Bryan O'Rourke - The Intersection of Fitness, Technology, and Global Trends
Release Date: 03/11/2025
Mike Goscinski - 27 Words That Could Change Everything: The PHIT Act's Legislative Journey
Future of Fitness
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Goscinski from the Health and Fitness Association to explore the dynamic shifts in the fitness industry. Discover how the 2025 consumer report highlights a significant increase in fitness facility visits, with 96 million Americans contributing $59.6 billion to the US economy. Mike shares insights into the growing engagement of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who now represent 30.8% of fitness members, viewing fitness as an essential part of their lifestyle rather than a luxury. We delve into the diverse options available for physical activity, which are driving...
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Lise Kuecker - The State of Boutique: M&A Activity, Pilates Trends, and Opening Strategies
Future of Fitness
In this episode of the Future of Fitness podcast, Lise Kuecker, CEO and founder of Studio Grow, discusses the evolving landscape of boutique fitness. The conversation covers a wide array of topics, including innovation in the fitness space, the professionalization of boutique fitness, the impact of major acquisitions, and the promising growth of Pilates. Lise also highlights the importance of strategic openings for long-term success and touches on the trend of smaller markets offering more profitable opportunities. Tune in for insights into the future of fitness, industry rebranding, and much...
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Justin Santamaria - Scaling the Human Touch: AI The Future of Fitness Coaching
Future of Fitness
In this episode, Justin Santamaria discusses the evolution and impact of remote fitness coaching. Starting with his background at Apple and Airbnb, Justin shares how his past experiences in developing cutting-edge communications technology helped shape the foundation of a new approach to personal training. The conversation highlights the integration of human coaching with advanced AI tools, emphasizing the importance of human connection and personalized guidance in fitness. With insights into the potential of AI to revolutionize coaching, Justin explains how technology can scale personal...
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Emre Ozgur - Safe Sweat: The Anti-Group Fitness Model Built to Scale
Future of Fitness
In this episode, Emre Ozgur, CEO and co-founder of Safe Sweat, joins the discussion on the Future of Fitness to introduce his innovative concept of private fitness suites. Based in Vancouver, Safe Sweat offers personalized workout experiences featuring private rooms, customizable environments, and advanced fitness equipment—without the pressure of typical group classes. Emre shares his journey from athlete and fitness operator to entrepreneur, as he builds a new fitness model designed to attract a broader demographic. He also explains the strategic decision to franchise Safe Sweat due to...
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Anthony Vennare - The Future of Fitt Insider
Future of Fitness
In this conversation, Eric Malzone and Anthony discuss the recent rebranding of Fitt Insider, exploring its evolution from a newsletter to a comprehensive holding company. They delve into the importance of community, mental health, and the challenges facing the fitness industry, including the need for investment and authentic connections. Anthony shares his vision for the future of Fitt Insider, emphasizing the importance of holistic health and the role of media in shaping the industry. The discussion highlights the need for fresh ideas and new voices in fitness, as well as the potential for...
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Panel Discussion - AI in Fitness: Separating Signal from Noise with Industry Leaders
Future of Fitness
In this episode, Eric Malzone moderates a powerhouse panel on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the fitness industry. Featuring insights from Taylor Nakamura (Fit19), Spencer Honeyman (Vi), and Florian Sauter (EGYM), this discussion dives deep into real-world AI applications, from retention strategies to personalized training and operational efficiency. Whether you're a multi-location gym operator or a solo fitness entrepreneur, you'll walk away with actionable AI insights to help you drive member retention, increase revenue, and improve your core offerings. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 🤖...
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Power Moves: Andy Peat & Jason Moore - Snap Fitness rolls out Spren’s AI coaches and body composition to 1,100 gyms worldwide
Future of Fitness
Eric Malzone is joined by Andy, Pete and Jason Moore, CEO of SPREN, to discuss a groundbreaking partnership between Lyft Brands and SPREN. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced body composition analysis technology with gym experiences, coaching services, and on-demand content. Andy and Jason delve into how this innovative approach will enhance user engagement, retention, and overall fitness outcomes through a unique combination of smartphone-based body scanning, AI-driven coaching, and personalized nutrition plans. They emphasize the seamless blend of technology and personal trainers...
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Paul Byrne - Navigating MAHA: The Future of Fitness in American Healthcare
Future of Fitness
In this episode, Eric welcomes back Paul Byrne to discuss the significant topics surrounding the 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) movement, tariffs, and their impacts on the fitness industry. Paul shares his extensive background in the fitness business, notably with Precor and Harrison Company. The discussion delves into the health crisis in America, highlighting alarming statistics about chronic diseases and obesity. Paul outlines the roles and initiatives of key players in the MAHA movement, including RFK Jr., Marty Makary, and Jay Bhattacharya, and their goals to improve national health...
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Rick Mayo - Strength First: Simplifying the Modern Fitness Prescription
Future of Fitness
In this engaging conversation, Eric Malzone and Rick Mayo discuss the evolution of the fitness industry, focusing on the growth of Alloy, a successful fitness franchise. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the market, emphasizing the importance of returning to fundamental fitness principles. Rick shares insights on the modern fitness prescription, advocating for strength training as a foundation and the significance of understanding cardiovascular training. The discussion also highlights common misconceptions in fitness, particularly the 'garbage zone' of training, and offers...
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Juliet Starrett & Alex Alimanestianu - Quarterly Reports: The Big Five, HUGE Industry Transactions, & Casey Means as Surgeon General
Future of Fitness
In this conversation, Eric Malzone, Juliet Starrett, and Alex discuss recent transactions in the fitness industry, including Crunch and EoS, and analyze quarterly reports from major companies like Peloton, Planet Fitness, and Lifetime Fitness. They explore the challenges and strategies these companies face in a fluctuating economic environment, highlighting Peloton's struggle to grow despite cutting costs, Planet Fitness's impressive membership growth, and Lifetime's strong financial performance. The discussion also touches on the impact of AI in the fitness sector and the evolving landscape...
info_outlineIn this engaging conversation, Eric Malzone and Bryan O'Rourke explore the evolving landscape of the fitness industry, touching on personal experiences, the necessity of content creation, reflections on 2024's growth, and the maturation of the market. They delve into the importance of authentic experiences in fitness and the challenges of human capital in the industry, highlighting the shift in career dynamics and the impact of technology on fitness delivery. In this conversation, Bryan O'Rourke and Eric Malzone explore the evolving landscape of consumer behavior, technology, and the fitness industry. They discuss the impatience economy, the backlash against poorly designed technology, and the desire for authentic human experiences. The conversation also delves into the impact of GLP-1 medications on fitness engagement, the challenges within the healthcare system, and the industry's role in promoting health and wellness. They highlight the need for systemic change and the potential for new models to emerge in the healthcare space.
Takeaways
- Content creation sharpens understanding and informs business decisions.
- The fitness industry is experiencing significant mergers and acquisitions.
- Authentic experiences are becoming increasingly valued by consumers.
- Human capital challenges are reshaping the fitness workforce.
- Digital fitness is on the rise, impacting traditional models.
- The fitness industry is maturing, with new players emerging.
- Economic factors are driving consolidation in the fitness market.
- Consumer demand for health services is expected to grow significantly.
- The role of technology in fitness delivery is evolving rapidly.
- The gig economy is influencing career paths in fitness. People want their needs taken care of immediately.
- Many are opting out of smartphones due to frustration with technology.
- There is a strong desire for authentic, non-digital experiences.
- Community-driven, authentic human experiences are essential.
- The reptilian mind influences modern consumer behavior.
- GLP-1s have not yet significantly impacted gym attendance.
- The fitness industry often prioritizes profit over health.
- Health insurance is seen as a broken system in the U.S.
- Consumers are beginning to realize the limitations of health insurance.
- There are emerging sparks of change in healthcare integration.