Next Gen-Fitness: Innovation, Insights, & Industry Disruption With Bryan O'Rourke
Release Date: 04/21/2025
Operational Excellence & Tech Integration With Carrie Kepple
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back industry veteran Carrie Kepple. Bryan and Carrie share a professional relationship spanning over 15 years, including their time serving together on the IHRSA Board of Directors. Carrie is a board member of the Fitness Industry Technology Council and a distinguished leader in the global fitness industry, having worked with prominent organizations such as Gold’s Gym International and Les Mills. Her expertise lies in club operations, and she is the visionary behind Styles Studios, a pioneering fitness...
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FitnessKPI Webinar: Using Data & Technology To Drive Club Revenues With Pablo Viñaspre
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his webinar, “Using Data & Technology To Drive Club Revenues,” alongside Pablo Viñaspre of FitnessKPI. The session explores how data and digital tools are reshaping fitness business performance, with a focus on practical, real-world application. Listeners will gain actionable insights on improving member retention, optimizing pricing strategies, and unlocking new revenue opportunities through smarter use of analytics and technology. Designed for operators, managers, and industry professionals, this webinar...
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Building Smarter Tech Stacks For The Future Of Fitness With Vic Kurs
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Vic Kurs, Senior Technology Advisor at Qodeca. Vic leads sales strategy, partnerships, and client success for Qodeca, a firm specializing in custom software and consulting for the fitness, sport, and healthcare sectors. With extensive experience across SaaS and health club operations, he helps organizations streamline workflows, enhance member engagement, and accelerate growth through integrated, data-driven digital solutions. Today, Vic joins Bryan to discuss practical technology adoption, the realities operators...
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European Fitness Market Trends In 2025 & Beyond LIVE From Portugal With Bryan O'Rourke
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his keynote, “European Fitness Market Trends In 2025 And Beyond” live from the SC Fitness Annual Convention in Portugal. Bryan shares the spotlight for what’s next in the European fitness market and the key differentiators needed for successful operators. Whether you lead a gym, studio, supplier brand, or digital platform, this talk is designed to expand your perspective and prepare you for what’s ahead. To view the slideshow, go to: Apply for the 2025 Innovation Awards: One Powerful Quote: 11:51: “The...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_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/