Aligning AI Technology & User Experience With Ian Houghton & Bryan O'Rourke

This week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Erika Levy to the show. Erika is the founder of The Barre Fusions Method that teaches fitness instructors how to create classes that fuse ballet barre with other formats and streamline class design. She is certified in numerous yoga and active aging certifications and currently teaches Barre Fusions at Gold’s Gym in Camas, Washington and West Coast Fitness in Portland, Oregon. Today, Erika joins Bryan to talk about her business and trends in group fitness programming. 

One Powerful Quote:

19:38: “I think there’s a lot of opportunity to monetize your content and to create online experiences that are an extension of the in-person experience.”

4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:38: Bryan opens the show by asking Erika about her background in the fitness space. 

4:20: Erika talks about launching her Barre Fusions concept. 

8:16: Erika explains how Barre Fusions aligns with distributing group fitness programming.

12:45: Erika shares her thoughts on technology trends in group fitness. 

15:51: Erika extrapolates on the common themes around member management and technology for club automation. 

19:16: Bryan wraps up the show by asking Erika to impart her final advice to the listeners. 

Bullet List of Resources:

https://barrefusions.com/

https://erikalevy.com/

Guest Contact Information:

https://erikalevy.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikalevy/

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 welcomes Edward Navan to the show. Ed is the Co-Founder of REGYMEN Fitness and founded The Covery Wellness Spa. He has spent his career in every capacity in the industry from personal trainer, vendor rep, national account buyer, and now company owner. While he loves fitness, Edward sees the the biggest opportunity in the growing recovery and wellness sector where he believes the next decade will see a merging of the fitness and spa worlds. Today, Ed joins Bryan to share his thoughts on the fitness industry and the yet to be defined recovery and optimization space.

One Powerful Quote:

19:45: “No man is an island.” 

4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:40: Bryan opens the show by asking what interested Edward in getting involved in recovery wellness. 

5:41: Edward shares some of his favorite therapies in recovery wellness.

9:02: Bryan inquires with Edward how the fitness market has integrated with recovery wellness. 

13:29: Bryan and Edward talk about semaglutides and its impact on the fitness space. 

16:29: Edward shares his opinion on recovery wellness integrating with preventative sick care.

19:10: Edward imparts his finals pearls of wisdom to the listeners. 

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.regymenfitness.com/

https://thecovery.com/

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-navan-2171bb3b/

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 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:

https://www.pcmag.com/

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/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

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:

https://corehandf.com/

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdilts1/

https://twitter.com/jdilts

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 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:

https://alloyfranchise.com/

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjr64PvldWAAxUVmWoFHTIZBDAQFnoECBwQAQ&url=https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/alloy-personal-training-business/id1477274225&usg=AOvVaw0GBAi_BpDUSNXO__8RjPrR&opi=89978449

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teamalloy/

https://twitter.com/CoachRMayo

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 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://johnsanei.com/

https://drjoedispenza.com/products/becoming-supernatural-by-dr-joe-dispenza-paperback-book

https://pod.link/profg?gclid=Cj0KCQjwzdOlBhCNARIsAPMwjbwe4oYpZHYaM-BcckdCAbW7jY_GtnKYRTMVDZGf67dM1MZve9CFQRwaAsB1EALw_wcB

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/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

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/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

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:

https://fitness-kpi.com/

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/

https://twitter.com/PabloVinaspre

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 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/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

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/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163