Fitness + Technology

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

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back strategic advisor Pete Moore, Managing Partner at Integrity Square. Pete and his firm specialize in supporting passionate entrepreneurs, high-growth companies, and experienced executives by connecting them with the right sources of capital. At Integrity Square, Pete leads efforts in the health, active lifestyle, and outdoor sectors. During this insightful conversation, Bryan and Pete explore business strategy with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and the current dynamics of the capital markets. They also discuss what today's operators need to be paying close attention to in order to stay competitive and capitalize on emerging opportunities. One Powerful Quote: 26:05: "Master the business that you currently own." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:47: Pete shares insights on the current state of mergers & acquisitions and private equity within the fitness and wellness industry. 14:26: Pete offers his predictions for the future of the industry. 20:31: Pete speaks about why some brands are failing to innovate and slowly adopt technology. 25:59: Pete leaves listeners with final pearls of wisdom and key takeaways for operators and entrepreneurs. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.halotalks.com/pete-moore/ https://www.integritysq.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteymo/ 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, "Using Data & Technology To Drive Club Revenues," alongside Pablo Viñaspre of FitnessKPI. The session explores how data and digital tools are reshaping fitness business performance, with a focus on practical, real-world application. Listeners will gain actionable insights on improving member retention, optimizing pricing strategies, and unlocking new revenue opportunities through smarter use of analytics and technology. Designed for operators, managers, and industry professionals, this webinar provides a clear framework for making more informed decisions and driving measurable, sustainable growth. You can view the webinar deck here: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/using-data-technology-to-drive-revenue-fitness-kpi-12-25-webinar/284677394 One Powerful Quote: 32:48: "So deciding which moments in the customer journey or in the customer experience I can fully automatize and in which ones I have to go fully human to bring that value." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 1:46: Bryan opens the webinar by outlining the agenda, followed by Pablo introducing Fitness KPI and its role in data-driven decision-making for fitness operators. 8:58: Bryan and Pablo discuss why data proficiency is becoming a core organizational competency across the fitness industry. 11:50: The conversation turns to how leading enterprises are using data insights to improve the quality and speed of decision-making. 15:02: Bryan and Pablo explore the challenge many organizations face in extracting real value from AI, despite lagging in the development of critical AI capabilities. 18:57: Pablo identifies the most significant sales revenue opportunities currently available to fitness clubs. 23:31: Pablo highlights brands that are setting the standard for excellence in data insights and analytics execution. 29:01: Bryan and Pablo discuss the future evolution of technology stacks for fitness operators. 34:58: Pablo shares what he believes is the single most important mindset shift required to fully leverage data and technology. 37:40: Pablo explains how operators can translate data into concrete operational actions and meaningful KPIs. 42:25: Pablo provides software recommendations for effectively managing and centralizing data. 45:20: Pablo outlines the key barriers and concerns organizations face when implementing data and technology solutions. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitness-kpi.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pabloviñaspre/ https://x.com/PabloVinaspre 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, "European Fitness Market Trends In 2025 And Beyond" live from the SC Fitness Annual Convention in Portugal. Bryan shares the spotlight for what's next in the European fitness market and the key differentiators needed for successful operators. Whether you lead a gym, studio, supplier brand, or digital platform, this talk is designed to expand your perspective and prepare you for what's ahead. To view the slideshow, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/european-fitness-market-trends-2025-bryan-orourke-keynote-sc-fitness-conference/284499398 Apply for the 2025 Innovation Awards: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/fitc-innovation-award-2025 One Powerful Quote: 11:51: "The quality of your thinking determines the quality of your life." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 6:57: Bryan opens by emphasizing thinking big as the first major trend. 15:54: Bryan discusses the opportunities and challenges shaping the growth of the European fitness market, highlighting the importance of leaders distinguishing between strong ideas and effective execution. 19:14: Bryan expands on the role of capital as markets scale and mature in response to continued industry growth. 21:13: Bryan addresses evolving customer expectations, noting the growing demand for both digitization and human connection in the fitness experience. 30:01: Bryan examines current technology, AI hype cycles, and their implications for the industry. 37:03: Bryan reflects on the importance of people and collaboration, underscoring the theme of working together to achieve greater impact. 45:05: Bryan concludes by summarizing the key points from his talk. Bullet List of Resources: https://elementgyms.pt/ https://www.solinca.pt/ 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, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Lindsay Vastola to the show. With a rich background spanning corporate management and entrepreneurship, Lindsay brings a dynamic perspective to leadership and professional growth. Through her engaging keynote presentations, professional development workshops, and thought-provoking conversations, she empowers professionals to reach their full potential. As the founder of VastPotential, Lindsay helps organizations cultivate exceptional employee experiences and enhance performance through innovative staff development and vision-driven leadership education and coaching. In this episode, she joins Bryan to explore transformational leadership, the role of technology, and the discipline required to drive organizational success. One Powerful Quote: 24:45: "Leadership is an endurance sport. You are never there." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:16: Bryan opens the conversation by asking Lindsay to define transformational leadership and explain its importance. 7:04: Lindsay discusses why this style of leadership is increasingly vital in today's evolving workplace. 9:35: Lindsay outlines common productivity challenges teams face in achieving consistent performance. 12:21: Lindsay shares proven strategies she has implemented to help teams overcome these challenges. 16:13: The discussion turns to organizational culture, where Lindsay expands on Bryan's comments about fear as a limiting factor. 19:53: Lindsay examines how technology is reshaping transformational leadership and influencing collaboration within teams. 25:38: Bryan and Lindsay dive into the concept of discipline and the focus leaders must maintain to achieve lasting impact. 31:49: Lindsay offers her final thoughts and actionable recommendations for listeners seeking to elevate their leadership approach. Bullet List of Resources: https://vast-potential.com Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-vastola/ https://x.com/LindsayV_BP https://www.lindsayvastola.com/ 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 presentation delivered live at FitLife's Club Network Conference in Seattle. Bryan explores the key trends transforming the global fitness industry from rapid technological advancements to the evolving importance of human capital. He emphasizes why now is a pivotal moment for leaders to shape the future of fitness. To view Bryan's slide deck, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-fitlife-club-network-keynote-seattle-2025-bryan-orourke/283944575 One Powerful Quote: 16:54: "Clarity is a superpower." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:34: Bryan gives an introduction to the major trends shaping the fitness industry and their impact on its future direction. 17:38: Bryan shares the opportunities and challenges that will define the next five years in fitness and wellness. 18:48: Bryan discusses the capital and financial shifts in the marketplace. 27:02: Bryan speaks on bridging the digital and physical gap through humanized experiences. 37:06: Bryan talks about business models that are driving innovation in health and fitness services. 44:12: Bryan highlights what's real in understanding the technology and AI hype cycle. 56:46: Bryan explains why people and trust are the most valuable assets today. 1:06:50: Bryan summarizes how translating strategy into execution can lead to meaningful change. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitlifeclubs.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, host Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director of Longevity & Performance at Life Time. With over three decades of leadership in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, Jeff brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, brand evolution, and operational excellence. As a key architect behind Life Time's transformation into a comprehensive healthy lifestyle company, Jeff shares his perspective on the future of wellness, the role of leadership in culture and innovation, and strategies for advancing health span and performance. Tune in for a powerful conversation filled with insights from one of the industry's most influential leaders. One Powerful Quote: 25:57: "We have two lives, and the second one begins when we realize we only have one." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:04: Bryan opens the conversation with an overview of Jeff's extensive background and career journey. 4:33: The discussion turns to market bifurcation, as Bryan asks Jeff about evolving consumer demands and value delivery. Jeff explains how Life Time has strategically scaled to meet these shifting dynamics. 8:46: Bryan and Jeff explore the role of customer personas and how these insights influence alignment across the entire organization. 11:54: Jeff highlights emerging trends in health and wellness and shares how Life Time is innovating to meet these demands through enhanced service offerings. 17:00: The conversation delves into biotechnology and its growing influence on extending health span and optimizing performance. 20:16: Jeff discusses how Life Time maintains a strong cultural foundation while operating at scale, emphasizing the importance of human connection in large organizations. 24:37: Jeff concludes with key takeaways and lasting insights for listeners, offering wisdom from his decades of leadership in the industry. Bullet List of Resources: https://jeffzwiefel.com/ https://www.lifetime.life/ https://hbr.org/2008/07/putting-the-service-profit-chain-to-work Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzwiefel/ https://x.com/JeffZwiefel 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 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