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 the show by asking Angela about her background.
6:43: Angela shares some of her observations on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 technology at Apple’s Wanderlust Event.
16:49: Angela talks about her impressions on FitBit and the launch of other, newer wearable technologies.
25:28: Bryan inquires with Angela about the partnerships of home fitness solutions and what that means.
34:46: Bryan wraps up the show with Angela giving final her thoughts and advice to the listeners.
Bullet List of Resources:
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-moscaritolo-b6037a16/
https://twitter.com/amoscaritolo
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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 rise in strength training.
27:22: Jeff gives his views on omnichannel content as a component of the member’s journey.
31:59: Jeff impart his pearls of wisdom to the listeners regarding operations and staying at the forefront of the future.
Bullet List of Resources:
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdilts1/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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 introduces Bryan to the show by asking about his professional background.
6:14: Bryan shares with Rick about some of the latest trends in generational dynamics.
9:57: Rick inquires with Bryan about his bullish views on the US economy.
16:43: Bryan speaks on AI technology integrating into overall society.
21:24: Bryan articulates further on the disruption of the experience economy from AI technology.
25:22: Bryan surmises about why people are compelled to create and deploy new tech.
29:32: Rick and Bryan speak on the future of the fitness industry.
Bullet List of Resources:
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/teamalloy/
https://twitter.com/CoachRMayo
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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 wisdom to the listeners.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://drjoedispenza.com/products/becoming-supernatural-by-dr-joe-dispenza-paperback-book
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-sanei/
https://twitter.com/IamJohnSanei
https://www.instagram.com/johnsanei/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnsanei?lang=en
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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 advantages and pitfalls of technology adoption.
15:36: Bob explains the changes for fitness professionals and its impact on the industry.
17:50: Bryan wraps up the show as Bob imparts his pearls of wisdom to the listeners.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobesquerre/
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobesquerre/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082951030410
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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 effective automation and intelligence.
20:59: Bryan wraps up the show with Pablo imparting his pearls of wisdom to the listeners.
Bullet List of Resources:
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/
https://twitter.com/PabloVinaspre
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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 state of content with increased demand in digital offerings.
9:40: Rob speaks about key findings in EuropeActive’s Deloitte Research Report.
15:31: Bryan & Rob talk about diverse solutions within the current fitness ecosystem.
18:09: Bryan asks Rob his insights on the absence in products or services for consumers.
20:57: Rob articulates his standpoint on the strategic frameworks and implementation approaches necessary to meet the dynamic demands of consumers.
23:22: Rob responds to Bryan’s critique of operators' delayed pace in adopting digital strategies.
25:35: Rob explains Basic-Fit’s tier pricing and omni-channel approach.
30:58: Rob shares his takeaways on the potential opportunities available and the observed reluctance to adopt such forward-thinking methodologies.
33:34: Bryan presents audience questions to Rob, who provides an expert analysis on each.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_w8fXyAK0c
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlouw/?originalSubdomain=nl
https://twitter.com/robert_louw
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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 use data to better serve their customers.
9:55: Bryan shares his four pillars to user experience.
11:24: Ian shares his opinion on adopting the four pillars for user experience to gain a competitive advantage.
12:29: Bryan and Ian talk about the components of AI for user experience.
16:20: Ian explains Shosabi’s technology and what it’s used for.
19:45: Ian answers questions from the audience about Shosabi.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://www.slideshare.net/Bryankorourke/ai-and-user-experience-in-fitness-fitc-webinar-2023
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/houghtonian/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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 models for the wellness industry.
22:32: Bryan talks about economy and dispersion of the industry as it relates to digital and personal offerings.
28:25: Bryan talks about technology and the shift for how we want it to serve us.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://www.slideshare.net/Bryankorourke/whats-next-ihrsa-2023-keynotepdf
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
2:50: Bryan opens by introducing the panel and shares his thoughts on emerging AI technology.
14:15: Ian talks about using AI to service onboarding customers.
16:50: Chris talks about his impressions on these tools and what AI will replace.
20:16: Ian contributes his thoughts on the subject.
24:17: Bryan and Chris highlight the importance of AI as a solution to staffing challenges. Bryan shares some comments from the audience.
29:33: The panel provides their feedback to the audience.
33:18: Bryan wraps up the discussion with the panel sharing their final advice.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://stevensonempowers.com/
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/houghtonian/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisstevensonfitness/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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 involved in the space and why she did it.
14:00: Lisa talks about why she founded Studio Grow.
17:52: Lisa shares her insights on some of the biggest challenges and key trends in the boutique studio fitness space.
23:18: Lisa highlights the opportunities and growth in the market.
26:35: Bryan and Lisa talk about competition between big box brands and boutiques.
31:07: Bryan wraps up the show by asking Lisa to impart her pearls of wisdom to the listeners.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://studiogrow.co/podcast/
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-kuecker-655965129/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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://www.slideshare.net/Bryankorourke/fitness-industry-technology-council-2023-survey-reporet
If you’re interested in learning more about FIBO 2023, please visit: https://www.fibo.com/de-de.html
One Powerful Quote:
38:37: “A life of entrepreneurship is not defined by how brilliant you are or your eye for opportunity. It’s defined by your ability to take a beating.”
4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
3:27: Bryan opens the show by asking Hugo to share his story behind starting VirtuaGym.
6:05: Hugo shares his views on accessibility and sustainability on technology innovation.
11:20: Bryan and Hugo talk about club operators investing in their legacy technology systems.
21:16: Bryan and Hugo articulate on gamification as the component for user experience and personalization.
28:20: Hugo shares his views on personalization and hyper-personalization.
33:05: Bryan and Hugo talk about practical solutions to people’s health preservation.
36:36: Bryan wraps up the show by asking Hugo to share his pearls of wisdom to the listeners.
Bullet List of Resources:
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugobraam/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
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.europeactive.eu/event/EHFF
If you're interested in learning more about The World Active Forum, please visit: https://www.europeactive.eu/news/world-active-forum
If you’re interested in attending FITC’s upcoming webinar on The Future of Fitness Content, please visit: bit.ly/FITCFutureOfContent
One Powerful Quote:
30:22: “Technology is very rarely a miracle cure. It’s usually an accelerator, and that can be a good thing or a bad thing.”
4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
3:59: Bryan opens the show by asking Alex to share his background.
7:30: Bryan and Alex talk about evolving legacy tech stacks for products and experiences.
13:50: Bryan asks Alex about some of the hard lessons undertaking these initiatives.
17:03: Bryan inquires with Alex about not scoping these initiatives.
20:51: Alex articulates on no code solutions and how these help.
27:20: Alex highlights the big areas of innovation that are going to become significant.
30:19: Bryan wraps up the show with Alex imparting his final pearls of wisdom to the listeners.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://www.strategyzer.com/canvas
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexpeacock/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Pieter Schuitermaker to the show. Bryan invited Pieter to be a guest on the podcast after meeting him at Virtuagym’s FitNation Event in Amsterdam. Today, Pieter joins Bryan to share his story and thoughts on the industry space as an inspiration to all who live with a disability.
If you’re interested in learning more about IHRSA 2023, please visit: https://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2023-convention
One Powerful Quote:
18:57: “Go train for yourself and not for other people.”
4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
4:17: Bryan opens the show by asking Pieter how they met and his interest in the fitness space.
11:44: Pieter talks about opening his own business.
14:08: Bryan inquires with Pieter about the particular challenges people with disabilities have going to fitness centers.
16:06: Pieter highlights the technology he is using in his business.
18:30: Pieter shares his pearls of wisdom to the listeners.
19:37: Bryan asks Pieter about education and specialized training for disabled people.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://www.fitnesszondergrenzen.nl/
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.instagram.com/ptpietert/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/
This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Mo Iqbal to the show. Mo is the Founder of Sweatworks, a creative technology agency that helps brands create health and fitness technology products to be more accessible to users. Today, Bryan interviews Mo on this subject including blockchain, metaverse, and other pragmatic tech applications.
If you’re interested in learning more about IHRSA 2023, please visit: https://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2023-convention
One Powerful Quote:
32:13: “Pick the things that are meaningful to you, and as the leader pick a direction, and go. You will gain a lot more respect from that.”
4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
3:13: Bryan opens the show by asking Mo about his background.
8:17: Bryan inquires with Mo about how he thinks people’s view of technology has evolved.
10:39: Bryan and Mo talk about why people migrate to the latest technology.
13:44: Bryan asks Mo about his views on upgrading legacy technology applications.
18:36: Mo gives his viewpoints on Web 3.0 and his practical advice for new technology adoption.
25:28: Mo elaborates more on data, machine learning, and AI.
31:47: Bryan wraps up the show with Mo sharing his final pearls of wisdom to the listeners.
Bullet List of Resources:
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miqbalsweatworks/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/