Next Gen-Fitness: Innovation, Insights, & Industry Disruption With Bryan O'Rourke
Release Date: 04/21/2025
Redefining Preventive Health & Medical Wellness With Uday Anumalachetty
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Uday Anumalachetty, Founder of Bright Medical Wellness, to the show. Uday is on a mission to redefine the health and wellness landscape by making transformative treatments—such as GLP-1 medications—more accessible to those who need them most. Motivated by his personal journey with weight challenges and the life-changing impact of GLP-1 therapies, Uday took the leap into entrepreneurship to build a service that not only improves access to these medications, but also prioritizes education, post-consultation...
info_outline
The Discipline Of Transformational Leadership: Lessons From Lindsay Vastola
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Lindsay Vastola to the show. With a rich background spanning corporate management and entrepreneurship, Lindsay brings a dynamic perspective to leadership and professional growth. Through her engaging keynote presentations, professional development workshops, and thought-provoking conversations, she empowers professionals to reach their full potential. As the founder of VastPotential, Lindsay helps organizations cultivate exceptional employee experiences and enhance performance through innovative staff...
info_outline
AI Front Desk: Transforming Frontline Work With Brian Holmes
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Brian Holmes, CEO and Founder of AI Front Desk. With hiring, training, and retaining frontline workers becoming increasingly challenging, AI Front Desk offers innovative artificial intelligence solutions that handle complex business tasks directly. By reducing dependence on traditional staffing models, the company helps streamline operations, improve efficiency, and minimize errors. Brian joins Bryan to discuss his company’s approach and the practical impact these solutions are having across the industry. One...
info_outline
Key Trends That Will Shape The Global Fitness Industry — Live from FitLife’s Club Network Conference With Bryan O'Rourke
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his keynote presentation delivered live at FitLife’s Club Network Conference in Seattle. Bryan explores the key trends transforming the global fitness industry from rapid technological advancements to the evolving importance of human capital. He emphasizes why now is a pivotal moment for leaders to shape the future of fitness. To view Bryan’s slide deck, go to: One Powerful Quote: 16:54: “Clarity is a superpower.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:34: Bryan gives an...
info_outline
Exploring Integrative Coaching & Wellness Services With Chris Edwards
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back Chris Edwards, Founder and CEO of TriCore Wellness. TriCore focuses on the integration of technology, health data, and professional coaching to deliver comprehensive wellness solutions for individuals, employees, and organizations. Chris joins Bryan to discuss his business model and share valuable insights on current trends in integrative coaching and wellness services. One Powerful Quote: 7:51: “You have to unlearn before you can relearn.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics...
info_outline
Strategic Leadership & Growth at Life Time With Jeff Zwiefel
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke sits down with Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director of Longevity & Performance at Life Time. With over three decades of leadership in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, Jeff brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, brand evolution, and operational excellence. As a key architect behind Life Time’s transformation into a comprehensive healthy lifestyle company, Jeff shares his perspective on the future of wellness, the role of leadership in culture and innovation, and strategies for advancing health...
info_outline
Driving Innovation In 3D Design Software With Richard Grönberg
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Richard Grönberg, Founder and CEO of ECDESIGN — a leading 3D interior design software that empowers sales professionals to quickly plan and visualize any space without the complexity of traditional CAD tools. With over 10,000 companies across 170 countries using the platform, ECDESIGN is transforming how fitness and commercial environments are imagined and brought to life. Tune in as Richard shares insights into the power of design, his business philosophy, and how intuitive planning tools are shaping the...
info_outline
Accelerating Growth In Boutique Fitness With Julian Barnes
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke is joined by Julian Barnes, Co-Founder and CEO of The BFS Network, a market intelligence and growth accelerator for beauty, fitness, and self-care businesses. In his role, Julian serves as a strategic growth advisor, helping BFS members enhance profitability and scale smarter. With a background that includes marketing leadership roles at Velocity Sports Performance and Oasis Day Spa, Julian later co-founded Body Local, NYC’s premier networking platform for wellness professionals. Today, he leads BFS, which supports...
info_outline
OfferingTree: Building Trust and Tech For Wellness Pros With Eddie Arpin
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke is joined by Eddie Arpin, Co-Founder of OfferingTree, a comprehensive website, scheduling, and payment solution designed specifically for wellness professionals. OfferingTree empowers coaches, yoga instructors, personal trainers, mindfulness teachers, and other wellness practitioners by streamlining digital operations, so they can focus on delivering exceptional client experiences. In this conversation, Eddie shares the journey behind OfferingTree, his insights into the evolving needs of wellness professionals, and...
info_outline
The Future of Fitness LIVE From Beyond Activ With Bryan O'Rourke
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his keynote, “The Key Trends Creating Opportunities and Challenges for the Global Fitness Industry in the Next 5 Years” live from Beyond Activ in Singapore. Bryan shares the spotlight for what’s next for fitness across the globe — from emerging technologies and programming innovations to finance, business models, and the forces reshaping how to serve members and scale impact. Whether you lead a gym, studio, supplier brand, or digital platform, this talk is designed to challenge your thinking and equip you for...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke joins an exclusive panel live from FIBO to explore the future of the fitness industry through the lens of technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
Featuring global industry leaders:
- Bryan K. O'Rourke – President, Fitness Industry Technology Council | Chairman, Vedere Ventures | CEO, Core Health & Fitness
- Hugo Braam – CEO & Co-Founder, Virtuagym
- Magdalena Szwed – Product Director, Benefit Systems Oddział Fitness
- Henrik Gockel – Founder, Prime Time Fitness GmbH
Moderated by Hans Muench, FITC International Ambassador, this dynamic discussion dives into the trends and technologies shaping the next generation of fitness—from AI-powered personalization and connected ecosystems to evolving business models and digital wellness strategies.
One Powerful Quote:
34:03: “When you do, even though you don’t understand, it forces you to understand and learn.”
4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
2:09: Hugo speaks on the evolving demands of an increasingly tech-driven fitness landscape.
6:18: Henrik speaks on high quality, member-centric fitness experiences and how technology enhances gym operations without losing the premium, personal touch.
10:08: Bryan speaks on AI-driven platforms collecting vast amounts of user data and how the industry will manage innovation with ethical considerations and data privacy concerns.
15:14: Magdalena speaks on traditional gym operators adapting to the rise of hybrid fitness models.
18:30: Hugo speaks on how AI-driven insights and predictive analytics can help gyms improve member retention and experience.
24:41: The panel speaks on operators balancing automation and human interaction to retain their brand identity.
31:21: Bryan speaks on coming together to create a stronger, more inclusive industry.
35:11: Magdalena speaks on call to action challenges fitness and wellness leaders need to embrace with technology and innovation.
36:52: Henrik and Bryan speak on the industry working together to create a more connected and seamless user experience.
41:59: Hugo speaks on AI and fitness tech better serving corporate wellness initiatives to boost employee health and productivity.
45:13: Henrik, Bryan, and Magdalena address an audience question on tackling the motivation challenges faced by gym members, emphasizing the strategic role of technology in driving engagement and consistency.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://www.benefitsystems.pl/en
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-muench-653346a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalena-szwed-5504469a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrik-gockel-6b234069/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugobraam/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/