AI, Tech & Member Retention: Eric Malzone on Future-Proofing Your Fitness Business | Episode 548

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.comEmail: 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

 

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