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 business owners by offering collaborative learning, operational training, and access to high-impact products and services. Tune in as Bryan and Julian explore innovation and the evolving needs of the modern, boutique fitness business. For those who wish to purchase the full BFS Report, use Discount Code FIT-C for $50 off. One Powerful Quote: 38:10: “Focus on the one thing that’s the most important thing to get you to the next milestone.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 1:41: Julian shares his personal journey and background in the fitness industry. 4:13: Julian talks about the lifecycle of boutique fitness and how the industry is evolving. 7:40: Bryan and Julian reflect on the origins of boutique fitness and the iconic brands that shaped the space. 13:50: Julian talks about boutique modalities and the renewed popularity of pilates.  22:59: Julian speaks about the convergence of fitness, recovery, longevity, and beauty. 27:51: Julian offers his perspective on the growing role of strength training. 30:22: Bryan and Julian discuss intermediaries, membership dynamics, and business models. 37:57: Julian imparts his pearls of wisdom to the listeners.  Bullet List of Resources: https://bfsnetwork.com/ www.BFSReport.com https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/the-rise-of-boutique-studio-fitness-concepts/66643673 Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianabarnes/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

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 practical advice on building trust, improving client engagement, and leveraging digital tools effectively. One Powerful Quote: 16:06: “Trust is the most valuable commodity in the world now.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:47: Eddie shares his software background and the origins of OfferingTree. 5:24: Bryan and Eddie talk about common pain points for wellness professionals.  9:37: Bryan asks Eddie about the value and impact of SMS marketing. 12:26: Eddie goes into evolving trends in content strategy and SEO. 14:57: Eddie shares his thoughts on payment processing and earning customer trust. 17:14: Bryan and Eddie discuss why tech stack integration matters more than ever. 25:54: Bryan wraps up the interview with Eddie imparting his final pearls of wisdom. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.offeringtree.com/ https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiearpin/ https://x.com/fifth_eddie https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

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 what’s ahead. To view the slideshow, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-keynote-bryan-orourke-beyond-activ-singapore-2025/280332550 One Powerful Quote: 7:41: “In a world deluged by irrelevant information, clarity is power.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:09: Bryan opens his keynote with “What if?” and the convergence of macro/micro trends.  7:47: Bryan talks about opportunities and challenges in the next 5 years.  11:31: Bryan articulates on business models as the mainstay configurations for fitness delivery.  15:40: Bryan speaks on biotechnologies and the new social constructs today.  17:40: Bryan defines leadership vision and the processes to execute on it.  19:09: Bryan recaps his presentation.  Bullet List of Resources: https://beyondactiv.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Pariskshit Dutt & Jackson Powell to the show. They are the founders of Fittest, a hardware-free heart rate tracking platform designed to help gyms boost member engagement, drive accountability, and increase retention. By seamlessly integrating with wearables, Fittest provides real-time in-studio and at-home tracking, gamification, and performance insights without the cost or hassle of additional hardware. Today, the two join Bryan to talk about their startup business and the challenges with data wearable technology. One Powerful Quote: 18:13: “The barriers to entry have never been lower.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:47: Bryan asks Pariskshit & Jackson their general thoughts on wearables. 7:36: Pariskshit & Jackson talk about creating better user experiences.  9:38: Bryan articulates on the innovator’s dilemma; Pariskshit gives his feedback. 12:48: Pariskshit & Jackson speak on the idea behind fittestapp and its feature sets. 18:00: Pariskshit imparts his pearls of wisdom to the listeners. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.fittestapp.co.uk/ https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-bryan-k-o-rourke-pdf/273973112 Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pdutt111/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-powell-0b7362207/ pd@fittestapp.co.uk jackson@fittestapp.co.uk https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his presentation “The Future of Fitness” live from SIBEC. Bryan offers a bold and thought-provoking look at how industry leaders can thrive amid rapid transformation. From navigating global micro and macro trends to redefining leadership, marketing, and digital strategy, this talk explores what it takes to succeed in today’s evolving fitness landscape. You’ll hear his insights on the rise of recovery and luxury experiences, the shifting role of human capital, the obsolescence of traditional SAAS platforms, and the growing demand for personalization in an “impatience economy.” To view the slideshow, visit: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-sibec-2025-talk/279416288 One Powerful Quote: 5:50: “The challenge is how do you see the future, execute the present, and migrate through that gap?” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 1:50: Bryan opens his presentation with speaking on navigating global micro and macro trends. 8:13: Bryan articulates on why courage and leadership are the greatest elixirs for organizations.  9:43: Bryan covers why clarity is power to serving customer beliefs. 16:34: Bryan highlights the trends in experiences around recovery and luxury.  20:17: Bryan goes into human capital structures. 22:24: Bryan talks about digital fitness and the obsolescence of SAAS club management systems. 24:52: Bryan touches upon the consolidation of the industry and new technologies.   30:24: Bryan elaborates on personalization as it relates to the cost of hesitation and the impatience economy. 33:12: Bryan wraps up his presentation by sharing the new age of marketing.  35:27: Bryan recaps his presentation. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.sibecevents.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his webinar with Hilary McGuckin and Sarah Harris from Keepme.ai as they explore how the modern fitness sales funnel is evolving—and what that means for fitness operators, marketers, and tech providers alike. In their conversations, they unpack: The biggest challenges fitness businesses face today with consumer acquisition and retention. Surprising insights from Keepme’s latest research on changing consumer behaviors. How AI, personalization, and automation can reshape the funnel. Real-world success stories and future-proof strategies you can apply now. Whether you’re a gym owner, supplier, or fit tech innovator, this discussion is packed with insights to help you stay ahead in a fast-changing landscape. To view the slideshow, visit: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/the-sales-funnel-consumer-behaviors-challenges-opportunities/278835947 One Powerful Quote: 6:56: “Humanize and futurize simultaneously.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:21: Bryan opens the webinar with Hilary and Sarah discussing the landscape.  7:38: Sarah and Hilary discuss the key challenges, opportunities, and pain points a part of the modern sales journey. 11:28: Sarah and Hilary share their findings on changing consumer behaviors. 16:09: Sarah and Hilary speak on the top of the sales funnel as a result of changing consumer behaviors.  19:47: Sarah and Hilary speak on technology and automation for successful future-proof strategy. Bryan gives his feedback. 25:23: Sarah and Hilary talk about real-world success stories. 28:05: Bryan inquires with Sarah and Hilary on the gap in adoption between competitors. 30:39: Bryan asks Sarah and Hilary on their future predictions.  38:01: Sarah and Hilary respond to the key friction point to operations adopting these tools.  40:35: Sarah and Hilary respond to first engagement with a new client.  42:56: The three answer a question on community based and hyper-localized marketing assets for individual locations.  Bullet List of Resources: https://www.keepme.ai/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmcguckin/ https://x.com/McguckinHi67189 https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahharris33/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back Garrett Marshall, a distinguished leader with over 22 years of experience driving growth in the wellness industry. Garrett’s expertise spans strategy and innovation, executive leadership, business development, strategic partnerships, and technological product development. He has notably served as CEO of Fitness On Demand and President of Xponential Fitness. Today, he is the Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Wellbuilt Ventures, helping clients scale revenue through data-driven strategies, and serves as an advisor to Vi, assisting leading health organizations in maximizing member health outcomes and financial returns. In this conversation, Garrett shares insights from his career, discusses his latest business ventures, and offers his perspective on emerging trends shaping the future of fitness and wellness. One Powerful Quote: 30:01: “If you want to continue to be able to deliver as a best in class provider of fitness, you need to be able to at least have exposure to these other things that are hyper relevant to their overall health.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:48: Bryan and Garrett talk about discerning great ideas and execution with technology.  12:41: Bryan and Garrett discuss how to successfully augment business product with a service. 25:24: Bryan asks Garrett about the most appealing wellness categories. 31:56: Garrett shares his pearls of wisdom to the listeners. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.wellbuilt.ventures/ https://www.vi.co http://www.TheCompoundHQ.com https://www.xponential.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettmarshall/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

In 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 https://primetime-fitness.de/ https://virtuagym.com/ https://www.fibo.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-muench-653346a/ https://x.com/Lazarusmunich https://www.hans-muench.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/magdalena-szwed-5504469a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrik-gockel-6b234069/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugobraam/ https://x.com/hugobraam https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Marco Benitez to the show. Marco is the CEO & Founder of ROOK, a wearable API that transforms health data and empowers apps and software with actionable insights. ROOK easily processes and embeds data from hundreds of wearables with single integration and shares access to deeper understanding and more actionable insights that allows users to make more informed decisions, find better solutions, and drive innovation. Today, Marco joins Bryan to talk about his business, data usage, and the implications on our industry. One Powerful Quote: 15:36: “The alignment between healthcare and fitness is the new name of wellness. Wellness is prevention.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:50: Bryan asks Marco about his background and his business, ROOK.  10:34: Bryan inquires with Marco about unifying data standards as the biggest opportunity and challenge for health. 13:46: Bryan and Marco talk about the delivery system of healthcare and benefitting from data collection. 19:58: Bryan and Marco talk about ROOK. 22:25: Marco shares his pearls of wisdom to the listeners.  Bullet List of Resources: https://www.tryrook.io/ https://beyondactiv.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcobzg/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Mike Arce to the show. Mike is the CEO & Founder of Loud Rumor, which helps fitness studios dramatically increase membership by improving their marketing strategies through consulting. Today, Mike joins Bryan to talk about his business, lead generation marketing, implemented technology, and other implications around fitness operations.   One Powerful Quote: 34:57: “If you gamble, you’re just playing off feeling, but if you play the game, you do the right moves, and you live with the results.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:11: Bryan opens the show with Mike talking about his work experience. 7:31: Bryan and Mike talk about technology tools, changes in business development, and defining successful marketing. 30:37: Mike shares his thoughts on understanding contextual data for your business. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikearcelive/ https://x.com/MikeArceLive https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back Hans Muench to the show. As the Director of International Development at FIT-C, he leads the council's efforts to grow the fitness industry, improve fitness user experience, and mature the collection of real-time wellness data through the creation of interoperability standards for technology-based fitness devices. With over 35 years of experience in the health and fitness sector, Hans has a deep understanding of the global trends, challenges, and opportunities in this dynamic and evolving industry. Today, Hans joins Bryan to talk about the industry’s upcoming events, European fitness trends, and using AI tools for presenting truthful information. One Powerful Quote: 14:36: “Truth is much more difficult to present than fact and information in general because so much of it is junk.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:00: Bryan and Hans talk about upcoming industry events happening. 6:48: Hans shares his observations on European fitness trends. Bryan comments on the top operators marrying technology integration with super talent.  9:00: Hans shares an example on tech integration best serving customers, and Bryan gives his thoughts.  11:33: Bryan inquires with Hans about Google’s NotebookLM and other AI tools. 14:25: Bryan and Hans talk about using information networks to discern truth.  Bullet List of Resources: https://hub.healthandfitness.org/hfa-show https://www.fibo.com https://www.europeactive.eu/ehff https://fitchandfameetup.rsvpify.com https://notebooklm.google/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.hans-muench.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-muench-653346a/ https://x.com/Lazarusmunich https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Ian Mullane to the show. Ian is the Founder & CEO of Keepme, an AI-powered sales and marketing CRM platform for the fitness industry. Launched in April 2019, Keepme has customers globally and assists hundreds of clubs with member acquisition and retention. Today, Ian joins Bryan to discuss AI tech adoption, his business, and operational insights across the industry. One Powerful Quote: 26:43: “Every unique idea only becomes executed because of the team that surrounds you.”  4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:00: Bryan and Ian talk about tech adoption barriers across the industry. 8:21: Ian highlights key misunderstandings about AI.  15:52: Bryan inquires about Keepme’s integration with their customers.  18:18: Bryan asks Ian about Keepme’s unique value proposition.  21:54: Ian further talks about Keepme’s interface and communication for potential prospects.  26:26: Ian shares his pearls of wisdom to the listeners. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.keepme.ai/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianmullane/ https://x.com/ianmullane https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

This week on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Doug Miller to the show. With extensive experience as an industry advisor, including his role with IHRSA’s European Council, Doug brings valuable insights into the evolving fitness landscape. As the owner of Virtual Road Show, an innovative app providing transformational education to fitness professionals worldwide, he shares his perspective on industry trends and the future of fitness. Today, Doug joins Bryan to discuss his business, industry developments, and the impact of technology on fitness education. One Powerful Quote: 27:38: "I think we run a chance of relying a little bit too much on everything artificial, and we lose the humanity of being a club.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:20: Bryan opens the show by asking Doug about the early days of IHRSA and the European fitness industry. 18:12: Bryan and Doug discuss the competition in the European fitness market. 24:47: Doug shares his perspectives on how technology has changed in the European fitness market.  29:39: Doug talks about his business, Virtual Road Show. 39:18: Doug imparts his final pearls of wisdom to the listeners.  Bullet List of Resources: https://www.salesmakers.com/ https://www.healthandfitness.org Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salesmakers/ https://x.com/salesmakers https://www.facebook.com/salesmakers https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Barry McDonald to the show. Barry is the CEO of NovoFit, an Australian owned and operated fitness equipment distribution company representing some of the top brands in the industry. With 20 years in the health and fitness industry, Barry has extensive experience and insight into the evolving potential of health, fitness, and wellness experiences from leading large-scale health club operations nationally to designing and developing premium fitness facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Today, he joins Bryan in a conversation on key global fitness trends, stoic leadership concepts, and other pearls of wisdom.   One Powerful Quote: 30:25: “Never take yourself too seriously and be willing to take on things that are uncomfortable.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:29: Bryan opens the show by asking Barry about fitness trends happening in the market. 13:17: Barry shares his experience from his previous roles and at NovoFit. 16:41: Bryan inquires with Barry about challenges faced by operators.  21:36: Barry gives his thoughts and experience on the new age of work today. 30:11: Barry imparts his pearls of wisdom to the listeners. Bullet List of Resources: https://novofit.com.au/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-mcdonald-297a38a8/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his recording of his recent SIBEC webinar on 12 key trends for 2025 in the global fitness industry. This presentation covers trends for suppliers, gym and health club operators, and others in the global fitness industry. From M&A and finance, to digital fitness, GLP1's, Micro and Macro trends, Bryan covers a wide range of subjects about the future of fitness across every spectrum in the industry. One Powerful Quote: “Ideas are great, but execution and prioritization is the secret stuff that actually results in outcomes given a set of ideas.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:17: Bryan begins by talking about the landscape and understanding near-term and long-term trends.  9:01: Bryan talks about emerging programming and strength training. 11:04: Bryan talks about GLP1 longevity and health. 12:57: Bryan talks about authentic experiences or anti-badtech. 14:55: Bryan talks about human capital struggles. 16:27: Bryan talks about digital fitness for actively practicing self-care. 19:39: Bryan talks about finance and M&A. 21:13: Bryan talks about AI myths and inflated expectations. 23:25: Bryan talks about personalization at scale. 24:07: Bryan talks about self service solutions.  25:19: Bryan talks about cost of hesitations.  26:07: Bryan talks about the impatience economy.  26:58: Bryan talks about marketing success. 28:57: Bryan speaks on the micro convergence of five key trends in 2025. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-bryan-k-o-rourke-pdf/273973112 https://www.sibecevents.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163