Navigating the Strength Training Boom, Enhancing Customer Service, and Innovative Marketing Strategies: Episode 534
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Release Date: 01/09/2025
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
In this episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin ‘JT’ Tamsett engages with Kim Gouch, Chief Brand Officer at Retro Fitness, to dive into effective gym marketing and management by building an authentic brand. Kim emphasizes how understanding current fitness industry trends and fostering internal brand evangelists is crucial for a cohesive message, demonstrating how Retro Fitness uses its core mantra, "Get Real," across all communications—from social media marketing for gyms to broader gym advertising. While the episode champions a long-game approach to branding, it provides...
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In this dynamic episode, join Justin JT Tamsett and Brian Keane for a dynamic discussion on the evolving world of personal training, where they share practical marketing, business strategies and coaching insights to help personal trainers and fitness professionals thrive in today’s competitive market. You’ll learn about why your personal branding story is key to your success and pricing strategies that actually work. Midway through the episode, Dr. Patrick Porter adds a powerful health perspective, warning about the dangers of prolonged sitting and how “sitting is toxic” for overall...
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Become an FBP Insider! Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - In this episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin 'JT' Tamsett is joined by AI and digital marketing expert Shama Hyder and brain fitness pioneer Dr. Patrick Porter to deliver actionable insights for fitness business managers and owners aiming to future-proof their operations. The discussion with Shama tackles common myths about AI artificial intelligence in the fitness industry,...
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Become an FBP Insider! We’re bringing you a brand-new series of LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - In this episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin ‘JT’ Tamsett engages with storytelling expert Danielle Krischik to explore the vital role of storytelling in fitness marketing. They discuss how stories create emotional connections, the neuroscience behind storytelling, and the importance of crafting a compelling brand narrative. Danielle emphasizes the...
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Become an FBP Insider! Online Live Event - Are you a fitness leader, manager, or gym owner searching for actionable strategies to revolutionize your staff recruitment and retention? This episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, hosted by JT Tamsett, is a must-listen for anyone serious about building a high-performing fitness business in today’s competitive market. Discover how to wear your sales and marketing hat when hiring, ensuring your recruitment process is as dynamic and creative as your member acquisition campaigns. You’ll learn how applying marketing principles to staff...
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Become a Patreon member! . We’re bringing you a brand-new series of LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Is your inconsistent branding costing you clients? Our guest expert Seran Glanfield points out that studio owners often struggle with maintaining a consistent visual brand, diluting their memorability and impacting client recognition. She notes the critical role of consistent visual elements like logos and colors across all platforms. A clear, targeted message resonates far...
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As a leader, are you doing everything you can to elevate women in leadership? This episode of the Fitness Business Podcast features insights from global female leaders Mel Tempest and Allison Flatley on elevating women in leadership and ownership roles within the fitness industry. The discussion covers current trends, the importance of empowering women to share their stories, and the need for supportive policies and professional development. The episode also highlights the power of storytelling in marketing, using examples like Mari Llewellyn's Bloom Nutrition and Nike's "Just Do It" campaign....
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Fitness business owners and gym leaders, are you struggling to revive your personal training department? This episode of the Fitness Business Podcast dives deep into the current state of personal training in gyms with experts Richard Boyd and Bob Esquerre, who bring over 20 years of experience. Discover actionable strategies to relaunch or launch a thriving PT program, moving past COVID-era challenges. Learn how to adapt to the modern, educated gym member, measure success beyond revenue, and cultivate a team of trainers who drive member retention and build lasting relationships. Tune in for...
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Buckle up for an electrifying episode of the Fitness Business podcast featuring Ingrid Knight-Cohee, the 2024 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year, who is revolutionizing group fitness with her groundbreaking MSINGI™ program. This isn't just another episode—it's a masterclass in transforming group fitness from an expense line to a profit center, packed with insider strategies for fitness leaders looking to innovate, engage members, and combat the growing epidemic of loneliness. Knight's unique Afrocentric functional movement program offers a fresh perspective on creating connection, motivation,...
info_outlineWith 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.
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 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
Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website
Paul Byrne - LinkedIn
Harrison Co - Website
Link to Strength Training Report - Access Here
Link to GLP-1 Report - Access Here
Merch Sponsor:
GRIT Fitness - Website
Be a Merch Sponsor - Here
In The Trenches With A REXer:
Jennifer Poljacik - LinkedIn
212 Fitness - Website and Facebook
REX Roundtables - Website and Email
Wise Words:
David Steele - LinkedIn
Sneeze It - Website
Trusted Suppliers:
Club Com - Website, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok
Lauren Becker - LinkedIn
Wellness Space - Website
Solution One - Website
Egym - Website
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
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