The Fitness Business Podcast is ending after 8 years and 527 shows, but we are leaving you with a thought-provoking episode.  There is no easy business, and the fitness business certainly can present its challenges. But fortunately, our industry is filled with industry leaders willing to share their knowledge and advice. Today's episode is filled with exactly that.  

Our guest is JT Tamsett, a business expert with extensive experience in the fitness industry. JT's work with Rex Roundtables and Active Management makes him the perfect person to share his knowledge and advice on the challenges of running a fitness business. Learn the difference between a blue ocean and a red ocean in the marketplace, highlighting the importance of finding unique opportunities. JT also defines the difference between trends and fads, emphasizing the significance of long-lasting styles and habits. He emphasizes the importance of strategy and planning, explaining how they support each other in achieving business goals. Lastly, JT discusses the misconception that quitting or ending a project is a sign of failure, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to move on and focus energy elsewhere.

We hope you enjoy! 

Show Notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/527

The Fitness Business Podcast has been a beacon of education and inspiration for fitness business owners around the world. It has provided a platform for industry experts to share their knowledge and insights, helping listeners improve their businesses and achieve their goals. While the podcast may be taking a pause for now, the impact it has made will continue to resonate within the fitness industry.

As we look to the future, we can expect new opportunities and ventures from the hosts of the Fitness Business podcast. Their expertise and passion for the industry will undoubtedly lead to new ventures that will continue to shape the fitness business landscape.

In the words of JT Tamsett, "You never say never." So, while this may be the end of the Fitness Business podcast for now, who knows what the future holds? - Dori Nugent, Weekly Host

Lou Lentine believes connected fitness is here to stay, as it offers convenience and affordability for people who may not have time to go to the gym. Echelon Fitness is constantly innovating and has several new products launching, including treadmills, ellipticals, a stair climber, and partnerships with Disney and Advent Health. 

Summary:
Join Sarah Pellegrino as she speaks with Lou Lentine, the founder and CEO of Echelon Fitness, who shares his background and story behind this global company.  Echelon Fitness offers a range of smart fitness equipment, including bikes, rowers, treadmills, and mirrors. The equipment can connect to the Echelon Fit app, which provides access to over 1,500 live classes per month. Echelon Fitness has a strong community of supportive members and instructors who are relatable and real. The company has seen success in both the home and commercial fitness markets, with a low churn rate and high usage levels. 

About The Guest
Lou Lentine is the founder and CEO of Echelon Fitness. With a background in product development and a track record of successful consumer products, Lou started Echelon Fitness in 2015. He was inspired to create fitness products after his doctor advised him to get in shape. Echelon Fitness has since become a global leader in connected fitness, offering a range of smart fitness equipment and an app with over 1,500 live classes per month.

Key Takeaways:

• Echelon Fitness offers a range of smart fitness equipment, including bikes, rowers, treadmills, and mirrors.
• The equipment can connect to the Echelon Fit app, which provides access to over 1,500 live classes per month.
• Echelon Fitness has a strong community of supportive members and relatable instructors.
• The company has seen success in both the home and commercial fitness markets, with a low churn rate and high usage levels.
• Connected fitness offers convenience and affordability for people who may not have time to go to the gym.
• Echelon Fitness is constantly innovating and has several new products launching, including treadmills, ellipticals, a stair climber, and partnerships with Disney and Advent Health.

The passion that fills today's episode is inspiring. Tim Keightley has dedicated his professional career to making a difference in the fitness industry. His journey is incredible and worth a listen as he shares what he has learned along the way. From his time in the British Royal Marines to his leadership roles in fitness clubs, Tim provides valuable insights on fortitude, leadership, and building successful businesses.

Tim Keightley is a veteran in the fitness industry with over 25 years of experience. He has held various leadership positions in well-known fitness organizations, such as Fitness First UK and New York Sports Clubs. Tim is known for his expertise in building and scaling successful fitness businesses, as well as his passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals.

Read show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/525

Learn how to take your personal training business to new heights with Anthony Amen, the owner and visionary behind Redefine Fitness in New York.   Anthony shares his expertise in selling personal training. He emphasizes the importance of knowing how to sell to help more people and make a difference in their lives. He discusses the steps to take before starting the sales process, including creating a welcoming and clean gym environment, making a personal connection with potential clients, and offering a tour that focuses on building rapport. He also highlights the importance of role-playing to improve sales skills and overcome objections. Anthony concludes by explaining the key elements of a successful fitness assessment and the importance of asking for the sale.

Check out the show notes here:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/524

Terry Blachek, CEO and owner of Austin Fitness Group, LLC, which operates 133 Orangetheory studios across Texas, Arizona, and Kansas, shares his insights on building a dream team and cultivating a successful and productive work environment.  Terry Blachek is a seasoned leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the fitness industry. He has successfully launched and managed multiple fitness businesses, and is known for his expertise in building dream teams. Terry is also the host of the podcast "Tuesdays with Terry," where he shares insights on self-development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and sales and marketing. He's also one of the original founders of Orangetheory Fitness. 

Get the full show notes here:  https://fit

Donna McGeorge joins the Fitness Business podcast to discuss the power of ChatGPT (also known as Charlie) in improving productivity. ChatGPT is a language model that can generate written content based on a vast amount of data it has been trained on. Donna explains that ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for fitness business owners in various aspects of their work, such as writing social media posts, marketing materials, and website copy. She emphasizes the importance of approaching ChatGPT with curiosity and using it as a tool to enhance and refine written communication. Donna also highlights the need for proofreading and editing to maintain credibility and avoid potential errors or inaccuracies generated by ChatGPT.

SHOW NOTES: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/522

Join Sarah Pellegrino as she speaks with Ross Campbell, CEO of FIT Summit, all the way in Singapore for September’s Value Proposition episode. FIT Summit is a global, business network for the health, fitness and wellness industry, with a focus on the Asia-Pacific market. FIT manages many business networks and events and produces exclusive business content, all while promoting the industry globally.

When attending a FIT Summit, attendees can expect to see large scale operators representing several verticals: fitness, hotel, resorts, retreats. This is an amazing time for us to collaborate and communicate between multiple verticals and meet as many buyers as possible. FIT Summit is where wellness meets health, health meets fitness, and fitness meets sports.

Their next event is this November 21-23 in Sydney, Australia, and you can expect about 750 CEO’s at this next VIP event.

Learn More About This Event and Their Calendar of Events for 2024: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/521

Hank Ebeling is the founder and owner of H4 Training. He is passionate about helping small businesses transform their customer service and elevate their customers' experience. Hank is the author of the book "Crushing the Competition with Service" and has created an online course called "Superhero Service Super Profits" to help businesses deliver outstanding service consistently.

He joins us to discuss his four-step process for handling customer complaints. The process includes acknowledging the complaint, apologizing, making it right, and thanking the customer. Hank emphasizes the importance of listening to the customer, avoiding defensiveness, and finding a solution that meets the customer's needs. He also highlights the value of thanking customers for bringing issues to your attention and using their feedback to improve your business.

Show notes and more resources: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/520

Discover the secrets to mastering the Instagram algorithm and boosting your business! Tune in to the latest episode of the Fitness Business podcast to learn from social media maven Joanne Hernan.

Joanne Hernan has over 17 years of experience working with Instagram and other social media platforms. She is known for her expertise in mastering the Instagram algorithm and creating authentic and engaging content.

Summary:

Joanne Hernan joins the Fitness Business podcast to discuss how to master the Instagram algorithm and use social media to grow your business. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistency, and creating great content. Joanne explains that the Instagram algorithm looks at various data points, such as user behavior, content engagement, and hashtags, to determine what content to prioritize in users' feeds. She also shares tips for leveraging Instagram stories and reels to increase visibility and engagement. Joanne encourages listeners to conduct an audit of their Instagram accounts to identify areas for improvement, and offers a free audit tool to help with this process.

Get show notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/519

Jason Stolwell leads a roundtable discussion with three expert guests on the prospects of artificial intelligence (AI), artificial reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) in the fitness industry. The guests discuss the potential impact of these technologies and where fitness businesses should make strategic capital investments in the next three to five years. They also explore the integration of cryptocurrencies into the fitness industry and the role of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in navigating these technological advancements.  Learn how to leverage artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to boost productivity and achieve health, wealth, and freedom in this special "Thinking Ahead" edition. 

The Panel

Jake Posner: Engineering & Product Leader at Meta in Reality Labs, specializing in user-facing experiences for the Quest line of devices.

Michael Benso: Co-Founder of Buzops, a fitness business owner and developer in the Web 3 space, with a focus on NFT projects and decentralized finance.

Michael Gaio: Founder and CEO of Mythic Systems, an entrepreneur, educator, and innovator focused on leveraging AI and emerging technologies to boost productivity and achieve health, wealth, and freedom.

Visit our show notes page for links, resources, and more! 

Are you struggling to find highly engaged employees for your fitness business? Discover the key to building a high-performance team in your fitness business. Learn how to identify and attract the right candidates from workplace culture expert Chad Bryant. 

Chad Bryant, owner of CWB Workplace Culture Consulting Company and Fitness Director at Raintree Athletic Club, joins Dori to discuss the importance of the first 30 days in cultivating an authentic relationship with new hires. He emphasizes the need to prioritize the health and culture of the company over smart policies and systems. By defining the company's belief system, screening and hiring candidates who align with those beliefs, businesses can build a high-performing team. Chad also highlights the importance of measuring the success of on-boarding through turnover rates, member retention, and online reviews.

Read full show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/517

Hospitality isn't just for restaurants. Learn how to create unforgettable experiences for your customers and build loyalty in your fitness business.  Will Guidara, author of "Unreasonable Hospitality" and former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, shares his insights on hospitality and how it can be applied to the fitness industry. He emphasizes the importance of giving people more than they expect and creating memorable experiences. Being present and listening to customers is key, as well as personalizing gestures to make individuals feel seen and valued. 

Read full show notes here: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/516

Join Sarah Pellegrino as she speaks with Sal Pellegrino & Chris Torggler on the history of the Fitness Industry Suppliers Association, how they connect great products with great people, upcoming events, and their visions for a successful 2024 & beyond!

Join Sal Pellegrino and Chris Torggler on The Value Proposition for the Fitness Industry Suppliers Association to hear about the history of FISA, how FISA lives out their mission to connect great products with even better people, and how the team is gearing up for their 51^st event in Florida, October 30^th – November 1^st! With the first class locations and intimate one-on-one meetings, it’s no surprise that 80% of the suppliers who participate in FISA return for future events year after year. 

Don’t miss this episode if you: 

• Haven’t heard of FISA yet and want to know more
• Have an interest in attending as a supplier
• Are a fitness professional on the West Coast
• Are a fitness professional on the East Coast
• Are a fitness professional in the non-profit sector
• Could use important data, like the data in the Commercial Market Trend Report in your fitness business

View the full show notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/515

Learn more about FISA Events:  https://www.fisaevents.org/

Landon Burningham, a multi-fitness club owner, joins the Fitness Business Podcast to discuss the importance of mastering the fundamentals of business. Landon's fitness business success has come from mastering the fundamentals with constancy, and using these fundamentals to build a deep rooted foundation that can weather the ebbs and flows of business. In this episode, Landon reviews the steps taken to lay each brick of success in your fitness business.

Check out the show notes page: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/514

Looking for a great way to pick up some surplus income plus improve retention while picking up some new members? Take a listen to how Sydnie and Zack Whitmer have successfully perfected fee-based theme classes and off-site classes. The numbers don't lie, and they have been crushing it out of the park. Wait until you hear about their journey, and more importantly their ideas on how your club can be as successful! 

Don't Miss Our Show Notes!  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/513

Elevate your fitness business with industry guru Justin Tamsett! Get ready for explosive insights, trends, and strategies to dominate the game. 

In this show, you'll hear about:

• Getting the right people by being an employer of choice
• Power of social media, not sales media
• We are still a sales business, but we can be better
• Sharpen the soft skills of communication
  Knowing the data and the actions that impact that data
• No more using the pandemic as an excuse

Read full show notes here: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/512

Build your credibility and authority in your fitness niche with podcasting. Kelly Smith, the host of the "Mindful in Minutes" podcast, shares her insights on how podcasting can help build credibility and authority in your fitness business. Learn how to create a deeper connection, through podcasting, that will directly have a positive effect on your business.

Kelly Smith is the host of the chart-topping podcast "Mindful in Minutes." She started the podcast over five years ago to connect with her yoga students after moving to a different part of the US. Kelly is an industry expert in yoga and meditation, and has built a strong community through her podcast.

For full show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/511

Are you ready to make more money? By listening to today's podcast, you will learn what to say and how to say it to up level your influence and income. The small tips in this episode are guaranteed to change your sales approach. 

Get contact information and more show notes here: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/510

Nikki Rausch is the CEO of Sales Maven and a sales expert who helps entrepreneurs and business owners transform their sales process. She is known for her unique approach to selling, that combines selling skills with kindness and authenticity.

Summary:
Nikki Rausch believes successful sales is about building relationships and having real conversations with potential clients. She teaches a five-step sales process called the Selling Staircase, which includes introduction, creating curiosity, discovery, proposal, and close. She emphasizes the importance of creating curiosity to pique people's interest and asking smart questions to understand their needs. Nikki also recommends having a high-end offering to create an anchor for other offers, and using top-down selling to present options to clients. She encourages salespeople to ask for the sale and issue invitations to work together. Finally, she advises following up with clients and staying in touch to maintain the relationship.

Key Takeaways:

• Practice creating curiosity to pique people's interest and have more business conversations.
• Be clear and stand in your place of credibility and authority when recommending your solution.
• Use top-down selling to present options to clients, starting with the most expensive offer.
• Ask for the sale and issue invitations to work together.
• Follow up with clients and stay in touch to maintain the relationship.

Join Sarah Pellegrino as she speaks with Mel Tempest, 20+ year fitness business operator and organizer of the Ignite Fitness Business Event taking place September 14, 2023! Hear what’s unique about this Australian event and why YOU need to attend!

 Show Summary:

Calling all Melbourne fitness business professionals – are you ready for the Ignite Fitness Business Event taking place on Thursday, September 14, 2023? Think speed dating meets fitness industry roundtable, networking event. This personalized, one-day event will be capped at around 70 people, providing you with an intimate setting to get your fitness business questions answered right on the spot!

There will be different roundtables with hosts that specialize on certain topics. Each table will foster different discussions and you’ll leave with a whole new network of professionals you can lean on!

Show notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/509

Ignite Fitness Business Event: https://ignitefitnessbusiness.com.au

Steph Tuss, CEO of Life Is Now, joins the Fitness Business Podcast to discuss the importance of accountability in teams. She emphasizes the need for a clear vision communicated to the team, as well as agreed-upon measures of success. Tuss believes accountability should be a collaborative process, with leaders supporting their team members in achieving their goals. She also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of psychological safety, where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and engaging in healthy debate. Tuss provides practical strategies for holding teams accountable and creating a productive and innovative environment.

Key Takeaways:

• A clear vision communicated to the team is essential for fostering accountability.
• Agreed-upon measures of success help team members understand their responsibilities and hold themselves accountable.
• Leaders should approach accountability conversations to support and empower team members, rather than to reprimand or criticize.
• Building psychological safety within the organization encourages healthy debate and innovation.
• Mistakes should be seen as learning opportunities and leaders should model vulnerability by admitting their own mistakes.

How have you prepared your facility's design to meet changing user expectations? According to today's guest, more dedicated space for recovery, member entrance and lobby areas are just a few of the top trends in club renovations. This episode is like a free design consultation from Rudiy Fabiano one of the top club designers in the industry. Listen carefully for some DIY projects that you can start tomorrow!

Full show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/507

Attention gym owners! Are you truly aware of women's distinct desires and preferences regarding fitness and wellness? Extensive research indicates their needs often differ from men in the same age group. As a gym owner, unlocking the obstacles that prevent women from joining your establishment will open up a vast untapped market. Discover invaluable insights on women's health and fitness requirements from Murphy Research, based on reliable data.

SHOW NOTES:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/506

Natalie Carey is a fitness expert who believes that exercise modification and inclusivity for all bodies is the key to financial success in the fitness industry. In this episode of the Fitness Business podcast, Natalie shares her insights on how to incorporate exercise modification into your business model.

Natalie discusses the importance of exercise modification for inclusiveness and how it can benefit personal trainers and big box clubs. She provides tips on how to incorporate exercise modification into your business model, and shares her thoughts on the future of fitness.

Fitness modification certainly is a trend in the industry worth talking about. This forward thinking approach helps personal trainers and fitness clubs bring in additional cash flow, as well as loyal new members. Everyone wants to feel included, and if you offer this programming, your community culture will hit an all time high. Listen along, as Natalie Carey will help you see the financial benefit in the future of fitness modification.

Today, you'll feel refreshed as you learn how to prevent workplace burnout by creating a healthy environment, not only for your employees, but also for yourself. Listen along as our industry expert, John Briggs, author and founder of InciteTax gives advice on how to get energized while increasing productivity. 

Show notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/504

In this interview, Chris Craytor discusses the Phit Act, which allows individuals to use their health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts for fitness-related expenses. He explains the importance of the Phit Act for promoting physical activity, and the challenges in getting it passed in Congress. Chris also shares his insights on the fitness industry and the evolving role of technology in engaging members. Additionally, he discusses the topic of integrating the fitness industry with the medical wellness industry and the challenges that come with it.

Chris Craytor is the CEO of ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers, CEO for Welld Health, and currently the Chair of the IHRSA Board of Directors. He has been in the fitness industry since 2004 and has extensive experience in navigating the competitive landscape of the industry.

Full show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/503