Fitness + Technology

For episode 30 were learning about taking inspired, data-driven action based on market trends, to understand and serve the new fitness club member lifecycle. Of course, from the pulse of the industry and from many of our previous shows on the podcast, we know that the 30 to 90 day window of how we engage with both new leads and new members make all the difference in converting these customers to lifelong advocates of a brand or a club.  But with all the metrics and key performance indicators out there, what are the smart goals around monitoring, analyzing, and deciding where to spend your marketing dollars and how to best follow-up with these valuable potential new members? We explore those questions and more today with the President and CEO of InTouch Technology, Dana Milkie, to discuss optimizing club growth through technology that will provide the needed clarity in our fast-paced digital world. If you’ve been curious about understanding a new club member lifecycle and the roadmap for turning new leads

For episode 29, we're talking about medical fitness and its impact on our industry. This is an advanced model of personal training that is yielding an massive opportunity that fitness clubs will be able to capitalize on, and get people more healthy than ever before through referral networks for physicians. We're learning from the CEO of Rejuv Medical, JR Burgess, about how the entrepreneurial minded fitness facility or studio, that can understand how to partner with doctors, will thrive in this new medical and fitness landscape.  Listen as we explore both the advantages and challenges of trainers becoming medical fitness specialists, and what the next couple of years will mean to our space with the passage of a 2018 Diabetes Prevention Program that will partner with insurance companies to subsidize preventative wellness services through medically supervised fitness and wellness programs. Whether you're a club owner operator or fitness professional working in a small medium or large facility, this episode will

For part two of our special two part episode we're exploring building a company culture in a digital world with sought after speaker, influencer, and fitness industry icon Bobby Cappuccio. A lot of what we've been uncovering in our podcast is around the technology, wearables, and virtual platforms that are helping facilities and fitness professionals deliver exceptional service and value, but what has been a hot topic recently among trade magazines, industry shows, and in round tables is a looming question: How can teams come together to form a culture that adopts new technology to deliver phenomenal client and customer experiences, and what is the mindset and best approach that really works from leadership? If you've been curious about connecting the dots between data and customer engagement, our first half of this two part episode is teeing up Bobby's story of learning to use psychology and social media to deliver on culture, and in our second half, he'll bring it all together to provide more clarity on wha

For part one of our special two part episode we're exploring building a company culture in a digital world with sought after speaker, influencer, and fitness industry icon Bobby Cappuccio. A lot of what we've been uncovering in our podcast is around the technology, wearables, and virtual platforms that are helping facilities and fitness professionals deliver exceptional service and value, but what has been a hot topic recently among trade magazines, industry shows, and in round tables is a looming question: How can teams come together to form a culture that adopts new technology to deliver phenomenal client and customer experiences, and what is the mindset and best approach that really works from leadership? If you've been curious about connecting the dots between data and customer engagement, our first half of this two part episode is teeing up Bobby's story of learning to use psychology and social media to deliver on culture, and in our second half, he'll bring it all together to provide more clarity on wha

Marty Regan is Vice President of Sales for Club OS, the leading sales and retention tool in the fitness industry. He has been in the fitness industry for nearly 10 years, working with clients to bring them best in class software solutions to best serve their business. Prior to fitness Marty's diverse past included Stand Up Comedy and even a stint as a tow truck driver.  Club OS is an all-in-one health club platform. It's built to be fully customizable and allows all types of business models to be configured within. We leverage the best partners in the health club industry to create a seamless workflow between your billing system, and the Club OS sales CRM and PT management system. The software provides real time reporting and analysis for our customers so they can make informed decisions. We also automate many business processes that are typically done manually, allowing our customers to focus on running their business. In this episode, we're exploring the nuances of technology and member attrition, what club

What can location and activity tracking do to improve the lives of millions of health club members and deliver to the bottom line of fitness facilities in our industry? Today on the podcast, were diving into depth on this topic, and how new technology can truly meet the increasing demands of our members at their deepest needs. When we look at location and member activity, a deeper question arises: Just exactly what technology can deliver value to the club and the member without being cumbersome or too expensive? That question is answered today and so much more, by our guest Jamie Cole of FitConnect. For episode 025, we're learning from Jamie about how we can provide more value for the gym member without asking them to make any extra steps outside of what they're already doing while inside the health club. If you've been looking for more clarity around what it looks like to use outside club fitness app data combined with in-club location tracking of the members activity to help deliver contextualized and p

Across our industry space, we're well aware that new technologies including wearables, SaaS platforms, and connected fitness devices found across the world are collecting billions of data points. But the real question that is top of mind for operators, owners, and the industry as a whole, is what we do with all this data? Specifically, how do we plug-in actionable coaching, marketing, and touch points to millions of health club members across the globe that will actually elicit sustainable behavior change? This is one of my favorite episodes we've had on the podcast, and I know you're going to love the insight and expertise of today's guest Jan Middelkamp from Europe Active. If you've been curious or hungry for the information that's going to impact your fitness business from a virtual or face-to-face coaching standpoint, this is going to be a powerful episode for you because were diving into the topics and coaching models that will impact both your ROI and club operations. Jan Middelkamp is Development Direc

For the second half of our featured series "LIVE from IHRSA 2017," we're learning from two fitness technology professionals in different parts of our industry spectrum. In this doubleheader episode recorded live after the FIT-C roundtable session, we explore two important topics that make a direct impact to your fitness business.   First up is Geoffrey Little, President of GSL Consulting, to learn about the fast growing segments in both group and boutique fitness operations; specifically the opportunities for monetization and service in the youth market and sports performance.   Geoffrey worked at MINDBODY for 11 years, from early days through the 2015 IPO and is now a consultant to both vendors and operators in the fitness, wellness and education sectors and works with clients such as Virtuagym, who are exhibiting here at IHRSA.  Prior to MINDBODY, he worked in television documentary and media, covering naGo eight sorting out 50ture, science and technology, working with Time magazine, National Geographic, IM

On episode 21 we're spotlighting a few exceptional conversations with some of the top influencers at the crossroads of fitness and technology, live after the FIT-C roundtable meeting during IHRSA 2017 in Los Angeles. With the options and choices of club software systems on the rise, how do APIs and the ability for cross communication between platforms benefit the health club? Be sure to stick around for our second half of the show with Josh Donovan from GIVE Fitness --> In this first segment, were talking with fitness technology expert, Karl Etzel, about APIs (application program interfaces) and how they can help in both monetization and in serving the customer. For health club executives and owners, API functionality is an important topic to consider when purchasing technology systems.  Karl Etzel is a Transformation Catalyst, Strategic Decision-Maker, and Technical Expert in fitness technology known for his entrepreneurial drive in developing vision and setting strategic direction in the face of fast-changi

This legislation has the potential to transform our space and help put prevention in our healthcare system, because as you learn from Bryan, with as much as were doing in the fitness and wellness worlds to reach as many people we can, the reality is that our current healthcare model is broken.  On episode 20 we're learning from the President of FIT-C, Bryan O’Rourke, about one of the most pivotal legislations pending in Congress that has a direct impact on the success and longevity of your fitness business. We're talking about the PHIT Act. What we have now isn’t healthcare, it's sick care. Make sure to take action after listening to the show by clicking on this link and view the resources below where you can have your voice heard by writing your member of Congress to ensure that activity expenses are covered under pretax medical accounts.  We'll also hear from Bryan about his recent webinar with Club Industry:   "The Five Simple Ways To Use Technology To Increase Revenue" and why he believes that consumers h

Brian Hayden is the Cofounder and CEO at fitness technology startup, ShapeLog. ShapeLog is your new personal trainer - their patented data collection platform helps gyms and trainers make more money by delivering better client experiences. Brian previously founded and ran the education technology company, HeatSpring. He also teaches B2B sales at the University of Michigan's Center for Entrepreneurship. For episode 19 were growing stronger, and tracking while we do it. Discover how ShapeLog relates to your fitness business in the age of exponential technologies that are now affecting the new member orientation experience and strength tracking alike.  Brian delivers a fresh perspective as a new business in our space, as well as the challenges and incredible opportunities that can exist when companies drop the walls and start sharing data and ideas for collaboration.  If you are a club owner, operator or trainer interested in the next generation of strength tracking, or have been curious about how to use seamles

Mac Gambill is the co-founder and CEO of Nudge, LLC. As the CEO, Mac wears many hats, but his primary roles consist of business development, fundraising, and sales. In his time with Nudge, the company has been recognized as finalists in programs such as RVA Companies to Watch and the Chattanooga Technology Council's Early Innovator Award. Mac was recognized by CIT as being a GAP 50 Finalist, which identified Virginia entrepreneurs most likely to build the next generation of tech companies in the state. In Q1, 2015 Nudge launched a complementary platform for health coaches, called Nudge Coach, that leverages the Nudge technology to streamline the coaching process and help coaches better manage larger client populations. Nudge has also launched Nudge+Coach, introducing an on-demand coaching network to complement the mobile health ecosystem, allowing consumers to combine the benefits of their wearables data with a real-life health coach. Listen To Episode 018 As Mac Uncovers Why we are seeing that specific apps

Bryan O’Rourke serves as president of the Fitness Industry Technology Council, a consortium of leading companies working on technology standards for health and wellness. These organizations collectively serve more than 1,000 fitness facilities, dozens of organizations and more than 5,000 instructor professionals. Bryan is an entrepreneur, investor and former club owner who has worked in the health club and fitness industry with his partners for 18 years. He has presented as a keynote speaker at industry and corporate conferences on four continents. He is widely published and quoted in periodicals such as Inc. Magazine, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, and was recently recognized as one of the top 17 most influential entrepreneurs on Twitter. IHRSA named him one of 13 to watch in 2013. Bryan has recently contributed to a newly released book with other European thought leaders titled "Essentials of Motivation and Behavior Change." He is a cancer survivor and underwrites a variety of causes perta

Lindsey Rainwater is a sought after Business Consultant & Leadership Coach, Writer, and Presenter. Lindsey helps people and organizations enjoy transformational change with an enthusiasm for leadership, conscious living, and wellness amplified by technology.   As a consultant and coach to the professionals supporting the fitness industry, she is well known for her work in business development, strategy, digital marketing, content creation and change management. Lindsey’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive has produced a track record of consistent over-achievements throughout her career which has created her unique signature of being a conscious professional who leverages technology, to build deep, meaningful relationships while helping her colleagues do the same. Listen To Episode 016 As Lindsey Uncovers How to use simple yet effective techniques to enhance the Group X member experience How gamification and wearables can create return and new members  Why over 90% of recurring members are group fitness mem

Dave Wright is the CEO & owner of Creative Fitness Marketing, a global company with offices in the UK, Australia and North America that has served the international fitness community since 1990, specifically helping people be more and stay more physically active.  He is also the CEO and creator of MYZONE® - a cloud based and wearable technology "Physical Activity Heart Rate Monitor & Fitness Tracker," used to monitor and increase exercise adherence.  As a health club operator with 10 health clubs, and a board director of the UK’s Fitness Industry Association, an international presenter, Dave is featured regularly in international trade magazines. Listen To Episode 015 As Dave Uncovers What is MYZONE and what problem(s) does it solve in our industry? Why Dave believes consumer marketing campaigns are inundating club owners  The data behind why 50% of people that start their fitness program in January quit the same year How MYZONE technology guides the fitness pro (effort levels and MEP's)  How MYZONE

With the swell of technology growth in or industry, what does the IOT mean for fitness in 2017? Listen to Michael Piermont and Dave Johnson from ECOFIT Networks uncover the details in this featured episode. Michael Piermont has been starting businesses since he was 7 years old and is a consummate “connector.” Prior to starting amSTATZ, an app for personal trainers and their clients, Michael was the VP of Business Development for GoHealth, an internet marketplace for buying and selling health insurance. Since amSTATZ, Michael has co-founded FANCHEST, a subscription gift box company for sports fans. Currently, he is the CEO of ECOFIT Inc, one of Vedere Venture's portfolio companies. As the CEO of ECOFIT, the industry leader in networking cardio fitness equipment, Michael supports a technology solution for club operators to help maximize their club floor space. The foundation of their ECOFIT system is a specialized wireless technology enabling extreme equipment densities with cross brand compatibility. Building

For episode 13 we’re coming to the end of our featured series, LIVE from #CES2017 at the #FitTechCES summit bringing the top speakers and brands from Las Vegas right to your audio player.  From heart rate to gamification, nutrition tracking and beyond, this episode is highlighting the cutting edge of innovation and product development for fitness in the new year.  Our first guest is Michael Herlihy, the Regional Account Manager at Polar Electro. A lot of athletes and coaches around the world know Polar for the heart rate sensors that made it famous since 1977, but over the past few years, we’ve seen some incredible products for lifestyle and health and wellness come out from Polar. On this podcast we're learning from one of the most famous companies in our industry about advanced training with wearable technology. With a recent partnership teaming up with Les Mills to create a fitter and healthier planet, you’ll learn about the virtual and cloud-based fitness tracking systems and devices that will bring meani

For episode 12 we’re continuing our featured series, LIVE from CES 2017 bringing the top speakers and brands from Las Vegas right to your audio player.  Our first guest is Dr. Steven Leboeuf from Valencell. You won’t want to miss our second featured guest, Joni Kettunen, CEO of Firstbeat, and pioneer in physiological analytics and their applications for fitness. His vision for incorporating heartbeat analytics and wearable technology has placed Firstbeat at the cutting edge of the industry. About Dr. Steven As co-founder and President of Valencell, Inc., Dr. LeBoeuf has developed ongoing strategic partnerships between Valencell and leaders in industry and academia. He has raised more than $10M in funding for Valencell and is the inventor/co-inventor of more than 50 granted patents, including dozens of foundational patents in the field of accurate wearable sensors. Prior to Valencell, LeBoeuf led the optoelectronic biosensor program at GE Global Research, where he managed the development and productization of

We're excited to bring you some of the most cutting edge information in fitness technology right from the 2017 CES show floor that directly relates to your fitness business. First up on today's show is Amy McDonough from Fitbit.  Amy McDonough is the VP of Group Health at Fitbit. She works with employers, health plans and others in the corporate wellness space who are passionate about creating a culture of health within an organization or community. Amy oversees new and creative ways to bring consumer wearable technology into the corporate sphere with a goal of supporting as many individual’s as possible in their journey towards optimal health.  Since 2008 Amy has been an integral part of Fitbit’s growth alongside the founders, and her deep insights about using these devices will give both operators and trainers a valuable perspective on how this will impact the fitness business in the new year. Fitbit met with us LIVE at CES to discuss the new landscape of corporate and large group health programs, the data

Robert Dyer is the principle at Integrus, LLC, and a global ambassador with more than 30 years of operating health clubs, consulting to and advising fitness facility owners, global suppliers, and developing organizations. Robert and his partners have advised brands around the world. His fitness career began in the early 80’s when he founded and served as CEO of the Fort Worth Fit For Life health club chain, and in 2006, he became CEO and founder of Fitmarc.  Sometimes you'll hear the phrase "people person" and think of someone you know who fits this description. You know the ones: those folks who just seem magnetic to everyone around them. Robert Dyer is most certainly a people person. It's reflected in his approach to business, whether he's working with someone in the fitness industry or from an outside field. Colleagues refer to him as "the genuine article," and "committed to improving the lives and circumstances of all those around him" without hesitation. People also observe that he seems to go out of