Verdine Baker - From StretchLab to iFLEX, Sequel Brands' Twist on Dynamic Stretching

In this episode, Eric Malzone chats with Verdine Baker, who shares his inspiring journey from being a professional athlete 🏅 to leading StretchLab and now iFlex. They dive into how the wellness industry is evolving 🌿, the remarkable success of StretchLab 💪, and why consumer education is key to lasting health and wellness awareness 📚. Verdine highlights the importance of innovation, technology integration, and franchisee support in meeting the growing demand for high-quality wellness services ⚙️. The conversation also explores the challenges brought by COVID-19 😷 and how the future of stretching is becoming a vital part of everyday health practices 🧘‍♂️. 💡 Key Takeaways p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 🌍 The wellness industry is experiencing a major shift in consumer mindset. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 💪 StretchLab's success comes from its strong and unique market position. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> ⚡ COVID-19 accelerated the demand for wellness and recovery services. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 🤝 Franchisee experience remains essential for sustainable growth. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 💻 Technology integration enhances service quality and accessibility. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 🧠 Consumer education fuels health and wellness awareness. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 🧘 Stretching is becoming a necessity across all demographics. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 👶 The average age of wellness consumers is getting younger. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 🚀 Innovative approaches are key to keeping members engaged. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> 🌈 The future of wellness embraces a holistic view of health. https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026  https://www.perfectgym.com/en 

In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Amber Burke, COO of Burn Bootcamp, for a deep, candid conversation on what it really takes to scale a boutique fitness franchise without losing its soul. Amber shares her journey from Division I athlete and strength coach to C-suite leader, offering a rare operator's perspective on franchise growth, leadership, technology discipline, and community-driven fitness. They unpack Burn Bootcamp's steady rise from 250 to nearly 400 locations, why the brand has avoided outside capital, and how product integrity, people, and culture fuel long-term success. The conversation also explores the current state of boutique fitness, the balance between technology and human connection, and why strength training, accountability, and community remain timeless drivers of results. We discussed: 🔥 Scaling a boutique fitness brand from 250 to 400+ locations without outside capital 💪 Why product excellence and consistency matter more than hype in fitness franchising 🏋️ Personal training in a group setting as Burn Bootcamp's core differentiator 👩‍👧 How free child watch drives retention, accountability, and community 📈 Franchise growth challenges: finance, technology, and franchise development 🧠 Leadership lessons from transitioning coach mentality into executive leadership 🤖 Technology discipline: choosing tools that improve efficiency and profitability 🌍 Expansion strategy across suburban markets and future global growth 🔄 The real state of boutique fitness and why some concepts lose long-term value ⚡ Strength training's resurgence and why fundamentals never go out of style   LINKS: https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026  https://www.perfectgym.com/en  https://egym.com/int 

In this episode of the Future of Fitness, host Eric Malzone welcomes Brian Le Gette, co-founder of Ammortal. They dive deep into the inspiration, technology, and mission behind Ammortal's revolutionary wellness chamber—a futuristic device designed to enhance human vibrancy by synergistically working on the mind and body. Brian shares his entrepreneurial journey, the science behind stacking multiple bio-energetic modalities, and how Ammortal is transforming recovery and performance for professional athletes, high-net-worth individuals, clinics, and luxury hotels. The conversation also explores the evolving language of the wellness industry and Brian's vision for rebranding it around the concept of "human vibrancy." 🔋 Combines multiple bio-energetic modalities – light, PEMF, vibration, hydrogen gas, and guided audio – to reduce inflammation, open cell walls, and reduce oxidative stress. 🧠 Focuses on calming the nervous system first – because mental state is "upstream" from physical recovery and performance. ⚡ Delivers a time-efficient, immersive experience – all modalities run in parallel in a 25–30 minute session tailored to individual outcomes (sleep, energy, recovery, etc.). 🏟 Serving diverse verticals – from NFL and MLB teams to luxury hotels, med spas, and private homes. 💡 Built around "unconditional love for the customer" – a design and business philosophy aimed at creating products that feel personal, effective, and joyful to use. 🌍 Advocating for "human vibrancy" – a new industry-wide framing to move beyond terms like biohacking, longevity, or wellness toward a more holistic, aspirational vision. 🤝 Open to collaboration – Brian invites feedback, partnerships, and conversations with innovators, funders, and other mission-aligned brands.   https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026  https://www.perfectgym.com/en 

In this episode, Robb Wolf returns to discuss the rapid advancements in AI, the state of the longevity and health industries, the impact of GLP-1 medications, and the systemic challenges within modern healthcare. He shares personal insights on using AI for language learning and health diagnostics, critiques the "majoring in the minors" in the longevity space, and explores how AI could democratize access to high-quality health information. Robb also delves into the potential of market-based reforms to address the healthcare crisis and gives an update on his company, LMNT. 🔹 **AI as a Personal Health & Learning Tool** – Robb uses Grok to learn Italian and as a preliminary health advisor, noting its potential to lower costs and democratize advanced medical insight. 🧠 **Longevity = Fundamentals First** – True longevity comes from strength training, Zone 2 cardio, sleep, sunlight, and community—not just chasing telomere length or exotic supplements. ⚕️ **GLP-1s: Net Positive with Caveats** – These drugs show strong appetite control benefits but can cause muscle wasting; combining them with protein and resistance training is key. 🏥 **Healthcare System Is Broken** – Robb argues for a return to catastrophic insurance paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and transparent, market-based pricing to incentivize health. 🩺 **Diagnostic Starter Kit for AI Health** – Start with genetic data (23andMe), basic metabolic panel, hormone profile, and optionally a DUTCH test—all under $300—to give an AI a baseline. 🌞 **Sunlight as Powerful Medicine** – Adequate sun exposure may reduce all-cause mortality as significantly as not smoking a pack a day. 🤖 **AI Could Replace "Meat-Bot" Doctors** – AI's pattern recognition and infinite memory may soon outperform human doctors in diagnostics, making functional medicine insights widely accessible. 💧 **LMNT & Electrolyte Research** – Robb's company is funding metabolic health research, including an upcoming ketogenic diet study for bipolar and schizophrenia at an Ivy League institution. 🔬 **Hidden Gut Issues Missed by Standard Tests** – Robb shares his own struggle with parasites and candida overgrowth that routine labs missed, highlighting the need for specialized testing.   LINKS:   https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026  https://www.perfectgym.com/en  https://egym.com/int 

In this episode, Dr. Nestor Rodriguez joins Eric Malzone to unpack what the future of health, fitness, and medicine really looks like—and why the traditional healthcare model is falling short. Dr. Rodriguez shares the origin story of Carbon World Health, a fully integrated model that blends medical care, fitness, recovery, hormones, aesthetics, and longevity under one roof. Drawing from his background in emergency medicine, work with professional athletes, and experience inside broken hospital systems, he explains why we've normalized suboptimal health—and how data-driven, personalized care can change that. The conversation dives into hormones, labs, VO₂ max, recovery, peptides, telehealth, and why accountability matters more than any tool. They also explore the growing role of AI, the rise of longevity culture, and what true collaboration between the medical and fitness industries should look like moving forward. 🔥 Optimizing health instead of accepting "normal" is the real goal 🧠 Data matters more than trends—labs, body composition, VO₂ max, and recovery tell the real story 🏋️ Fitness works best when integrated with medical insight, not treated as an afterthought ⏱️ Consistency and accountability beat motivation every time 💉 Hormones and longevity tools only work when the foundation is right 🤝 The future of health depends on real collaboration between doctors and fitness professionals 📊 AI is a tool, not a replacement—context and expertise still matter 🗓️ Your calendar and habits reveal what you truly prioritize about your health   https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026 https://www.perfectgym.com/en https://egym.com/int 

In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Alyssa D'Aquino, Vice President of Group Fitness at CR Fitness, to discuss a major shift in the big-box gym landscape: the integration of boutique-style Pilates Reformer studios inside traditional gym clubs. Alyssa shares her journey from dancer and behavioral therapist to corporate fitness leader, and explains how CR Fitness is leading the way by making high-end Pilates more accessible through an innovative, inclusive membership model. Key Takeaways 🚀 The Big Announcement In 2026, CR Fitness will launch its first-ever Pilates Reformer Studio inside its McKinney, Texas location. This pilot program is designed to bring a boutique Pilates experience into a high-volume gym environment. 💸 Disrupting the Market While boutique Pilates studios typically cost between $100–$300 per month, CR Fitness is changing the game by including Reformer classes in its Peak Results membership for just $30 per month. 🧘 A "Crunch" Spin on Tradition The Pilates programming is proprietary and developed in-house to ensure safety and effectiveness. It's built around pre-designed "blocks of work" that allow instructors to maintain the brand's signature energy without sounding scripted or robotic. 🛠️ Solving the Talent Gap To address the technical demands of Reformer instruction, Alyssa partners with NEDA and ETA to offer in-house certifications. This approach eliminates the typical six-month certification wait and enables rapid, scalable instructor training. 🔥 Universal Appeal Pilates is no longer limited to a niche audience. Alyssa notes a significant increase in men and athletes using the Reformer for core engagement, performance, and recovery—highlighting the importance of core strength for everything from squats to running. 📈 Expansion Mindset Following the success of CR Fitness's Hot Studios—which began as a franchise pilot before becoming a corporate standard—the company expects the Pilates Reformer rollout to become the next major trend adopted across franchises.

In this episode, Eric sits down with Chris Mirabile, founder of Novos, to explore the science, business, and real-world impact of longevity. Chris shares his deeply personal journey—from being a health-focused teenager to surviving a brain tumor—which ultimately shaped his mission to help people live longer, healthier lives. The conversation dives into the hallmarks of aging, what longevity truly means, and the science-backed approaches to extending healthspan, including nuanced discussions around hormone optimization, peptides, and supplementation. Chris explains Novos' rigorous, research-driven philosophy, their product ecosystem, and how their formulations aim to deliver both short-term benefits like energy and cognitive support, as well as long-term health outcomes. They also examine the rapidly growing longevity market, common industry pitfalls, the importance of clear definitions and realistic expectations, and the opportunities ahead. The episode wraps with insights into Novos' growth, target audience, and Chris' invitation for collaborations to help advance the future of longevity and human health.

In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Dr. Ryan Greene, founder and CEO of Monarch Athletic Clubs. Dr. Greene shares his journey from exercise physiology and medical training to creating an all-in-one health club designed for true wellness—not just fitness. They dive into why our healthcare system is really a "sick care" system, how Monarch integrates medicine, personal training, recovery, and community under one roof, and the surprising reason their clubs stayed open during the pandemic. Dr. Greene also opens up about the future of longevity, the problem with having data but no actionable plan, and why mental health and authentic community are the next frontiers in health. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🧠 Healthcare should keep people healthy, not just treat sickness—Monarch is built on prevention, not reaction. 💪 True health is compound interest: small, consistent actions in movement, nutrition, and recovery create lifelong results. 🩺 Diagnostics without integration are just data—real change happens when testing is paired with personalized, human-guided action. 🤝 Community is more than group workouts—it's creating spaces for vulnerable conversations around mental health, parenthood, and purpose. 💸 Value over cost: For the price of a boutique gym + trainer + clinic, Monarch wraps everything into one membership with guided oversight. 🚀 The future of fitness is integrated: blending medical oversight, performance training, and mental well-being in spaces built for connection.   https://monarchclubs.com/ 

In this episode, Dan Uyemura of PushPress returns to discuss the future of fitness technology with host Eric Malzone. They dive into PushPress's evolution into an AI-powered gym management platform, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping operations for independent, community-focused gyms. Dan shares real-world examples of AI in action—from automated member management and smart reporting to AI coaching assistants that personalize member experiences. The conversation also tackles the bigger picture: why AI adoption is essential for survival in today's fast-moving tech landscape, how gyms can leverage AI as a team member rather than a job replacer, and why the fitness industry remains uniquely human and resilient in the face of automation. Whether you're a gym owner, coach, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers a practical and forward-looking view of how AI can empower small businesses to thrive. 🤖 AI is a transformative shift—ignoring it risks being left behind 📈 Independent gyms are strong; AI helps them scale without losing community feel 🛠️ Use AI as a teammate, not just a task-automator—improve decisions, not just output 🧠 Context is king—AI's power grows with member data, reviews, and subjective insights 👥 Member experience deepens with AI—personalized touchpoints and instant support 🏋️ You can't "AI your way to fitness"—human connection and hard work remain central 🚀 Future vision: "Vibe coding" gym ops, AI websites, and dynamic reporting in seconds 💡 Partnerships that benefit gyms, members, and platforms are the future Reach out to Dan and PushPress for partnerships or to explore AI-powered gym tools. https://www.pushpress.com/  LINKS: https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/  https://www.withflex.com/ 

The fitness and health industry is experiencing a major transformation driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological innovation, and the rise of artificial intelligence. In this episode, hosts sit down with Juliet Starrett and Alex Alimanestianu to break down the latest quarterly reports from major fitness industry players and explore the emerging bloodwork and health diagnostics revolution that's threatening to disrupt traditional healthcare companies. From the contrasting fortunes of legacy brands to the explosive growth in wearable technology, this conversation covers it all. Traditional gym chains like Lifetime Fitness and Planet Fitness are showing surprising resilience, with Planet Fitness in particular demonstrating strong financial health and an aggressive growth strategy. Meanwhile, Peloton continues to face ongoing challenges adapting to post-pandemic market conditions, and the boutique fitness sector under Exponential Fitness shows mixed results as operators navigate shifting consumer demand. Garmin is posting record-breaking years, benefiting from the booming wearable technology market that helps consumers track their health metrics in real-time. But the most significant disruption on the horizon comes from artificial intelligence's entry into health diagnostics and personalized wellness. Juliet highlights how tools like ChatGPT are enabling individuals to analyze their own blood work and medical data, fundamentally changing the patient experience. This democratization of health information threatens traditional diagnostic companies while creating opportunities for innovative health tech platforms like Function Health, which recently made major strategic moves. The convergence of wearable technology, consumer health data analytics, and AI-powered advisory services is reshaping how people approach fitness and wellness. As AI chatbots become more sophisticated at interpreting health data and providing personalized recommendations, the entire industry—from gyms to diagnostic labs to fitness equipment manufacturers—must adapt or risk obsolescence in a market where consumers increasingly expect immediate, affordable, and personalized health insights. In This Episode: Reunion conversations and conference highlights Longevity and wellness trends reshaping the industry The role of strength and conditioning in longevity practices Deep dive into Lifetime Fitness quarterly performance Peloton's ongoing challenges and strategic pivots Exponential Fitness franchises: the mixed bag Why globo gyms are making a comeback Planet Fitness playing offense with aggressive expansion Garmin's record-breaking year in wearables Function Health's big strategic move The bloodwork boom: How AI is disrupting medical diagnostics Meta AI glasses and the future of fitness tech LINKS: https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/ https://www.withflex.com/