Five-Star Fitness by The Fit Guide

How the Best Gyms Build Community

Community has become one of the biggest buzzwords in fitness, but what does it actually mean, and how do great brands build it properly? In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what gyms can learn from hospitality brands like Soho House, where connection, programming and shared experiences sit at the centre of the business model. We discuss how fitness brands can create stronger communities, whether there’s such a thing as ‘too much’ community, and the small details that make people feel like they belong. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide LinkedIn Instagram Website

How Do Dubai’s Boutique Gyms Compare To The Rest Of The World?

The Fit Guide’s 2026 results for Dubai’s boutique fitness scene are in. In this episode, we break down the biggest stories and stats, including how Dubai compares to other global fitness cities, where the market is leading the world, where it’s still falling short, and where the biggest opportunities lie. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana [https://www.hapana.com/], our preferred gym management software Ezypay [https://www.ezypay.com/], our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe [https://thefitguide.com/subscribe] Connect with The Fit Guide LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearethefitguide] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wearethefitguide] Website [https://thefitguide.com/]

How the Top 1% of Gyms Use Sales Psychology

Sales in fitness is not just about getting someone to sign up. It is about understanding people, building trust and creating an experience that feels genuine from the start.In this episode, Matt and Jack break down the psychology behind effective gym sales, using lessons from hospitality and premium customer experience. From reciprocity and scarcity to the paradox of choice and the contrast principle, we explore how small adjustments in communication and presentation can influence decision-making ethically and naturally.The conversation covers practical examples including trial offers, membership packaging, pricing structure and how to guide potential members towards the right option without creating pressure. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana [https://www.hapana.com/], our preferred gym management software Ezypay [https://www.ezypay.com/], our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe [https://thefitguide.com/subscribe] Connect with The Fit Guide LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearethefitguide] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wearethefitguide] Website [https://thefitguide.com/]

The Five-Star Fitness News Roundup — May’s Biggest Stories

Welcome to the first edition of our monthly fitness industry roundup, where we go beyond the headlines and break down what the biggest stories actually mean for operators, brands and the future of the industry. This month, Jack covers ClassPass making reviews public, Les Mills partnering with HYROX, Club Pilates expanding into Southeast Asia, rising gym membership numbers across the US and UK, Nike shutting down its studios, Gymshark opening a flagship gym in Miami, XENOM entering the fitness racing space, boutique consolidation through the Basecamp acquisition, and WHOOP’s rise into a full-scale health platform. Expect analysis, opinions and practical takeaways from across boutique fitness, wellness, technology and the wider fitness ecosystem. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide LinkedIn Instagram Website

What the World’s Best Gyms Do When Clients Show Up Late

Late arrivals happen in every boutique gym. The question is how you handle them. In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what the world’s leading gyms do when clients show up late, and why getting this right matters for both the latecomer and everyone already in the room. We cover clear policies, how to communicate them well, and how to train your team to deal with these moments calmly, consistently and with empathy. From protecting the flow of the class to handling difficult conversations graciously, this episode is about turning a common friction point into part of a five-star experience. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana [https://www.hapana.com/], our preferred gym management software Ezypay [https://www.ezypay.com/], our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe [https://thefitguide.com/subscribe] Connect with The Fit Guide LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearethefitguide] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wearethefitguide] Website [https://thefitguide.com/]