LIFTS Episode 123 – Fitness Technology Is No Longer Software. It's Infrastructure | with Al Noshirvani

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest fitness industry trends and stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most important shifts in the fitness industry today: technology is no longer just a support function, it's a core driver of growth. Joined by Al Noshirvani, Executive Chairman of Alta Technology Group, the conversation dives into how operators should rethink their approach to AI, payments, and platform decisions. While the industry is flooded with new tools and innovations, a deeper challenge is emerging beneath the surface. Many operators are investing in technology without clearly understanding whether it delivers measurable impact. Al introduces a simple but powerful framework: every technology decision should enhance the member experience, increase staff productivity, or contribute to the bottom line. Ideally, it should do all three. The discussion explores how AI is often overemphasised in customer-facing features, while the real opportunity lies behind the scenes automating operations such as collections, onboarding, and staff training. It also examines how payments have evolved from a back-office necessity into a strategic lever that impacts revenue, retention, and customer trust. The conversation also highlights the growing importance of platform strategy. As businesses scale, operators must ensure their technology is configurable, flexible, and extensible otherwise they risk being locked into systems that limit future growth. As the episode develops, the panel reinforces a critical insight: technology should not be pursued for its own sake. The operators who win will be those who focus on outcomes using technology to drive better experiences, stronger operations, and sustainable revenue growth. In this episode, we cover: The 3 tests every fitness technology decision must pass Why most AI in fitness is missing the point Where AI is actually creating operational value How payments became a strategic lever in fitness The risks of choosing the wrong technology platform Why configurability, flexibility, and extensibility matter How to think about technology as a revenue driver—not a cost What operators should demand from their tech partners 👉 To learn more about Al Noshirvani, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alnoshirvani/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published:  https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 4:41 Why Fitness Technology Is Now Infrastructure 9:25 What Operators Should Focus on With Technology 10:04 The 3 Tests Every Tech Decision Must Pass 11:08 Where AI Actually Works in Fitness 13:12 Get Them, Know Them, Keep Them 19:48 Click to Cancel, Trust & Member Experience 25:45 Sponsor Message: EGYM 28:23 Payments as a Strategic Lever 35:36 AI, Personalisation & The Gym Experience