Stop Losing Money on Bad Hires: Expert Fitness Recruiting Strategies with Christine Howe | Episode 553
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Release Date: 01/22/2026
How HYROX Is Helping Gyms Grow Revenue, Retention & Memberships with Andrew Sugerman (S6 E1)
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
HYROX is no longer just an event. It’s becoming a global sport, and gyms are in a prime position to benefit. In this Season 6 opener, JT speaks with Andrew Sugerman, CEO of Center, about why HYROX participation is surging and what it means for fitness business owners. You’ll learn: - Why gyms are becoming training hubs - How HYROX may improve retention and acquisition - New revenue opportunities for operators - How much space is needed for a HYROX zone - Whether boutique studios and independents should get involved If you’ve been hearing about HYROX and wondering if it matters for your...
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The Untold Story Behind the Fitness Business Podcast | JT on Imposter Syndrome, Leadership & Purpose | Episode 557
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Stories do what facts alone cannot. They make people feel, remember, trust, and act. In this special season finale takeover, master storyteller Danielle Krischik (podcast host and author of The Story Effect) flips the mic and interviews JT so you can hear the real reason behind the Fitness Business Podcast, , and JT’s mission to get more people moving in quality facilities with qualified professionals. Key highlights from the episode: Why storytelling shifts your brand from what you sell to why you exist How JT’s early life, sport, and career pivot shaped his leadership style The...
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Burnout in the Fitness Industry: How to Protect Your Health, Team, and Career Longevity with Emahlea Wilcher | Episode 556
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Burnout is not a badge of honor. For years, working 22-hour days and never taking holidays was worn as proof of resilience. But the reality is different. A 2025 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine estimates burnout costs employers between $4,000 and $21,000 per employee per year in lost productivity, disengagement, and turnover. In this Wise Words episode, Justin Tamsett sits down with clinician, scientist, and founder of New Approach Health, Emahlea Wilcher, to unpack what burnout really is, how it impacts your body and brain, and what you can do right now to...
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How to Motivate Your Fitness Staff with Gamification and Recognition with Alex Grande | Episode 555
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Staff turnover remains one of the biggest challenges in the fitness industry, especially with part time and casual teams. In this episode, Justin Tamsett is joined by Alex Grande, psychologist and workplace recognition expert, to unpack how gamification, rewards, and genuine recognition can dramatically improve engagement, performance, and retention in fitness businesses. Alex explains the science behind motivation, the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic drivers, and why simple, low cost recognition programs often outperform expensive incentive schemes. Together, they explore practical...
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Fueling Leadership: Self-Leadership, Values, and Alignment with Heather Wiser Soubra | Episode 554
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
If your body and mind are the engine of your leadership, what fuel are you putting into it? In this episode of The Fitness Business Podcast, Justin Tamsett sits down with Heather Wise Soubra, founder and CEO of Wiser Way Coaching and Director of the George Washington Leadership Institute at Mount Vernon. Heather shares powerful, practical insights on self-leadership—exploring how clarity, presence, values, habits, and alignment shape not just how we lead others, but how we lead ourselves first. This conversation is especially relevant for fitness business owners and leaders navigating...
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Stop Losing Money on Bad Hires: Expert Fitness Recruiting Strategies with Christine Howe | Episode 553
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Hiring the right people can make or break your fitness business. One great hire can elevate culture, performance, and profitability — while one poor hire can drain time, money, and momentum. In this episode, Justin “JT” Tamsett sits down with Christine Howe, founder of Fit Pro Finders and one of the most experienced recruiters in the global fitness industry, to unpack what it really takes to find, interview, and retain top talent today. From AI in recruitment to interviewing techniques, compensation strategy, onboarding, and resume red flags, Christine shares practical, experience-driven...
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Stop Leaving Money on the Shelf: The Retail Strategy Every Gym Needs with Meredith Rosson | Episode 552
Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit
Retail inside fitness clubs often feels like a high-effort afterthought - but according to retail strategist Meredith Rosson, it’s one of the most untapped revenue streams in the industry. In this episode, Meredith breaks down how clubs can turn merchandise, apparel, accessories, and grab-and-go essentials into a meaningful secondary income source. With real numbers, practical frameworks, and a powerful client case study, she shows exactly how clubs of any size can create retail programs that elevate experience, drive fandom, and generate serious profit. If you’ve ever wondered what to...
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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...
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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"...
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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_outlineHiring the right people can make or break your fitness business. One great hire can elevate culture, performance, and profitability — while one poor hire can drain time, money, and momentum. In this episode, Justin “JT” Tamsett sits down with Christine Howe, founder of Fit Pro Finders and one of the most experienced recruiters in the global fitness industry, to unpack what it really takes to find, interview, and retain top talent today.
From AI in recruitment to interviewing techniques, compensation strategy, onboarding, and resume red flags, Christine shares practical, experience-driven insights that every owner, manager, and leader can apply immediately. If recruitment feels overwhelming, inconsistent, or time-consuming, this episode will change how you approach hiring — forever.
Key highlights from the episode:
✔ How to spot the right candidates faster: Christine explains the three interview questions she always asks to assess passion, preparedness, and long-term fit — and why video interviews are now non-negotiable.
✔ Why recruitment is only 50% of a successful hire: Learn how onboarding, leadership, and coaching determine whether great candidates thrive or fail after they’re hired.
✔ What owners get wrong about resumes, compensation, and culture: From salary benchmarking to resume metrics and social media red flags, Christine breaks down what truly matters when choosing between top candidates.
Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter!
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✔ Leave us a review on your favorite podcast app
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Ready for more:
- Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
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Quotes:
“Recruiting is only 50% of what makes a successful hire; the other 50% is leadership, onboarding, and training.” - Christine Howe
“You can’t perform well at something you don’t like doing. Passion and purpose always matter.” - Christine Howe
“One poor hiring decision can change your P&L for the entire year.” - Justin ‘JT’ Tamsett
Resources:
- Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
- Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/
- Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/
Our Guest:
Christine Howe, Owner and Principle Recruiter of Fit Pro Finders
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Website: https://www.fitprofinders.com/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitprofinders/
Merch Sponsor:
Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/
REX Roundtables:
Website: www.REXRoundtables.com
Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com
The companies you’re about to hear about are REX Roundtable Trusted Suppliers. They’re also experts who help fitness businesses thrive. You can learn more about each one at FitnessBusinessPodcast.com. Support them as they support us.
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Groe Solutions: Provides AI and computer vision software for gym member retention. https://www.groe.solutions
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Budderfly: Provides comprehensive, no-cost energy efficiency as a service for businesses. https://www.budderfly.com/
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Gym TV (Club Com): Provides custom digital entertainment, music, and signage for fitness clubs.https://www.clubcom.com/
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Simple Again (Performance Food Centers): Helps businesses open smoothie and juice bars with clean ingredients. https://www.performancefoodcenters.com
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Power Plate: Sells whole-body and targeted vibration plate machines for fitness and wellness.https://www.powerplate.com/
Skip to the good part:
(03:53) Why hiring the right people matters more than ever
(05:10) AI in recruitment: what it can — and can’t — replace
(07:45) Hiring inside vs. outside the fitness industry
(12:10) Christine’s three go-to interview questions
(18:40) Common hiring challenges and payroll realities
(23:30) Why onboarding determines hiring success
(30:05) Best practices for interviews and candidate experience
(36:40) Resume mistakes and what actually stands out
(42:20) Social media, reference checks, and red flags
(47:30) The future of recruitment in the fitness industry
About Our Guest: Christine is the owner and lead recruiter for Fit Pro Finders, a full-service staffing firm that specializes in entry to executive levels roles in the fitness, wellness, and sports industries. Her services include creative sourcing, detailed screening, candidate interviews, career and business coaching. Prior to launching Fit Pro Finders she recruited for major fitness brands, including Xponential Fitness, Crunch, Equinox, Planet Fitness, and LifeTime. Christine loves sharing her passion and expertise in how to make the right match between job seeker and employer.
About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society
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