Curious how technology will redefine fitness? Tune in as fitness industry thought leader Eric Malzone shares his front-line insights after 850+ interviews with fitness visionaries! Discover eye-opening truths on AI, member retention, and industry innovation - all filtered through Eric’s experience from gym owner to podcasting powerhouse. Whether you’re an operator, trainer, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers actionable trends and practical advice to future-proof your business and inspire your next move in fitness.
Key highlights from the episode:
- How AI will transform acquisition, engagement, and retention in the fitness industry - from sales support to hyper-personalized member journeys.
- Why future-proofing fitness businesses requires patience, creativity, and upskilling human resources, not just chasing new tech trends.
- Specific tools, brands, and strategies Eric recommends, including wearable tech integration, next-gen CRM, and leveraging online reviews for lead generation.
Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter!
Know the SECRET codeword? Submit it here for the chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!* https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword
Ready for more:
- Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
- Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents
- Leave us a voicemail: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/
- Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/
Quotes:
"AI won’t replace coaches and trainers, but coaches and trainers that use AI will replace all the others.” - Eric Malzone
"The bread and butter of what we’re seeing right now, which is acquisition, engagement, and retention. So acquiring new members, making sure those members are engaged in the services that you provide. And then retaining those members.” - Eric Malzone
"Panicking and rushing into things just to be using AI for the sake of AI is not the right thing; we really have to isolate in your specific business and your specific workflow, in your specific situation. Like what is the biggest problem that AI can solve right now, and starting with that." - Eric Malzone
Resources:
- Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
- Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/
- Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/
Our Guest:
Eric Malzone, Fitness industry thought leader and podcaster
Podcast: https://futureoffitness.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-malzone-8b452a3/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.malzone.7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emalzone/
Podcast Collective: https://www.podcastcollective.io/
Podcasting Whitepaper: https://www.podcastcollective.io/podcasting-whitepaper
Merch Sponsor:
REX Roundtables - REXRoundtables.com
Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/
REX Roundtables:
Website: www.REXRoundtables.com
Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com
REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers:
Matrix: Commercial fitness equipment, technology, and programming. https://www.matrixfitness.com/us/eng
Performance Foods: providing turnkey smoothie bar solutions for gyms. https://www.performancefoodcenters.com/
Myzone: monitoring, tracking and enhancing fitness through heart rates. https://www.myzone.org/business
MXM Metrics: Analyzing and improving gyms through member metrics. https://mxmetrics.com/
MAX Members: automating member management and engagement. https://www.maxmembers.ai/
Skip to the good part:
00:00 Introduction to the Future of Fitness Podcast
02:55 The Role of AI in Fitness
06:01 Personalization and Member Engagement
08:46 Challenges in the Fitness Industry
12:05 Skills for Gym Owners and Managers
14:59 The Trainer's Perspective on AI
17:51 AI Tools and Technologies in Fitness
21:02 Future Predictions for AI in Fitness
23:42 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
About Our Guest: Eric Malzone is a prominent entrepreneur and thought leader in the fitness industry, with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of fitness, technology, and business innovation. After a successful decade in corporate America, he founded and later sold two thriving gyms: CrossFit Pacific Coast and Lighthouse Fitness. He transitioned from gym ownership to becoming a respected industry analyst and advisor. As the host of the popular Future of Fitness podcast, he has conducted more than 850 interviews with leaders, making the show a go-to resource for professionals seeking to understand emerging trends. Malzone also hosts two other shows, Athletech Unscripted and Fitness Blitz Radio. Eric is the co-founder and CEO of The Podcast Collective, an agency specializing in B2B podcast launches and strategic media placement. His advisory work extends to major brands like F45 and WRKOUT, as well as many smaller businesses, all of which benefit from his forward-thinking insights into the future of fitness and wellness.
About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society
Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!
What if your gym could be the first line of defense against chronic disease? In this insightful episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin 'JT' Tamsett discusses the concept of 'Exercise is Medicine' with expert Lisa Dougherty, who has 27+ years of experience in the field. They explore the significant impact of physical inactivity on global health and the economy, emphasizing the crucial role of tailored exercise in combating chronic diseases. Lisa shares her journey and the evolution of specialized fitness training for various medical conditions. They also discuss best practices for gyms and trainers, the importance of advanced education, and how gyms can build respect within the healthcare continuum. The episode finishes with details on Lisa's upcoming virtual global medical fitness conference, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and expertise for fitness professionals worldwide.
Key highlights from the episode:
- A global health wake-up call: Why inactivity is projected to cost $314–$446 billion annually by 2050 and how gyms can position themselves as part of the healthcare solution.
- Best practices for “exercise as medicine” programs: Education requirements, record-keeping, safety protocols, and emotional intelligence as core skills.
- Business opportunities in medical fitness: How specializing in chronic condition populations can set you apart from competitors and create long-term client loyalty.
Know the SECRET codeword? Submit it here for the chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!* https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword
Ready for more:
- Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
- Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents
- Leave us a voicemail: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/
- Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/
Quotes:
“It is crucial for fitness and allied healthcare professionals working with the aging population to have this higher level of knowledge, skill, and expertise.” - Lisa Dougherty
“I started the MFN to improve the quality of life of the many millions of people with chronic disease and medical conditions.” - Lisa Dougherty
“The fitness industry still targets the’ nearly fit’. Which is, you know, 15% of the population, and those are the shark infested waters. And 85% of the rest of the population has obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cancer…it's a scroll of diseases.” - Lisa Dougherty
Resources:
- Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
- Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/
- Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/
Our Guest:
Lisa Dougherty, Medical Fitness Expert
Website: https://www.MedFitFoundation.Org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadougherty1/
Event:
2025 Virtual Global Medical Fitness Conference: https://www.fbasucceed.com/medfit
Use the Code: FITBIZ to save 25% (case sensitive!)
Sponsor’s Pitch:
Clint Aragona
Max Members AI
Website: https://www.maxmembers.ai/
Email:clint@maxmembers.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clinten-aragona-470123290/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxmembers
Merch Sponsor:
ROGUE - https://www.roguefitness.com/
Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/
REX Roundtables:
Website: www.REXRoundtables.com
Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com
Free Online Live Events: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents
REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers:
1. Reinig Insurance: Ken Insurance Guy specializes in risk management and insurance for fitness businesses https://theinsuranceguy.com/
Power Plate: Whole-body vibration for fitness and wellness - https://powerplate.com/
ROR Partners: offering data-driven marketing strategies to enhance customer relationships. https://rorpartners.com/
HR Network: All your HR needs solved at the end of the phone. https://hrnetworkinc.com/
Referrizer: Automates marketing and referrals for your business https://business.referrizer.com/
About Our Guest:
Lisa Dougherty has been in the medical fitness space for over 25 years. She founded the MedFit Network in 2013, which serves as both a professional membership organization and a free online resource directory. She established the MedFit Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization, in 2017 to elevate the quality and quantity of available education for fitness and allied healthcare through educational webinars, online courses, and virtual conferences. Lisa has been recognized as a fitness leader on multiple occasions, including by Personal Fitness Professional Magazine and The Huffington Post. The White House acknowledged her as a “Champion of Change”.
About Your Host:
Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society
Please note:
We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!