Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

With a staggering 181% increase in strength equipment usage between 2012 and 2022, as reported by Track My Gym, strength training has become the hottest trend in the fitness industry. In the first episode of the new season of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin Tamsett explores this trend with key expert Paul Byrne, as well as explores other key strategies with industry experts Jennifer Poljacik, David Steele, and Lauren Becker. The episode covers enhancing leadership, driving innovation, and boosting profits through developing a growth mindset, creating a strong culture, investing in team members, and leveraging technology to improve the member experience.   Key highlights from the episode: - Paul Byrne discusses the strength training trend and its implications for gym businesses. This trend is driven by social media, influencers, and changing consumer preferences. - Delivering exceptional customer service is crucial for gym businesses. Key strategies include defining service standards, understanding customer needs, and going the extra mile to create raving fans.  - Modern marketing in the fitness industry requires a shift from linear CRM processes to more organic and responsive interactions. Utilizing texting, AI, and retargeting ads can automate and speed up the marketing process, focusing on convenience, reviews, and ease of membership to attract and retain customers. Leave us a voicemail! [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/]   Our favorite quotable moments: “Consider making your gym [micro] influencer friendly. You have a room in the back where you have good lighting, you have the equipment you need. They can go back there and make it a place where they like to come and shoot their content.” - Paul Byrne “Creating the best customer experience can only benefit your bottom line and increase customer retention and staff satisfaction... One of the most helpful tools that I have used with my teams over the years is a wonderful book called Raving Fans [https://amzn.to/4g4f1f5] by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles.” - Jennifer Poljacik "It's time to rethink the way we think of our prospects and how they interact with us, to get them from looking at us - to membership... We need to make it better." - David Steele   Resources: Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/]Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] Paul Byrne - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-byrne-a930408/] Harrison Co - Website [https://harrisonco.com/] Link to Strength Training Report - Access Here [https://harrisonco.com/insights/weights-of-change] Link to GLP-1 Report - Access Here [https://harrisonco.com/insights/glp-1-agonists] Merch Sponsor: GRIT Fitness - Website [https://gritfitnessnwi.com/] Be a Merch Sponsor - Here [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/] In The Trenches With A REXer: Jennifer Poljacik - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-poljacik-99a08027b/] 212 Fitness - Website [https://www.212fitnessclub.com/] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/212fitnessclub] REX Roundtables - Website [https://www.rexroundtables.com] and Email [Eddie@REXRoundtables.com] Wise Words: David Steele - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsteel/] Sneeze It - Website [https://www.sneeze.it] Trusted Suppliers: Club Com - Website [https://www.clubcom.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/zoom-media/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/gymtvofficial/] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@gymtvofficial] Lauren Becker - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenjbecker/] Wellness Space - Website [https://wellnessspace.com] Solution One - Website [https://solutiononepartners.com/] Egym - Website [https://egym.com/u]   About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations. Related: weight training, beginner weight lifting, weight lifting program, strength exercises, strength training for women, strength training for seniors, strength training for women over 50, strength training for beginners, training for women, workout for women, gym workout, weight training

The recovery industry in fitness is experiencing rapid growth, with experts projecting it to be worth over $90 billion globally by 2027. This episode of the Fitness Business Podcast explores the rising trends in recovery, focusing on popular modalities such as cold plunge therapy and percussive therapy. The discussion highlights how recovery has evolved from being primarily for professional athletes to becoming a mainstream interest for everyday fitness enthusiasts. Factors driving this trend include increased awareness, celebrity endorsements, and a post-pandemic emphasis on overall wellness. The panelists, representing companies like Plunge (makers of cold plunge tubs) and Therabody (known for their Theragun devices), discuss the importance of incorporating recovery spaces in gyms as a member retention tool and potential revenue stream.   Key highlights from the episode: - The recovery industry is booming, with cold water therapy and percussive therapy gaining significant popularity. - Gyms are prioritizing recovery spaces to attract and retain members, as well as to create additional revenue opportunities. - Considerations for implementing recovery areas in gyms include economic models, location requirements (especially for water-based therapies), and compliance with health codes and regulations. Leave us a voicemail! [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/]   Our favorite quotable moments: "Recovery has evolved from a world for professional athletes, to a niche interest, to now a booming industry." - Justin Tamsett "People are paying attention to wellness a lot more than ever before, and I think that the main driver has been from the pandemic and post." - Asher, Therabody   Resources: Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/]Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] Anthony Schreiber - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-e-schreiber-7b27a399] Plunge - Website [https://business.plunge.com/] Plunge on Shark Tank - Watch Here [https://youtu.be/MKwsj-gxOBc?si=iC6YYGYfndlLKybq] Andrew Spellman - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-spellman-486614149/] Asher Gardner - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashergardner/] Therabody - Website [https://www.therabody.com], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/therabody/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/therabody/] Therabody App - Download Here [https://www.therabody.com/anz/en-au/therabody-app/] Therabody Reset Locations - Here [https://www.therabody.com/us/en-us/reset/] Therabody in Clubs - Here [https://www.therabody.com/us/en-us/healthclubs/?srsltid=AfmBOoorxRQ8ZE2JeMC1Uef5NQb97W3f7svyvGMKgaSigmfWqP-ALjlJ] Therabody Jet Boots with Red Light Therapy - Here [https://www.therabody.com/us/en-us/jetboots-pro-plus.html] Recovery at Brick Bodies - Website [https://www.brickbodies.com/locations/padonia/recover-padonia/] EOS Rejuvenate - Here [https://www.eosfitness.com/blog/innovative-recovery-options-available-at-eos] Barry’s Bootcamp Venice - Website [https://www.barrys.com/studio/venice/] Health & Fitness Association - Website [https://www.healthandfitness.org/]   Merch Sponsor: Anytime Fitness - Website [https://www.anytimefitness.com/] Be a Merch Sponsor - Here [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/]   In The Trenches With A REXer: Matt Remick - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mremick/] Rochester Athletic Club - Website [https://www.racmn.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rochester-athletic-club-inc], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/RACMN/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theracmn/]   REX Roundtables - Website [https://www.rexroundtables.com] and Email [Eddie@REXRoundtables.com]   Trusted Suppliers: Integrity Square - Website [https://www.integritysq.com/] Eleiko - Website [https://eleiko.com/en] ABC Fitness Services - Website [https://abcfitness.com/] Budderfly - Website [https://www.budderfly.com/]   About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations.   Related: Cold plunge therapy, Percussive therapy, Cryotherapy benefits, Recovery tools for athletes, Wellness and recovery, Fitness recovery techniques, Cold water immersion, Therabody products, Gym recovery space design, Post-workout recovery methods, Fitness recovery solutions, Cold plunge installation for gyms, Percussive therapy equipment for fitness centers, Benefits of recovery spaces in gyms, Wellness amenities for fitness facilities, Gym member retention strategies, Designing recovery areas in fitness centers, Trends in fitness recovery services, Integrating wellness into gym offerings, Revenue generation through recovery services

Want to boost your fitness business's sales and communication skills? Think outside the box! Improv is no longer just a drama term; it’s a unique strategy that can help you have conversations with better results. By incorporating improv techniques into your sales and service training, you can enhance active listening, build rapport, and handle objections with confidence. By mastering the art of "Yes, And," your team will become more adaptable, creative, and effective in every interaction. Key Takeaways: Enhance Active Listening: Improv teaches you how to listen to your clients and members, understanding their needs and concerns. This leads to more meaningful conversations and stronger relationships. Build Rapport and Trust: By practising improv, your team will develop the ability to connect with people on a deeper level, building trust and rapport. This is essential for closing sales and retaining members. Handle Objections with Confidence: Improv empowers you to think on your feet and respond to challenges with creativity and flexibility. This will help your team overcome objections and find solutions that satisfy both parties. Leave us a voicemail! [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/]   Our favourite quotable moments: “‘Yes, and’ is the one rule. And when you do that one rule, you say yes and you get all the benefits.” - Mary DeMichele “‘Yes, and”… those two words gain access to the brain, and it balances our nervous system. And when you balance the nervous system, you bring the brain online and you get all those benefits.” - Eric Tepper “Whether we’re saying it out loud or we’re doing it in another nonverbal way, that ‘yes’ creates enough safety to help our brain turn back on.” - Mary DeMichele   Resources: Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/]Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] Eric Tepper - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/etepp72/] Selling Wellness - Website [https://sellingwellnessstrategies.com], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SellingWellness] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tepper_eric/] Mary De Michele - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-demichele-737593101/] One Rule Improv - Website [https://www.oneruleimprov.com], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/OneRuleImprov/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/one.rule.improv/]   Wise Words Guest: Chris Stevenson - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevensonempowers/] Marisa Hoff - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisahoff/] The Empower Group - Website [https://tegfirm.com/]   In The Trenches With A REXer: Shania Parker - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shania-parker-28441519a/] Peak Health & Wellness Center - Website [https://peakgreatfalls.com/]   Merch Sponsor: Physiq Fitness - Website [https://physiqfitness.com/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/PhysiqFitness/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/physiqfitness/]   REX Trusted Suppliers: Max Members - Website [https://www.maxmembers.ai] Les Mills - Website [https://www.lesmills.com] EVOLT 360 - Website [https://evolt360.com] American Barbell - Website [https://americanbarbell.com]   REX Roundtables - Website [https://www.rexroundtables.com] and Email [Eddie@REXRoundtables.com]   About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations. Related: Improv for sales, improv for customer service, improv techniques for fitness professionals, improv for fitness business training, how to improve communication skills in fitness, sales technique for fitness, customer service tips for fitness, leadership skills for fitness managers, build rapport with clients, overcome objections in sales

Are you not sure if AI is right for your fitness business? This episode is a deep-dive into how your business could be using AI to streamline your operations, personalise the client experience, and ultimately improve business efficiency. Host Justin Tamsett speaks with Dr Ted Vickey, a fitness technology strategist, to discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT can help improve your gym or studio. You’ll learn real-life applications and how personal trainers, gym owners and managers are taking advantage of AI today. Listen to this episode and get ready to enhance leadership, drive innovation, and boost profits.   Key Takeaways: AI's Role in Fitness: AI can automate repetitive tasks, personalise client experiences, and analyse data to inform decision-making. ChatGPT's Applications: ChatGPT can be used to generate workout programs, create personalised content, and even draft emails. The Future of Fitness Professionals: While AI can automate certain tasks, it's unlikely to replace the personal touch and expertise that human trainers provide. Overcoming Misconceptions: The hosts address common misconceptions about AI, emphasising its potential to enhance rather than replace human capabilities. Leave us a voicemail! [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/]   Our favourite quotable moments: “When you combine awareness, practice and experience, you’re not just reacting to life, you’re responding and shaping it in the way you want it to look.” - Brian Weaver “70% of the tasks that you do as a fitness professional can and should be replaced by ChatGPT.” - Ted Vickey “Let AI do what it’s good at: the repetitive stuff.” - Ted Vickey “Clients are looking to us as an expert. We need to be able to take AI information and bring it to a level where our clients can understand it.” - Ted Vickey   Resources: Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/]Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] Dr Ted Vickey - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedvickey/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TheFitWellAcademy] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drtedvickey]. Fit Well - Website [https://www.fitwellinc.com/] Fit Well Academy - Website [http://www.thefitwellacademy.com] The Fitness Professionals Guide to ChatGPT by Dr Ted Vickey - Buy now [https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Professionals-Guide-ChatGPT/dp/B0DBTVBWT1?crid=3M93S8TYK14MF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MCFnE4CQdklIavVtHqsehAdzxsjA3lvrYWg5LFwKFdbSCoJ1FA0y1pIPi8w-jP-RmRphdOJoH0VAkv2O__3lebCkj-zifN4UHtPx4Xo3zxRcRX2BkRvbS3YUVwjMz-NO.IfmFBeCC_cNDVMDV5a4xiEdXfk5XQ1SdVCZQfZGdm4c&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+fitness+professionals+guide+to+chatgpt&qid=1726808043&sprefix=the+fitness+professionals+guide,aps,425&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=wwwactivemgmt-20&linkId=e04c986e0462ec143ad90f927b8725c8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl]. First Chapter Giveaway Offer (Connect with Ted on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedvickey/])   Wise Words Guest: Brian Weaver - Website [https://www.ready4mymoment.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-weaver-550952/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ready4mymoment/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Ready4MyMoment/]   In The Trenches With A REXer: Jason Jaquays-Tarbox - Website [https://elevatesyracuse.com/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jaquays-tarbox-5b597912a/]   Sponsor’s Pitch: Clint with Max Members - Website [https://www.maxmembers.ai/]    Merch Sponsor: Myzone - Website [https://www.myzone.org/business]   REX Trusted Suppliers: Power Systems - Website [https://www.power-systems.com/shop] Myzone - Website [https://www.myzone.org/business] MXM Metrics - Website [https://mxmetrics.com/] Digital Revenue Systems - Website [https://www.digitalrevsystems.com/] REX Roundtables - Website [https://www.rexroundtables.com] and Email [Eddie@REXRoundtables.com]   About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations. Related: AI in fitness business, ChatGPT for fitness, Streamline fitness business operations, Personalize client experience in fitness, AI tools for gym owners, Future of fitness professionals with AI, AI and fitness misconceptions, How to use AI to boost fitness profits, fitness technology, fitness podcast

Are you looking for a unique and effective way to market your gym, attract new members and retain members and staff? Podcasting is the answer. In this episode, we chat with podcast producer Jamie Kennedy, exploring how gyms can leverage podcasts to build community, increase member and staff retention, and position themselves as thought leaders in the fitness industry. Key Takeaways: - Podcasting is a powerful storytelling tool. Use it to share your gym's story, highlight member success stories, and provide valuable fitness tips and advice. - Podcasting can improve member retention. By providing valuable content and fostering a sense of belonging, podcasts can help keep members engaged and motivated. - Podcasting can position your gym as a thought leader. By sharing expert insights and industry knowledge, you can establish your gym as a go-to resource for fitness information. Podcasting can be a valuable tool for gym leaders who want to increase their visibility, build community, and attract new members. Listen to this episode to create a successful podcast that will help your gym stand out from the competition. Our favourite quotable moments: "Storytelling is an incredible way to sell your offering, your product, your service." - Jamie Kennedy "Podcasts can be a great tool for the top of the marketing funnel (building awareness)." - Jamie Kennedy "Your job is to create a podcast that is helping solve your target audience's biggest struggles." - Jamie Kennedy If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Resources: Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/]Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] Jamie Kennedy - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiebrookekennedy] Brave Moon Podcasts - Website [https://www.bravemoonpodcasts.com?utm_source=fbp] Resources: Free podcast launch guide for leaders in health & fitness - Download today [https://www.bravemoonpodcasts.com/podcast-startguide?utm_source=fbp]. Podcastle [https://podcastle.ai/?ref=mtfhztg] - Podcast recording and transcription platform option 1. First 3 hours are free. Riverside [https://riverside.fm/] - Podcast recording and transcription platform option 2. Acast [https://www.acast.com/en/podcasting/start-podcasting] - Podcast hosting platform option 1. Libsyn [https://libsyn.com/] - Podcast hosting platform option 2. Building a StoryBrand [https://amzn.to/3zVYQR2] by Donald Miller Stories that Stick [https://amzn.to/3XY7EOe] by Kindra Hall Wise Words Guest: Dr Paul Bedford - Website [https://www.retentionguru.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaulbedford/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/retentionguru/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/RetentionGuru/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBiBhIu5CK0rdBm54W0idCA] In The Trenches With A REXer: Troy Morgan - Website [https://troymorgancoaching.com/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-morgan-85731b26/] Willows Gym - Website [https://willowsgym.com.au/]  Sponsor’s Pitch: MXMetrics - Website [https://mxmetrics.com/] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mxmetrics] Jason Abucejo - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-abucejo07/] REX Trusted Suppliers: ROR Partners - Website [https://rorpartners.com/] Precor - Website [https://www.precor.com/] Performance Foods - Website [https://www.performancefoodcenters.com/] REX Roundtables - Website [https://www.rexroundtables.com] and Email [Eddie@REXRoundtables.com] About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations. Related: start a podcast, start a podcast business, fitness business marketing strategies, podcast marketing strategy, podcast marketing trends, podcast marketing online, podcast marketing tips, fitness business ideas, fitness business growth, member retention Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!