Future of Fitness

In this episode, Eric Malzone talks with Carl Daikeler, co-founder and CEO of BODi (formerly Beachbody), about his remarkable path in transforming home fitness over the past quarter-century. Carl's story begins as a direct marketing expert who created 8 Minute Abs before building what would become one of the most extensive collections of fitness and nutrition programs available—featuring legendary workouts like P90X and Insanity from elite Super Trainers.

The conversation covers BODi's transformation from a company focused on physical appearance to one championing healthspan and longevity. Carl discusses creating Shakeology®, which pioneered the superfood protein shake category, and how he developed one of the first social-influencer and affiliate networks in the fitness space. They dig into why the industry needs to serve everyday people seeking better health rather than just fitness enthusiasts, why genuine approaches work better than influencer marketing, and how keeping things simple opens fitness to more people.

Key Takeaways

🏋️ Carl spent over 25 years building BODi from the success of 8 Minute Abs into a home fitness and nutrition leader serving millions

💪 Programs like P90X and Insanity showed that people would fully commit to challenging home workouts when given proper structure and support

📚 BODi's library includes more than 140 distinct programs created with top-tier Super Trainer experts

🥤 Shakeology® broke new ground as the original superfood protein shake made for regular people looking to improve their nutrition

📱 Carl created one of the fitness industry's first social-influencer and affiliate networks, ahead of the curve on community-driven growth

🤝 Real community support and accountability make the difference between short-term efforts and lasting lifestyle changes

❤️ The shift from Beachbody to BODi represents a bigger movement toward healthspan, longevity, and complete wellness instead of just aesthetics

⏱️ Consistent 10-20 minute daily movement creates meaningful health improvements without requiring marathon workout sessions

✨ People connect more with honest, relatable fitness content than they do with heavily produced influencer material

🎯 The fitness world needs to serve the 98% of people wanting sustainable health, not only the 2% pursuing elite performance or competition physiques

🌍 The Beachbody Foundation has given more than $10 million to support various organizations and communities, demonstrating a commitment to accessible wellness for everyone

🔮 Tomorrow's fitness innovations should focus on being affordable, accessible, and designed around where people actually are in their wellness journey

LINKS:

https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/ 

https://www.withflex.com/ 

In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Jay Worthy, CEO of MyZone, to dig into how fitness technology can actually keep people coming back instead of collecting dust in a drawer. With over 25 years in the industry, Jay breaks down MyZone's approach to cutting through the noise of endless health data—think MEPs tracking and community-driven motivation rather than just another stream of numbers nobody understands. They get into the real talk about why most wearables fail (spoiler: it's not the tech, it's the lack of support), how behavioral science drives lasting change, and why MyZone's betting on making fitness tracking simpler with their new MyZone Go product that works with devices people already own. The conversation also explores where AI fits into making sense of all that health data without overwhelming users, plus why companies in this space need to stop competing and start collaborating if anyone's serious about getting more people moving. Jay's philosophy boils down to this: motivation beats information every time, and building genuine community connections is what keeps people engaged long after the initial excitement wears off.

LINKS:

https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/ 

https://www.withflex.com/

https://egym.com/int

In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Adam Schafer to explore the evolution of Mind Pump, one of the most successful brands in fitness podcasting. Adam opens up about how authenticity, transparency, and strategic business decisions turned a passion project into a thriving enterprise. The conversation dives into the realities of building a sustainable business in the fitness and wellness space — from navigating multiple revenue streams to maintaining integrity and trust in a market increasingly influenced by AI and misinformation.

💡 Key takeaways include the importance of authentic storytelling, slow and steady business growth, and staying grounded in core values even as responsibilities expand. Eric and Adam also discuss the power of email marketing, community-driven engagement, and how genuine connection — not trends — is what truly fuels long-term success in the fitness, entrepreneurship, and personal development world.

LINKS:

https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/

https://www.withflex.com/ 

In this episode, Kim Gouch, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Retro Fitness, dives into her journey and the dynamic evolution of the fitness industry. She discusses how Retro Fitness is redefining the HVLP market through community-driven experiences, authentic branding, and meaningful consumer connections. Kim highlights the brand's Get Real campaign, which celebrates individuality and emotional connection in fitness, and shares how community engagement and simplicity in consumer experience shape their approach to growth and retention.

She also explores the difference between branding and marketing, emphasizing that true success comes from building a brand for the future — one that resonates with younger generations through authenticity, technology integration, and inclusivity. With a focus on data-driven insights and collaborative innovation, Kim outlines Retro Fitness's strategy for explosive yet sustainable growth, ensuring the brand continues to inspire connection, wellness, and belonging in every community it serves.

LINKS:

https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/

https://www.withflex.com/ 

https://egym.com/int 

Join host Eric Malzone as he speaks with Colleen Lewis, co-founder of bluSONIL, and Dr. Amy Lee, the company's Chief Medical Officer, about how bluSONIL is transforming the intersection of longevity, wellness, and regenerative aesthetics. Colleen, a seasoned leader in luxury brands and aesthetics, and Dr. Lee, a triple board-certified physician in metabolic health and nutrition, share how their partnership brings together business vision and medical expertise to create a high-touch, results-driven experience. They discuss identifying market gaps, the importance of evidence-based treatments, and the challenges of scaling a medically guided company while maintaining trust and authenticity. The conversation also explores bluSONIL's membership model, their educational approach to consumer wellness, and their shared belief in innovation, transparency, and holistic care—redefining how people pursue beauty, vitality, and long-term health.

LINKS:

https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/ 

https://www.withflex.com/ 

https://www.podcastcollective.io/ 

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Andy Galpin, a distinguished professor and human performance scientist, shares invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of health and fitness. He expertly distinguishes between performance and longevity, emphasizing that while longevity focuses on lifespan, true performance encompasses immediate, measurable improvements in physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Dr. Galpin discusses the transformative role of technology and AI in healthcare and fitness, highlighting how these tools can enhance coaching and client care when applied strategically. As the founder of Absolute Rest, he reveals groundbreaking advancements in sleep science, introducing their revolutionary at-home sleep testing system that provides clinical-grade analysis without the traditional limitations of sleep labs. The conversation explores opportunities for industry professionals to collaborate with Dr. Galpin's various ventures, including Parker University's upcoming 65,000-square-foot advanced human performance center, Vitality Blueprint's biomarker tracking, and Rapid Health's personalized optimization programs. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Galpin emphasizes the importance of maintaining a first-principles approach while embracing technological advancement, offering valuable guidance for fitness professionals navigating this rapidly evolving industry.

LINKS:

https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/ 

https://www.withflex.com/ 

https://egym.com/int 

In this episode, Chris Clawson, a veteran leader in the fitness industry and current EGYM executive, joins Eric to discuss the evolution of fitness technology, the game-changing impact of EGYM's Genius ecosystem, and the industry's growing role in preventative healthcare. Chris shares insights from his 40-year career, the importance of holistic health solutions, and how partnerships and digital innovation are transforming gym experiences for both operators and members. The conversation also explores the push for better physical education, the influence of corporate wellness programs, and the need for industry-wide advocacy to elevate fitness as a pillar of public health.

LINKS:

https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/

https://www.withflex.com/

https://egym.com/int 

In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Chris Craytor to unpack the evolving landscape of the fitness industry, highlighting the growing integration between fitness and healthcare, the rise of affordable luxury in fitness experiences, and the vital role of community engagement in member retention. They explore how diverse offerings can address different market needs, how AI can streamline operations, and why preventative health programs are becoming a major focus. Chris also shares insights from his work with ACAC and Weld Health, emphasizing the importance of innovation, strategic partnerships, and collaboration with healthcare providers. The conversation sheds light on the challenges of competition—not only from other gyms but also from home fitness solutions—and the ongoing struggle with capital management faced by independent operators, offering a comprehensive view of where the future of fitness is headed.

LINKS:

https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/ 

https://www.withflex.com/ 

https://egym.com/int 

In this episode, Eric Malzone sits down with Gray Cook, a pioneer in movement screening and founder of Functional Movement Systems (FMS), to explore the evolution of coaching and the critical role of movement health in overall wellness. Gray shares valuable insights from his decades of experience, discussing how understanding stress, recovery, and functional movement can transform both personal health and coaching effectiveness. He emphasizes the importance of proactive wellness, engaging youth in movement education, and fostering radical transparency in coaching. This conversation challenges fitness professionals to look beyond methods and focus on functional outcomes—encouraging a deeper, more educational approach to health and performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Movement health is foundational to overall wellness.
• Screening for movement can reveal hidden risk factors that may lead to injury.
• The fitness industry must involve youth in early movement education.
• Understanding stress and recovery is essential for effective coaching.
• Radical transparency builds stronger, more trusting client relationships.
• True wellness is defined by the absence of risk factors.
• Proper assessment and training can improve movement patterns over time.
• Coaches should prioritize functional outcomes over rigid methodologies.
• Health conversations must become more proactive and educational.
• Ongoing education is key for fitness professionals aiming to elevate their practice.

https://www.podcastcollective.io/

https://www.sportalliance.com/en/perfect-gym/

https://www.withflex.com/