Mark Fisher - The Gym Owner's AI Stack: A Framework for 2026

In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Mark Fisher to dig into the messy, exciting reality of AI for brick-and-mortar gym owners, from overhyped agents and AI bubbles to very real, practical use cases that actually move the needle for local fitness businesses. TAKEAWAYS​ 🔥 How AI is both wildly overhyped and still underutilized in fitness, and why your "felt" productivity with tools like Cursor or Claude may not match real-world outcomes.​ 🤖 The rise of agents (like the infamous Claude/Molt bot), why they're not truly ready for most operators yet, and the real risks of letting AI touch your money, calendars, and accounts.​ 📲 Why AI-generated content is turning LinkedIn into a "dead internet" vibe, how obviously-bot posts can hurt your brand, and what authentic, personality-driven content still does well.​ 🏋️ How brick-and-mortar gyms should rethink email and organic social in 2026, given brutal deliverability changes and collapsing organic reach on platforms like Instagram.​ 📈 The core growth levers that still work for local gyms—paid ads, real referral systems, and high-volume local business partnerships—and why these matter more than obsessing over nurture content.​ 🧠 "Pocket expert" use cases: using AI to triage real-life operator headaches (like insurance claims after a pipe burst, leases, legalese, and tax questions) so you show up smarter to human pros.​ 🩺 Personal health and finance with AI: building a longitudinal health file, interpreting labs and wearables, and stress-testing your investment and insurance decisions—without pretending AI replaces your doctor or advisor.​ 🔍 The emerging game of AI search optimization for gyms (alongside old-school Google SEO) and why your website, Google Business Profile, and Instagram still function as your digital storefront.   LINKS: https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-ai ****** 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, Daniel from Sport Alliance (tech whiz behind their cloud platform) and Erwin (sales powerhouse with 30 years in fitness) break down why fitness operators are scrambling—or should be—with AI hype exploding but data chaos holding everyone back. From Boston's new HQ amid freezing temps, they spill on Sport Alliance sponsoring 2026, ditching legacy systems for a single source of truth, conquering Europe's 11,000+ gyms (50% of big chains), and launching in the massive US market with an open, free marketplace of 150+ integrations that funnels all member data—like payments, body scans, workouts—back to operators for killer upsells, retention forecasts, and autopilot AI by 2030. Forget boiled frog syndrome; they tackle migration fears head-on after 8,000 club switches, urging gym chains (10+ locations) to audit stacks now before competitors lap you on personalized member magic. Keywords: fitness data readiness, AI gym management, Sport Alliance US expansion, open fitness platform, legacy system migration. TAKEAWAYS 🚀 Clean, unified data is AI's fuel—scattered silos kill personalization and revenue. 🐸 Beware boiled frog trap: Operators adapt to bad tech until it's too late to switch. 🔄 Migrations made painless: No data loss, easy staff training after 8K+ successes. 🌐 Open ecosystem rocks: Free 150+ integrations, data flows back for custom journeys. 📈 By 2030: AI handles retention/marketing; staff focuses purely on members. 💼 Sport Alliance dominates Europe (11K gyms), primed for US enterprise growth.   LINKS: 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 industry veteran and Harrison Co. partner Paul Byrne to unpack the "consumer health revolution" transforming fitness, healthcare, and longevity—from GLP‑1s and peptides to wearables, AI "robo docs," and accessible longevity clinics.​ ✨ Key takeaways 💊 GLP‑1 medications are reshaping weight loss, gym membership trends, and preventive health behavior, creating massive downstream demand for strength training, protein, and active lifestyles.​ 📲 Wearables, home testing, and AI tools are finally solving the "now what?" problem by turning continuous data (sleep, HRV, glucose, labs, imaging) into practical, day‑to‑day health decisions.​ 🧬 Once ultra‑premium tools—CGMs, genomic testing, body comp and blood pressure tech—have crashed down the cost curve, moving precision health from elite to mainstream.​ 🏥 Even traditionally skeptical players like insurers and large health systems are waking up to the math: paying for prevention is cheaper than treating complex chronic disease.​ ⏱️ Sleep, recovery, and sleep apnea tech (CPAPs, home sleep testing, cooling beds, anti‑snoring devices) are exploding as people realize poor sleep underpins everything from heart disease to dementia.​ 🏋️‍♂️ Gyms are sitting on the most underutilized distribution channel for "accessible longevity," from GLP‑1 support and peptide education to in‑club recovery and mini‑longevity clinics.​ 🧠 AI‑augmented patients are forcing healthcare to evolve, coming into visits with better questions, deeper context, and personal data that rivals a small clinic's EMR. LINKS: https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026  https://www.perfectgym.com/en  https://egym.com/int     

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.