Fitness + Technology

Bryan O'Rourke: Fitness Industry Technology Council
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Welcome to the Fitness + Technology Podcast for club owners, operators, and fitness professionals! This show is your #1 trusted resource for the accelerating world of fitness technology. Each week, we bring you an expert interview with a global influencer at the crossroads of fitness and technology. You'll get the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to stay connected to the pulse of what matters most for your fitness business in the age of exponential technologies. This podcast is brought to you by the Fitness Industry Technology Council, who is mobilizing resources to drive the fitness industry forward, and representing leading companies and organizations to success through collaboration. This show is supported by Vedere Ventures, a boutique investment and advisory firm helping early mature and late stage enterprises succeed in a new era.

  1. 2 days ago

    Scaling Fitness Through People, Technology, & Leadership With Chris Smith

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Chris Smith, President & CEO of Fitness World Canada. Over the past several years, Fitness World has experienced significant growth across British Columbia and is now entering its next phase with a $50 million national expansion strategy. The plan includes new corporate-owned locations and the launch of the company's first franchise program—an important milestone that reflects both the brand's momentum and the continued evolution of the fitness industry. Chris has spent more than 25 years in the fitness industry, witnessing its transformation from a niche offering into an essential part of how people live, work, and prioritize their health. Throughout his career, he has focused on building accessible, high-quality fitness experiences, developing strong teams, and creating scalable business models designed for long-term success. In addition to leading Fitness World, Chris has founded and scaled several complementary businesses, including the Personal Training Institute of BC and TRAIN by FW, the company's boutique fitness concept. He also serves as CEO of All Things Fitness & Wellness (ATFW), where he is known as the "Mayor of Smittyville"—a video-first podcast and content platform exploring the real conversations fitness professionals have about leadership, careers, and life inside the gym. In this conversation, Bryan and Chris discuss Fitness World's growth strategy, technology adoption, the importance of human capital, and the leadership principles shaping the future of the fitness industry. Check out FIT-C's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 Learn more about Fitness Brazil 2026: https://www.fitnessbrasil.com.br/fitness-brasil-expo-2026/ One Powerful Quote: 8:49: "Don't under appreciate human capital." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:09: Chris shares his career journey and the growth story behind Fitness World Canada. 8:10: Bryan asks Chris which industry trends are currently being underestimated. 12:17: Chris discusses how technology has influenced both his leadership approach and business strategy. 15:03: Chris explains the most common mistakes organizations make when adopting new technology. 17:53: Chris concludes with his advice and key takeaways for fitness industry leaders. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitnessworld.ca/ https://www.atfw.ca/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-1874138/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

  2. 20 Jul

    Private Equity Trends Shaping The Fitness Industry With Jeremy Hirsch

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Jeremy Hirsch, Head of Franchise & Multi-Unit Services at Houlihan Lokey, a leading global investment bank. Houlihan Lokey is recognized for providing independent strategic and financial advice to corporations, financial sponsors, and governments, with expertise spanning mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, financial restructuring, and valuation advisory services. In this conversation, Bryan and Jeremy explore the latest trends shaping private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic business decision-making across the fitness, wellness, and franchise industries. Check out FIT-C's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 Learn more about Fitness Brazil 2026: https://www.fitnessbrasil.com.br/fitness-brasil-expo-2026/ One Powerful Quote: 21:08: "Data is the key to unlocking value." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:48: Jeremy shares his background in investment banking and the fitness industry. 7:40: Jeremy discusses the key trends driving mergers and acquisitions. 9:20: The conversation explores the industry's shift toward premium-value business models. 11:36: Jeremy explains how strength training, pilates, and other wellness modalities are influencing investment activity and deal flow. 16:17: Jeremy discusses how evolving consumer fitness habits are shaping broader business decisions. 18:13: Jeremy explains how technology stacks are evolving and how operators are rethinking customer relationship management (CRM) systems. 21:03: Jeremy closes by sharing his advice and key takeaways for industry leaders. Bullet List of Resources: https://hl.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-hirsch-b739b113/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

  3. 14 Jul

    Affirmation vs. Information: Rethinking Fitness Leadership With Chris Stevenson

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back Chris Stevenson to the show. Chris is the Founder of The Empower Group, a consulting firm that helps health clubs, studios, parks and recreation departments, and fitness professionals reach their goals through speaking, workshops, and customized services. In this conversation, Bryan and Chris share observations from the field and explore technology, longevity, and the human side of the industry. Check out FIT-C's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 Learn more about Fitness Brazil 2026: https://www.fitnessbrasil.com.br/fitness-brasil-expo-2026/ One Powerful Quote: 11:30: "Sometimes I think people, even if it's well intended, seek affirmation as oppose to information." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:07: Chris shares his background and how he entered the industry space. 8:05: Chris discusses what he observes in operators and their business approaches. 12:31: Bryan and Chris examine parks and recreation departments and the challenges they face compared to commercial facilities. 16:53: Bryan and Chris discuss adopting technology for strategic implementation. 22:23: Chris imparts his closing words of wisdom for the listeners.  Bullet List of Resources: https://tegfirm.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisstevensonfitness/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

  4. 29 Jun

    AI, Longevity, & Business Solutions: LIVE From Beyond Activ Europe With Vincenzo Lardinelli

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke joins Vincenzo Lardinelli live from Beyond Activ Europe in Madrid. Vincenzo is the founder and CEO of FLITFIT, a live and on-demand fitness platform built to help clubs extend their offering online, and serves as the Italian Ambassador for the Fitness Industry Technology Council. A frequent voice on AI, longevity, and the future of connected fitness, he brings a distinctly European and operator-focused perspective to the conversation. Beyond Activ Europe is a premier business and investment conference bringing together leaders across the health, fitness, wellness, hospitality, leisure, and sports industries to explore the trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the sector's future. Built for owners, operators, investors, developers, suppliers, and innovators, the event features keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive Q&A, curated one-on-one meetings, a solutions exhibition, and extensive networking. With hundreds of senior executives attending from dozens of countries, it serves as a platform for building partnerships, discovering new technologies, sharing best practices, and accelerating growth across the European market and beyond. In this conversation, Bryan and Vincenzo recap their experience on the ground and dig into all things fitness, technology, and startups. Check out FIT-C's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 One Powerful Quote: 4:30: "If the tech you have today can solve an important business problem, then do that." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:50: Bryan and Vincenzo speak on how technology should be deployed to solve real business problems. 4:45: Bryan and Vincenzo discuss AI, the question of replacing versus augmenting humans, and how customers actually adopt new tools. 6:27: Bryan and Vincenzo define the longevity trend and unpacking its growing impact on the industry. Bullet List of Resources: https://beyondactiv.com/events/europe/ https://www.flitfit.it/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincenzo-lardinelli-74b86435/?locale=en https://www.youtube.com/@vincenzolardinelli lardinelli.vincenzo@gmail.com https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

  5. 21 Jun

    The Business Of Fitness: Building What Lasts With Yves Preissler

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Yves Preissler to the show. Yves is the Founder and CEO of YP Business Consulting, a globally active, privately owned advisory firm specializing in final-decision advisory and concept architecture for the fitness, wellness, recovery, sport, and hospitality industries. With over 20 years of international experience and more than 150 projects delivered across four continents, including the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, YP works with boards, investors, developers, and operators at the earliest and most critical stages of decision-making, from concept validation through to full execution and performance. A member of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), a contributing author to Beyond Reps, and founder of AFROFIT, Yves brings a rare combination of strategic rigor, regional expertise, and operational clarity to every engagement. Today, he joins Bryan to share his perspective, and some genuinely candid views, on user experience, operational excellence, and what it takes to build fitness and wellness businesses that truly last. Check out FITC's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 One Powerful Quote: 8:11: "All are attractive ideas, but not every idea is a strong business." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:33: Yves shares his journey from Europe to building fitness and wellness businesses across the Middle East and Africa, including founding AFROFIT. 6:55: Yves outlines the core principles he believes every fitness and wellness operator should be prioritizing in today's market. 9:30: Yves explains why human connection is the most critical driver of user experience and retention. 11:11: Bryan and Yves discuss what operational excellence truly requires in practice and why long-term viability demands the discipline to focus, not just build. 15:43: Yves shares where technology genuinely adds value in fitness and wellness operations and where operators risk mistaking complexity for progress. 22:37: Yves delivers his final advice on what will separate enduring businesses from those that don't last. Bullet List of Resources: https://yvespreissler.com/ https://afrofit.life/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvespreissler/ https://x.com/ypreissler https://substack.com/@yvespreissler?utm_source=global-search yves@yvespreissler.com https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

  6. 12 May

    A Respectful Disagreement on AI & Its Hype Cycle — LIVE from FIBO 2026 With Bryan O'Rourke, Pablo Viñaspre, & Marcin Obel

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his panel discussion from FIBO's Future Forum, "A Respectful Disagreement on AI & Its Hype Cycle." Moderated by Hans Muench, Bryan is joined by Pablo Viñaspre of FitnessKPI and Marcin Obel of Qodeca for an honest conversation about what's working in AI, what's falling short, and what fitness operators should actually be paying attention to. Listeners will gain practical insights, candid perspectives, and a discussion that moves beyond the buzzwords surrounding artificial intelligence. If you're evaluating how AI fits into your business strategy, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Check out FITC's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 One Powerful Quote: 45:10: "Most businesses don't have a strategy. They have a plan, and if you don't think of it in that context, you're never going to be able to benefit from the enablement of technology." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:41: Bryan and Marcin discuss the hype cycle surrounding the AI boom. 7:57: Pablo explains how AI can deliver genuine, measurable value for operators. 9:04: Marcin examines whether the challenge lies in the technology itself or in the expectations created by vendors and the media. 12:22: The panel discusses the evolution of language learning models and artificial general intelligence, including their potential as long-term investments and the question of credibility. 16:44: Pablo addresses plateaued product life cycles and how companies can continue building meaningful AI-driven growth strategies. 18:05: The panel agrees that the greatest barriers to AI adoption are people and organizational change management and not the technology itself. 24:29: The discussion explores where AI is genuinely improving fitness operations and member experiences and where it is being oversold or misapplied. 31:05: The panel debates whether mass personalization leads to better outcomes or simply higher engagement. 33:35: The conversation turns to accountability, governance, and risk management for operators and vendors implementing embedded AI technologies. 38:08: The panel discusses what minimum government standards for AI in the fitness industry could look like. 39:55: The speakers outline practical steps operators should be taking today to prepare their businesses for AI adoption. 45:50: The panel shares closing thoughts on the realities and the risks of overhyped AI. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.fibo.com/ https://fitness-kpi.com/ https://www.qodeca.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.hans-muench.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-muench-653346a/ https://x.com/Lazarusmunich https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/ https://x.com/PabloVinaspre https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcinobel/ https://x.com/marcinobel https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

  7. 5 May

    Reimagining In-Club Experiences Through Technology With Tracey Spain Estes

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Tracey Spain Estes, Senior Account Manager at LG Electronics. Tracey brings more than 20 years of experience in the health, wellness, and fitness industry, with a proven track record in strategic account leadership and sales performance. Her background includes leadership roles with Life Fitness and the YMCA, where she developed deep expertise in strategic development, sales operations, marketing strategy, and fitness training. With a strong focus on technology in the fitness industry, Tracey joins Bryan to explore the evolving role of screens in creating immersive fitness experiences and what this shift means for operators, members, and the future of connected fitness. Checkout FITC's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18 One Powerful Quote: 18:14: "Digital technology if designed properly and placed appropriately supports, emphasizes, and encourages that experience with the human." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:23: Bryan invites Tracey to share her professional background. 5:13: Tracey discusses LG Electronics as a consumer brand with a growing B2B vertical focus. 6:29: Tracey highlights what has surprised her most about the fitness industry. 8:08: Tracey addresses common pain points related to in-club screen displays and physical environments. 10:38: Tracey expands on screen applications beyond personalization. 13:54: Tracey shares her perspective on the future of immersive, in-club experiences. 19:07: Tracey offers advice for club owners on enhancing the member experience. 21:59: Tracey reflects on key learnings from other industry sectors. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.lg.com/us/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-spain-estes-b031b018/ https://x.com/TSpainEstes https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

  8. 7 Apr

    Inside FIBO: The World's Largest Health, Fitness, & Wellness Exhibition With Florian Brauer

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Florian Brauer, Senior Global Brand Manager for FIBO—the world's largest exhibition platform for health, fitness, and wellness. Florian oversees FIBO's global brand strategy, shaping its international identity and managing a growing portfolio of regional events, including FIBO Arabia. He also cultivates partnerships with industry organizations, federations, and thought leaders worldwide. As a central figure behind one of the industry's most influential gatherings, Florian plays a key role in bringing together leading commercial and educational programming each year in Cologne. Today, Florian joins Bryan to share insights into FIBO's evolution, its global expansion, and what to expect from their upcoming event. FIT-C Innovation Outlook Panel: Explore the session details here: https://www.fibo.com/germany/en-gb/show-programme/Programme-Details.4776.260915.en--what's-coming-what's-missing-what's-next-the-fit_c-innovation-outlook.html Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/newsletter One Powerful Quote: 15:47: "I kindof have the feeling that there is a movement that's just starting." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:56: Bryan opens the conversation by exploring Florian's background and the growth of FIBO. 6:20: Florian discusses the significant evolution of FIBO's format and exhibition style. 8:07: Florian shares insights on FIBO's expansion into the Middle East and what that market represents for the industry. 12:02: Florian highlights FIBO's Future Forum and other upcoming events. 15:22: Florian leaves listeners with his key insights and advice. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.fibo.com/ https://www.europeactive.eu/ https://www.europeactive.eu/ehff Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-brauer-a43b96a3/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

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About

Welcome to the Fitness + Technology Podcast for club owners, operators, and fitness professionals! This show is your #1 trusted resource for the accelerating world of fitness technology. Each week, we bring you an expert interview with a global influencer at the crossroads of fitness and technology. You'll get the insights, tools, and inspiration you need to stay connected to the pulse of what matters most for your fitness business in the age of exponential technologies. This podcast is brought to you by the Fitness Industry Technology Council, who is mobilizing resources to drive the fitness industry forward, and representing leading companies and organizations to success through collaboration. This show is supported by Vedere Ventures, a boutique investment and advisory firm helping early mature and late stage enterprises succeed in a new era.

Information

  • Creator
    Bryan O'Rourke: Fitness Industry Technology Council
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    214
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © FIT-C
  • Show Website
    Fitness + Technology

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