The Evolution of the Fitness Industry — PATO x The Melding Muse feat. Colin Walker (Life Fitness NZ)
In this episode of The Melding Muse — proudly sponsored by PATO — founder & director Esty sits down with Colin Walker, General Manager of Life Fitness NZ, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of the fitness industry.
Watch the Full Episode
What We Cover
Colin Walker has spent decades at the forefront of the fitness equipment industry. As General Manager of Life Fitness NZ — one of the world’s leading commercial fitness equipment brands — he’s had a front-row seat to how gyms, training philosophies, and member expectations have transformed over the years.
In this episode, Esty and Colin dive deep into:
- The evolution of the fitness industry — from the early days of bodybuilding culture to today’s tech-driven, data-informed training environments
- Diet and nutrition trends — how our understanding of fuelling performance has changed, and what actually works
- Recovery as a priority — why recovery science is no longer an afterthought but a cornerstone of modern fitness
- The future of gym equipment — connected machines, AI integration, and what Life Fitness sees on the horizon
- Running a fitness business in New Zealand — the unique challenges and opportunities of the NZ market
About The Melding Muse
The Melding Muse is a podcast that brings together leaders, innovators, and thinkers across different disciplines for authentic, unfiltered conversations. Sponsored by PATO, the podcast explores the intersections of technology, health, business, and human potential.
About PATO
PATO is New Zealand’s AI-powered fitness companion — helping gym members stay consistent with personalised coaching, nutrition tracking, workout plans, and gamification. For gym owners, PATO provides a complete member engagement platform with class bookings, leaderboards, rewards, and AI-powered insights.
Ready to transform your gym experience? Try PATO free today.
