LIFTS Episode 30 - The Future of Fitness: Technology and Trends with John Ford

Jun 2, 2024

John Ford, Chief Product Officer at EGYM, shares his insights into the evolving fitness landscape. He discusses Planet Fitness's first membership fee increase in 26 years, emphasizing its industry implications. The conversation highlights the integration of technology to personalize fitness plans and enhance user experiences. Ford also delves into market expansion strategies and the importance of data privacy in fitness tech. Additionally, he explores the growing partnership between fitness and healthcare, predicting a dynamic future driven by innovation.

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Intro

00:00 • 5min

Adapting to Change in Budget Gyms

04:38 • 13min

Evolving Fitness: Tapping into New Markets and Data Dynamics

18:05 • 3min

Navigating Data Privacy in Fitness Tech

20:58 • 5min

Integrating Fitness and Healthcare: The Future of a Health-Conscious Industry

26:01 • 4min

The Future of Fitness: Tech and Personalization

30:13 • 11min

Welcome back to the latest episode of LIFTS, this week Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks speak with John Ford, Chief Product Officer at EGYM. John has a vast knowledge of the fitness technology industry, he is a board member of the Fitness Industry Technology Council.

Our first topic this week is around the recent announcement from Planet Fitness, who for the first time in 26 years have raised their membership fees. This leads into a wider discussion around personalized fitness plans and assessments, incorporating technology to enhance user and member experience.

Topics discussed include:

The rationale behind Planet Fitness raising its membership fee for the first time in 26 years and its implications for the industry.
How gyms are incorporating technology to enhance user experience and differentiate their services.
The growing importance of personalized fitness plans and assessments in modern fitness regimes.
The role of professional management and executive changes in driving innovation and adaptability in gyms.
The expansion strategies of fitness companies like Whoop into new markets, such as the Middle East, and the impact on their growth.

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0:00 Intro

1:42 Planet Fitness increasing membership fees for the first time in 26 years

12:17 Technology and it’s importance to enhance the user experience

19:10 Whoop moving into the Middle East and the usage of wearable and data collection

27:24 Beachbody partnersghip with Dr B, a telehealth provider. The growing intersection of fitness and healthcare

36:27 Final thoughts