 17th at 2pm EST on Data The IHRSA convention in October: http://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2021-request Subscribe to the FITC newsletter here: http://www.fittechcouncil.org/contact One Powerful Quote:  31:35: “Always put the user first at the center of everything…It sounds lame sometimes and so easy but you would be surprised how many people don’t put the user in the center of everything, and they’re going to be the ones that either you know make or break your product.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ time

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes founders Ben Brand & Chris Windram of Quoox to the show. Ben has over 25-years as a facility owner & trainer, and Chris has over 25-years experience in architecting leading cloud-based CRM and business management systems. Ben and Chris have consolidated their expertise to develop a product that would meet the needs of training gym and studio owners both for now and the future. Quoox is designed to meet the needs of the modern training gym/studio, delivering a single, cohesive platform upon which facility owners can effectively and efficiently run their fitness businesses. Quoox is built upon the bedrock of using technology to deliver the very best in customer service and quality of product to members and to provide facility owners with effective tools and workflows where they can efficiently & profitably operate their business, all in one place. Today, Bryan, Ben, & Chris discuss the challenges in software technology

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes colleague and newest FITC member Annie Fältman to the show. Annie is the owner of 360 Träningscenter in Sweden. Within the last year, technology has always played an important role in their clubs with memberships, onboarding, and stay connected through the member journey. They recently joined FIT-C to get the inspiration they need to keep staying relevant and to be part of a great network of best practice. Today, Annie joins Bryan to discuss all things related to inventful solutions, retention, and the customer journey. One Powerful Quote:  6:20: “The challenge has been to be very inventful in many ways…you’re forced to invent something to make it work there and then. And there’s no room for thinking about it, and trying it, and testing it. And you just push it out there.”  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:30: Bryan opens the show by asking Annie on her background and how 360 Träningscenter wa

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Nick Hahn to the show. Nick is the VP of Product for ASF Payment Solutions and Club OS. ASF Payment Solutions is a technology company that provides software, complete payment solutions, and customer support to the fitness industry. By offering integrated software services, as well as flexible payment options, ASF gives clients the ability to generate more revenue through member engagement and grow their business. ASF and Club OS have recently joined FIT-C as part of a commitment to delivering on the needs of the fitness industry and developing products that will help their clients be more successful. Today, Nick joins Bryan in a great conversation on healthcare and the parallels on data, marketing, and automation.  One Powerful Quote:  15:50: “You need technology that’s going to show you the relevant comparisons, not just the random, agnostic comparisons.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:42:

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Mike Kelly to the show. Mike is the Director of Distribution Partnerships at Atmosphere TV. Atmosphere is a streaming TV service for businesses that offers original, audio-optional TV channels that fill the void for businesses in a world dominated by linear cable TV. With Atmosphere TV, businesses can run their own marketing promotions and house ads by utilizing a simple digital signage feature and keep the content fresh with custom playlists. Today, Mike joins Bryan in a fascinating discussion around distributing content as a point of differentiation for brand experience.  If you would like to learn more, visit their website at: https://atmosphere.tv. For those interested in signing up with Atmosphere TV, use code: FITTECH to have your setup fee waived.  For more information on the IHRSA 2021 Convention, visit their website at: http://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2021-request One Powerful Quote:  11:52: “You want to show that when people com

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back Tom Johnston to the show. Tom is currently the CEO of TJ Coaching & Consulting which helps leaders align business strategy with people strategy to build high performance teams, increase employee engagement, and grow revenue. Today, Tom joins Bryan in a conversation around human capital and aligning organizational leadership with people’s strategy.  One Powerful Quote:  8:09: “Even the term leader is probably becoming one of the most overused business nomenclature terms today.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 5:28: Bryan opens the show by asking Tom what he is seeing in the realm of organizational leadership and culture today.  8:09: Bryan and Tom discuss the notion of leadership and what it means to be in command. 11:30: Bryan inquires with Tom about hard skills in legacy organizations and the heightened problem of job protection. 13:49: Bryan and Tom talk about the inefficiency of hum

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Ian Mullane to the show. Ian is the Chairman and CEO of KeepMe AI, an AI-powered sales and marketing CRM platform for the fitness industry. Today, Bryan and Ian discuss the latest publication, The Fitness Future: Rules of Engagement as overarching trends reshape the way modern consumers approach to health and fitness, along with six essential rules that operators must abide by to not only survive, but thrive, in the fitness future. If you are interested in downloading a copy, you can do so here:                                                            https://www.keepme.ai/blog/six-essential-rules-for-operators-in-new-white-paper-the-fitness-future-rules-of-engagement/ One Powerful Quote:  6:49: “I’m not suggesting that the increase in digital aspect or the arrival of the digital players is detrimental for our market or likely to decrease it. I think that there’re going to increase the opportunity because they’re going to bring th

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Paul Bowman to the show. Paul is the CEO of Wexer, which combines leading content and technology to make world-class exercise accessible to more people by providing a convenient and non-intimidating way to exercise. Today, Bryan and Paul discuss interesting subjects that are quite to germane to what is happening today.  One Powerful Quote:  32:02: “You have to own your own platform… listen to the members, and listen to the data.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ Timestamps) - Highlighting Key Topics Discussed: 2:26: Bryan opens the show and welcomes Paul to the podcast.  4:54: Bryan asks Paul about dispersion and what he thinks about brands extending their digital presence. 8:09: Bryan and Paul discuss the bigger challenges of adoption and execution of digital technology as a function of culture and mindset. 14:23: Paul articulates on Bryan’s thoughts around why brands feel their digital content strategy has to be perfect.  19:17: Bryan and Pa

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Natalia Karbasova to the show. Natalia is the founder of the FitTech Summit, the leading conference in Europe devoted to fitness technology, wellbeing, and active lifestyle attracting many high-ranking industry executives, investors, and startups. Today, Bryan and Natalia discuss cutting edge technology that she is involved in and what’s to come from these emerging platforms.   One Powerful Quote:  30:03: “I believe this is now is the good time for it to understand where your assets are as a club for example or as a personal trainer of course as well and to understand how you can create a hybrid business models because just going to the digital space is super difficult. The willingness to be there is not as high or sometimes non-existent on this level, so I think the clubs have just to understand what the unique selling proposition is.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ Timestamps) - Highlighting Key Topics Discussed: 4:10: Bryan asks Natalia a

As mentioned in the podcast, we encourage listeners to submit their nominees to the 2020 Fitness Technology Innovation Award. We encourage everyone to apply and nominate those who have demonstrated new solutions to serve their clients in unique and better ways. You can do so here: http://www.fittechcouncil.org/fits-innovation-award-2020 This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Shay Amir, Founder & CEO of Spivi. Spivi is an interactive fitness tracking and streaming platform made for gyms to track performance and motivate members both in-studio and at-home. Spivi’s performance tracking, gamification, and visuals help keep engagement and motivation at the forefront of every workout delivered. Today, Bryan and Shay converse on the idea behind omni-presence and some of the things Spivi is doing with their technology.  One Powerful Quote:  26:45: “If you haven’t moved yet, move. Don’t wait. You cannot. You’re not allowed to wait.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlig

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes strategic adviser Pete Moore to the show. Pete is the managing partner at Integrity Square, which specializes in advising passionate entrepreneurs, fast-growing companies, and seasoned executives with the right sources of capital where Pete advises the health, active lifestyle, and outdoor sector of the firm. Today, Bryan and Pete share their insights on the financial market and what firms are doing in the industry now. As a reminder, we encourage all our listeners to participate in   FIT-C’s inaugural 2020 Fitness Technology Innovation Award. This award will be going to the most innovative and technologically progressive fitness professional, supplier, and facility in response to overcoming and innovating as a result of the pandemic. We encourage everyone to apply and nominate those who have demonstrated new solutions to serve their clients in unique and better ways. Winners will receive special awards and recognition for their efforts.

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his interview with corporate finance and strategic adviser, Rohit Kulkarni. Rohit is the Head Internet Analyst at MKM Partners, which specializes in researching and investing in capital markets. Today, Bryan recaps his thoughts on broad questions in the marketplace on big tech and other dynamics to consider in our industry as we approach the new year. One Powerful Quote: 35:59: “I think there may be some pricing power in certain markets, which has not existed for clubs in sometime for certain concepts…so those brands that have the power I think are going to do very well.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:09: Bryan introduces himself and his background, and Rohit asks him his views on the table-stakes of the fitness industry prior to the pandemic. 8:18: Bryan articulates his thoughts on the market with demand, valuation summaries, and trends that have accelerated. 11:01: Rohit asks Bryan to further ex

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Michele Meleski to the show. Michele is the VP of Fitness, Racquet, and Recreation at ClubCorp which operates over 200 clubs and serves over 430,000 members. Her history in the space includes other notable executive positions at The Bay Club Company, Wellbridge, World Gym, and VillaSport Athletic Club & Spa. Today, Bryan and Michelle discuss trends in leisure and lifestyle operations, the impact of technology, and some advice about the industry space. If you are interested in registering for their upcoming eGym webinar series on ClubCorp with Bryan, Michele, & Dana Milkie on December 17th at 2PM EST, you can do so here: https://egym.zoom.us/webinar/register/4016020963874/WN_wahS2ESZRzO8gYC5gEPJAg One Powerful Quote:  4:35: “It’s always people first then it’s programs and then it’s product. And if you get all those things right, those three things right, then it typically leads to a successful business model.” 4-10 Bullet Poin

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke invites listeners to participate in FIT-C’s inaugural 2020 Fitness Technology Innovation Award. This award will be going to the most innovative and technologically progressive fitness professional, supplier, and facility in response to overcoming and innovating as a result of the pandemic. We encourage everyone to apply and nominate those who have demonstrated new solutions to serve their clients in unique and better ways. Winners will receive special awards and recognition for their efforts.   If you are interested in submitting, please visit our website at: http://www.fittechcouncil.org/fits-innovation-award-2020. Self and third party nominations are both accepted. Nominations are due by January 31st.  You can reach out to Bryan at bryankorourke@gmail.com if you have any other questions.  One Powerful Quote:  3:44: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Brent Darden to the show. Brent’s history in the health club and fitness space began as a personal trainer and working in corporate wellness, most notably as the GM for the Cooper Institute and Telos Fitness Center in Dallas, Texas. He has served as the Chairman of the Board for IHRSA and is Chairman for REX Roundtables. He recently was appointed the Interim President & CEO of IHRSA. Bryan and Brent touch upon some great information in our industry and share their optimism for the future.  If you are interested in registering for the upcoming webinar series with Bryan, Brent, and Dana Milkie of eGym on November 19th at 2PM EST, you can do so here: https://egym.zoom.us/webinar/register/4016020963874/WN_xHTfAqnUQWyFHj7vVT3tOg One Powerful Quote:  18:35: “Crisis breeds progress. It breeds creativity, inventiveness, and it propels action.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:44: Bryan asks Brent

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back friend and advocate, Emma Barry. The two revisit Emma’s views on the boutique studio space as she and Bryan discuss digital and technology ahead of their upcoming webinar series. Emma has lead key senior roles including Director of Group Fitness for Equinox and as a founder for group fitness exercise for Les Mills International. Emma is currently the Chief Creative Soul at Good Soul Hunting which helps health and fitness brands recruit top executive talent. As an author, speaker, and advisor, Emma is considered one of the leading thinkers in the personal betterment sector. If you are interested in registering for the upcoming webinar with Bryan and Emma on Tuesday, October 20th, you can do so here: https://egym.zoom.us/webinar/register/4016020963874/WN_YLAyoIGfSyqODmZKEyNzbA One Powerful Quote:  7:28: “We sit on believe systems. We sit on behaviors… it’s the small things that give the big change. It’s not the big change that I w

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Mike Studer to the show. Mike is a clinical specialist in neurological physical therapy and a certified exercise expert in aging adult geriatrics. He has served as the vice-president of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy of the APTA and has been the chair and vice-chair of several special interest groups at the national level in each of the Academies of Neurologic and Geriatric PT, including balance and falls, stroke, and the practice committee in neurology. He has written numerous articles, co-wrote several book chapters, and lectures extensively on the topics of balance, motor control, motor learning, cognitive impairment, and case management. This podcast episode focuses on key trends, neuroplasticity, and the importance of exercise with aging as Bryan and Mike delve deeper into these topics. If you are interested in registering for the webinar on “The Science of Aging” on September 29th with Mike Studer, Bryan O’Rourke, &

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes the iconic and highly respected Sal Pellegrino to the show. Sal is the Senior Strategic Account Manager at Precor where he oversees, directs, and manages key strategic commercial club accounts. With a background in physical education, he has worked in the fitness and wellness industry in a variety of roles, from club owner to equipment sales professional, to industry trend spotter, and advisor to leading organizations. Sal shares with Bryan his insights as well as the story of his professional career. If you are interested in learning more about IHRSA’s Innovation Summit on September 17th, you can visit their website at http://hub.ihrsa.org/innovation-summit. One Powerful Quote:  15:58: “People buy from those they like and they trust. And I think as the career has evolved, when you can carry over those relationships…that is to me as the ultimate complement that people have stayed with me, with the brands that I sell, because I honest

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes well known and highly regarded Adam Zeitsiff to the show. Adam is currently the President & CEO of Gold’s Gym International where he oversees the global icon with more than 650 locations serving 3+ million people across six continents in 29 countries. With a background in technology, Adam shares his views on the challenges his organization faces and in advance of participating in the Fitness Industry Technology Council’s latest webinar on enhancing digital engagement. This episode focuses on Adam’s perspective on technology and how Gold’s Gym pivoted their offerings in the midst of a global pandemic. If you are interest in learning more about digitizing the customer/member experience with Adam, Bryan, & Dana Milkie of eGym on Tuesday, August 11th at 2PM EST, please register for the event here: https://egym.zoom.us/webinar/register/5015962309571/WN_uTjhWui8S7C-qRgDiLagqQ If you are interested in learning more IHRSA’s Innovat

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes long time colleague and friend Daron Allen to the show. Daron has been in the club business for over 25 years, notably with his positions as GM for The Health & Fitness Connection and VP/Executive Director for Osteopathic Health System of Texas. He currently is the CEO of Visual Fitness Planner which specializes in point of sale and customer relationship management support for personal training. This episode focuses on the challenges for club owners in adopting technology and the processes involved in dramatically improving their operations. One Powerful Quote:  8:00: “I think that the most important thing for a club operator today is… to make sure they choose a technology partner that they can commit to for a long period of time…They need to know they have a partnership mentality, that they are going to work together to craft a future.” Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:40: Bryan asks Daron a