Health club operators and suppliers must take urgent action if they are to capitalise on the opportunities afforded by fitness technology, according to a team of industry experts.

During a seminar on the first day of IHRSA 2015, the Fitness Industry Technology Council (FIT-C) – which is headed by leading industry consultant Bryan O’Rourke – called for greater collaboration between operators, suppliers and technology firms. FIT-C, launched three years ago by O’Rourke and fitness technology expert Ted Vickey to bring these parties together, said a focus on the consumer experience will be key to creating a thriving and integrated fitness technology sector.

In the same week that Apple launched the i-Watch, it was highlighted that the arrival of the world’s largest public company into the health and fitness industry signals a milestone in the rapidly expanding fitness technology sector.

During the session, O’Rourke said it was imperative to harness the momentum of the fitness industry to create greater consumer experiences in what will be an explosive market.

“If we don’t start working together we’ll miss opportunity to work in a billion member industry in next decade,” he warned.

With 40 million US smartphone owners using at least one fitness app and 60 per cent of all health club members using their smartphone as they workout, it was noted that the opportunities for enhanced interactivity with members is endless.

One of the speakers - CEO and co-founder of amSTATZ Michael Piermont – noted that integrated data brought a wealth of opportunities in terms of medical treatment and health insurance, with the potential for fitness to play a leading role.

“The fitness professional is the new frontline of health care," he said. "We (amSTATZ) look to provide solutions to make it easier for users to be connected with their PT through whichever medium they prefer to help stay fit and healthy.”

Health Club Management will be on hand throughout IHRSA 2015, live reporting on the latest developments throughout the conference and posting them straight to the Health Club Management website. Head of news Jak Phillips will also be live-tweeting from the event, follow him on Twitter by clicking here.