loader from loading.io

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

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

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

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...

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

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

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"...

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

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

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...

info_outline
AI, Tech & Member Retention: Eric Malzone on Future-Proofing Your Fitness Business | Episode 548 show art AI, Tech & Member Retention: Eric Malzone on Future-Proofing Your Fitness Business | Episode 548

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

Curious how technology will redefine fitness? Tune in as fitness industry thought leader Eric Malzone shares his front-line insights after 850+ interviews with fitness visionaries! Discover eye-opening truths on AI, member retention, and industry innovation - all filtered through Eric’s experience from gym owner to podcasting powerhouse. Whether you’re an operator, trainer, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers actionable trends and practical advice to future-proof your business and inspire your next move in fitness.    Key highlights from the episode: - How AI will transform...

info_outline
Exercise as Medicine: Lisa Dougherty on Turning Gyms into Preventive Care Centers & Fighting Chronic Disease: Episode 547 show art Exercise as Medicine: Lisa Dougherty on Turning Gyms into Preventive Care Centers & Fighting Chronic Disease: Episode 547

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

What if your gym could be the first line of defense against chronic disease? In this insightful episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin 'JT' Tamsett discusses the concept of 'Exercise is Medicine' with expert Lisa Dougherty, who has 27+ years of experience in the field. They explore the significant impact of physical inactivity on global health and the economy, emphasizing the crucial role of tailored exercise in combating chronic diseases. Lisa shares her journey and the evolution of specialized fitness training for various medical conditions. They also discuss best practices for...

info_outline
Mastering Body Language & Communication in the Fitness Industry with Mentalist Christopher Carter | Building Trust & Human Connection: Episode 546 show art Mastering Body Language & Communication in the Fitness Industry with Mentalist Christopher Carter | Building Trust & Human Connection: Episode 546

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

In this engaging episode, communication expert and professional mentalist Christopher Carter joins host Justin “JT” Tamsett to uncover not just the science—but the art—behind effective communication in the fitness industry. With over 30 years of stage experience as a mentalist, Chris reveals how reading body language, mastering first impressions, and using humor can dramatically boost human connection, trust, and relationships. Listeners gain exclusive insights into practical skills used by mentalists to instantly build rapport and presence—skills any wellness enthusiast or fitness...

info_outline
Mastering Gym Marketing & Management through Authentic Branding: Kim Gouch, Dan Young & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 545 show art Mastering Gym Marketing & Management through Authentic Branding: Kim Gouch, Dan Young & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 545

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...

info_outline
Personal Training Business and Marketing Strategies: Brian Keane & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 544 show art Personal Training Business and Marketing Strategies: Brian Keane & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 544

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

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...

info_outline
AI and Future-Proofing Your Gym in 2025: Shama Hyder & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 543 show art AI and Future-Proofing Your Gym in 2025: Shama Hyder & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 543

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

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,...

info_outline
The Neuroscience of Storytelling for Gym Owners: Danielle Krischik & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 542 show art The Neuroscience of Storytelling for Gym Owners: Danielle Krischik & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 542

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

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...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

With 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.

Leave us a voicemail!

 

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

Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!