Economy — Bryan O'Rourke shares his thoughts and views on consumer, technology, business and health trends.

First the good news, the U.S. economy grew at its fastest pace in 1-1/2 years in the fourth quarter. Now the bad news, a strong rebuilding of stocks by businesses and weak spending on capital goods hinted at slower growth in early 2012. This with the complications of the EU economic woes and higher projected oil cost put the "recovery" in a bit of peril.

"The economy ended 2011 on a fairly positive note, but the composition of growth in the last quarter is not favorable for growth early this year," said Ryan Sweet, a senior economist at Moody's Analytics in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Facts are it remains very hard on a lot of people and businesses out there today. In speaking with many business owners in the health club industry and fitness business in general, among others, things have not improved dramatically, they've only stopped getting worse. That is hardly a reprieve for those who have been hanging on for several years now. So what should you do ?

Perhaps you've seen the recent Toyota commerical. Kelly Clarkson co-stars alongside ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman, Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern and Inside The Actor’s Studio’s James Lipton in this promotional piece for the 2012 Camry. The funny ad highlights the car’s Entune mobile technology that allows access apps like Bing, iHeartRadio, OpenTable and Pandora.

The song featured in the commercial, which you can see below, is based on Friedrich Neitzsche's quote, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger". With this recent report on the US economic situation and the International Monetary Fund recently downgrading the global growth outlook for 2012 to 3.3 percent from 4 percent , largely as a result of troubles in the EU, something I think all of us should do is start asking "how can I change my business model ?" In other words get busy getting stronger. Think more strategically, and realize its the end of business as usual. If you are in the fitness and or health club business, or in any other business or industry I recommend you review these reports and articles to learn more:

http://www.slideshare.net/Bryankorourke/2012-trend-report-what-health-and-fitness-leaders-should-keep-their-eyes-on

http://www.slideshare.net/Bryankorourke/change-or-die-2012-9-things-leaders-and-brands-must-do

http://www.bryankorourke.com/journal/2012/1/16/has-the-us-health-club-industry-reached-maturity-it-has-that.html

http://www.slideshare.net/Bryankorourke/technology-and-the-future-of-fitness-fitlife-club-network-2011

What do you think about the economic situation and how is it impacting your business. What are you doing to combat it and to change ? Please share your thoughts with me, Bryan O'Rourke and thanks for visiting the site. Enjoy the video.

About the author:

Bryan O’Rourke is a health club industry expert, technologist, financier, and shareholder and executive in several fitness companies. He consults with numerous global brands, serves as a member of the GGFA Think Tank is Chair of the Medical Fitness Association’s Education Committee and a partner in the Flywheel Group. To learn more contact Bryan here today .