In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Tim Green, chief operating officer at fitness booking management platform TeamUp, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to break down key trends in the fitness industry, with an eye toward member acquisition and retention.

Green, Hertzman and Mazlone discuss the impact GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may have on the fitness industry, strategies for member acquisition and retention and the importance of human-centric marketing in the era of AI. Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• TeamUp’s push into the United States fitness market
• Is fitness truly recession proof? 
• Why customer acquisition remains the most vexing problem for operators

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 7:25): Introductions and the importance of networking events
• (7:25 – 11:12) Headwinds and tailwinds in the fitness industry
• (11:12 – 15:18) Can GLP-1s help unlock more fitness customers? 
• (15:18 – 19:32) Pain points for studio operators
• (19:32 – 22:25) The role of customer service in business success
• (22:25 – 26:17) Returning to basics in marketing strategies
• (26:17 – 29:18) Challenges in retaining new clients 

To watch more Unscripted, click here.

The post Unscripted: TeamUp’s Tim Green on Member Acquisition, Retention appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Brandon Cullen, chief concept officer and co-founder of MADabolic, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss the strength training franchise’s distinct and unapologetic take on the art of brand building.

Cullen, Hertzman and Malzone also dissect the fitness and wellness industry, analyzing the future of boutique fitness, high-value, low-price (HVLP) gyms and luxury health clubs. Their takes are bold and thought-provoking, and they might give you some exciting new business ideas. Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• The importance of carving a niche for your brand
• Why boutique fitness and strength training are here to stay
• The business dangers of chasing fitness and wellness trends

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 4:46) Introductions and defining a brand identity in fitness
• (4:46 – 14:09) The success of Gymshark and market positioning
• (14:09 – 24:44) The future of boutique fitness, gyms and hybrid models
• (24:44 – 33:52) Ideas for fitness and wellness business models 
• (33:52 – 39:58) Building brands for the long haul
• (39:58 – 43:15) Human accountability in a tech-driven world
• (43:15 – 45:36) The evolution of lifestyle businesses
• (45:36 – 53:57) Embracing change in the modern world

The post Unscripted: MADabolic’s Brandon Cullen on Brand Building, Fitness Trends appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Spencer Honeyman, chief commercial officer at Vi, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss how Vi is using AI to improve health outcomes at scale for organizations in the healthcare, fitness, wellness and pharmaceutical sectors. 

Honeyman, Hertzman and Malzone also explore the possibilities, opportunities and potential pitfalls for health, fitness and wellness brands in the era of AI. Some of their takes may surprise you, but they’ll also give you a helpful new perspective on the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following: 

• The difference between predictive analytics, machine learning and generative AI 
• Why fitness, healthcare and pharma are becoming more intertwined
• How to position your brand to win in the era of AI

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 2:40) Introductions
• (2:40 – 14:52) Understanding enterprise AI and its applications 
• (14:52 – 18:50)  What it’s like working with Vi
• (18:50 – 24:27) Navigating the competitive landscape of AI companies
• (24:27 – 29:05) Perspectives on the future of AI
• (29:05 – 34:18) Economic opportunities and risks in the AI era
• (34:18 – 38:34) Legacy companies vs new entrants in AI
• (38:34 – 51:21) The future of content creation and ownership
• (51:21 – 52:41) AI learning resources for fitness, wellness and health brands

The post Unscripted: Vi’s Spencer Honeyman on the Future of AI appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Devan Kline, co-founder of Burn Boot Camp, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss the brand’s unique and highly enthusiastic approach to group fitness.

Kline, Hertzman and Malzone explore how Burn Boot Camp builds community through the lens of group fitness, and how this family-oriented philosophy permeates its approach to the business of franchising. Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• Competing in business and in life
• Why being considered a “cult” isn’t always a bad thing 
• How to create a fitness brand that keeps people coming back

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 5:06) Intro to Burn Boot Camp and its mission
• (5:06 – 10:51) The journey from parking lot to franchise success
• (10:51-16:41) Building a transformative fitness company
• (16:41 – 21:53) Navigating industry challenges
• (21:53 – 40:54) The importance of culture and community in scaling
• (40:54 – 44:29) The Burn Boot Camp book and closing remarks

Watch more ATN podcasts and videos here

The post Unscripted: Devan Kline on the Origins, Growth of Burn Boot Camp appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Bjoern Woltermann, founder and CEO of Katalyst, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss the promising world of electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) fitness. 

Woltermann, Hertzman and Malzone first explore the history of EMS fitness and its rise in Europe, before diving into the science of EMS and exploring the modality’s recent expansion in the United States, among other topics. Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• The growth prospects (and limitations) of EMS fitness in the United States
• Why Katalyst is the “Peloton of full-body electro-muscle stimulation,” but smarter
• Is connected fitness dead? …Probably not

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 6:06) Introductions and personal experiences with EMS technology
• (6:06 – 12:45) The science behind EMS and its history
• (12:45 – 20:52) Challenges in introducing EMS to the U.S. market
• (20:52 – 25:37) The role of technology in fitness and motivation
• (25:37 – 30:15) Branding and the fitness experience
• (30:15 – 39:19) Quality and value in fitness products
• (39:19 – 46:36) Targeting the unsuccessful fitness demographic 
• (46:36 – 49:28) Ozempic and fitness: A complementary approach? 
• (49:28 – 52:24) B2B growth and future opportunities

The post Unscripted: Katalyst CEO Bjoern Woltermann on the Magic of EMS Fitness appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Dr. Jeremy Koenig, host of “DNA of Things” and founder of Athletigen, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone for a wide-ranging talk on the interplay between AI, genetic information and our own health and wellness. 

Dr. Koenig, Hertzman and Malzone first discuss the game-changing potential of DNA-informed fitness and wellness before diving into a broader philosophical conversation on the need for humans to take control of their own lives in the age of AI. Watch this episode of Unscripted for unfiltered takes on the following:

• The power of DNA in changing health and wellness outcomes
• Using AI and genetic information to create a personalized health roadmap
• Taking responsibility for your own health and happiness in the digital era

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00-5:37) Introductions
• (5:37-  10:54) The evolution and democratization of DNA and genetics
• (10:54 – 24:08) Understanding genetic information and its impact
• (24:08 – 31:14) Leveraging AI for personalized health insights
• (31:14 – 38:26) The evolving role of fitness coaches
• (38:26 – 45:36) Addressing barriers to fitness participation 
• (45:36 – 48:23) The value of personal responsibility in health
• (48:23 – 52:14) Fears of losing agency in the age of AI 

The post Unscripted: Dr. Jeremy Koenig on DNA, Fitness & Human Agency  appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Dan Uyemura, co-founder and CEO of software platform PushPress, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone for an in-depth look at how technology is changing the business of fitness. 

Uyemura, Hertzman and Malone discuss the origins of PushPress, how the platform designs software to actually work for independent gyms and studios, and how small business owners can change their lives by harnessing tech in the right ways. Watch this episode of Unscripted for unfiltered takes on the following:

• Why fitness brands are better off with software that’s built by fitness industry experts
• The unique pain points of running a gym or studio, and how tech can help
• How gym owners should be leveraging AI now and in the future

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 3:09) Introductions
• (3:09 – 5:48) The origins of PushPress
• (5:48 – 8:58) Challenges faced by independent gym owners
• (8:58 – 18:02) The role of technology in gym management
• (18:02 – 23:30) PushPress insurance and cost savings
• (23:30 – 26:31) The impact of AI on gym management
• (26:31 –30:07) The undesirable effects of private equity in fitness
• (30:07 – 33:00) Common pain points for gym owners
• (33:00 – 38:54) The importance of retention over acquisition
• (38:54 – 41:38) Building a sustainable fitness business
• (41:38 – 51:26) Conclusions and reflections on entrepreneurship

The post Unscripted: PushPress’ Dan Uyemura on the Future of Fitness Software appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Andrew Sugerman, CEO of Centr, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss how the fitness and wellness brand is innovating on the equipment and content fronts.

Sugerman, Hertzman and Malone discuss Centr’s distinct approach to creating a fitness and wellness ecosystem, including how the brand is expanding its equipment line and partnering with brands like Hyrox to reach more consumers. Watch this episode of Unscripted for unfiltered takes on the following:

• The state of connected fitness post-pandemic
• Creating new commercial and at-home fitness products
• Democratizing access to expert advice

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 1:19) Introductions
• (1:19 – 12:39) Inside Centr’s partnership with Hyrox
• (12:39 – 19:12) Centr’s business strategy and market positioning
• (19:12 – 24:31) Supply chain as a competitive advantage
• (24:31 – 28:19) Navigating post-pandemic fitness trends
• (28:19 – 38:34) The importance of sustainable business models and brand building
• (38:34 – 45:52) Partnership strategies with gyms and studios

The post Unscripted: Andrew Sugerman on Centr’s Brand Evolution appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Kristen Holmes, global head of human performance and principal scientist at health and wellness wearable Whoop, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss the latest research in human performance, with an eye toward how you can use these insights to live better.  

Holmes, Hertzman and Malzone dive deep into the art and science of performing your best, including leveraging data to guide you along the way. Watch this episode of Unscripted for unfiltered takes on the following:

• Optimizing your lifestyle to work with your body’s biology, not against it
• How to train for peak performance and longevity
• When to push through stress, and when to dial it back

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 8:03) Introductions 
• (8:03 – 16:07) The importance of mental health and circadian rhythms
• (16:07 – 24:12) Navigating the challenges of modern life
• (24:12 – 30:42) Understanding stress: adaptive vs maladaptive
• (30:42 – 40:07) Tracking metrics for longevity
• (40:07 – 44:24) The role of lifestyle in performance
• (44:24 – 47:40) Research opportunities and future directions

The post Unscripted: Whoop’s Kristen Holmes on the Science of Living Better appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Sam Miller, founder and CEO of Proteus Motion, a revolutionary strength measurement system that tracks users as they perform 3D resistance training movements, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss his brand’s origin and growth, along with its ability to make an impact in various fitness-related businesses. 

Miller, Hertzman and Malzone discuss Proteus Motion’s role in Netflix’s “Quarterback”” docuseries, how Proteus leads to physical improvements in its users and the relationship between sports and fitness. 

Watch this episode of Unscripted for unfiltered takes on the following:

• Marketing in connected fitness.
• How to make high-end tech accessible to everyone.
• Strength training in relation to longevity.

The post Unscripted: Proteus Motion CEO Sam Miller on Measuring Strength & Power appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Ed Buckley, CEO of FitOn Health, a corporate wellness and benefits platform under FitOn, one of the world’s biggest digital fitness brands, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss FitOn’s merger with Peerfit, how to build a remote fitness community and how to be “more than just a benefit” for members. 

Buckley, Hertzman and Malzone also break down the reasoning behind FitOn’s recent strategic partnerships, the balance between fitness, and healthcare and ongoing HSA/FSA fund restrictions. The three also discuss in detail the power of social coercion in fitness and the exponential growth FitOn has experienced over the past year.

Watch this episode of Unscripted for unfiltered takes on the following:

• Key issues in corporate wellness
• The place of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in fitness
• Ethics in the healthcare system

The post Unscripted: FitOn Health CEO Ed Buckley on GLP-1s, Fitness & Healthcare appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, EGYM co-founder and CEO Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss the fitness tech giant’s impact in an ever-changing market. 

Roesch-Schlanderer, Hertzman and Malzone discuss EGYM’s investment in strength training at the right time and the value of customer loyalty. Enriching topics such as the origins of EGYM, now the creative use of smart tech, and why there are more health resources than ever, but no increase in worldwide health, are also covered in this compelling sit down. Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• Capitalizing on the rise of strength training
• Fitness in healthcare
• The psychological side of member engagement and retention

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 1:41) Introductions
• (1:41 – 7:27) EGYM’s conception and ambitions
• (7:27 – 10:24) Betting on strength training
• (10:24 – 14:34) Growing externally and internally
• (14:34 – 16:24) Finding new market opportunities
• (16:24 – 18:13) How customer loyalty combats a rapidly changing market
• (18:13 – 25:50) Growing potential for fitness’ role in preventative health care
• (25:50 – 29:43) Making a difference where healthcare does not
• (29:43 – 39:22) Bringing the hardest-to-get people into gyms
• (39:22 – 43:50) Leveraging in-person coaching with tech
• (43:50 – 44:55) Wrap-up

The post Unscripted: EGYM CEO Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer on Strength Training & Healthcare appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Niki Leondakis, the CEO of CorePower Yoga, the United States’ largest yoga studio brand, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss her shift into the fitness industry, keeping yoga relevant, the importance of hospitality and more. 

Leondakis, Hertzman, and Malzone talk about the balance between passion and business within the fitness industry and other arenas. The three break down how to engrain culture within a company from top to bottom as well as the importance of over-communicating. 

Watch this episode of Unscripted for unfiltered takes on the following:

• The yoga industry’s biggest challenges today 
• Why it’s difficult to scale culture
• The romanticisation of entrepreneurship

The post Unscripted: CorePower Yoga CEO Niki Leondakis on Culture & Entrepreneurship appeared first on Athletech News.

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Equinox vice president of strategic partnerships and business development Julia Klim joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss her rise and current role with the luxury fitness and lifestyle brand. 

Klim, Hertzman and Malzone break down what they’re seeing from the fitness and wellness industry today and how Equinox has developed an impactful brand identity by staying true to its core principles. Compelling subjects such as entry barriers for gyms, collaborations with other top brands and more are broken down throughout the conversation.

Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• The fine line between inclusivity and exclusivity
• How fitness is replacing other areas as a breeding ground for social interaction
• What an industry leader like Klim looks for in potential brand partnerships

Key Talking Points:

• (0:00 – 1:09) Introductions
• (1:09 – 4:08) Why Equinox is so much more than a “fitness brand”
• (4:08 – 9:04) Developing Equinox’s individuality 
• (9:04 – 13:15) Welcoming anyone, but not catering to everyone
• (13:15 – 21:11) Navigating trends and staying in front of an increasingly saturated market
• (21:11 – 24:10) Fitness is becoming more social
• (24:10 – 27:29) Means of exploring different partnerships
• (27:29 – 30:27) Inside the Oura-Equinox partnership 
• (30:27 – 33:08) Reflecting on the biggest win of Klim’s career
• (33:08 – 38:04) Breaking down what inspired Equinox’s “Want it All” campaign 
• (38:04 – 40:13) Wrap-Up

The post Unscripted: Equinox VP Julia Klim on Cultivating a Brand Identity appeared first on Athletech News.

Jim Rowley, Crunch Fitness worldwide CEO, joins the show in the latest episode of ATN “Unscripted.” A 30-plus year fitness industry vet, Rowley oversees day-to-day operations, development, franchising and marketing for Crunch’s 410-plus locations. He also proudly served as a United States Marine for eight years.

“Unscripted” co-hosts Edward Hertzman, Athletech News’ founder and CEO, and Eric Malzone join Rowley to discuss Crunch’s future amid the rapidly evolving fitness and wellness industry. Topics such as what Crunch looks for in its franchise partners, the place of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in fitness and the decline – but also possible resurgence – of cardio are all explored. 

Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• How gyms can get the most out of each month of the year
• Why there’s still no shortcuts in fitness, even with science
• Crunch’s future goals and ambitions

Key Talking Points:

(0:00 – 0:47) Introductions

(0:47 – 1:55) Crunch Fitness’ wins in 2023

(1:55 – 5:24) Applying different strategies in different months

(5:24 – 9:55) Staying focused internally amidst the noise from competitors 

(9:55 – 20:31) There’s no quick substitute for hard work in the gym

(20:31 – 22:09) Evolution at Crunch 

(22:09 – 28:05) Following what’s trending while staying ready for shifts

(28:05 – 30:32) Crunch’s goals for 2024

(30:32 – 33:22) Who’s an ideal franchisee for Crunch?

(33:22 – 35:00) Crunch’s real estate involvement from the top

(35:00 – 40:26) Getting involved in the recovery space

(40:26 – 49:36) Final thoughts

The post Watch Now: Crunch Fitness CEO Jim Rowley Joins ATN ‘Unscripted’ Podcast appeared first on Athletech News.

Dorothy Kilroy, chief commercial officer at Oura, joins the show in Athletech News’ latest installment of the “Unscripted” podcast. While Kilroy started at Oura less than a year ago, she’s a long-tenured consumer, having worn the company’s wearable smart ring for almost five years now. 

Alongside “Unscripted” co-hosts Edward Hertzman, Athletech’s founder and CEO, and Eric Malzone, Kilroy discusses the ultra-popular Oura Ring and what’s next for Oura while also breaking down what she’s seen of the wearable industry as a whole. How wearables can assist, but not replace, medical professionals is also discussed during the podcast, along with how Oura caters to other key demographics. 

Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• How Oura separates itself from the wearables pack
• Relationships with key demographics including females, active users and medial communities
• Futures for Oura and the wearable industry as a whole

Key Talking Points:

Introductions: (0:00 – 2:11)

Oura vs other wearables (2:11 – 4:49)

What the Oura Ring offers (4:49 – 6:24)

Responding to consumers (6:24 – 8:00)

Oura and women’s health (8:00 – 10:19)

Oura’s business model (10:19 – 13:10)

Relationship with medicine (13:10 – 16:58)

Future of wearables (16:58 – 19:49)

Accessibility and demand (19:49 – 22:04)

Artificial intelligence usage (22:04 – 24:41)

Fashion element (24:41 – 28:22)

Wrap-up/methods of contact (28:22 – 29:51)

The post Watch Now: Oura’s Dorothy Kilroy Joins ATN ‘Unscripted’ Podcast appeared first on Athletech News.

In the first-ever episode of Athletech News’ “Unscripted” series, F45 Training CEO Tom Dowd joins the podcast to discuss his experience stepping up to lead the popular global boutique fitness brand’s new regime as it moves on from a rocky past few years. 

F45 attracted Dowd as an investor years before he moved into the CEO chair in March. After seeing cracks in the company’s foundation, he jumped in to help the Mark Wahlberg-backed fitness brand weather the storm. Now, Dowd feels confident in F45’s comeback, mentioning a stronger connection between HQ and franchise locations, a more responsible approach to the company’s finances, necessary staff replacements and a variety of other improvements. 

Dowd, along with “Unscripted” co-hosts Edward Hertzman, Athletech’s founder and CEO, and Eric Malzone, also discuss the boutique fitness industry at large. 

Watch this episode of “Unscripted” for unfiltered takes on the following:

• The recent upheaval and current rebuilding efforts underway at F45 under Dowd’s watch
• Why boutique fitness is not a “fad”
• Next steps the fitness industry needs to take to further its evolution 

Key Talking Points:

The post Watch Now: F45 CEO Tom Dowd Joins ATN “Unscripted” Podcast appeared first on Athletech News.