In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Richard Grönberg, Founder and CEO of ECDESIGN — a leading 3D interior design software that empowers sales professionals to quickly plan and visualize any space without the complexity of traditional CAD tools. With over 10,000 companies across 170 countries using the platform, ECDESIGN is transforming how fitness and commercial environments are imagined and brought to life.

Tune in as Richard shares insights into the power of design, his business philosophy, and how intuitive planning tools are shaping the future of space visualization in the fitness industry.

One Powerful Quote:

18:31: “There are no shortcuts.”

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

2:51: Bryan asks Richard about the origins of ECDESIGN and what inspired him to launch the business.

5:25: The conversation shifts to Swedish design and how it influenced Richard’s journey into the fitness industry.

7:15: Richard explains how design expectations have evolved and what users now look for when using ECDESIGN.

8:26: Bryan and Richard explore how gaming principles have influenced modern design tools and the role of technology in that transformation.

13:21: Richard shares his approach to leadership, organizational management, and his core business philosophy.

16:20: Richard offers closing thoughts and shares key insights for listeners from his entrepreneurial experience.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.ecdesign.se/

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-gronberg/

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 Eddie Arpin, Co-Founder of OfferingTree, a comprehensive website, scheduling, and payment solution designed specifically for wellness professionals. OfferingTree empowers coaches, yoga instructors, personal trainers, mindfulness teachers, and other wellness practitioners by streamlining digital operations, so they can focus on delivering exceptional client experiences. In this conversation, Eddie shares the journey behind OfferingTree, his insights into the evolving needs of wellness professionals, and practical advice on building trust, improving client engagement, and leveraging digital tools effectively.

One Powerful Quote:

16:06: “Trust is the most valuable commodity in the world now.”

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

2:47: Eddie shares his software background and the origins of OfferingTree.

5:24: Bryan and Eddie talk about common pain points for wellness professionals.

9:37: Bryan asks Eddie about the value and impact of SMS marketing.

12:26: Eddie goes into evolving trends in content strategy and SEO.

14:57: Eddie shares his thoughts on payment processing and earning customer trust.

17:14: Bryan and Eddie discuss why tech stack integration matters more than ever.

25:54: Bryan wraps up the interview with Eddie imparting his final pearls of wisdom.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.offeringtree.com/

https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer

Guest Contact Information:

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

https://x.com/fifth_eddie

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, “The Key Trends Creating Opportunities and Challenges for the Global Fitness Industry in the Next 5 Years” live from Beyond Activ in Singapore. Bryan shares the spotlight for what’s next for fitness across the globe — from emerging technologies and programming innovations to finance, business models, and the forces reshaping how to serve members and scale impact. Whether you lead a gym, studio, supplier brand, or digital platform, this talk is designed to challenge your thinking and equip you for what’s ahead.

To view the slideshow, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-keynote-bryan-orourke-beyond-activ-singapore-2025/280332550

One Powerful Quote:

7:41: “In a world deluged by irrelevant information, clarity is power.”

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

3:09: Bryan opens his keynote with “What if?” and the convergence of macro/micro trends.

7:47: Bryan talks about opportunities and challenges in the next 5 years.

11:31: Bryan articulates on business models as the mainstay configurations for fitness delivery.

15:40: Bryan speaks on biotechnologies and the new social constructs today.

17:40: Bryan defines leadership vision and the processes to execute on it.

19:09: Bryan recaps his presentation.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://beyondactiv.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, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Pariskshit Dutt & Jackson Powell to the show. They are the founders of Fittest, a hardware-free heart rate tracking platform designed to help gyms boost member engagement, drive accountability, and increase retention. By seamlessly integrating with wearables, Fittest provides real-time in-studio and at-home tracking, gamification, and performance insights without the cost or hassle of additional hardware. Today, the two join Bryan to talk about their startup business and the challenges with data wearable technology.

One Powerful Quote:

18:13: “The barriers to entry have never been lower.”

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

2:47: Bryan asks Pariskshit & Jackson their general thoughts on wearables.

7:36: Pariskshit & Jackson talk about creating better user experiences.

9:38: Bryan articulates on the innovator’s dilemma; Pariskshit gives his feedback.

12:48: Pariskshit & Jackson speak on the idea behind fittestapp and its feature sets.

18:00: Pariskshit imparts his pearls of wisdom to the listeners.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.fittestapp.co.uk/

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-bryan-k-o-rourke-pdf/273973112

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pdutt111/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-powell-0b7362207/

pd@fittestapp.co.uk

jackson@fittestapp.co.uk

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 presentation “The Future of Fitness” live from SIBEC. Bryan offers a bold and thought-provoking look at how industry leaders can thrive amid rapid transformation. From navigating global micro and macro trends to redefining leadership, marketing, and digital strategy, this talk explores what it takes to succeed in today’s evolving fitness landscape.

You’ll hear his insights on the rise of recovery and luxury experiences, the shifting role of human capital, the obsolescence of traditional SAAS platforms, and the growing demand for personalization in an “impatience economy.”

To view the slideshow, visit: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-sibec-2025-talk/279416288

One Powerful Quote:

5:50: “The challenge is how do you see the future, execute the present, and migrate through that gap?”

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

1:50: Bryan opens his presentation with speaking on navigating global micro and macro trends.

8:13: Bryan articulates on why courage and leadership are the greatest elixirs for organizations.

9:43: Bryan covers why clarity is power to serving customer beliefs.

16:34: Bryan highlights the trends in experiences around recovery and luxury.

20:17: Bryan goes into human capital structures.

22:24: Bryan talks about digital fitness and the obsolescence of SAAS club management systems.

24:52: Bryan touches upon the consolidation of the industry and new technologies.

30:24: Bryan elaborates on personalization as it relates to the cost of hesitation and the impatience economy.

33:12: Bryan wraps up his presentation by sharing the new age of marketing.

35:27: Bryan recaps his presentation.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.sibecevents.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, Bryan O’Rourke shares his webinar with Hilary McGuckin and Sarah Harris from Keepme.ai as they explore how the modern fitness sales funnel is evolving—and what that means for fitness operators, marketers, and tech providers alike. In their conversations, they unpack:

• The biggest challenges fitness businesses face today with consumer acquisition and retention.
• Surprising insights from Keepme’s latest research on changing consumer behaviors.
• How AI, personalization, and automation can reshape the funnel.
• Real-world success stories and future-proof strategies you can apply now.

Whether you’re a gym owner, supplier, or fit tech innovator, this discussion is packed with insights to help you stay ahead in a fast-changing landscape.

To view the slideshow, visit: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/the-sales-funnel-consumer-behaviors-challenges-opportunities/278835947

One Powerful Quote:

6:56: “Humanize and futurize simultaneously.”

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

4:21: Bryan opens the webinar with Hilary and Sarah discussing the landscape.

7:38: Sarah and Hilary discuss the key challenges, opportunities, and pain points a part of the modern sales journey.

11:28: Sarah and Hilary share their findings on changing consumer behaviors.

16:09: Sarah and Hilary speak on the top of the sales funnel as a result of changing consumer behaviors.

19:47: Sarah and Hilary speak on technology and automation for successful future-proof strategy. Bryan gives his feedback.

25:23: Sarah and Hilary talk about real-world success stories.

28:05: Bryan inquires with Sarah and Hilary on the gap in adoption between competitors.

30:39: Bryan asks Sarah and Hilary on their future predictions.

38:01: Sarah and Hilary respond to the key friction point to operations adopting these tools.

40:35: Sarah and Hilary respond to first engagement with a new client.

42:56: The three answer a question on community based and hyper-localized marketing assets for individual locations.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.keepme.ai/

Guest Contact Information:

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

https://x.com/McguckinHi67189

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahharris33/

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 Garrett Marshall, a distinguished leader with over 22 years of experience driving growth in the wellness industry. Garrett’s expertise spans strategy and innovation, executive leadership, business development, strategic partnerships, and technological product development. He has notably served as CEO of Fitness On Demand and President of Xponential Fitness. Today, he is the Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Wellbuilt Ventures, helping clients scale revenue through data-driven strategies, and serves as an advisor to Vi, assisting leading health organizations in maximizing member health outcomes and financial returns. In this conversation, Garrett shares insights from his career, discusses his latest business ventures, and offers his perspective on emerging trends shaping the future of fitness and wellness.

One Powerful Quote:

30:01: “If you want to continue to be able to deliver as a best in class provider of fitness, you need to be able to at least have exposure to these other things that are hyper relevant to their overall health.”

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

3:48: Bryan and Garrett talk about discerning great ideas and execution with technology.

12:41: Bryan and Garrett discuss how to successfully augment business product with a service.

25:24: Bryan asks Garrett about the most appealing wellness categories.

31:56: Garrett shares his pearls of wisdom to the listeners.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://www.wellbuilt.ventures/

https://www.vi.co

http://www.TheCompoundHQ.com

https://www.xponential.com/

Guest Contact Information:

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

https://www.bryankorourke.com/

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

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

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