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How HYROX Is Helping Gyms Grow Revenue, Retention & Memberships with Andrew Sugerman (S6 E1)

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

Release Date: 05/07/2026

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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"...

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...

More Episodes

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 business, this episode gives you the commercial lens.

Timestamps
(00:00) HYROX growth stats and why demand is exploding
(03:18) Welcome to Season 6 and what’s ahead this season
(08:42) Why HYROX is now considered a sport, not just a race
(12:10) How gyms become the practice field for fitness racing
(19:34) Why members stay longer when training for events
(26:05) Commercial opportunities for clubs in the US market
(33:40) How much space you need for a HYROX training area
(41:08) New revenue streams beyond memberships
(49:30) How quickly a club can become a HYROX center
(58:02) Why operators should attend or compete in a HYROX event

Take the Next Step:

Become an FBP Insider (7 days free)
https://fbpinsiders.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/

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https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents

- Have a say in Season 7!
https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/season-7/

Our Guest:
Andrew Sugerman:

- Website: https://centr.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-sugerman/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centrfit/?hl=en

REX Roundtables:
Website: www.REXRoundtables.com
Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com

Merch Sponsor
Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/

This Episode’s Supplier

Dan Duran, VP of Lionel University

Lionel University: https://www.lionel.edu/

Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-duran-03473535/

Lionel University’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/lioneluniversity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LionelUniversity

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lioneluniversity/

Thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast:

- World Insurance Associates: Provides insurance, risk management, benefits, and wealth management services. https://www.worldinsurance.com/

- MXM: Provides software for fitness clubs to manage member experience. https://www.mxmetrics.com

- Matrix Fitness: Manufactures and sells commercial and home gym fitness equipment. https://matrixhomefitness.com/

- Yanga Sports Water: Provides subscription-based, flavored, vitamin-enriched, and calorie-free water for gyms. https://yangasportswater.com/

- Centr: Fitness and wellness app offering workouts, nutrition, and meditation. https://centr.com/

About Our Guest: Andrew Sugerman is an accomplished executive and strategic leader with a proven record of driving transformational growth across global consumer, commercial, media, and digital businesses. A former senior executive at The Walt Disney Company, where he oversaw an $800M P&L and built Disney’s global digital media and publishing platforms, he brings deep expertise in strategic planning, content development, operations, and revenue generation. Currently the CEO of Centr, a global wellness brand co-founded with Chris Hemsworth, Sugerman has successfully scaled the business through innovative product.

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

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