LIFTS Episode 139 – The Member Has Changed. Has the Fitness Industry? | ABC Fitness Round Table

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Tony Small, co-founder of Replify, Richard Earney, National Wellness Director at Midtown Athletic, and Mason Levey, co-founder of Y7 Studio, for a special round table recorded live at an exclusive VIP dinner in Chicago, brought together in partnership with ABC Fitness. The fitness consumer is changing. From AI and GLP-1s to wellness, longevity, social media and shifting demographics, the expectations people have of fitness businesses are evolving quickly. The panel explores how younger generations are engaging with fitness differently and whether gyms, studios and health clubs are becoming important spaces for real-world connection. With ABC Fitness data showing Gen Z and Millennials joining and using fitness facilities at higher rates, what does the next generation of members actually want from the industry? They also discuss the growing convergence of fitness, health and wellness, including the impact of GLP-1s and whether fitness businesses should broaden the services they offer or remain focused on their core areas of expertise. The conversation then turns to AI and how technology could help operators deliver more personalised experiences. Rather than using technology primarily to acquire new members, could AI help businesses understand individuals better, communicate with them at the right time and ultimately help create stronger fitness habits? Ultimately, as consumers become more informed, more connected and more demanding, the question is whether the fitness industry can evolve quickly enough to keep pace. In this episode, we cover: How the fitness consumer is changing Why younger generations are engaging with fitness differently Whether fitness is becoming a new kind of social space GLP-1s and the convergence of fitness, health and wellness Whether fitness businesses should expand beyond their core offering Why how exercise makes people feel could become more important How AI could transform the member experience The move from mass communication towards personalisation How technology could help operators build stronger fitness habits Why human connection remains critical as technology evolves Find out more about ABC Fitness - https://abcfitness.com Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast Timestamps 0:00 The Member Has Changed. Has the Fitness Industry? 3:48 Is Fitness Becoming the New Third Space? 10:32 GLP-1s, Wellness & the New Health Consumer 16:19 How AI Is Changing the Fitness Industry 24:28 Does Fitness Need to Rebrand Itself? 29:27 Can AI Help Build Better Fitness Habits? 33:32 Are Consumer Expectations Changing Faster Than Fitness?