Fitness + Technology

Bryan O'Rourke: Fitness Industry Technology Council
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  • Management
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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. 4h ago

    The Truth About AI, Data, & Your Business With Dave Wright

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back Dave Wright to the show. Dave is the Founder and Owner of MYZONE, a wearable technology and social platform that rewards effort in physical activity. MYZONE is ideal for boosting member retention in health clubs, building communities across networks, and aggregating data for an employer, sports team, school, or gym. Dave's background spans being a multi-club health club owner and the owner of Creative Fitness Marketing (CFM), a global company with offices in the UK, Australia, and North America that has served the international fitness community since 1990, helping people become more active and stay that way. In this wide-ranging, impromptu conversation, Bryan and Dave trade questions on the pros and cons of technology and artificial intelligence. 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/ Learn more about HFA's European Congress: https://hub.healthandfitness.org/european-congress One Powerful Quote: 6:54: "If it's free, someone's making money out of your data." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 4:44: Bryan asks Dave to set the context for his latest thinking on AI and technology. 14:54: Bryan and Dave discuss a cautionary tale for companies that overlook the fundamentals. 23:26: Bryan and Dave share advice on the context and understanding needed to implement AI tools, from a real-world operator's perspective. 28:44: Dave shares the latest developments at MYZONE. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.myzone.org/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wright-bbaa6110/ Dave@myzone.org https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

  2. Aug 11

    Simplify The Work & Amplify The Impact With JJ Creegan

    In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes JJ Creegan to the show. JJ is the Principal at Creegan Co., a firm that helps founders, operators, and investors scale multi-unit consumer brands. Over the past two decades, JJ has partnered with founder-led and private equity-backed businesses to take concepts from launch through institutional scale — growing brands to 100+ locations and leading global networks of 1,500+ sites that generate more than $1 billion in annual revenue. His focus is on value creation through revenue growth, retention, and customer experience, supported by disciplined operating models, franchise development, and high-performing leadership teams. JJ works closely with ownership groups and boards as a fractional or interim executive, advisor, or board member across the wellness, hospitality, leisure, and consumer services sectors. In this conversation, Bryan and JJ explore how technology and human connection can work together to drive growth in consumer brands. They discuss the trends reshaping the industry, the role of digital apps and wearables in elevating the member experience, and how delivery models are evolving to become more comprehensive. JJ also shares practical advice for aligning technology with in-person service and offers key takeaways for industry leaders looking to scale with discipline and purpose. 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: 10:17: "Leveraging technology to simplify the work that needs to happen in person, and then amplifying the impact of it, is a really big opportunity for most brands today." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:20: JJ shares his career journey and his work as a fractional advisor. 7:30: JJ offers his observations on emerging trends across the industry. 9:48: JJ and Bryan discuss how business success depends on aligning technology with human integration. 13:42: JJ and Bryan examine the impact of technology through digital apps, wearables, and the member experience. 16:20: JJ and Bryan explore how delivery models are evolving to become more comprehensive. 20:16: JJ closes with his advice and key takeaways for industry leaders. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.jjcreegan.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjcreegan/ https://x.com/jjcreegan https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

  3. Aug 4

    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

  4. Jul 20

    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

  5. Jul 14

    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

  6. Jun 29

    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

  7. Jun 21

    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

  8. May 12

    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

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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
    216
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © FIT-C
  • Show Website
    Fitness + Technology

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