Active Management

Category: Industry News

  • What Great Gym Owners Do That Other’s Won’t

    What Great Gym Owners Do That Other’s Won’t

     

    When you’re in a leadership role—owner or manager—it’s not just about making the right decisions. It’s about making the toughest right ones.

    And those decisions? They’re usually about people. They shape your club’s culture more than any policy or promotion ever will.

    In 2022, I walked the Gettysburg battlefields with my REX Roundtable. The leadership decisions made there—some bold, some delayed—shaped history. The lesson? Not making a decision is a decision.

    Here’s a simple 3-step filter for big calls:

    1. What’s the upside if it works?
    2. What’s the downside if it bombs?
    3. Can I live with the downside—really?

    Protecting culture might cost you in the short term—but it pays dividends in loyalty and legacy.

    Jeff Bezos sums it up best:

    “If the decision is reversible, go fast. If it’s hard to reverse, pump the brakes.”

  • The Fitness Industry Is Missing Out on the Digital Health Boom

    The Fitness Industry Is Missing Out on the Digital Health Boom

    Last month I attended the Australian Digital Health Festival and it hit me — the fitness industry is being left out of the health conversation.

    In this digital world, there’s never been a better opportunity for fitness and health to connect and we’re missing in action or missing out on the action!

    Here are 3 big wake-up calls:

    • We’re not part of the data and digital health discussions around our members.
    • Exercise still isn’t recognised as preventative medicine by most.
    • Only 8% of workplace wellness budgets go to physical health — 92% goes to mental health.

    This is a huge missed opportunity.

    I chatted with the CSIRO and asked if their Wellbeing Diet was being used by any gyms – no. I met with VALD performance testing and what an amazing product and they are possibly the greatest secret weapon to you increasing your yield from your members and helping them ‘see’ their results.

    If we want to be taken seriously in health, we don’t need to wait for a national strategy from AUSActive. It starts locally. Educate your GPs, physios, and allied health pros. Show them how your gym improves lives – physically and mentally!

    Don’t get left behind, start conversations and invite medical and health professionals to your gym for them to ‘see’ you’re not a big scary place! The change in perception and building of trust will take time but with 1 in 5 Australians aged between 60 and 84 by 2030, we have to start now as these people will need to be healthy!

  • 2025 AUSactive National Awards Finalists Revealed

    2025 AUSactive National Awards Finalists Revealed

    Winners to be announced at Gala Event on 19 September

    The finalists for the 2025 AUSactive National Awards have officially been announced, celebrating the dedication, passion, and impact of individuals and organisations across the Australian active health and exercise industry.

    Now in its next chapter of growth, the awards shine a light on excellence across 29 prestigious categories, highlighting standout professionals, businesses, and industry leaders nationwide.

    This year’s finalists represent a diverse and inspiring group – from personal trainers transforming lives to community programs improving mental wellbeing, and industry suppliers delivering world-class innovation.

    With stories of perseverance, impact, and innovation, these finalists capture the true essence of the active health and exercise profession.

    Reflecting the dynamic growth of the sector, recently introduced categories continue to attract high numbers of submissions – particularly the popular Manager of the Year as well as the enhanced Industry Supplier categories.

    AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish praised this year’s record-breaking pool of entrants, noting the continued rise in calibre and community contribution across all levels of the industry.

    “Congratulations to all our 2025 Finalists! The AUSactive National Awards are more than recognition, they’re a celebration of an evolving industry fuelled by passion, professionalism, and purpose,” Mr Elvish said.

    “This year we’ve seen an extraordinary number of nominations from both new and returning participants. It’s a privilege to acknowledge the people and businesses making such a powerful difference.”

    To view the full list of 2025 AUSactive National Awards Finalists, please visit: 2025 Awards Finalists

  • Level Up Your Fitness Business Sales

    Level Up Your Fitness Business Sales

    It’s our 5th birthday, and we’re celebrating by giving away 5 full 12 month SAC scholarships.

    That means you could get an entire year of expert sales coaching, proven systems, and done-for-you training – for FREE.

    Still wondering if SAC is worth it. Here’s what real fitness business owners say:

    ✅ Jane – Called SAC “the best investment” after seeing her team sell more confidently and memberships soar.

    ✅ Melanie – Saw her profits skyrocket after applying SAC’s strategies.

    ✅ Jackson – Credited SAC for helping him hit six-figure growth, calling it “an absolute game-changer.”

    ✅ Ian – Said SAC was “a giant wake-up call” that helped his team focus on what really drives revenue.

    Now, it’s your turn.

    Will your business be the next success story? Enter now before the final scholarships are gone!

    Winners will be announced on July 1st, and time is running out to take advantage of this amazing giveaway. 

    👉 Click here to enter

    Time’s ticking! ⏳

  • Sales Authority Club Scholarships Up For Grabs!

    Sales Authority Club Scholarships Up For Grabs!

    This June, we’re celebrating 5 years of SAC by giving YOU the ultimate gift: 5 full 12 month SAC scholarships

    SAC (Sales Authority Club) is where fitness business owners learn to close more sales, increase memberships, and scale without stress – and you have a chance to get it all for free.

    🚀 What You’ll Get with Your Scholarship:

    ✅ A 12-month membership to SAC

    ✅ Sales Authority Implementation Program – a done-for-you training for your team

    ✅ Monthly Marketing Q&A session (COM Marketing) 

    ✅ Expert coaching from top industry sales & marketing leaders

    ✅ A community of high-performing fitness business owners

    ✅ Proven strategies to help you increase revenue without working more

    Sounds good? Entering is easy. Answer a few short questions & we announce winners in July. 

    👉 Click here to enter

    See you inside,

    Steve Jensen

  • Full Ownership of 9Round Back Under The Umbrella of Striking Brands

    Full Ownership of 9Round Back Under The Umbrella of Striking Brands

    Lift Brands has announced the sale of its minority share (40%) in the 9Round brand back to Striking Brands, the parent company of 9Round globally. 9Round has operated in Australia and New Zealand since 2011.

    This transaction marks a positive step forward for both companies, as Lift Brands focuses on the ongoing success of its Snap Fitness and Fitstop networks, while Striking Brands leads 9Round into a new era of innovation and growth.

    As part of this transition, Striking Brands will also acquire the master franchise rights for 9Round in Australia and New Zealand, assuming operational responsibility and network support beginning in April 2025.

    Chris Caldwell, CEO of Lift Brands APAC, expressed his support for the transition and highlighted Lift Brands’ continued growth in the region.

    “We congratulate Shannon and Heather Hudson, 9Round’s Founders, and the Striking Brands team on re-acquiring 9Round and look forward to seeing the brand continue to evolve under their leadership,” Mr Caldwell said.

    “This move aligns with our strategic focus on expanding our Snap Fitness and Fitstop brands, which are experiencing significant momentum in Australia and New Zealand.

    “Lift Brands remains committed to delivering exceptional fitness experiences and supporting our franchise partners in achieving long-term success.”

    Shannon Hudson, CEO of Striking Brands, shared his excitement for the acquisition and the future of 9Round in the ANZ region.

    “We are incredibly excited to fully re-acquire 9Round and drive the brand’s next phase of growth in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Hudson said.

    “Our vision is to continue building a dynamic and results-driven fitness experience for our members while strengthening the support we provide to our franchisees.”

    “Bringing full ownership of the brand back under the umbrella of Striking Brands allows us to align more closely with our broader strategic goals and reinforce our commitment to high-quality fitness solutions.”

    With nearly 400 locations in 18 countries, 9Round is a global leader in kickboxing fitness.

    For more information about 9Round visit www.9round.com

    For more information about Lift Brands Asia Pacific visit www.liftbrands.com

  • Boom | FBP Does Live Events

    Boom | FBP Does Live Events

    Your Trusted Source of Fitness Business Education Adds New Opportunities For You To Get Even Better

    The Fitness Business Podcast are so excited to launch live and interactive sessions with global experts.  

    Over the next 3 months there are 5 free live events that are free for you can jump into and listen, learn and ask questions:

    • 8th/9th May – Own the Role, Achieve the Goal: How EQ Drives Performance & Accountability with Lindsay Vastola
    • 3rd/4th June – Finance for Fitness Success with Matt Spears
    • 26th/27th June – From Turnover to Take-off: Level Up Your Team to Recruit, Develop & Retain Top Talent with Kathleen Fergusson
    • 1st/2nd July – Say Goodbye to High Cancellations in 2025 – Gamify Your Club or Studio & Keep Members Longer with Frank Smarrelli
    • 24th/25th July – Creating Careers, Taking Vacations: Management and Leadership in the Fitness Industry with Mark Fisher

    Register for the FBP Insiders Live Events. Click Here.

  • Barrie Elvish’s Final Act Shines A Mayday Light On Homelessness

    Barrie Elvish’s Final Act Shines A Mayday Light On Homelessness

    In one of his final acts as CEO of AUSactive, Barrie Elvish is stepping out of the boardroom and onto the cold concrete as part of the 2025 Vinnies CEO Sleepout — raising vital funds and awareness for the more than 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness every night.

    This powerful gesture is more than symbolic — it’s a call to action for the exercise and active health industry.

    With a fundraising goal of $10,000, Barrie is inviting the health and wellbeing industry and broader community to unite behind a cause that aligns with the very heart of AUSactive’s mission: improving physical and mental wellbeing for all Australians.

    “Our industry is about supporting people to live healthier, stronger lives — but how can someone focus on wellbeing if they don’t have a safe or warm place to sleep?” Barrie said.

    “Join me in making one of my last initiatives one to remember, not for me, but for the 122,000+ people who don’t have a place to call home tonight.

    “I challenge you to help make a difference. With your support, we can turn this symbolic gesture into lasting change.”

    Homelessness in Australia is complex and growing. Many people face it due to financial hardship, mental health struggles, or escaping domestic violence — and more than 1 in 7 Australians experiencing homelessness are aged 55 or older.

    The 2025 event marks the 20th anniversary of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, which has seen thousands of leaders participate since 2006, raising over $91 million nationally to support Australians in crisis.

    “This is a moment for our industry to come together as a community and lead with compassion,” Barrie said.

    “Together, we can make a powerful difference. Let’s stand, and sleep out, for change.”

    To support Barrie Elvish’s campaign and make a donation, visit: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/barrieelvish/nsw

    To learn more about the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and the impact of your donation, visit: https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/where-your-money-goes

  • Own the Role, Achieve the Goal: How EQ Drives Performance & Accountability

    Own the Role, Achieve the Goal: How EQ Drives Performance & Accountability

    How do you get your employees to truly own their roles and drive the success of the business? In this interactive 30-minute virtual workshop, Lindsay Vastola will show you how to leverage emotional intelligence (EQ) – beyond theory – to increase staff performance and accountability. She will walk you through a tactical and practical exercise to use in your staff reviews—an exercise designed to highlight both technical and soft skills gaps, encourage honest self-reflection, and promote real growth where it matters most.

    By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a practical, repeatable tool that sets clear goals for employees, fosters personal responsibility, and ultimately improves your bottom line.

    If you are a business owner or leader often frustrated by a lack of ownership and accountability on your team, or want to maximize your team’s potential, this workshop is for you!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Leverage EQ for Employee Performance – Beyond Theory A step-by-step staff review method that pinpoints where team members excel and where they need improvement—providing them with the self-awareness they need to truly own their roles.
    2. EQ-Assessment Tool for Your Employee Reviews An easy-to-implement framework for evaluating both technical and soft skills, which you can use consistently across your organization to drive steady growth and accountability.
    3. Enhanced Employee Engagement How to create an environment that values self-reflection and emotional intelligence, leading to staff members who are committed, motivated, and accountable to their goals.

    Register Here To Attend Live Thursday, 8 May @ 3.30PM (ET)

    We listened to our FBP Community and we are so excited to launch live and interactive sessions with global experts.

    Over the next 3 months we have 5 live events that are free for you to jump online to listen, learn and ask questions.

  • Fitness Tech Veteran Emmett Williams Joins ABC Fitness as First-ever Managing Director, APAC

    Fitness Tech Veteran Emmett Williams Joins ABC Fitness as First-ever Managing Director, APAC

    This newly created role underscores ABC Fitness’ commitment to international growth and regional expertise in APAC and beyond

    ABC Fitness, the leading technology provider for fitness businesses globally, today announced the appointment of Emmett Williams as Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Based in Australia, Williams will accelerate the company’s growth and lead customer retention strategies across APAC.

    Williams will be a key member of the global revenue team, collaborating closely with the leadership team in the US, Europe, South America, and ABC Fitness’ local team.

    “Emmett’s reputation precedes him—he’s a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with a track record of driving innovation and scaling fitness technology businesses globally,” said Conor O’Loughlin, Chief Revenue Officer at ABC Fitness. “His deep roots in APAC, combined with global experience, make him uniquely suited to unlock the full potential of our international business across our software solutions in this critical part of the world.”

    ABC Fitness has an established footprint across the APAC region, with a strong base of hundreds of customers and a growing team already on the ground who will fall under Williams’ leadership.

    About the new role, Williams said: “I’ve spent my career building fitness businesses that improve lives, and I see immense potential in ABC Fitness’ purpose. This is more than a new role—it’s a long-term commitment to the Asia-Pacific market, demonstrating the opportunity for the region’s growth for both ABC Fitness and the global fitness industry.”

    A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Williams is a recognized leader in the global health and fitness industry. He spent over a decade in the United States as a founding partner of Myzone, where he was instrumental in scaling the wearable tech company to more than 9,000 gyms and over 2.5 million users worldwide.

    Williams is also a passionate industry advocate who has led national and global initiatives, including working with Australia’s Parliament to champion policies that support fitness and wellness. His leadership will be key in strengthening ABC Fitness’ customer relationships, expanding its presence, and delivering on its mission to turn fitness visions into seamless reality across the region.