037 Jim Worthington: The Movement For A #PHIT America
Fitness + Technology18 Jul 2017

037 Jim Worthington: The Movement For A #PHIT America

For episode 37 we're learning about the exponential benefits and current progress of the #PHITAct, and why it is so vital to fitness industry growth, with the Vice-Chair of IHRSA and the Owner of Newtown Athletic Club, Jim Worthington.

After the recent report published by PHIT America In 2017 - "The Inactivity Pandemic," it should not come as a surprise that Nike, The Cooper Institute, The American Heart Institute, Shape America, & Pop Warner Football are all joining forces to pass the #PHITAct through both the Senate and Congress.

As you'll hear on today's show with Jim, this legislation has the potential to massively uplevel our industry reach and help put prevention in our healthcare system. Earlier in 2017, you heard from Bryan O'Rourke in F+T episode #020, about how even with as much as we're doing collectively in the fitness industry to help fight the obesity epidemic, the reality is that the current healthcare model is broken.

What we have now isn't healthcare, it's sick care, and the passage of the #PHITAct will bring legislative power to help change that by getting more people active and healthy than ever before. With this turning of the tide, the #PHITAct will also help Americans save 20-30% on yearly expenses related to physical activity.

As an industry professional, we need your help today to make this bill pass.

Be sure to tap on your show artwork and click the link: "Ask Congress To Pass #PHITAct."

What simple yet effective actions can thousands of fitness leaders in our space take to create more revenue and serve large numbers of brand new members?

The answer to that question and much more takeaways for club owners, operators, and fitness professionals in this episode with Jim Worthington.

About Jim Worthington

Jim Worthington is the owner of the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC) a 250,000 square foot lifestyle club on 22 acres established in 1978 in Newtown, PA. He is also a real-estate developer and a supporter of start-up entrepreneurs. After earning a Bachelor's degree in 1978 from West Chester University and working as a racquetball pro and club manager, Jim took on an ownership role at the NAC in 1981, building the club to its current status as a Top 100 Club in America for the past 20 years.

Mr. Worthington is now the sole owner of the club which is considered the third largest privately owned individual health club in the nation. As a 40-year industry veteran and a member of IHRSA (International Health Racquetball and Sports Association) since its inception, Jim has contributed to countless industry publications, attended every IHRSA conference and now serves on the IHRSA Board of Directors as the Vice Chair. He has pioneered many club concepts such as bundling membership fees, membership integration initiatives and all-inclusive programming.

His club has received numerous local and national honors as a reflection of his maverick leadership and vision. Jim has also founded the Delaware Valley alliance of Health and Sports Clubs and the NAC Have a Heart Foundation (501c3) which handles all of the NAC's charitable initiatives and oversees the "My Right To Try" advocacy work to help terminally ill patients receive FDA Phase 2 and 3 potentially life-saving trial drugs earlier.

Jim is a visionary and leader not only in the fitness industry but also in his community donating to many charitable causes and generally making the world a better place.

Listen To Episode 037 As Jim Uncovers
  • What the PHIT Act will do for the future of the fitness industry space
  • Why the PHIT Act is so vital to our industry growth
  • What is the current status of progress for the PHIT Act in Congress
  • What is IHRSA doing to support the PHIT Act passage in Congress
  • What are the detailed benefits of the PHIT Act for the fitness industry and other sports, health, and wellness industries such as massage, DCT, chiropractic and many more
  • How industry professionals can take appropriate actions to help support IHRSA and the PHIT Act in 2017
  • Why it becomes easy for busy fitness industry professionals to get involved in their day- to-day roles and miss the "big picture" of how bills like the PHIT Act can help them help more people
  • What new possibilities Jim Worthington sees on the horizon at the intersection of fitness and technology
  • How club owners, operators, and fitness professionals can leverage their members and networks to spark change
  • How to ask your congressional representative to support the passage of PHIT America
Top 3 Takeaways From The Show
  • Jim reminds us that our Congressional representatives work for us. As a fitness industry professional, it may feel somewhat overwhelming to believe your vote will create impact for this bill, but the truth is that the IHRSA organization is here to support getting your voice heard. Be sure to tap on the show artwork today right from your phone, and click here: "Ask Congress To Pass #PHITAct."
  • IHRSA can only do so much. When it comes to relationships with your Local Senators, State Senators, and Local Congressmen, it's really the obligation of the people in the industry, the club owners, and the operators, to reach out and make this a priority for their representatives. Jim believes this is the biggest opportunity we've ever seen for the fitness industry to grow its participants and change more people's lives.
  • The #PHITAct is far bigger than just our space, it's a way to bring fitness down to the levels of the less fortunate and to those who can't afford a health club membership. It allows for lower-economic citizens to have access to more of the same things that everyone else does. The reality is that not everyone has the ability to attend a fitness facility, and the #PHTAct will make a huge difference for the health of so many who need it most.
Power Quotes From Jim

"IHRSA can only do so much. When it comes to relationships with your Local Senators or your State Senators and Local Congressmen, it's really the obligation of the people in the industry, the club owners and the operators, to reach out and make this a priority to get them on board with the PHIT Act. Frankly, that's where my frustration lies. I feel like this could be the biggest opportunity for our fitness industry to grow the amount of participants and change people's lives." - Jim Worthington on the Fitness + Technology Podcast

"I urge everyone to get out there and make that call to push the PHIT Act over the goal line. If we don't do it this year, I don't know if we're ever going to because we've been talking about this for 10 years." - Jim Worthington on the Fitness + Technology Podcast

Resources Mentioned From Jim Thanks To Our Outstanding Sponsors
  • Bryan O'Rourke and his family of companies including Vedere Ventures, Integerus Advisors, and many more. If you are looking for unmatched guidance, capital, insights or a great speaker or facilitator, Bryan and his partners are the go to resource for your organization. To learn more visit bryankorourke.com
  • The Fitness Industry Technology Council, your non-profit resource for reliable technology information supported by forward looking brands who are seeking to drive increased technology adoption in the fitness industry. Make a difference and join FIT-C at fittechcouncil.org today
  • Check out Bryan and his partner Robert Dyer's recent book "9 Partnership Principles: A Story of Life Lessons" which is available now on Amazon.com

Episoder(191)

AI Front Desk: Transforming Frontline Work With Brian Holmes

AI Front Desk: Transforming Frontline Work With Brian Holmes

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Brian Holmes, CEO and Founder of AI Front Desk. With hiring, training, and retaining frontline workers becoming increasingly challenging, AI Front Desk offers innovative artificial intelligence solutions that handle complex business tasks directly. By reducing dependence on traditional staffing models, the company helps streamline operations, improve efficiency, and minimize errors. Brian joins Bryan to discuss his company's approach and the practical impact these solutions are having across the industry. One Powerful Quote: 32:05: "Yes you can get to where you want to go. You just won't get there as fast as you want." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:47: Bryan opens the show by sharing Brian's entrepreneurial background. 8:42: Bryan asks Brian about the key lessons that led to the founding of AI Front Desk. 13:47: Bryan discusses the timeline behind launching AI Front Desk. 17:09: Brian addresses common misconceptions about agentic AI. 20:22: Brian outlines some of the core functions that AI Front Desk can perform. 25:33: Brian highlights the biggest challenges organizations face in adopting the technology. 31:20: Brian imparts his final pearls of wisdom to the listeners.  Bullet List of Resources: https://aifrontdesk.com/ Guest Contact Information: brian@aifrontdesk.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-holmes-0a448566/ https://x.com/BrianAIFrontDsk https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

3 Nov 35min

Key Trends That Will Shape The Global Fitness Industry — Live from FitLife's Club Network Conference With Bryan O'Rourke

Key Trends That Will Shape The Global Fitness Industry — Live from FitLife's Club Network Conference With Bryan O'Rourke

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his keynote presentation delivered live at FitLife's Club Network Conference in Seattle. Bryan explores the key trends transforming the global fitness industry from rapid technological advancements to the evolving importance of human capital. He emphasizes why now is a pivotal moment for leaders to shape the future of fitness. To view Bryan's slide deck, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-fitlife-club-network-keynote-seattle-2025-bryan-orourke/283944575 One Powerful Quote: 16:54: "Clarity is a superpower." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:34: Bryan gives an introduction to the major trends shaping the fitness industry and their impact on its future direction. 17:38: Bryan shares the opportunities and challenges that will define the next five years in fitness and wellness. 18:48: Bryan discusses the capital and financial shifts in the marketplace. 27:02: Bryan speaks on bridging the digital and physical gap through humanized experiences. 37:06: Bryan talks about business models that are driving innovation in health and fitness services. 44:12: Bryan highlights what's real in understanding the technology and AI hype cycle. 56:46: Bryan explains why people and trust are the most valuable assets today. 1:06:50: Bryan summarizes how translating strategy into execution can lead to meaningful change. Bullet List of Resources: https://fitlifeclubs.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

27 Okt 1h 12min

Exploring Integrative Coaching & Wellness Services With Chris Edwards

Exploring Integrative Coaching & Wellness Services With Chris Edwards

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes back Chris Edwards, Founder and CEO of TriCore Wellness. TriCore focuses on the integration of technology, health data, and professional coaching to deliver comprehensive wellness solutions for individuals, employees, and organizations. Chris joins Bryan to discuss his business model and share valuable insights on current trends in integrative coaching and wellness services. One Powerful Quote: 7:51: "You have to unlearn before you can relearn." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:23: Chris and Bryan discuss how TriCore supports fitness operators by identifying business challenges and creating solutions that drive opportunities. 10:07: Bryan and Chris talk about exploring the unique challenges and emerging opportunities in wellness service products. 12:57: Bryan and Chris talk about addressing the disconnect between traditional fitness education and the evolving needs and expectations of modern consumers. 15:53: Bryan asks Chris why there hasn't been a fresh perspective on identifying and addressing service gaps in the fitness industry. 20:11: Chris shares closing thoughts and actionable advice for listeners navigating the future of wellness services. Bullet List of Resources: https://tricorewellness.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-edwards-367094196/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

8 Sep 24min

Strategic Leadership & Growth at Life Time With Jeff Zwiefel

Strategic Leadership & Growth at Life Time With Jeff Zwiefel

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke sits down with Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director of Longevity & Performance at Life Time. With over three decades of leadership in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, Jeff brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, brand evolution, and operational excellence. As a key architect behind Life Time's transformation into a comprehensive healthy lifestyle company, Jeff shares his perspective on the future of wellness, the role of leadership in culture and innovation, and strategies for advancing health span and performance. Tune in for a powerful conversation filled with insights from one of the industry's most influential leaders. One Powerful Quote: 25:57: "We have two lives, and the second one begins when we realize we only have one." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:04: Bryan opens the conversation with an overview of Jeff's extensive background and career journey. 4:33: The discussion turns to market bifurcation, as Bryan asks Jeff about evolving consumer demands and value delivery. Jeff explains how Life Time has strategically scaled to meet these shifting dynamics. 8:46: Bryan and Jeff explore the role of customer personas and how these insights influence alignment across the entire organization. 11:54: Jeff highlights emerging trends in health and wellness and shares how Life Time is innovating to meet these demands through enhanced service offerings. 17:00: The conversation delves into biotechnology and its growing influence on extending health span and optimizing performance. 20:16: Jeff discusses how Life Time maintains a strong cultural foundation while operating at scale, emphasizing the importance of human connection in large organizations. 24:37: Jeff concludes with key takeaways and lasting insights for listeners, offering wisdom from his decades of leadership in the industry. Bullet List of Resources: https://jeffzwiefel.com/ https://www.lifetime.life/ https://hbr.org/2008/07/putting-the-service-profit-chain-to-work Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzwiefel/ https://x.com/JeffZwiefel https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

4 Aug 29min

Driving Innovation In 3D Design Software With Richard Grönberg

Driving Innovation In 3D Design Software With Richard Grönberg

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Richard Grönberg, Founder and CEO of ECDESIGN — a leading 3D interior design software that empowers sales professionals to quickly plan and visualize any space without the complexity of traditional CAD tools. With over 10,000 companies across 170 countries using the platform, ECDESIGN is transforming how fitness and commercial environments are imagined and brought to life. Tune in as Richard shares insights into the power of design, his business philosophy, and how intuitive planning tools are shaping the future of space visualization in the fitness industry. One Powerful Quote: 18:31: "There are no shortcuts." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:51: Bryan asks Richard about the origins of ECDESIGN and what inspired him to launch the business. 5:25: The conversation shifts to Swedish design and how it influenced Richard's journey into the fitness industry. 7:15: Richard explains how design expectations have evolved and what users now look for when using ECDESIGN. 8:26: Bryan and Richard explore how gaming principles have influenced modern design tools and the role of technology in that transformation. 13:21: Richard shares his approach to leadership, organizational management, and his core business philosophy. 16:20: Richard offers closing thoughts and shares key insights for listeners from his entrepreneurial experience. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.ecdesign.se/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-gronberg/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

1 Jul 20min

Accelerating Growth In Boutique Fitness With Julian Barnes

Accelerating Growth In Boutique Fitness With Julian Barnes

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke is joined by Julian Barnes, Co-Founder and CEO of The BFS Network, a market intelligence and growth accelerator for beauty, fitness, and self-care businesses. In his role, Julian serves as a strategic growth advisor, helping BFS members enhance profitability and scale smarter. With a background that includes marketing leadership roles at Velocity Sports Performance and Oasis Day Spa, Julian later co-founded Body Local, NYC's premier networking platform for wellness professionals. Today, he leads BFS, which supports business owners by offering collaborative learning, operational training, and access to high-impact products and services. Tune in as Bryan and Julian explore innovation and the evolving needs of the modern, boutique fitness business. For those who wish to purchase the full BFS Report, use Discount Code FIT-C for $50 off. One Powerful Quote: 38:10: "Focus on the one thing that's the most important thing to get you to the next milestone." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 1:41: Julian shares his personal journey and background in the fitness industry. 4:13: Julian talks about the lifecycle of boutique fitness and how the industry is evolving. 7:40: Bryan and Julian reflect on the origins of boutique fitness and the iconic brands that shaped the space. 13:50: Julian talks about boutique modalities and the renewed popularity of pilates. 22:59: Julian speaks about the convergence of fitness, recovery, longevity, and beauty. 27:51: Julian offers his perspective on the growing role of strength training. 30:22: Bryan and Julian discuss intermediaries, membership dynamics, and business models. 37:57: Julian imparts his pearls of wisdom to the listeners. Bullet List of Resources: https://bfsnetwork.com/ www.BFSReport.com https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/the-rise-of-boutique-studio-fitness-concepts/66643673 Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianabarnes/ https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

30 Jun 40min

OfferingTree: Building Trust and Tech For Wellness Pros With Eddie Arpin

OfferingTree: Building Trust and Tech For Wellness Pros With Eddie Arpin

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O'Rourke is joined by Eddie Arpin, Co-Founder of OfferingTree, a comprehensive website, scheduling, and payment solution designed specifically for wellness professionals. OfferingTree empowers coaches, yoga instructors, personal trainers, mindfulness teachers, and other wellness practitioners by streamlining digital operations, so they can focus on delivering exceptional client experiences. In this conversation, Eddie shares the journey behind OfferingTree, his insights into the evolving needs of wellness professionals, and practical advice on building trust, improving client engagement, and leveraging digital tools effectively. One Powerful Quote: 16:06: "Trust is the most valuable commodity in the world now." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 2:47: Eddie shares his software background and the origins of OfferingTree. 5:24: Bryan and Eddie talk about common pain points for wellness professionals. 9:37: Bryan asks Eddie about the value and impact of SMS marketing. 12:26: Eddie goes into evolving trends in content strategy and SEO. 14:57: Eddie shares his thoughts on payment processing and earning customer trust. 17:14: Bryan and Eddie discuss why tech stack integration matters more than ever. 25:54: Bryan wraps up the interview with Eddie imparting his final pearls of wisdom. Bullet List of Resources: https://www.offeringtree.com/ https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer Guest Contact Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiearpin/ https://x.com/fifth_eddie https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

21 Jun 30min

The Future of Fitness LIVE From Beyond Activ With Bryan O'Rourke

The Future of Fitness LIVE From Beyond Activ With Bryan O'Rourke

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke shares his keynote, "The Key Trends Creating Opportunities and Challenges for the Global Fitness Industry in the Next 5 Years" live from Beyond Activ in Singapore. Bryan shares the spotlight for what's next for fitness across the globe — from emerging technologies and programming innovations to finance, business models, and the forces reshaping how to serve members and scale impact. Whether you lead a gym, studio, supplier brand, or digital platform, this talk is designed to challenge your thinking and equip you for what's ahead. To view the slideshow, go to: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/future-of-fitness-2025-keynote-bryan-orourke-beyond-activ-singapore-2025/280332550 One Powerful Quote: 7:41: "In a world deluged by irrelevant information, clarity is power." 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:09: Bryan opens his keynote with "What if?" and the convergence of macro/micro trends. 7:47: Bryan talks about opportunities and challenges in the next 5 years. 11:31: Bryan articulates on business models as the mainstay configurations for fitness delivery. 15:40: Bryan speaks on biotechnologies and the new social constructs today. 17:40: Bryan defines leadership vision and the processes to execute on it. 19:09: Bryan recaps his presentation. Bullet List of Resources: https://beyondactiv.com/ Guest Contact Information: https://www.bryankorourke.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/ http://www.fittechcouncil.org/ https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163

10 Jun 22min

Populært innen Business og økonomi

lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
stopp-verden
dine-penger-pengeradet
e24-podden
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk
rss-borsmorgen-okonominyhetene
tid-er-penger-en-podcast-med-peter-warren
finansredaksjonen
pengepodden-2
livet-pa-veien-med-jan-erik-larssen
morgenkaffen-med-finansavisen
utbytte
stormkast-med-valebrokk-stordalen
kommentarer-fra-aftenposten
pengesnakk
rss-sunn-okonomi
lederpodden
rss-markedspuls-2
okonomiamatorene
aksjepodden