How AI and Leadership are Shaping the Future of Fitness

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The boundary between technology and wellness is blurring, creating revolutionary opportunities for fitness professionals and businesses ready to evolve. Mike Hansen, a 25-year veteran of the fitness industry turned business incubator, shares his journey from gym operations to Wall Street and back to fitness entrepreneurship, revealing how passion and strategic thinking combine to create successful ventures in the wellness space.

Hansen provides a compelling roadmap for navigating the technological transformation sweeping through fitness. "There's two businesses in the future: the ones that use AI and the ones that are out of business," he states, while offering practical advice on creating an AI-driven culture that enhances rather than replaces human connection. His approach—"automate the grind, amplify the voice"—demonstrates how technology can free fitness professionals to focus on high-value activities while maintaining the personal touch that clients crave.

The conversation delves into why athletes make exceptional entrepreneurs, with Hansen observing that "100% will lose, 90% will fail, and 10% won't quit." This athletic DNA—characterized by perseverance through setbacks and delayed gratification—translates directly to business success. Similarly, the shift from "look good" to "feel good" as a primary consumer motivation reflects a more sustainable approach to wellness that prioritizes holistic wellbeing over pure aesthetics.

Perhaps most exciting is Hansen's work bridging the traditional gap between healthcare and fitness through ventures like Bridge Health, which enables fitness businesses to participate in insurance-supported care plans. This innovation creates win-win scenarios for consumers seeking preventative wellness, healthcare providers, and fitness businesses ready to expand their impact. Connect with Mike at MikeGHansen.com or find him on LinkedIn to learn more about these emerging opportunities.

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