To The Fitness Industry - Technology Is What You Make It

I'm lucky. I've have 3 very unique wonderful children who've taught me great lessons.

My friend Jim McPartland commented during our recent interview on his "Unopened Gifts" show something to the effect of, "you take the exam before getting the text book." He was referring to life in general and its also true of being a parent. You are not always sure of what to do but you do your best and if you're lucky and keep an optimistic open mind to the future, things might turn out ok.

Working in an industry like fitness and wellness, a young industry with a lot of promise and a long way to go to reach it, I think about how we get there. That is where my kids come to mind along with Jim's quote and a recent commerical.

The future for health clubs, and fitness and wellness in general will entail a lot of change and technology will be a big part of it. It has for every industry. While we can't know the outcome for sure, I think its important we as an industry become more open to what technology represents, for both its great potential and sometimes problematic consequences. We must embrace change to reach our promise. This is even more important because of the relatively young stage the fitness industry is in.

In light of this I wanted to share Google's most recent Chrome commercial about a father and his daughter (see below) and technology. Tell me, Bryan O'Rourke, what do you think about technology in light of this commercial and in light of your life ? Is Technology, like your life, what you make it ? Should the fitness industry be more open to the future and technology that will be a big part of its development ? I think so.

Technology's Increasing Role In A New World Of Fitness & Wellness

Attending NAYDO 2011 last week, I saw an example, meeting with Gene Theslof, CEO of Gluco Fit Club. Later in the week, visiting Robert Hallock of Wellness Layers, I witnessed it again: the emergence of technologies that address diseases by incorporating physical activities, monitoring, and encouraging social interactions both physically and digitally. When people speak about the obesity crisis, these solutions are going to be central to making real progress in the battle as they will for diabetes and other conditions.

Recently in Sydney Australia at FILEX 2011 My Presentation On Technologies Impact On The Future Of The Fitness Industry, started with concepts of Ray Kurzweil, a futurist, author and inventor. His books address an important concept, the law of accelerating returns. As he rightly views it, technology is NOT progressing in a linear fashion but exponentially, resulting in very rapid change. The implications for the fitness and wellness industries are significant.

I share two clips below for your consideration. The first is a movie trailer of Transcedent Man, which features Ray Kurzweil, and the second is an interview by Charlie Rose of Mr. Kurzweil. Tell me, Bryan O'Rourke, what do you think about technology and its impact on the fitness and health club industry ? How are you preparing for the Law of Accelerating Returns ?

NAYDO 2011 - How Social Media Is Changing Philanthropy

I had the pleasure yesterday to engage in an interesting event that brought together YMCA executives : NAYDO 2011 . Star Trac sponsored a reception at NAYDO where I shared key trends in social media and philanthropy. Lots of fun and thanks to all of you who attended, especially Lisa Ramirez and others from the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, one of our fitmarc customers. Watch this funny video with Sal Pellegrino in it from NAYDO.

When I say a revolution is happening that is and will turn every industry on its head, non-profits and philanthropy are no exception. The deck is included below. Please join the new Linkined group "ePhilanthropy" to learn more and engage in the conversation. What do you think ?

Contact me Bryan O'Rourke and share your views. Do you believe Social Media will revolutionize philanthropy and how ? Thanks to NAYDO

EPhilanthropy, NAYDO 2011

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2011 Social Media - Curation And Why Is It Important

Of the key trends in social media for 2011, digital curation will be an important one. Why ? Because over 70% of social media users only consume information. They don't share it. New technologies are making it easier for people to start to participate in curation, meaning they will be more apt to engage in editorializing and sharing content - an important step in the evolution of social media and its becoming completely mainstream.

What does this mean for fitness and wellness, and for the health club industry ? The likelihood that members or clients will increasingly share and engage in social media is directly tied to the idea of curation because the more people participate in social, not just consume, the more relevant the trend will be and the more impact it will have.

What do you think about social media and curation ? Please share with me, Bryan O'Rourke, your views on this and watch Brian Solis as he discusses the key trends in social media for 2011.

PT Summit At FILEX 2011 On "Social Media"

What a great audience today for my first of 3 presentations at FILEX 2011.

Special mention goes out to Nigel and Lisa  Champion and their team for the invitation and their being gracious hosts. I also want to thank the team at fitmarc, including partner Robert Dyer, for helping me attend and contribute to the fitness industry.

I've included the content below. Tell me, Bryan O'Rourke, what you think of using alternate media in the fitness industry. What is working for you ?

PT Summit - Filex 2011 - Growing your Personal Training Business Using Social Media

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