
If you've been following the Future of Fitness podcast, you know I love diving deep into where our industry is headed. And when it comes to looking ahead, few guests bring the combination of experience, insight, and forward-thinking that Don Moxley does. In our fourth conversation together, we explored what fitness and human performance might look like in 2035 - and let me tell you, it's not what most people think.
The Data Revolution Is Already Here
One of the biggest takeaways from my chat with Don? The future isn't about bigger facilities or fancier equipment - it's about data. But here's the thing: you don't need to wait for the future to start using data effectively. As Don puts it, "Any data is better than no data."
During his time at Ohio State (where he was their first paid sports scientist), Don started with just basic weight room data collection. No fancy tech, just tracking the main lifts and their best sets. That simple start led to insights that challenged traditional training dogmas and improved athlete performance.
What Tomorrow's Gyms Will Actually Look Like
Forget about just adding more squat racks or making everything bigger. The facilities of 2035 will be different in some key ways:
They'll offer services you can't easily replicate at home (think hyperbaric chambers and professional-grade recovery tech)
They'll serve as data and knowledge centers
They'll focus on personalized programming based on actual evidence
They'll integrate various aspects of health and performance
Don shared a great example from his own experience. He now lives in a 42-foot RV and still managed to prioritize having a sauna installed because the data showed its value. But he acknowledges that for some things - like full-size red light therapy beds or hyperbaric chambers - you'll need to go to a facility.
The Real Role of AI and Machine Learning
Here's something interesting: Don prefers the term "machine learning" over "AI" when it comes to fitness. Why? Because it's not about replacing human expertise - it's about processing the massive amounts of data we're collecting to make better decisions.
Think about it: Don collected 3.5 million data points from just one wrestling season at Ohio State. That's way too much for any human to process manually, but machine learning can help us find patterns and insights that actually matter.
Moving Beyond Dogma
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was Don's take on the current state of fitness. He attended the NSCA conference recently and noticed something concerning: much of the industry is still answering the same questions we were asking 20-30 years ago.
The future isn't about blindly following programs or protocols. It's about understanding that:
What works for one person might not work for another
The best approach is the one that fits your goals and lifestyle
Data should drive decisions, not dogma
The Rise of "Trainable Life Events"
Don introduced a concept I love: "trainable life events." Instead of just training for a number on the scale (which, as Don points out, no one hangs pictures of), we should focus on life events we want to excel at - whether that's playing with grandkids, enjoying a beach vacation, or running that 5K.
What This Means for Fitness Professionals
If you're in the fitness industry, here's what you need to start thinking about:
Start Collecting Data
Begin with whatever you can measure consistently
Focus on data that actually matters to outcomes
Learn basic statistics (Don recommends Coursera courses)
Think Integration
Move from siloed expertise to shared knowledge
Look for ways to combine different approaches
Focus on outcomes, not just processes
Stay Current with Technology
Understand wearables and their data
Look into recovery technologies
Learn how to interpret and use data effectively
Looking Ahead
The facilities and trainers who will thrive in 2035 won't necessarily be the ones with the biggest spaces or the most equipment. They'll be the ones who best understand how to:
Collect and use data effectively
Provide services that can't be replicated at home
Create truly personalized approaches based on evidence
Integrate various aspects of health and performance
Want to learn more from Don? You can find him on LinkedIn or check out his website at trainrecoverwin.com. He's also launching a new podcast called "Life Over the Horizon" (overthehorizon.life) that I'm excited to follow.
Remember, the future of fitness isn't about following trends - it's about understanding what actually works and why. And that future is already here if we're willing to embrace it.
About the Author: Eric Malzone is the host of the Future of Fitness podcast, where he explores the intersection of fitness, technology, and business with industry leaders and innovators.