Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

Stop Losing Money on Bad Hires: Expert Fitness Recruiting Strategies with Christine Howe | Episode 553

Hiring the right people can make or break your fitness business. One great hire can elevate culture, performance, and profitability — while one poor hire can drain time, money, and momentum. In this episode, Justin "JT" Tamsett sits down with Christine Howe, founder of Fit Pro Finders and one of the most experienced recruiters in the global fitness industry, to unpack what it really takes to find, interview, and retain top talent today. From AI in recruitment to interviewing techniques, compensation strategy, onboarding, and resume red flags, Christine shares practical, experience-driven insights that every owner, manager, and leader can apply immediately. If recruitment feels overwhelming, inconsistent, or time-consuming, this episode will change how you approach hiring — forever. Key highlights from the episode: ✔ How to spot the right candidates faster: Christine explains the three interview questions she always asks to assess passion, preparedness, and long-term fit — and why video interviews are now non-negotiable. ✔ Why recruitment is only 50% of a successful hire: Learn how onboarding, leadership, and coaching determine whether great candidates thrive or fail after they're hired. ✔ What owners get wrong about resumes, compensation, and culture: From salary benchmarking to resume metrics and social media red flags, Christine breaks down what truly matters when choosing between top candidates. Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter! Got value from today's episode? ✔ Leave us a review on your favorite podcast app ✔ Send us a voicemail at fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail [http://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail]✔ Share this episode with a colleague who wants to build a stronger team Ready for more: - Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents] - Call in and let JT know if you think this has been the best season: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/] - Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/] Quotes: "Recruiting is only 50% of what makes a successful hire; the other 50% is leadership, onboarding, and training." - Christine Howe "You can't perform well at something you don't like doing. Passion and purpose always matter." - Christine Howe "One poor hiring decision can change your P&L for the entire year." - Justin 'JT' Tamsett Resources: - Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Fitness Business Podcast's LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/] - Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] Our Guest: Christine Howe, Owner and Principle Recruiter of Fit Pro Finders * Website: https://www.fitprofinders.com/ [https://www.fitprofinders.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitprofinders/ [https://www.instagram.com/fitprofinders/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fit-pro-finders/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fit-pro-finders/] Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/] REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.com [http://www.rexroundtables.com]Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com [Eddie@REXRoundtables.com] The companies you're about to hear about are REX Roundtable Trusted Suppliers. They're also experts who help fitness businesses thrive. You can learn more about each one at FitnessBusinessPodcast.com. Support them as they support us. * Groe Solutions: Provides AI and computer vision software for gym member retention. https://www.groe.solutions [https://www.groe.solutions] * Budderfly: Provides comprehensive, no-cost energy efficiency as a service for businesses. https://www.budderfly.com/ [https://www.budderfly.com/] * Gym TV (Club Com): Provides custom digital entertainment, music, and signage for fitness clubs.https://www.clubcom.com/ [https://www.clubcom.com/] * Simple Again (Performance Food Centers): Helps businesses open smoothie and juice bars with clean ingredients. https://www.performancefoodcenters.com [https://www.performancefoodcenters.com] * Power Plate: Sells whole-body and targeted vibration plate machines for fitness and wellness.https://www.powerplate.com/ [https://www.powerplate.com/] Skip to the good part: (03:53) Why hiring the right people matters more than ever (05:10) AI in recruitment: what it can — and can't — replace (07:45) Hiring inside vs. outside the fitness industry (12:10) Christine's three go-to interview questions (18:40) Common hiring challenges and payroll realities (23:30) Why onboarding determines hiring success (30:05) Best practices for interviews and candidate experience (36:40) Resume mistakes and what actually stands out (42:20) Social media, reference checks, and red flags (47:30) The future of recruitment in the fitness industry About Our Guest: Christine is the owner and lead recruiter for Fit Pro Finders, a full-service staffing firm that specializes in entry to executive levels roles in the fitness, wellness, and sports industries. Her services include creative sourcing, detailed screening, candidate interviews, career and business coaching. Prior to launching Fit Pro Finders she recruited for major fitness brands, including Xponential Fitness, Crunch, Equinox, Planet Fitness, and LifeTime. Christine loves sharing her passion and expertise in how to make the right match between job seeker and employer. About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

Stop Leaving Money on the Shelf: The Retail Strategy Every Gym Needs with Meredith Rosson | Episode 552

Retail inside fitness clubs often feels like a high-effort afterthought - but according to retail strategist Meredith Rosson, it's one of the most untapped revenue streams in the industry. In this episode, Meredith breaks down how clubs can turn merchandise, apparel, accessories, and grab-and-go essentials into a meaningful secondary income source. With real numbers, practical frameworks, and a powerful client case study, she shows exactly how clubs of any size can create retail programs that elevate experience, drive fandom, and generate serious profit. If you've ever wondered what to stock, how much space you need, how to price, or whether retail is even worth it, this conversation is your new playbook. Key highlights from the episode: ✔ How to turn retail into a high-margin revenue stream: Meredith breaks down which categories actually make money, why apparel offers a 40–50% margin, and the inventory strategies that keep your shelves fresh and profitable. ✔ How to design a retail experience that members love: From visual merchandising to subtle logo placement to buying "wide and shallow," learn how to create offerings members actually want — not clearance-bin leftovers. ✔ How to align your retail strategy with your club's bigger goals: Meredith shares the homework every operator should do first, plus how retail can enhance programs, community, and overall perceived value. Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter! Got value from today's episode? ✔ Leave us a review on your favorite podcast app ✔ Send us a voicemail at fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail [http://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail]✔ Share this episode with a colleague who wants to create new revenue inside their club Ready for more: - Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents] - Call in and let JT know if you think this has been the best season: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/] - Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/] Quotes: "If they sweat in it, they're going to want their own — so sell it." - Meredith Rosson "You have something retailers dream of: a captured, regular audience walking past your inventory every day." - Meredith Rosson "The trend right now is subtle, modern logo placement. Members want pieces they'll actually wear outside the club." - Meredith Rosson Resources: - Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Fitness Business Podcast's LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/] - Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] Our Guest: Meredith Rosson, Founder of Elevated Version Enterprises (EVE) & Paper Dolls by EVE Website: https://elevatedversions.com/ [https://elevatedversions.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperdollsbyeve/ [https://www.instagram.com/paperdollsbyeve/] Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/] REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.com [http://www.rexroundtables.com]Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com [Eddie@REXRoundtables.com] Make sure to check out other REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers: 1. World Insurance Associates: Provides insurance, risk management, benefits, and wealth management services. https://www.worldinsurance.com/ [https://www.worldinsurance.com/] 2. MXM: Provides software for fitness clubs to manage member experience. https://www.mxmetrics.com [https://www.mxmetrics.com] 3. Centr Hyrox: Fitness and wellness app offering workouts, nutrition, and meditation. https://centr.com/ [https://centr.com/] 4. Matrix Fitness: Manufactures and sells commercial and home gym fitness equipment. https://www.matrixfitness.com/us/eng [https://www.matrixfitness.com/us/eng] 5. Yanga Sports Water: Provides subscription-based, flavored, vitamin-enriched, and calorie-free water for gyms. https://yangasportswater.com/ [https://yangasportswater.com/] Skip to the good part: (03:53) What Counts as Retail in a Gym? (05:26) The Most Profitable Retail Categories (08:43) Margin vs. Profit: Understanding the Numbers (09:24) Do You Need a Dedicated Retail Space? (12:47) In-Person vs. Online Retail for Fitness Clubs (14:39) Keeping Inventory Fresh and Avoiding Member Blindness (16:50) Logo Gear vs. Big Brands: What Actually Sells (22:06) Case Study: How One Club Generated $50K in Three Days (28:06) Your First Steps: Retail Homework and Strategy Alignment (31:20) Member Buying Behavior and Final Takeaways About Our Guest: Meredith Rosson is the founder of Elevated Versions, a retail consulting company helping fitness clubs design profitable, modern, member-focused retail programs. With years of experience overseeing retail at Cooper Fitness Center and consulting with clubs across the country, she specializes in apparel, accessories, private label development, sourcing vendors, and inventory strategy. Meredith also runs her own online boutique, Paper Dolls by Eve, focused on contemporary women's apparel. About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

How to Persuade Anyone to Take Action (Without Being Pushy) with Michelle Bowden | Episode 551

Persuasion expert Michelle Bowden, whose episode 83 on the Fitness Business Podcast ranks in the all-time top 20, is back to break down the science of influence and how to connect with every prospect and member. If you want to boost sales, retention, and team member engagement without resorting to manipulative tactics or "buyer's remorse," this episode is a must-listen. Michelle explains the difference between influence and authentic persuasion, introduces her four persuasion types, and gives practical, 1% tips you can implement today to become a stronger communicator and get more of what you want in life. Key highlights from the episode: - Persuasion vs. Influence and the Four Types: Michelle advocates for persuasion as the assertive approach to achieve lasting change, contrasting it with coercive influence which often leads to "buyer's remorse". Her system identifies four persuasion types—Wise Owl, Commanding Eagle, Friendly Brolga, and Captivating Peacock—to help tailor communication to the specific stakeholder. - Managing Objections with P.O.O.: Use the five-step "Pacing Out Objections" (POO) technique to handle common sales resistance. A crucial step is to stop using "but" and "however," which trigger a fight/flight response, and instead use joining words like "and" or "so" to bridge your argument. - The Power of Commitment and Position: To sell professionally without being pushy, leverage the Law of Commitment and Consistency by having the customer articulate and commit to their own goals, such as by completing their own goals form. For better listening, adopt Second or Third Position (focusing on their needs or an elevated view) rather than the self-indulgent First Position. Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter! Know the SECRET codeword? Submit it here for the chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!* https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword [https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword] Ready for more: - Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents] - Call in and let JT know if you think this has been the best season: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/] - Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/] Quotes: "Persuasion is actually what we're trying to do. And whilst there are five main ways to influence, there's actually four ways to persuade." - Michelle Bowden "Stop saying 'but' and 'however'. You don't even know how often you say it. It is just not functional communication to say it." - Michelle Bowden "To win in the next 90 days by persuasion, start by caring about what the other person wants and then giving it to them." - Michelle Bowden Resources: - Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Fitness Business Podcast's LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/] - Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] - Episode 83 of Fitness Business Podcast: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/michelle-bowden-using-presentation-and-communication-skills-to-connect-with-your-clients-members-and-teams/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/michelle-bowden-using-presentation-and-communication-skills-to-connect-with-your-clients-members-and-teams/] - Michelle Bowden's 7 Tips for Remembering People's Names - On Patreon only - https://www.patreon.com/posts/7-tips-for-names-141609461 [https://www.patreon.com/posts/7-tips-for-names-141609461?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link] Our Guest: Michelle Bowden, Director LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebowdenenterprises/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebowdenenterprises/] Website: http://www.michellebowden.com.au [http://www.michellebowden.com.au] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.bowden.1671 [https://www.facebook.com/michelle.bowden.1671]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_michellebowden/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/_michellebowden/?hl=en] Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/] REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.com [http://www.rexroundtables.com]Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com [Eddie@REXRoundtables.com] Supplier: EGYM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/egym_global/ [https://www.instagram.com/egym_global/] EGYM Website: https://us.egym.com/en-us [https://us.egym.com/en-us] Dana Milkie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-milkie-38ab47/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-milkie-38ab47/] REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers: Make sure to check out other REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers: 1. Atlantis Strength: made by and for those who are dedicated to shaping greatness. https://atlantisstrength.com/ [https://atlantisstrength.com/] 2. ABC Fitness: provides gym management & software solutions. https://abcfitness.com/ [https://abcfitness.com/] 3. Digital Revenue Systems: offering digital revenue opportunities for you. https://www.digitalrevsystems.com/ [https://www.digitalrevsystems.com/] 4. Centr Hyrox: The official equipment provider for Hyrox. https://shop.centr.com.au/collections/hyrox [https://shop.centr.com.au/collections/hyrox] 5. Covery: Wellness recovery franchise offering cutting-edge restorative services. https://www.thecovery.com/franchise [https://www.thecovery.com/franchise] Skip to the good part: 00:00 Welcome, Season Wrap-up, and Guest Introduction (Michelle Bowden) 02:00 Season Four Giveaway: How to Win a $100 Amazon Voucher 03:00 Tailoring Communication Styles: Persuasion vs. Coercive Influence 10:00 The Four Persuasion Types: Owl, Eagle, Brolga, & Peacock 14:00 1% Gains and Tips for Remembering Names 21:00 Handling Sales Objections: "Too Expensive" & "I Need to Think About It" 22:00 The 5-Step Pacing Out Objections (P.O.O.) Technique (and why to ditch "but") 29:00 Being Persuasive Without Being Pushy: The Law of Commitment and Consistency 33:00 Active Listening and the Three Communication Positions (First, Second, Third) 37:00 Challenge: How to Win in the Next 90 Days by Persuasion About Our Guest: Michelle Bowden is the number one speaker on persuasion at work and the authority on persuasive presenting in business. She created the Persuasion Smart Profile®, a world-first psychological assessment tool for workplace persuasive strengths. Michelle is a best-selling, internationally published author of How to Persuade and How to Present. As a multi-billion-dollar pitch coach, her client list spans international businesses in banking, IT, pharmaceutical, retail, and more. Her popular Masterclass has been run over 1,000 times for more than 13,000 people. About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

Radical Customer Obsession: Unlocking Growth, Loyalty, and Advocacy with Amanda Stevens | Episode 550

Discover the surprising power of "Radical Customer Obsession" with author and expert Amanda Stevens. She explains that in a digitally distracted world, the key to success is getting to the heart of what your customers really need, not just what they tell you. From understanding the "Inner Circle" dynamic of female members to learning from other industries, this episode is packed with brilliant insights on how to create a "sticky" business that defies market pressures and turns customers into disciples. Key highlights from the episode: - Know Your Customer Intimately: Get "insanely curious" about your members, because the person who joined your gym isn't the same person they are today. - The Power of the Inner Circle: For female members, the "inner circle" of 2-3 friends is a primary source of information. Gaining a higher market share of these circles can increase member loyalty and tenure. - High-Tech, High-Touch: The future of the customer experience in the fitness industry will exist at the intersection of high tech and high touch, where you leverage technology while focusing on human moments that algorithms can't compete with. Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter! Know the SECRET codeword? Submit it here for the chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!* https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword [https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword] Ready for more: - Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents] - Leave us a voicemail: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/] - Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/] Quotes: "The members that you have in your club right now are not the same people that joined." - Amanda Stevens "If you make people advisors, you make them advocates." - Amanda Stevens "Customer experiences are really just employee experiences played out one by one." - Amanda Stevens Resources: - Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Fitness Business Podcast's LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/] - Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] - Episode 171 of Fitness Business Podcast: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/171-ignite-the-customer-experience-in-your-fitness-business-with-amanda-stevens/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/171-ignite-the-customer-experience-in-your-fitness-business-with-amanda-stevens/] Our Guest: Amanda Stevens, Author and Keynote Speaker on Consumer Trends and Customer Experience LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingamanda/?originalSubdomain=au [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingamanda/?originalSubdomain=au]Website: https://amandastevens.com.au/ [https://amandastevens.com.au/] Radical Customer Obsession Book: https://amandastevens.com.au/rco-order/ [https://amandastevens.com.au/rco-order/] Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/] REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.com [http://www.rexroundtables.com]Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com Suppliers: Brittany Ficano, Program Director at Budderfly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyficano01251991/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyficano01251991/] Website: https://www.budderfly.com/ [https://www.budderfly.com/]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/budderfly-inc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/budderfly-inc/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/budderflyenergy [https://www.facebook.com/budderflyenergy] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/budderfly_inc/ [https://www.instagram.com/budderfly_inc/] Optimizing Energy for Healthcare & Fitness Facilities: https://www.budderfly.com/the-budderfly-effect/healthcare-fitness/ [https://www.budderfly.com/the-budderfly-effect/healthcare-fitness/] REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers: Egym: Providing digital fitness solutions and equipment. https://egym.com/uk [https://egym.com/uk]Budderfly: Increasing energy efficiency with no upfront costs or risk https://www.budderfly.com [https://www.budderfly.com] Lionel University: flexible online programs in exercise science. https://www.lionel.edu/ [https://www.lionel.edu/]EVOLT 360: providing body composition analysis technology. https://evolt360.com/ [https://evolt360.com/]American Barbell: getting to you high-quality fitness and strength equipment https://americanbarbell.com/ [https://americanbarbell.com/] Skip to the good part: 00:00 Introduction to the guest Amanda Stevens and her book 03:00 Why customer obsession is so important in a noisy, digitally distracted market 04:00 The evolving consumer and the collision of fitness, wellness, and anti-aging 06:00 The future of health and preventative care, and what fitness businesses can learn from it 08:00 Learning from other industries: The "safari tours" concept 10:00 Case study: Mecca's radical approach to knowing its customer 12:00 The fear of niching down and understanding customer avatars 14:00 Loyalty programs: The secret to stickiness or a source of friction? 16:00 Two key strategies: curiosity and celebration 19:00 The importance of an internal customer experience strategy and employee retention 21:00 The "Inner Circle" dynamic and how it impacts member retention and loyalty 24:00 How to become radically customer obsessed in the last quarter of the year 25:00 The intersection of high-tech and high-touch in the AI era About Our Guest: Amanda Stevens is a leading authority on consumer behavior and the author of Radical Customer Obsession. Having spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, she has provided insights to a wide variety of industries, from pet stores to hotel chains. Her work focuses on helping businesses understand what their customers are thinking and feeling, what their motivations are, and what keeps them awake at night. About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

Conscious Leadership: Science-Backed Strategies to Respond, Build Trust, and Lead Fitness Teams with Rachel Russo | Episode 549

Discover the surprising science behind conscious leadership with Rachel Russo, who reveals how a simple pause and breath can activate your brain's logic center and shift your leadership style from reactive to responsive. Fitness leaders will learn how journaling daily not only calms the mind but improves immune function and creativity. Plus, explore how self-awareness builds trust and collaboration in fitness teams where knowing your body meets leading your people. Ready to transform your leadership muscle and tackle your blind spots? This episode is packed with powerful insights and practical tools to help you lead with clarity and compassion. Key highlights from the episode: - Conscious leadership is about responding (not reacting) by engaging your prefrontal cortex through mindful pauses and breathing. -Journaling daily enhances creativity, reduces stress, improves immune function, and helps leaders get into their subconscious for better self-awareness. - Building trust starts with knowing yourself deeply and extends to creating a psychologically safe environment that fosters collaboration and courageous conversations. Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter! Know the SECRET codeword? Submit it here for the chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!* https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword [https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword] Ready for more: - Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents] - Leave us a voicemail: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/] - Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/] Quotes: "Conscious leadership is learning how to respond, not react." - Rachel Russo "When you breathe, you signal to your body that you're safe and you turn on your prefrontal cortex." - Rachel Russo "Many of your reactions as a leader are literally you as a child responding as an adult." - Rachel Russo Resources: - Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast [https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast] - Fitness Business Podcast's LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/] - Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ [https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/] Our Guest: Rachel Russo, Founder of Conscious Arc Co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-russo-4315b140/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-russo-4315b140/] Instagram:https//www.instagram/rachelrusso1 [http://www.instagram/rachelrusso1] Website: https://consciousarcco.com [https://consciousarcco.com] The Art of Awareness Journal: https://amzn.to/47vo6My [https://amzn.to/47vo6My] Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ [https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/] REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.com [http://www.rexroundtables.com]Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers: 1. Power Systems: your one stop shop for equipment, functional training, recovery and storage https://www.power-systems.com/shop [https://www.power-systems.com/shop] 2. Les Mills: offering group fitness classes and solutions. https://www.lesmills.com/ [https://www.lesmills.com/] 3. Instinctive Insights: Profit driven marketing using data science. https://www.instinctiveinsights.com/ [https://www.instinctiveinsights.com/] 4. HireBob.Ai: Sell memberships, service existing customers and provide motivational fitness support. https://www.hirebob.ai/ [https://www.hirebob.ai/] 5. Eleiko: supplying premium strength training equipment https://eleiko.com/en [https://eleiko.com/en] Skip to the good part: 00:00 Introduction to the Future of Fitness Podcast 02:55 The Role of AI in Fitness 06:01 Personalization and Member Engagement 08:46 Challenges in the Fitness Industry 12:05 Skills for Gym Owners and Managers 14:59 The Trainer's Perspective on AI 17:51 AI Tools and Technologies in Fitness 21:02 Future Predictions for AI in Fitness 23:42 Conclusion and Key Takeaways About Our Guest: Rachel is a conscious leadership coach, culture strategist, author, and founder of Conscious Arc Co. She supports leaders and seekers in raising their awareness, reconnecting with their true selves, and leading from the inside out. With a background in psychology, education, Reiki, and over a decade in corporate strategy and leadership, Rachel created the Conscious ArcTM, a holistic method guiding transformation through awareness, responsibility, and choice. Her mission is to help create a more connected, compassionate, and conscious world. About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!