Tag: fitness industry

  • The Value Proposition For Being A Warrior

    The Value Proposition For Being A Warrior

     

    Are you a fitness business operator whose group fitness schedule could use a little refresh? Are you a fitness business operator still recovering financially from the pandemic? If you answered yes to one or both of those questions, you have come to the right place. WARRIOR could be the ‘edgy’ programming to help your health club reinvent itself, all while being license free. Created in 2020 by group fitness royalty, Ellen de Werd, WARRIOR Rhythm™, WARRIOR Strength™ (WARRIOR Kids), and WARRIOR Combat™ deliver classic modalities like yoga, functional training, and kickboxing in thrilling, original ways.  Being a WARRIOR taps into empowerment and self-confidence for both instructors and students alike. Come (“as you are”) and unleash your inner wild thing.

    Ellen de Werd is a 23-year fitness industry leader with extensive experience developing innovative programs.  She is the creator of WARRIOR Rhythm™, WARRIOR Strength™, and WARRIOR Combat™.

    Her unique programs are taught in 11 countries. Since the launch of the WARRIOR Instructor Academy, Ellen has garnered national attention as a featured, favorite presenter and educator for IDEA, canfitpro, SCW, and Fitness Conventions Inc. Ellen is the Fitness Director at the Downtown Athletic Club and a Lululemon Legacy Ambassador.

    Listen to the show by clicking here

  • REX Roundtables, Fitness Businesses & ChatGPT

    REX Roundtables, Fitness Businesses & ChatGPT

    As I finish the first round of REX Roundtables for 2023 (4 in Australia and 3 in the US) the biggest takeaway by far has been the capabilities of ChatGPT.  In just 60 minutes of our meeting we have discovered ways that businesses can use this to:

    • Write operational manuals;
    • Draft member letters;
    • Save time on blogs (even start writing blogs);
    • Reduce business costs; and
    • Open our business minds of what is possible.

    Now, before you pile on and say “Be careful JT, this is AI and it is fraught with danger.”  Let me say, that we simply explored and began the education process of how this could be used in business.  We looked at the opportunities and efficiencies that it could give our business.  The emphasis was absolutely on ‘could’ and that we need to better understand how we could use it.

    I do want to share that individually many owners had looked at ChatGPT.  They had even played with it.  They then left it thinking too hard or not relevant to them.  When REX Roundtables come together, there are 10+ owners sharing how they think they can use it – this automatically gives us 10 simples hack to business that this platform can help with.  Add in another layer of how members from other REX groups use it and we have an even bigger brain dump.  The final layer is experiences the REX Chairs have with ChatGPT and I would suggest you now have a comprehensive list of ideas for using this in your business.

    The discussion around ChatGPT is just one example of the benefits of being on a REX Roundtable.  Of course there are numerous others, but after the last round of REX meetings I am confident to say, that our ChatGPT discussion and the lesson learned will cover the cost of being a member of REX Roundtables for at least 12 months.

    You don’t have to miss out on these conversations, you can join REX Roundtables in Australia or the US with me or Europe with Fausto.  Send me a note and we can chat about what is REX and how you’ll benefit – personally & professionally.

    What is ChatGPT

    Deep learning methods are used by OpenAI’s huge language model CHATGPT to produce responses to user input that are human-like. It may be used for many different jobs like language translation, question answering, and text completion because it is built to comprehend and generate natural language text.

    The “GPT” in CHATGPT stands for “Generative Pre-trained Transformer,” which refers to the model’s architecture and training procedure. CHATGPT is a big language model created by OpenAI. The model can produce text that is coherent and contextually relevant since it has been pre-trained on large volumes of text data from the internet.

    Many applications, including chatbots, virtual assistants, and customer service, can make use of CHATGPT. It is an effective tool for communication and automation since it can comprehend and produce language that is similar to that of humans. But, it’s crucial to remember that CHATGPT isn’t flawless and occasionally commits mistakes or produces unsuitable results, so it should always be used with care and under the supervision of a human.

    For more info on REX Roundtables at www.REXRoundtables.com

  • The Power Of Scarcity In Marketing

    The Power Of Scarcity In Marketing

    PODCAST SNAPSHOT

    • What is Scarcity Marketing?
    • How the Consumer Brain Reacts to Scarcity?
    • Using FOMO to Get People to Join Your Gym
    • Top 3 Tips for Using Scarcity in Marketing
    • How Age and Generation Affects Response
    • Choice Anxiety: Do People Want a Choice or a Choice Made for Them?

    Mindy Weinstein, PhD, has been named one of the top women in digital marketing globally. Founder of the digital marketing firm Market MindShift, she has trained thousands of professionals from organizations of all sizes, including Facebook and World Fuel Services. She has a Ph.D. in psychology, and is a marketing instructor at Grand Canyon University, as well as a program leader for The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and The Columbia Business School. Mindy is also the author of The Power of Scarcity: Leveraging Urgency and Demand to Influence Customer Decisions.

    Scarcity is a powerful influence factor, and it can be used in marketing to drive sales and create excitement. Scarcity is not just about emails saying sell out fast or buy now. It is a multi-layered concept that requires further exploration. Mindy was motivated to explore the concept further due to their PhD in psychology, which focuses on understanding what motivates people.

    Listen to the show by clicking here
  • Do You Need Leads For Your Fitness Business? Think Again!

    Do You Need Leads For Your Fitness Business? Think Again!

    At REX Roundtables the most common statement from over 250 members is “I am all Zoomed out!”  And rightly so after the past 3 years which simply adds to the profound benefit of meeting face to face as part of your REX Roundtable.

    It was phenomenal last month, where I got to chair 3 REX Roundtables in the US and we had MASSIVE business break throughs.  Not how to generate more leads – we’ll leave that for the cowboy marketers that DM’ing you on every social platform – but more why do we need more leads.  We focussed on the business set up, the staffing, the business strategy and the developing the culture.

    All 3 REX groups agreed that people are our greatest asset.  We need to truly look after them, so our focus for the meetings was on our businesses becoming an employer of choice.

    There was unanimous agreement, that look after your people and they will look after your customers/members and they in turn will drive quality leads.

     

    If you are interested in joining my US REX Roundtable, we have limited spots left so contact Eddie – [email protected].

    If you are interested in joining my Aussie REX Roundtables, we have room to join the Aussie or the NSW REX groups, so email me – [email protected].

    Five reasons, gym owners should think about participating in REX Roundtables:

    1. Peer Learning and Networking: REX Roundtables give gym owners a forum to discuss their best practises, learn from each other’s successes and failures, and make connections with like-minded colleagues in the industry. Gym owners can connect with a network of other gym owners through REX Roundtables who are familiar with the particular opportunities and problems faced by the fitness sector.
    2. Personal and Professional Development: The conversations and presentations during REX Roundtables are intended to assist gym owners in developing their operations, leadership, and business strategies. Gym owners can advance their knowledge and abilities in management, sales, marketing, and other fields by taking part in REX Roundtables.
    3. Access to Expertise: Special guests who are authorities in many facets of the fitness business frequently speak at REX Roundtables. These professionals can provide insightful commentary and counsel on subjects like industry legislation, technology, and fitness trends.
    4. Support and Accountability: REX Roundtables offer a welcoming environment for gym owners to set objectives, monitor their progress, and hold themselves accountable. For gym owners who might not have access to a support network or mentorship in their local community, this might be extremely helpful.
    5. Improved Profitability: Gym owners can find possibilities to enhance their operations and boost profitability by exchanging best practises and learning from others’ experiences. REX Roundtables give gym owners the information and resources they need to make decisions that will increase their revenue.

    For more info – www.REXRoundtables.com

  • The Gateway To Persuasive Sales Conversations

    The Gateway To Persuasive Sales Conversations

    PODCAST SNAPSHOT

    • Sales happen in the conversations
    • Why the phone is still an important component in the sales process
    • Tips for a successful sales phone call

    Eric Tepper is a contagiously energetic sales leader in all things fitness, health and wellness related with almost three decades of experience. Eric has built Sales Architect out of love for the industry and passion for sales. The fitness business is one of the heart, and many people who chase their passion for wellness don’t realize there is a business side to it. After helping many businesses maximize their revenue, Eric wanted to build something that would help everyone in our industry thrive. Sales Architect is a virtual live and pre-recorded coaching and consulting platform where business owners and operators in the fitness, health, and wellness business can get the direction they need in a affordable model.

    The gym is his happy place. The Sales Architect platform is a place to mingle with other passionate professionals, engage in strategic live conversations, and get resources for success. In the first two months of business, Eric has 100 locations across 5 brands, and is having a blast with these amazing people.

    Looking for a refresher when it comes to sales calls? Eric Tepper, the founder of Sales Architect, is here to remind us that the phone should be used as a gateway to persuasive sales conversations, as he believes fitness sales staff have strayed away from the basic sales conversations. Grab your sales team and listen!

    Listen to the show by clicking here

  • A Bucket List Tick After Going To The Cooper Institute in Dallas

    A Bucket List Tick After Going To The Cooper Institute in Dallas

    Last month I ran a REX Roundtable for fitness industry suppliers at the Cooper Institute.  For 2 days we immersed ourselves in business in the meeting room and outside we explored the world renowned campus.

    On one of my walks, I ran into Dr Kenneth Cooper himself.  He is now 92 years of age and strength trains in the gym several times a week.  He told me, “I gave up running after I broke my leg – skiing – a few years ago.”

    Just one benefit of REX Roundtables is visit clubs all across the US and Australia as part of our meetings.  We dive into how the clubs operate, seeking best practices to increase efficiencies and experiences for members and customers.

    The REX Supplier is a great group of industry vendors who want to enhance how they work with their customers.  Every meeting the focus is on ‘creating greater positive impact on who they work with, so the word of mouth promotion allows them to grow organically.

    If you are interested in joining my US REX Roundtable, we only have 3 spots left so contact Eddie – [email protected].

    If you are interested in joining my Aussie REX Roundtable, we launch in March so contact me – [email protected].

     

    Why The Cooper Institute Is So Awesome

    The Cooper Institute is a well-known nonprofit organisation with headquarters in Dallas, Texas, that focuses on encouraging healthy lives via research and teaching. The Institute was a pioneer in the field of preventive medicine and its contributions have had a significant impact on public health programmes in the United States and around the world. It was founded in 1970 by renowned physician and exercise scientist Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper. This blog post will discuss what makes the Cooper Institute different from other health and fitness facilities and why it is such a great facility.

    The Cooper Institute is first and foremost a research-based institution committed to furthering the field of preventive medicine. The Institute’s research initiatives are centred on a variety of issues, such as ageing, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Organizations like the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued evidence-based guidelines for physical activity and exercise as a result of the Institute’s research. The VO2max test, which measures a person’s maximum oxygen absorption and is regarded as the gold standard for evaluating cardiovascular fitness, was developed in part because to research from the Cooper Institute.

    The Cooper Institute provides a range of instructional programmes and tools for health and fitness professionals in addition to its research initiatives. The Institute’s courses and certifications are made to give professionals the most recent scientific information and useful skills to assist them enhance their customers’ health and fitness. Many fitness organisations accept the Institute’s certificates, including the Certified Personal Trainer and the Certified Group Workout Instructor, which are highly respected in the field.

    The Cooper Institute’s cutting-edge fitness centre is another excellent feature of the building. The 62,000 square foot Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas is a facility with a variety of amenities and fitness gear. The facility has areas for aerobic fitness, strength training, group exercise classes, an indoor track, a pool, and a spa. Yoga, Pilates, cycling, and boot camp are just a few of the group exercise classes that are available at the Cooper Fitness Center. Expert trainers and instructors at the facility offer members individualised coaching and assistance to help them reach their fitness objectives.

    The Cooper Institute’s cutting-edge fitness centre is another excellent feature of the building. The 62,000 square foot Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas is a facility with a variety of amenities and fitness gear. The facility has areas for aerobic fitness, strength training, group exercise classes, an indoor track, a pool, and a spa. Yoga, Pilates, cycling, and boot camp are just a few of the group exercise classes that are available at the Cooper Fitness Center. Expert trainers and instructors at the facility offer members individualised coaching and assistance to help them reach their fitness objectives.

    Ultimately, the Cooper Institute is a fantastic facility because of its goal and principles. The Institute’s goal is to advocate for research, education, and lifelong health and wellness. Integrity, excellence, innovation, and collaboration are some of the values upheld by the Institute that direct its activities and motivate its workers and partners to have a good impact on the world. The Cooper Institute is a leader in the field of preventive medicine and a great resource for anybody looking to improve their health and fitness due to its dedication to evidence-based practise, education, community outreach, and innovation.

    In conclusion, the Dallas-based Cooper Institute is a fantastic facility that stands out for its research, instruction, fitness centre, community involvement, and principles. Public health initiatives in the United States and other countries have benefited significantly from the Institute’s contributions to preventive medicine. The Cooper Institute is an invaluable tool that may assist you in achieving your objectives, whether you are a fitness professional, a community leader, or a layperson looking to enhance your health and wellness.

    Find out more – https://www.cooperinstitute.org

  • Augie’s Quest Founder, beloved leader and ALS champion, Augie Nieto Dies at Age 65

    Augie’s Quest Founder, beloved leader and ALS champion, Augie Nieto Dies at Age 65

    Fitness Industry Mogul, Founder of Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS & Hero to ALS Families

    Orange County, CA  (February 24, 2023) — With deep sadness, Augie’s Quest shares the news that its founder, beloved leader and ALS champion, Augie Nieto, died, surrounded by his family on February 22, 2023, just seven days past his 65th Birthday.  

    Augie was the fitness industry mogul credited for the success of Lifecycle, Life Fitness and Octane Fitness brands.   In 2005, at the height of his career, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control.

    Shortly after his diagnosis, he and his wife Lynne, co-founded Augie’s Quest, a nonprofit laser focused on raising the funds and awareness needed to advance cutting-edge research and fast-track effective treatments to ultimately cure ALS.   With the fierce tenacity he used to revolutionize the modern-day fitness industry, Augie, expended that same high-energy and business acumen to transform how ALS research is conducted today.   

    Since 2005, under Augie’s leadership, nearly $200 million has been raised for ALS research. These funds helped to establish the Augie’s Quest Translational Research Center at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) to better understand the mechanisms of how ALS affects the body and use the knowledge to develop new, more effective treatments for the disease. A crowning achievement, Augie’s Quest funding has led to development of Tegoprubart (formerly AT-1501), one of the most promising ALS treatments in development today and marks the very first time in history a non-profit organization research project has reached this stage of drug development.  

    As a leader in an industry dedicated to maintaining muscle strength and performance, it is tragic irony that Augie’s disease robbed him of the strength and use of his body.  But ALS could not take away his fierce competitive nature, determination, drive and love of life, friends and family.  A visionary and true hero to so many ALS families, Augie galvanized the global fitness industry, corporate partners, individual donors, ALS families and friends, to join forces to change the way people live with ALS.   

    In Augie’s own words: “Please keep me in your hearts…please help continue the progress of Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS. Please help Lynne to carry on the mission – the second finest achievement of my life. Because I will be in your heart, I will get to experience the joy when we discover a cure.” 

    His life story was chronicled in the award-winning film AugieTo honor Augie’s memory, visit Augie’s Quest.   

  • Myzone Continues To Increase Member Engagement & Retention In 2023

    Myzone Continues To Increase Member Engagement & Retention In 2023

    PODCAST SNAPSHOT

    • Myzone: A Comprehensive Wellness Solution for Improved Health and Wellbeing
    • Analysis of Social Platform Engagement and Retention in Wellness Programs
    • Analysis of Myzone User Satisfaction and Retention Rates
    • MyZone and Gym Engagement Strategies
    • Utilizing Myzone to Increase Member Engagement and Retention
    • Exploring the Benefits of Myzone: A Comprehensive Look at the Base Product and Beyond
    • Myzone’s Upcoming Product Launches for 2023
    • Deploying Myzone Technology in Your Fitness Club

    Terry Woods, VP of Sales of the Americas for Myzone, joined the Fitness Business Podcast to provide an update on the company. Myzone has been around for eleven years, and it is present in over 9000 facilities, 85 countries, and 19 different languages. They have shipped over two and a half million devices. Terry has been with the company for two years and has been a user of the system for seven years. He spoke about the community created, and how proud he is of being a Myzone user.

    WHAT IS THE MYZONE APP?

    Myzone is an app that helps people track their wellness and fitness goals. It uses a simple zone-like format to communicate users’ progress, with the World Health Organization’s standards for heart rate and points used as a basis. The app has been around for eleven years, and in that time it has gathered much data about how users interact with it, as well as data from external sources.

    HOW MYZONE ENCOURAGES MEMBERS TO STAY ENGAGED WITH THEIR WELLNESS PROGRAM

    Myzone is especially successful in encouraging users to stay engaged with their wellness program due to its social connectivity. Myzone conducted a study of 63,000 members to observe the effects of social engagement on adherence to a wellness program. They found that those who connected with 4 or more people in the Myzone app were 41% more likely to remain engaged with their program. Additionally, those who actively engaged with other people’s posts were more likely to stay committed to their program. This highlights the importance of creating a social platform for users to interact, as it has a positive effect on engagement and retention.

    MXM does net promoter scoring surveys with its membership base, and they’ve seen a nine to thirteen point difference in satisfaction between their Myzone users and non-Myzone users. Furthermore, those using the technology were almost ten points higher in satisfaction when asked about their fitness routine and results, and they were more likely to be members at the facility in six months.

    These results show that the technology is successful in terms of engagement and retention. The success of the technology can also be seen through personal experiences and social interaction.

     

    Listen to the show by clicking here

  • How Can You Find Fitness Business Opportunities?

    How Can You Find Fitness Business Opportunities?

    The last few weeks my REX Roundtables have been meeting and I am often asked what can you talk about for 2 days?! Well in a fast moving fitness industry, we have to be abreast of changes, trends, successes and failings.

    These REX Roundtables meetings we do our own reconnaissance on the fitness industry – just as the cavalry did in years past.

    The cavalry’s major missions was reconnaissance – identify enemy strengths & weaknesses AND find the opportunities.

    Guaranteed by the end of a REX meeting, new opportunities will be found in every REX member’s business!

  • How To Keep The Team With Great Culture

    How To Keep The Team With Great Culture

     

    “Culture is what motivates and retains talented employees” – Betty Thompson 

    Culture really is or should be your number one focus in any business. As a fitness business consultant, often,  I see a huge emphasis placed on creating amazing culture with members,  however,  I see it missing when it comes to the company and their team. 

    We must place just as important emphasis on team culture, as we do on member culture – not only to ensure the happiness of our employees but it is true that true community grows from within – happy team = happy members.

    When you have a team that is on side, classes get covered, messages get communicated and  the workplace becomes a happier place to be!

    It can often be tough – especially in the fitness industry where we are recruiting casual employees and contractors, however this is why a great importance must be placed on ensuring we are doing everything we can to develop the best culture possible. 

    Here is a quick check list to see how you are going as a facility and perhaps where you could look to improve…

    •  Upskill and development

    Are you continually upskilling and developing your team? Are you getting into classes to give feedback, as well as finding opportunities to grow your team’s knowledge and skill set?

    •  Do you encourage team participation 

    Are you AND the rest of your team attending each other’s classes? Great comradery and bonding happens through supporting each other simply through attendance

    •  A career path 

    Is there room for your team members to grow? Take on more hours, take on more responsibility or even be mentored by a senior member of staff?

    •  Social activities and team bonding time

    Everyone loves a good social! Are you making time for regular team catch ups out side the official meetings and workshops? Just getting out and having some fun together creates close knit teams fast and effectively

    •  Set clear boundaries and expectations with excellent communication 

    Are you getting your team together for company meetings? I believe at least once a quarter is a good expectation

    Team meetings are a space you can set clear boundaries and expectations with your team, you can keep them informed of any major changes or upcoming events, but  most importantly this clear communication allows them to feel like a valued important part of the team as you are taking the time to include them in this way 

    •  Reward your team 

    Are you rewarding your team? Team player of the month, best class attendance, or best member feedback awards are great ways of acknowledging amazing team achievements. Perhaps this is  something you do in team meetings or over social media. Make sure you are consistent ie – if you set out to award monthly make sure you do