Fit-C (Fit Tech Council)

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Fit-C (Fit Tech Council) The Fitness Industry Technology Council is a Non Profit Consortium Designed To Promote Technology Standards for Health and Fitness Technology.

About Fit-C
The Fitness Industry Technology Council is a group of professionals representing leading companies/organizations in the fitness industry. The council seeks to grow the fitness industry, improve fitness user experience and mature the collection of real-time wellness data through the creation of interoperability standards for technology-based fitness devices. FIT-C was formed to address the following industry issues:

-Mobilize resources to drive the fitness industry forward
-Develop and promote technology standards for fitness equipment
-Protect the intellectual property of current and prospective participants
-Provide a means for all sectors of the fitness industry to participate
-FIT-C is established as a non-profit membership organization.

10/06/2026

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan K. ORourke welcomes Steve Barrett, an educator, product developer, and specialist in fitness experience design. Drawing on three decades of global experience, Steve helps the fitness industry understand the science of exercise, the psychology of behavior, and the future of fitness. His practical insights challenge conventional thinking and have helped shape how coaches, facilities, and technology work together to build confidence, improve performance, and create lifelong participation in exercise.

Steve currently leads Global Fitness Programming for Matrix Fitness and Johnson Health Tech North America. In that role, he helps shape the future of commercial fitness through product innovation, programming, education, and emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning.

Over his career, Steve has worked in more than 50 countries. He has partnered with operators, instructors, product teams, and global brands to turn exercise science and consumer behavior into experiences that deliver measurable commercial value.

Today, Steve joins Bryan to discuss the trends shaping the fitness industry and what many may be overlooking, the opportunities and challenges of fitness technology, how hyper-personalization connects to motivation and the psychology of training, and why being fit is no longer optional.

Listen in to their conversation on any major podcast platform or go to: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/podcast

Here is a clip from Steve on combining expertise if you don't know everything.

09/15/2026

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan K. ORourke welcomes Alan Leach, CEO and Director of Sales and Marketing at West Wood Club in Ireland. Alan has spent 35 years in the fitness industry, with deep expertise in sales management, sales training, digital marketing, direct marketing, and business growth.

Alan is a former Chair and Director of the Health & Fitness Association (HFA). He was only the second non-U.S. chair in the organization's 50-year history, and he is a member of the Global Health and Fitness Alliance (GHFA). With a background in marketing, he has a proven record of delivering high-impact sales training and marketing strategies that consistently produce strong profits. As a sought-after international speaker and trainer, he has helped fitness clubs around the world improve their sales performance, marketing, and management. He has won multiple marketing awards competing against Ireland's top agencies, including an FIA award for fitness business marketing. His work in digital marketing, SEO, and copywriting has been featured in leading industry publications.

Today, Alan joins Bryan to discuss the technology and business trends shaping the global fitness industry.

You can listen to their full conversation on any major podcast platform or go to: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/podcast

Here is Alan sharing why focusing on your product should come before focusing on your marketing strategy.

09/08/2026

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan K. ORourke shares his presentation, “The Human Revolution: Fitness, Purpose, & The World We Choose To Build” live from Fitness Brasil Expo 2026 in São Paulo. Technology is rewriting what it means to be human. Bryan makes the case for the fitness industry's role in that moment and why it matters more than we think.

🎧 Listen to Bryan’s full presentation on the podcast:
https://www.fittechcouncil.org/podcast

📖 Explore an overview of Bryan’s Human Revolution keynote:
https://bit.ly/HumanRevolution2026

In this clip, Bryan explores today’s global conundrum: humanity navigating godlike technology with Paleolithic emotions and medieval institutions—and why this growing disconnect demands our attention.

09/08/2026

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan K. ORourke shares his keynote, "Chaos To Connection: Rethinking Fitness For A World That Needs Us," recorded live at Fitness Brasil Expo 2026 in São Paulo. Bryan lays out a practical case for how operators and innovators can build businesses that meet people where they actually are. With technology rewriting what it means to be human, he argues that the fitness industry has a larger role to play in this moment than most of us realize — and explains why it matters.

🎧 Listen to Bryan’s full presentation on the Fitness + Technology Podcast: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/podcast

📖 Explore an overview of Bryan’s Chaos To Connection keynote: https://bit.ly/ChaosConnection2026

In this clip, Bryan shares why creating your future begins with connection and reveals the key principles that can help turn uncertainty into opportunity.

08/25/2026

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan K. ORourke welcomes Frank van de Ven to the show. Frank recently retired as Chief Commercial and Chief Marketing Officer of Life Fitness, closing out a nearly three-decade run with the company that took him from EMEA Marketing Director to General Manager of Life Fitness Benelux, Managing Director for Continental Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and ultimately Vice President International, with responsibility for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

Born in the Netherlands and a veteran of Philips and GE Plastics before entering the fitness industry, Frank spent the early 1990s as Commercial Director of High Five Health Promotion, where he built the franchise model that carried the brand into the commercial club market. He has served multiple terms on the board of EHFA (now EuropeActive), written columns for two trade publications, and presented at conventions across Europe. Today he advises a portfolio of companies —including HUR, One Beyond Success, Recharge Yourself, and Fold Reformer — and mentors emerging leaders across the sector.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Bryan and Frank trade questions on trends, technology, and where the industry is heading.

Listen in anywhere or go to: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/podcast

Here’s a clip from Frank sharing a story about leadership mindset treating business like a game you play to win, not just for yourself, but for your entire team.

🇧🇷 Bryan K. ORourke Takes The Keynote Stage at Fitness Brasil Expo 2026 🇧🇷FIT-C President Bryan K. ORourke is heading to...
08/25/2026

🇧🇷 Bryan K. ORourke Takes The Keynote Stage at Fitness Brasil Expo 2026 🇧🇷

FIT-C President Bryan K. ORourke is heading to São Paulo for Fitness Brasil Expo 2026 — two keynotes, one day, at one of Latin America's largest industry gatherings.

Friday, August 28th · Transamerica Expo Center

🌅 Morning — From Chaos to Connection: Rethinking Fitness For A World That Needs Us

The practical follow-through: how operators and innovators build businesses that meet people where they actually are.

🌆 Afternoon — The Human Revolution: Fitness, Purpose & The World We Choose to Build

Technology is rewriting what it means to be human. Bryan makes the case for the fitness industry's role in that moment and why it matters more than we think.

Both sessions bring FIT-C's work on digital transformation and human-centered fitness to the Brazilian market — where Bryan was recently recognized as Best Leader in Digital Transformation in the Fitness Industry.

Attending Fitness Brasil? Find Bryan after either session, or reach out to connect with the FIT-C team while we're on the ground in São Paulo.

We'd love to see you there!

08/18/2026

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan K. ORourke welcomes back Dave Wright to the show. Dave is the Founder and Owner of Myzone, a wearable technology and social platform that rewards effort in physical activity. Myzone is ideal for boosting member retention in health clubs, building communities across networks, and aggregating data for an employer, sports team, school, or gym.

Dave's background spans being a multi-club health club owner and the owner of Creative Fitness Marketing UK, a global company with offices in the UK, Australia, and North America that has served the international fitness community since 1990, helping people become more active and stay that way.

In this wide-ranging, impromptu conversation, Bryan and Dave trade questions on the pros and cons of technology and artificial intelligence.

Listen in on any major podcast platform or go to: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/podcast

Here is a clip from Dave on why free AI tools are costing you your data.

08/11/2026

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan K. ORourke welcomes JJ Creegan to the show. JJ is the Principal at Creegan Co., a firm that helps founders, operators, and investors scale multi-unit consumer brands. Over the past two decades, JJ has partnered with founder-led and private equity-backed businesses to take concepts from launch through institutional scale — growing brands to 100+ locations and leading global networks of 1,500+ sites that generate more than $1 billion in annual revenue.

His focus is on value creation through revenue growth, retention, and customer experience, supported by disciplined operating models, franchise development, and high-performing leadership teams. JJ works closely with ownership groups and boards as a fractional or interim executive, advisor, or board member across the wellness, hospitality, leisure, and consumer services sectors.

In this conversation, Bryan and JJ explore how technology and human connection can work together to drive growth in consumer brands. They discuss the trends reshaping the industry, the role of digital apps and wearables in elevating the member experience, and how delivery models are evolving to become more comprehensive. JJ also shares practical advice for aligning technology with in-person service and offers key takeaways for industry leaders looking to scale with discipline and purpose.

Listen to their conversation on any major podcast platform or go to: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/podcast

Here is a clip from JJ on AI insights versus unique human perspective.

08/04/2026

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan K. ORourke welcomes Chris Smith, President & CEO of Fitness World Canada.

Over the past several years, Fitness World Canada has experienced significant growth across British Columbia and is now entering its next phase with a $50 million national expansion strategy. The plan includes new corporate-owned locations and the launch of the company's first franchise program—an important milestone that reflects both the brand's momentum and the continued evolution of the fitness industry.

Chris has spent more than 25 years in the fitness industry, witnessing its transformation from a niche offering into an essential part of how people live, work, and prioritize their health. Throughout his career, he has focused on building accessible, high-quality fitness experiences, developing strong teams, and creating scalable business models designed for long-term success.

In addition to leading Fitness World Canada, Chris has founded and scaled several complementary businesses, including the Personal Training Institute of BC and TRAIN by FW, the company's boutique fitness concept. He also serves as CEO of All Things Fitness and Wellness, where he is known as the "Mayor of Smittyville"—a video-first podcast and content platform exploring the real conversations fitness professionals have about leadership, careers, and life inside the gym.

In this conversation, Bryan and Chris discuss Fitness World Canada's growth strategy, technology adoption, the importance of human capital, and the leadership principles shaping the future of the fitness industry.

Listen in anywhere or go to: https://www.fittechcouncil.org/podcast

Here is a clip from Chris on deep end decisions and avoiding costly mistakes.

The next evolution of AI in fitness is here.Fitness KPI has officially announced the conversational evolution of ANNA, i...
07/30/2026

The next evolution of AI in fitness is here.

Fitness KPI has officially announced the conversational evolution of ANNA, its AI-powered operational intelligence platform. Beginning August 1, operators will be able to ask natural-language questions about their business and receive contextual, action-oriented answers—eliminating the need to manually navigate dashboards and reports. The platform serves more than 1,500 clubs across 26 countries and is designed to help fitness operators move from data to action faster.

This announcement reflects a broader trend we're seeing across the industry: AI is evolving beyond reporting tools into conversational decision-support systems that help operators spend less time searching for insights and more time acting on them.

As AI capabilities continue to mature, the opportunity for fitness businesses isn't just collecting more data—it's making that data accessible, understandable, and actionable for every level of an organization.

Read the full announcement and learn more about ANNA here:
👉 https://fitness-kpi.com/ai/

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427 N Theard Street, Ste 239
Covington, LA
70433

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(504) 957-7646

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