

Future of Fitness
Eric Malzone
We are putting a shoulder into the fitness industry and pushing it forward into the modern digital age. Eric Malzone, a 14-year industry veteran, entrepreneur, advisor, and coach, interviews the brightest movers and shakers in the fitness and health industries. Interviewing some of the industry's top executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, topics will vary covering cutting edge technology, entrepreneurship, hot industry trends, and so much more. If you're in or around the industry, this is how you keep your edge sharp.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 13, 2025 • 50min
Sebastien Lagree - Lagree Fitness: 25 Years of Building to an Overnight Global Explosion
In this engaging conversation, Sebastien Lagree shares his journey from a young bodybuilding enthusiast to the founder of Lagree Fitness, a revolutionary method that combines elements of Pilates with high-intensity training. He discusses the evolution of his fitness equipment, the unique licensing model that has propelled his business, and the diverse community that has embraced his method. Sebastien emphasizes the importance of innovation, the challenges of global expansion, and his vision for the future of fitness technology. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation: 🏋️ Sebastien's journey into fitness began with bodybuilding at a young age. 💡 He emphasizes the importance of innovation in fitness equipment. 📈 The Lagree method has evolved significantly over the years. 🤝 Licensing offers a flexible business model compared to franchising. 🌍 Sebastien aims to make fitness accessible to everyone. 🤸 The Lagree community has expanded to include diverse demographics. 🤖 He is focused on integrating technology into fitness equipment. 🔧 Sebastien seeks to create customized machines for clients. 🚀 The fitness industry is evolving rapidly, with a growing global presence. ❤️ Sebastien's passion for fitness drives his continuous innovation. https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/ https://egym.com/int

Sep 9, 2025 • 41min
Brian Von Ancken - Wellness Growth Mastermind: How to Build a Thriving Industry Community
In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Brian Von Ancken to unpack the evolution of the wellness industry, the challenges founders face, and the transformative power of community. Brian shares lessons from building the Wellness Growth Mastermind—a collective of 200+ founders from leading and emerging brands—highlighting the importance of trust, authenticity, and a value-first approach. Together, they explore industry trends, the role of memorable customer experiences, and how wellness is shaping its future alongside healthcare. 🔑 Takeaways 🌿 The wellness industry is rapidly evolving beyond traditional healthcare. 🤝 Building community thrives on trust and a give-first mentality. ✨ Memorable customer experiences are essential for long-term success. 📚 Education and networking are powerful tools in mastermind groups. 📉 Founders face challenges like shifting consumer behavior and income constraints. 💪 Dedication and hard work are non-negotiable in the wellness space. 💡 A value-first mindset fosters sustainable relationships and growth. 🏥 The future of wellness may increasingly integrate with healthcare systems. 🌎 Community support accelerates both individual and collective progress. 🚀 Consumer interest signals a hopeful turning point for the wellness industry.

Sep 3, 2025 • 44min
The Assembly: Reimagining How Industry Leaders Connect and Collaborate
In this conversation, Eric Malzone and Jon Ward explore the rapidly evolving fitness industry, highlighting the growing integration of mental and physical health, the value of genuine connections, and the ongoing challenges of leadership and knowledge-sharing. Jon also introduces his initiative, The Assembly, a platform designed to foster collaboration among industry leaders and innovators through a unique networking experience centered on holistic health and wellness. Key Takeaways The fitness industry is experiencing significant maturation and consolidation. Mental health is now recognized as an essential component of overall wellness. Networking should prioritize authentic connections over purely transactional interactions. The Assembly provides a distinctive platform for industry leaders to collaborate. Wellness influencers often face challenges in balancing integrity with monetization. There is a growing demand for more thought leadership in the fitness sector. Consumer behavior in fitness has shifted dramatically in recent years. Building supportive communities is critical for fostering brand loyalty. Innovative solutions are required to meet the evolving needs of consumers. The Assembly aims to break down silos within the health and wellness ecosystem.

Aug 29, 2025 • 41min
Bill Davis - The Complete Guide to AI Implementation in Fitness Operations
In this conversation, Eric Malzone interviews Bill Davis, CEO of ABC Fitness, discussing the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fitness industry. They explore how ABC Fitness is leveraging AI for operational efficiency, customer engagement, and product development. Bill shares insights on the importance of critical thinking in applying AI, the establishment of AI champions within the organization, and the future of roles in the industry as AI continues to evolve. The discussion highlights the balance between leveraging AI for operational efficiency and enhancing customer experiences, as well as the potential convergence of fitness and health data. 🤖 AI is not just a tool—it’s a transformative force 🧠 Critical thinking is essential for effective AI use 📈 Building AI capabilities at scale is key 👥 AI champions drive successful implementation ⚡ The pace of AI innovation demands adaptation 💬 Operators can leverage AI for stronger customer engagement 🧑💻 Entry-level roles may be vulnerable to AI ⚙️ AI boosts operational efficiency in fitness businesses 🔗 Fitness + health data convergence is a future possibility 📊 Personal AI use enhances productivity & decision-making https://egym.com/int

Aug 24, 2025 • 1h 30min
Juliet Starrett & Alex Alimanestianu - Quarterly Reports: Peloton, Life Time, Planet Fitness, Garmin & The Business of Longevity
In this episode, Juliet, Alex, and Eric discuss the latest quarterly reports from leading fitness companies including Garmin, Life Time, Planet Fitness, Peloton, and Xponential. The conversation covers each company's performance, marketing strategies, and trends in the fitness industry. They also explore the reintroduction of the Presidential Fitness Test and its potential impact, examine the viability of longevity clinics, and debate CrossFit's new marketing campaign. The episode concludes with actionable insights for improving local physical education and the evolving landscape of the fitness sector. https://www.podcastcollective.io/ https://egym.com/ https://goteamup.com/

Aug 19, 2025 • 47min
Dr. Stacy Sims - Hormones, HRV, and Heavy Lifting: The Science of Training Women Over 45
In this episode, Dr. Stacy Sims dives into the latest advancements in women’s health research, with a special focus on hormonal health, nutrition, and training strategies for women over 45. She breaks down why tracking menstrual cycles is key to understanding hormonal shifts, how restrictive diets can impact overall health, and why supplements like creatine and vitamin D are essential at this stage of life. Dr. Sims also highlights the importance of adapting training around perimenopause, incorporating strength work safely, and maintaining consistency while listening to your body. Beyond personal health, the conversation explores the growing FemTech movement, the push for more inclusive and women-centered research, and how to evaluate scientific claims with a critical lens. This episode offers practical strategies and fresh perspectives on women’s health, performance, and longevity. https://goteamup.com/ https://www.podcastcollective.io/

Aug 14, 2025 • 43min
Justin Tamsett - The Future of Fitness Leadership: REX Roundtables and Industry Evolution
Justin Tamsett, a seasoned fitness consultant with over 35 years of experience and the host of the Fitness Business Podcast, shares insights on the evolving fitness landscape. He emphasizes the essential role of community and leadership in driving success. The conversation highlights how REX Round Tables facilitate collaboration among fitness professionals and the importance of integrating fitness with healthcare. Tamsett also addresses mental health, behavioral change, and the necessity for gyms to adapt amid increasing competition, showcasing the future potential of the industry.

Aug 9, 2025 • 47min
Evelyn Webster - Test, Fail, Repeat: SoulCycle's Practical Approach to AI Implementation
In this episode of The Future of Fitness, host Eric Malzone sits down with Evelyn Webster, CEO of SoulCycle, to explore the shifting dynamics of fitness and wellness in a post-pandemic world and how evolving consumer behavior is shaping the industry’s future. Evelyn shares how SoulCycle is redefining wellness beyond the bike, embracing experiential spending, and strengthening its emotional connection with riders to build lasting loyalty. She dives into the brand’s innovative use of AI and technology to personalize the customer journey—such as matching riders with instructors who play their favorite music, a strategy that has doubled new customer retention. The conversation also highlights SoulCycle’s brand strategy, the importance of investing in talent, expanding into retail beyond apparel, and forming strategic partnerships to reach new audiences. With a strong emphasis on a test-and-learn mindset, Evelyn offers valuable insights on driving growth, enhancing customer experience, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing wellness landscape. https://goteamup.com/ https://podcastcollective.io/ https://egym.com/int

Aug 3, 2025 • 50min
Royi Metser - Smart Shoes That Coach: Avelo's Biomechanical Revolution
In this episode of The Future of Fitness, host Eric Malzone welcomes guest Royi Metser, founder and CEO of Avelo, to discuss his journey in creating an innovative running product at Avelo Running. Metser shares his personal motivation rooted in a period of unfitness during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to an obsession with improving running performance. He emphasizes the importance of creating a vertically integrated smart running shoe that combines hardware and software to offer real-time data, injury prevention, and enhanced performance for runners. The conversation delves into the biomechanics of running, the persistent high rate of running-related injuries, and how Avelo’s product aims to address these issues by quantifying biomechanical load and providing personalized coaching. Metser also touches on his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of balancing hardware and software development, and the excitement surrounding their active Kickstarter campaign. https://goteamup.com/ https://podcastcollective.io/

Jul 29, 2025 • 46min
Michael Ramsey - The Black Sheep of Pilates: How Strong Pilates is Breaking All the Rules
Michael Ramsey, co-founder of Strong Pilates, transitions from personal trainer to fitness entrepreneur, shaking up the industry. He reveals how Strong Pilates innovatively combines strength training, cardio, and traditional Pilates, creating a unique workout experience. The rapid expansion to 95 locations across 14 countries highlights the brand's successful franchise model. Michael emphasizes the importance of member satisfaction, brand equity, and navigating challenges in the competitive fitness market, all while appealing to a diverse demographic.