When Bootcamp Becomes A Place To Brave Life Together - Donna Houlihan

Circuits are a bootcamp staple, but let’s be honest, running the same 60-second station format week after week can get stale. For you and your clients.In this episode of The Warm-Up, I’m diving into five creative ways to breathe life back into your circuit sessions. These simple tweaks keep things fresh, help your clients stay engaged, and make you feel excited to coach again.We’ll cover:How to use in-between drills and finishers to add surprise and intensityThe underrated power of mini circuits and three-person formatsMaking workouts feel more purposeful with drill-based stationsHow to turn “I go, you go” into a client favouriteCreative ways to change your timing structure without losing the circuit vibeThis episode was inspired by Sarah and Ginger, two longtime readers of the Bootcamp Ideas newsletter, who shared that they were feeling stuck in a workout rut (thanks for sending in the questions!). If you’ve ever found yourself defaulting to the same old format, I think you’ll love this one.Helpful Links:My workout planning masterclass: How to Plan Bootcamp Workouts FastGet access to creative circuit ideas: Join BootCraftTake your workouts to the next level: Group Flow: Structure & Launch Cohort-Style Fitness ProgramsMini Circuit explainer (YouTube): Mini CircuitsRead Liz's original post on Circuit Breakdowns: Circuit Breakdown: How to Make Circuit Training More InterestingCheck out Liz's 5-10-15 workout: Indoor Bootcamp Workout: The 5-10-15Follow Kyle on Instagram: @kylewood_bciFree Toolkit: Bootcamp Trainers ToolkitFree Bootcamp Workouts: My 5 Favourite Bootcamp WorkoutsNewsletter: The Weekly WorkoutGet in touch: Contact Kyle

What if your business didn’t need to be huge to be successful? In this episode, I’m giving you permission to stay small.You’ll learn how to:Do simple napkin math to figure out what your version of “enough” looks likeCharge more without burning out (and why that’s good for everyone)Build a business that supports your life — not one that consumes itWe’ll also talk about second income streams, online options, and how to align your offers with what actually energizes you.This one’s for the coach who wants to work deeply with fewer clients and still get paid well.📣 Group Flow is opening soon — learn how to build small group programs people keep coming back to: Group Flow Live TrainingHelpful Links:📊 Napkin Math Spreadsheet + Guide to Sustainable Group Fitness Class Pricing📘 Profit First by Mike Michalowicz🧠 Ness Labs Article on PACTs🌀 Group Flow – Build Your Ideal Fitness Cohort

Have you ever prepped an amazing workout, checked your class list the night before, and felt pumped about a packed session—only to be greeted by crickets the next morning?You're not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing a real story from listener Moira, a dedicated trainer who built her 6AM class from scratch—only to be ghosted by half the room come sunrise.We'll dive into:The psychology behind no-shows (it’s not about you)How I shifted my own model to increase consistency and commitmentPractical follow-up strategies you can use—even if you work for a gymWhat it means to create emotional buy-in and community outside the workoutHow to make your classes feel like something people don’t want to missPlus, I share the exact reason I created Group Flow—a way to run your group sessions so people stay engaged long after the initial motivation fades.If you're tired of chasing consistency and ready to build a more reliable, resilient fitness community, this one's for you.Helpful Links:Group FlowLearn how to structure and run small group fitness offers that keep people engaged and coming back.Recommended Episode: The Secret to Structuring a 6-Week Bootcamp for Maximum Client RetentionUse themed workout cycles to boost consistency and client buy-in.Subscribe to The Weekly WorkoutGet fresh drills, tips, and podcast updates in your inbox every week.Follow Kyle on InstagramBehind-the-scenes thoughts, games, and creative workout ideas.

What if you could design your fitness business to actually fit your life—not the other way around? In this episode of The Warm-Up, I’m talking about how to reshape your week so you can work on your business, not just in it.Whether you’re feeling stuck, stretched too thin, or ready for a change, I’ll walk you through a simple but powerful exercise to rethink your schedule and create a business that feels right for you. This isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about working smarter and aligning your time with what actually lights you up.If you’ve ever thought, there has to be a better way to do this, this episode is for you. Let’s dive in!---Mentorship: Get NotifiedOliver Burkeman: Oliver Burkeman's newsletter The ImperfectionistRelated episode: 07 | Pivoting Your Fitness CareerInstagram: @kylewood_bciFree Toolkit: Bootcamp Trainers ToolkitFree Bootcamp Workouts: My 5 Favourite Bootcamp WorkoutsNewsletter: The Weekly WorkoutGet in touch: Contact Kyle

Starting a bootcamp but don’t have a big following? You don’t need one. In this episode, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get your first 10 clients—without relying on ads or spending hours making social media content.This is the approach I’ve used, the approach I’ve seen work time and time again, and the best part? It’s simple, free, and actually helps you build a business that lasts.Let’s dive in!Helpful links:Related Episode: 14 Free Ways To Build Your Following (for after you've got your first 10 clients)Masterclass: How to Plan Workouts Fast—Without Sacrificing QualityInstagram: @kylewood_bciFree Toolkit: Bootcamp Trainers ToolkitFree Bootcamp Workouts: My 5 Favourite Bootcamp WorkoutsNewsletter: The Weekly WorkoutGet in touch: Contact Kyle

Thinking about changing direction in your fitness business? You’re not alone.Many trainers reach a point where they start wondering, What’s next? Maybe you’re feeling burned out, considering online training, or looking to shift to a new model that better fits your lifestyle. In this episode, I dive into how to navigate career pivots in the fitness industry, sharing my own experience of shifting from running a bootcamp to coaching trainers and why I’m now feeling the urge to train again.If you’ve ever felt unsure about your next step, this episode will help you reflect, strategize, and take action—so you can build a business that truly excites you.Upcoming Masterclass: How to Plan Workouts Fast—Without Sacrificing QualityRecommended next episode: The 3 B’s of Avoiding PT Burnout: What’s Actually Worked for MeLinks:Related Episode: The 3 B’s of Avoiding PT Burnout: What’s Actually Worked for MeBook: What To Do When It's Your Turn by Seth GodinMasterclass: How to Plan Workouts Fast—Without Sacrificing QualityInstagram: @kylewood_bciFree Toolkit: Bootcamp Trainers ToolkitFree Bootcamp Workouts: My 5 Favourite Bootcamp WorkoutsNewsletter: The Weekly WorkoutGet in touch: Contact Kyle

Ever feel like you’re scrambling to plan workouts at the last minute? Or worse—running the same formula over and over, hoping your clients don’t notice? If so, this episode is exactly what you need.Today, I’m breaking down how to structure a 6-week bootcamp that maximizes client engagement, retention, and results. You’ll learn how to avoid the common pitfalls of random programming and instead create a bootcamp experience that keeps clients coming back session after session.I’ll share my step-by-step framework for planning ahead, keeping workouts fresh, and making sure your sessions deliver real progress. If you want to stop winging it and start coaching with confidence, hit play now! 🎧Masterclass: How to Plan Workouts Fast—Without Sacrificing QualityLinks:Masterclass: How to Plan Workouts Fast—Without Sacrificing QualityInstagram: @kylewood_bciFree Toolkit: Bootcamp Trainers ToolkitFree Bootcamp Workouts: My 5 Favourite Bootcamp WorkoutsNewsletter: The Friday FinisherArticle: The Ultimate Guide to Planning A Great Bootcamp RoutineArticle: 3 Steps To Planning A Fitness Class: Threading A Theme

Burnout is one of the biggest reasons personal trainers and group fitness coaches leave the industry. Long hours, inconsistent income, and the pressure to always be “on” can wear you down fast. But it doesn’t have to be that way.In this episode, I share the 3 B’s of Avoiding Burnout—simple but powerful strategies that have helped me stay in the fitness industry for over a decade. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or on the verge of quitting, this episode is for you. Tune in and take the first step toward a more sustainable and fulfilling fitness career.Sponsor: BootCraftThis episode is sponsored by… me!If you love the workout ideas and strategies I share here on The Warm Up, you’re going to love BootCraft! It’s an ever-growing library of creative, done-for-you workout ideas designed to save you time and keep your sessions fresh. No more scrambling for new drills—just log in, pick a workout, and go!Check it out at BootCraft.co and take your sessions to the next level! 🚀Helpful Links:Instagram: @kylewood_bciFree Toolkit: Bootcamp Trainers ToolkitFree Workouts: My 5 Favourite Bootcamp WorkoutsNewsletter: The Friday Finisher

Ever had a client whose negativity sucked the energy out of your entire class? In this episode, I share a personal story of how one difficult client killed an entire time slot in my bootcamp—and what I wish I had done differently.Learn how to handle disruptive bootcampers, navigate tough conversations, and protect the culture of your group while keeping your business thriving.Don't let one bad attitude ruin the experience for everyone—tune in to find out how to manage these tricky situations with confidence!Sponsor - BootCraftThis episode is sponsored by... me! If you love the workout ideas and strategies I share here on The Warm Up, you’re going to love BootCraft! It’s an ever-growing library of creative, done-for-you workout ideas designed to save you time and keep your sessions fresh. No more scrambling for new drills—just log in, pick a workout, and go!Check it out at BootCraft.co and take your sessions to the next level! 🚀Helpful Links:Instagram: @kylewood_bciFree Toolkit: Bootcamp Trainers ToolkitFree Workouts: My 5 Favourite Bootcamp WorkoutsNewsletter: The Friday Finisher

Your clients adore you.It's why they want to come and train with you every week. Which is great... except when you want to go away or you're too busy and you want to offload one of your sessions to a new trainer. Talk about clearing the room (or fitness class).Today's episode is all about how to find great trainers. A trainer you can mentor, who you can trust and who your clients love. Someone who can help give you some more freedom and flexibility in your business.I cover:What skills and attributes to look for in a trainerMy best tip for conducting a successful interviewThe 3 phases of mentoring/shadowing a new coachWhat to pay someone who works for youHow to retain a great coach long-termHelpful links:Instagram: @kylewood_bciFree Toolkit: Bootcamp Trainers ToolkitFree Workouts: My 5 Favourite Bootcamp WorkoutsNewsletter: The Friday FinisherRelated content: 4 More Lessons Learned To Help Save Your Bootcamp Business - the part on having an assistant trainer