Frank O’Rourke, Precor’s newly-appointed senior vice president of global sales, talks to HCM about his passion for prevention over cure, and Precor’s next-generation innovations.

What got you into the fitness industry?

When I was in college, I worked in a hospital as a physical therapy technician. So many people were sick due to poor lifestyle choices; much of the illness I saw was totally preventable. I decided I wanted to work on the other side of the health continuum, helping people live healthier, focusing on prevention and positivity.

Where do you think the fitness industry’s heading next?

If one good thing came out of the pandemic, it was an understanding that our industry really can help. If you were a normal weight, fit and active your chances of getting truly sick from COVID reduced. People now understand that’s what our industry can do for them.

Technology will continue to be a major topic, especially that which can easily connect to wearables. The industry needs to be mindful that the rise of selectorised 2.0. Freeweights has peaked; the next shift will be back to selectorised strength.

I believe we’re going to see a resurgence of training for specific body parts and larger muscle groups.

What’s coming from Precor?

Our next generation of innovations will be a game changer. When you do group exercise it's live, it’s fun and you're engaged. It's hard to feel the same attachment to a cold piece of steel like a treadmill.

Our new products will offer unparalleled member engagement, creating that missing connection.

What makes Precor stand out?

Our quality, that’s what separates us from the rest. We don’t rush products to market so we’re confident they’ll hold up in the harshest environments. And innovation; it’s in our DNA. From inventing the world’s first Elliptical Fitness Cross Trainer to the world’s first Adaptive Motion Trainer, Precor has some of the best industry firsts.

To catch up with the Precor team at FIBO 2023 in Cologne (13-16 April), head to stand 6B81.