How the Best Gyms Build Community

The Opportunities in South East Asia’s Fitness Industry, with Olivia Billingham of Ezypay

Liv Billingham of Ezypay joins host Jack Thomas to break down five of the region’s most important fitness markets: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. We explore the growth, trends and consumer behaviours shaping each country, from Singapore’s highly competitive boutique scene and Malaysia’s rapid development to Indonesia’s complex local landscape, the community-led Philippines market and Thailand’s strong resurgence. This is an essential overview for operators, investors and suppliers looking to better understand the opportunities across Southeast Asia. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana [https://www.hapana.com/], our preferred gym management software. Ezypay [https://hubs.li/Q04pgFZ_0], 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/] Guest Links Olivia Billingham on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-billingham-previously-milne-7abb2855/]

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

Welcome back to 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 Thomas covers: ⭐ The Fit Guide launches Five-Star Fitness Reception Course 🇹🇭 GymNation expands into Thailand 🏆 HYROX World Championships head to Hong Kong 💰 HYROX reportedly secures a major new investor 🚴 SoulCycle continues to close studios 🎤 Our biggest takeaways from Beyond Activ 📈 JETSET Pilates reaches 400 locations sold 🌍 Expansion updates from Orangetheory, Fitstop and Club Pilates 💬 Analysis, opinions and what it all means for the fitness industry ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana [https://www.hapana.com/], our preferred gym management software Ezypay [https://hubs.li/Q04pgFZ_0], 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/]

Why the World’s Best Gyms Respect Everyone’s Time

Most gyms get their late coming policy and implementation all wrong. In this episode, Matt and Jack discuss what fitness businesses can learn from hospitality about punctuality, communication and removing friction from the member journey. From starting and finishing classes on time to handling unavoidable delays professionally, we break down the standards that separate well-run clubs from the rest. If you want a more consistent experience, happier members and a stronger brand, this episode shows why every minute matters. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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/]

What the Fitness Industry Can Learn from Luxury Hospitality, with Yves Preissler

Yves Preissler joins the show to discuss what the fitness industry can learn from the world’s leading hospitality brands. Drawing on decades of experience in luxury hotels, Yves explains why personalization, genuine human connection and consistently great service are what keep customers coming back. We discuss why front desk interactions often let gyms down, how small personalized touches can transform the member experience, and why the best sales strategy isn’t about pushing harder, but about building trust. If you want to create a more memorable experience, improve retention and sell with integrity, this episode is full of practical ideas you can apply immediately. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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/] Guest Links Yves Preissler on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvespreissler]

How the World’s Best Gyms Win Before the Workout Starts

In this episode, Matt and Jack explore what fitness businesses can learn from luxury hospitality when it comes to pre-arrival communication. From booking journeys and confirmation emails to digital onboarding and social media, we discuss how the best brands build anticipation, reduce uncertainty and make clients feel welcomed before they even arrive. If you want to improve first impressions, this is where to start. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 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/]