Stop Trying to Be Better: How Great Fitness Brands Stand Out with Luke Carlson (S7 E1)

What separates a fitness brand that grows from one that gets lost in the crowd? For Luke Carlson, Founder and CEO of Discover Strength, the answer isn't being better than your competitors. It's being different enough that your customers immediately understand why you exist. Luke returns to the Fitness Business Podcast to share the marketing and leadership principles behind Discover Strength's growth to 42 locations across 15 US states, including why fitness businesses need to become known for solving one specific problem. He also shares why leaders need to become the "Chief Reminding Officer," how to avoid chasing every shiny object, and the Daily Big Three practice he uses to stay focused on what matters most.   - Become an FBP Insider (7 days free) https://fbpinsiders.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/ - Free live online events for fitness leaders https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents (00:00) Season 7 Begins (05:29) Discover Strength's Growth (08:34) Strength Training Differently (11:25) Different Beats Better (14:42) Solve One Problem (17:48) Chief Reminding Officer (21:10) Avoiding Shiny Objects (23:27) Discipline Creates Freedom (25:45) The Daily Big Three (32:35) Finding the Right Mentor   Our Guest, Luke Carlson: - Website: https://discoverstrength.com/- Franchise: https://discoverstrengthfranchise.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukecarlson3070/   Luke's Previous Fitness Business Podcast Episodes: - Episode 91: Identifying Your Core Purpose Makes Your Fitness Business Unique: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/luke-carlson-identifying-your-core-purpose-makes-your-fitness-business-unique-learn-more/ - Episode 108: Growing and Leading Your Fitness Business in the Future: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/luke-carlson-growing-and-leading-your-fitness-business-in-the-future/ - Episode 300: 5 Steps to Simplify Leadership: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/300-5-steps-to-simplify-leadership-luke-carlson/   Thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: - World Insurance Associates: Provides insurance, risk management, benefits, and wealth management services. https://worldinsurance.com/- MXM: Helps fitness clubs manage and improve their member experience. https://mxmetrics.com/- Centr x HYROX: Official HYROX training equipment designed to help members prepare with the equipment they will face in competition. https://centr.com/- Matrix Fitness: One of the world's leading manufacturers of commercial fitness equipment. https://matrixfitness.com/- Yanga Sports Water: Subscription-based, flavored, vitamin-enriched, and calorie-free water for gyms. https://yangasportswater.com/   About Our Guest: Luke Carlson is the founder and CEO of Discover Strength, a premier strength training brand and franchise operating across 15 states. Under his leadership, Discover Strength has achieved an industry-leading 94 Net Promoter Score (NPS) by delivering evidence-based exercise science with exceptional customer experience. An internationally recognized expert on leadership, management, and evidence-based exercise, Luke has keynoted for audiences across North America, Europe, China, Taiwan, Australia, and Brazil. He serves as Chair of the Board for the Health and Fitness Association and is one of North America's top-rated Vistage speakers, earning the prestigious 2022 Vistage Leadership Award.

What if your next wave of growth isn't coming from new leads, but from people who already know and trust your brand? In the final episode of Season 6, Justin Tamsett sits down with researcher Melissa Rodriguez to unpack two major industry reports: The Fitness Membership Divide and The Exercise Ecosystem. Together, they explore why former members represent a $27 billion opportunity, why nearly half plan to return to a gym, and how today's consumers are blending gym, studio, home, and digital fitness experiences. Melissa shares the data behind the rise of the omni-exerciser, the growing demand for wellness and recovery services, and the practical strategies fitness businesses can implement to increase retention, engagement, and revenue. Take the Next Step: - Become an FBP Insider (7 days free) https://fbpinsiders.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/ - Free live online events for fitness leaders https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents - Have a say in Season 7! https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/season-7/ - The Fitness Membership Divide Report https://www.patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast/posts/fitness-divide-162118509 - The Exercise Ecosystem Report https://www.patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast/posts/exercise-report-162117763/ Timestamps (00:00) Former Member Retention Opportunity (01:35) Free Fitness Industry Reports (03:48) Fitness Consumer Research Insights (06:23) Why Gym Members Cancel (09:30) Fitness Membership Trends (12:25) Gym vs Home Workout Trends (13:13) Omni-Exerciser Consumer Behavior (14:38) Recovery Services and Wellness Revenue (17:46) Fitness Consumer Spending Habits (21:18) Gym Growth Strategy Ideas (26:27) AI-Powered Gym Business Planning Our guest, Melissa Rodriguez - Website: https://datagonist.kit.com/datagonist - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissarodriguezmba/  Merch Sponsor REX Roundtables: - Website: www.REXRoundtables.com- Email: [email protected] Thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast:  Solution One Partners: Provides marketing, loyalty, and CRM solutions for the fitness industry. https://solutiononepartners.com/ Arsenal Strength: Manufactures professional strength gym equipment and offers custom gym design. https://www.myarsenalstrength.com/ Power Systems: Sells a wide range of fitness, strength, and conditioning equipment. https://www.power-systems.com/ BlkBox Fitness: Designs and manufactures gym equipment and creates bespoke training facilities. https://www.blkboxfitness.com Replify: Replify provides AI-driven receptionist and sales automation for fitness businesses. https://www.replify.ai/ About Our Guest: Melissa Rodriguez is the founder of Datagonist, a research firm specializing in consumer behavior and market trends across the fitness and wellness industry. With more than 13 years leading research initiatives at the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) and experience conducting market research at Mindbody, Melissa brings a unique blend of industry expertise and analytical rigor. Before moving into research, she worked as a personal trainer in commercial gyms, boutique studios, and community fitness settings, giving her firsthand insight into the realities of club operations. Today, she helps fitness businesses, technology companies, and industry stakeholders make smarter decisions through data-driven research and consumer insights.  Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

Strength training has never been more popular, yet millions of people still feel unsure about where to begin. In this episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, JT sits down with Ryan Hogan to unpack the findings from the latest Les Mills Global Fitness Report. Drawing on feedback from 10,000 fitness consumers worldwide, Ryan shares what gym owners need to know about the growing strength training confidence gap, the importance of onboarding, the role of club culture and "vibe," and why human connection may be the industry's greatest competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world. Take the Next Step: - Become an FBP Insider (7 days free) https://fbpinsiders.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/ - Free live online events for fitness leaders https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents - Have a say in Season 7! https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/season-7/ - Les Mills Report: https://www.patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast/posts/les-mills-2026-161197132 Timestamps (00:00) What 10,000 fitness consumers told us (04:26) The three biggest trends gym owners need to know (05:38) Why members are intimidated by strength training (08:21) The onboarding gap costing gyms members (11:05) What creates a great gym vibe? (13:45) Why group fitness spaces need to evolve (16:06) Mental health is changing the fitness industry (17:49) Why exercise feels like a chore (20:14) The motivation business mindset (21:42) The one investment every gym should make (24:12) Les Mills x HYROX explained Our guest, Ryan Hogan: - Website: https://www.lesmills.com.au/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanedwardhogan/  REX Roundtables: - Website: www.REXRoundtables.com- Email: [email protected] Thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: - ABC Fitness Solutions: Simplifies operations, amplifies marketing and sales efforts, and enables a dynamic member experience. https://abcfitness.com/ - Lionel University: Provides online degree and certificate programs in Exercise Science and fitness education. https://www.lionel.edu/ - Atlantis Strength: Designs and manufactures professional strength equipment for gyms and athletes. https://atlantisstrength.com/ - HireBob AI: Provides AI employees for fitness businesses for sales, support, and retention. https://hirebob.ai/ About Our Guest: Ryan Hogan is the CEO of Les Mills Asia Pacific and a senior and strategic executive with a proven background leading businesses in the global fitness industry. Ryan is recognised as an experienced leader who specialises in driving organisational culture, change management, strategy. Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

Motivation is often treated as the solution to retention, but according to behavior change expert Dr. Heather McKee, motivation may be one of the least reliable things fitness professionals can build around. In this episode, JT sits down with Heather to unpack why more access, more information, and more data are not creating better long term habits. Together they explore the science of behavior change, why traditional goal setting often backfires, and how operators can create systems that help people keep showing up long after motivation fades. If you want members to stay longer and create habits that survive real life, this conversation is packed with practical insights. Timestamps (00:00) Why this may be one of the most important retention conversations yet (04:03) Why motivation is failing members (08:31) Should gyms stop asking about goals? (13:04) The five whys exercise every coach should use (17:51) Why 10 out of 10 goals backfire (24:06) Drowning in data but starving for clarity (31:55) Why willpower is not the answer (38:27) Exercise vs movement and why language matters (47:22) The psychology behind streaks and habits (58:30) No failure in the first 90 days Take the Next Step: - Become an FBP Insider (7 days free) https://fbpinsiders.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/ - Free live online events for fitness leaders https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents - Have a say in Season 7! https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/season-7/ Our guest, Dr. Heather McKee: - Website: https://www.drheathermckee.co.uk/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drheathermckee/  Our Merch Sponsor: Cowboys Fit: https://cowboysfit.com/  REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: [email protected] Thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: - Les Mills USA: Creates pre-choreographed group fitness classes and offers home workouts. https://www.lesmills.com/us/- Referrizer: Provides automated marketing, referral, lead, and reputation management for local businesses. https://referrizer.com/- Energy Lounger: Sells the EnergyLounger, a full-body red and near-infrared light therapy device. http://www.energylounger.com/- Real Leader Fitness: Manufactures and sells commercial fitness and gym equipment. https://www.realleaderfitness.com/ - The Covery: Offers wellness, hormone replacement, weight loss, and aesthetic treatments. https://www.thecovery.com/ About Our Guest: Dr Heather McKee is a behaviour change specialist and keynote speaker, and Motivation Science Advisor to Myzone. With over a decade in health psychology, she helps fitness businesses improve member retention by turning motivation into habits that last. She has worked with 100+ global organisations including lululemon, Decathlon, and Rolls Royce. Heather specialises in designing behaviour-led experiences that keep people coming back, and her work has been featured in Time, Vogue, and The Huffington Post. Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

What are millions of fitness bookings telling us about the future of gyms, studios, and wellness? In this episode, JT sits down with Jeff Bladt to unpack the inaugural ClassPass 2026 Industry Impact Report and explore the trends shaping modern fitness behavior. They discuss why consumers increasingly want variety and discovery, how Pilates and HYROX-style training continue to surge, why recovery services are exploding in popularity, and how studios can better monetize unused class capacity. If you operate a gym, studio, or wellness business, this episode offers valuable insight into where the industry is heading next. Download the ClassPass report: https://www.patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast/posts/2026-classpass-160103135 You'll learn: - Why variety is becoming essential to fitness retention - The behavior patterns of long-term ClassPass users - The continued rise of Pilates and hot fitness formats - Why recovery and wellness services are growing rapidly - How ClassPass helps studios fill unused inventory - What gym operators can learn from ClassPass onboarding and reviews - The future of the ClassPass and EGYM relationship Timestamps: (00:00) Why JT wanted to unpack the ClassPass Industry Impact Report (02:32) Why the report data is so significant for the industry (05:10) The biggest takeaway: variety and discovery matter (08:11) Why users are trying 10+ studios on average (12:24) How ClassPass reduces onboarding friction for new exercisers (17:42) Why Pilates and hot fitness formats are booming (24:03) What happened to boutique cycling after the pandemic (28:06) The rise of recovery, stretching, and wellness ecosystems (37:01) How ClassPass helps studios monetize unused capacity (49:48) The future of the ClassPass and EGYM partnership Take the Next Step: - Become an FBP Insider (7 days free) https://fbpinsiders.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/ - Free live online events for fitness leaders https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents - Have a say in Season 7! https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/season-7/ Our guest, Jeff Bladt: - Website: https://classpass.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bladt/  Our Merch Sponsor: Mountainside Fitness: Website: https://mountainsidefitness.com/  REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: [email protected] Supplier's Pitch: Alantheus Thompson, Groe Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alantheus  Company Website: https://www.groe.solutions Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groe.solutions/ Company LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/groesolutions  Thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast:  BeBalanced Centers: Provides natural hormone balancing for weight loss and symptom relief. https://www.bebalancedcenters.com/ Instinctive Insights: Provides profit-driven marketing and data science services to increase customer acquisition. https://www.instinctiveinsights.com/ Eleiko: Manufactures and sells premium strength and weightlifting equipment. https://eleiko.com/en-usNetGym: Provides automated staff operations and sub-request management for fitness studios. https://www.netgym.comEGYM: Provides smart, connected fitness technology and equipment for gyms. https://egym.com/us About Our Guest: Jeff Bladt is Senior Vice President of Pricing and Marketplace at Playlist, the parent company of ClassPass, where he leads global marketplace strategy, pricing, and partner economics. He focuses on optimizing supply-demand dynamics, driving incremental revenue for partners, and enhancing user engagement through data-driven innovation. Bladt plays a key role in scaling ClassPass as a leading wellness marketplace, helping connect millions of users with fitness and wellness experiences worldwide. Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

Running a successful fitness business requires more than just hard work. It requires financial clarity. In this episode, JT speaks with Billy Hofacker, CEO of Fit Profit Solutions, about the numbers that actually drive profit, performance, and long term success. If you've been guessing your way through your finances, this episode will give you a clear starting point. You'll learn: - The biggest financial mistakes gym owners make - The core numbers every fitness business must track - Why revenue alone is misleading - How to project cash flow and avoid financial stress - What "net owner economic benefit" really means Timestamps (00:00) The two languages of business: owner vs accountant (03:10) Why gym owners struggle financially despite working hard (07:45) The biggest financial mistake in the fitness industry (12:20) Why revenue can be misleading without context (18:05) The 4 core numbers every gym owner must track (26:40) Why tracking daily numbers changes behavior (34:15) Cash flow vs profit and why they are different (42:50) Understanding profit margin in a gym business (50:30) When to hire and intentionally lower profit margin (58:10) Where to start if you don't know your numbers Take the Next Step: - Become an FBP Insider (7 days free) https://fbpinsiders.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/ - Free live online events for fitness leaders https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents - Have a say in Season 7! https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/season-7/ Our guest, Billy Hofacker: - Website: https://www.yourfitnessmoneycoach.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-hofacker-1641aa14/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billyhofacker/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billyhofacker/  REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: [email protected] Supplier's Pitch: Danny Orlick, NetGym NetGym Website: https://netgym.com/partners/fbp/ NetGym LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thenetgym NetGym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenetgym/ NetGym Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THEnetgym LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielorlick/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannyorlick_netgym/  Thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast:  Groe Solutions: Provides AI and computer vision software for gym member retention. https://www.groe.solutions Budderfly: Provides comprehensive, no-cost energy efficiency as a service for businesses. https://www.budderfly.com/ Gym TV (Club Com): Provides custom digital entertainment, music, and signage for fitness clubs.https://www.clubcom.com/ Simple Again (Performance Food Centers): Helps businesses open smoothie and juice bars with clean ingredients. https://www.performancefoodcenters.com Power Plate: Sells whole-body and targeted vibration plate machines for fitness and wellness.https://www.powerplate.com/ About Our Guest: Billy Hofacker, a 25-year fitness pro and BJJ black belt, built and sold Total Body Boot Camp on Long Island. Now, he helps Fit Pros win with money through his book Fitness Profits and top 1.5% podcast Your Fitness Money Coach. A Distinguished Toastmaster and sought-after speaker, Billy presents for top organizations like Perform Better. Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

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 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/ Free live online events for fitness leaders 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.comEmail: [email protected]   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!

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, REX Roundtables, 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 role fitness facilities play in changing (and sometimes saving) lives   Host takeover! Curious about the guest host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter.   Giveaway! Win a Copy of The Story Effect: Zoe (Guest Host!) is giving away two copies of The Story Effect. To enter: Go to fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail Click Start Recording Leave a short voice testimonial (under 60 seconds) Include your name and email Your voice may also be featured on a future episode!   Take the Next Step: - Become an FBP Insider (7 days FREE): https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast - Join our FREE live online events for fitness leaders: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents - Leave us a voicemail: fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail - Join our LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ - Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/  Quotes: "I have suffered and still do suffer imposter syndrome. I can be filled with self-doubt that I can actually help people or that I give value to people…" - JT "I really think the perception of our industry is what we get wrong… we're the most natural, healthy way to reduce the healthcare costs in every country, and yet governments still don't want to talk to us." - JT "If I can help save someone's life, if I can help save a marriage, if I can help someone get off medication because they're feeling better and more confident about themself through movement, then I'm happy." - JT   Key Topics & Timestamps (00:00) Why stories beat data for trust and action (01:23) Join the FBP Insider on Patreon and the Story Effect giveaway (02:38) Danielle takes over the mic and explains why JT's story matters (03:48) JT's "shockers": imposter syndrome, saying yes too often, and staying in fitness (06:37) JT's childhood in Sydney and how sport shaped his resilience (08:55) The choice: friends, sport, or being smart (and what JT picked) (11:11) Teaching in tough schools, the chair incident, and choosing fitness instead (15:53) Fiona's story and the moment JT understood fitness changes lives (23:02) What the fitness industry gets wrong: perception and participation (29:19) JT's hardest season: ulcerative colitis, optimism, and the "whole movie" takeaway   Our Guest Interviewer: Danielle Krischik, Partner, Chief Strategy Officer of The Knight Agency, and Author & Podcast Host of The Story Effect - Podcast and Book: https://thestoryeffect.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast - Knight Agency - https://knightagency.com/    Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/   REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: [email protected]   A heartfelt thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: Solution One Partners: Provides marketing, loyalty, and CRM solutions for the fitness industry. https://solutiononepartners.com/ Arsenal Strength: Manufactures professional strength gym equipment and offers custom gym design. https://www.myarsenalstrength.com/ Power Systems: Sells a wide range of fitness, strength, and conditioning equipment. https://www.power-systems.com/ BlkBox Fitness: Designs and manufactures gym equipment and creates bespoke training facilities. https://www.blkboxfitness.com Replify: Replify provides AI-driven receptionist and sales automation for fitness businesses. https://www.replify.ai/ "What we leave behind is not set in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." 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 Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

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 protect yourself and your team. If you are a coach, club owner, fitness entrepreneur, or leader who feels constantly tired, irritable, foggy, or disconnected, this conversation is essential listening.   Key highlights from the episode: What burnout actually is and how to recognize the early warning signs before you crash How burnout impacts your body, brain, relationships, and income Practical strategies to prevent burnout for yourself and your team   Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter!   Take the Next Step: ✔ Become an FBP Insider (7 days FREE): https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast ✔ Join our FREE live online events for fitness leaders: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents ✔ Leave us a voicemail: fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail ✔ Join our LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ ✔ Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/  Quotes: "I think of burnout as the point where your brain and your body hit the emergency brake after too much stress for too long." "You have to lower the floor instead of trying to raise the ceiling." "Burnout doesn't turn around because of a big dramatic change. It's the little shifts that make the difference."   Key Topics & Timestamps (00:00) Why Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honor (04:00) The WHO Definition and Signs of Burnout (10:30) Physical and Mental Effects of Chronic Stress (18:00) Why Hustle Culture Keeps Leaders in Denial (25:00) The Minimum Viable Week Framework (32:00) Nervous System Resets and Daily Recovery (40:00) Preventing Burnout Across Your Team (48:00) Scrolling, Stress, and Habit Formation (57:00) One Boundary + One Nourishing Habit Challenge   Our Guest: Emahlea Wilcher, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Approach Health ✔ Website: https://www.newapproach.health ✔ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emahlea/ ✔ Instagram: instagram.com/newapproach.health ✔ Costa Rica Burnout Recovery Retreat August 2026: https://www.newapproach.health/retreat    Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/   REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: [email protected]   A heartfelt thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: ABC Fitness Solutions: Simplifies operations, amplifies marketing and sales efforts, and enables a dynamic member experience. https://abcfitness.com/ Lionel University: Provides online degree and certificate programs in Exercise Science and fitness education. https://www.lionel.edu/ Atlantis Strength: Designs and manufactures professional strength equipment for gyms and athletes.https://atlantisstrength.com/ HireBob AI: Provides AI employees for fitness businesses for sales, support, and retention. https://hirebob.ai/ About Our Guest: Emahlea Wilcher, MPH, RD, LD, is a clinician, scientist, and founder of New Approach Health, a trauma-informed nutrition and burnout recovery practice. She helps high-achieving, stressed-out humans stop burning down their bodies to build their careers, using nervous-system–aware nutrition therapy and mind–body reconnection work. With dual master's degrees in public health nutrition and epidemiology (and her own history of burnout) Emahlea blends data, depth, and real-world compassion to help people feel safe, powerful, and at home in their bodies again.   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   Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

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 examples fitness business owners can implement immediately, from peer to peer shoutouts and leaderboards to automation using everyday tools like Microsoft Teams and Excel. If you want a more motivated team without burning yourself out as a leader, this episode is a must listen. Key highlights from the episode: Why recognition from managers is often more powerful than praise from executives How gamification increases engagement without relying only on cash rewards The SAPs framework and how to use status, access, power, and rewards with staff How peer to peer recognition strengthens culture and retention Practical, low cost gamification ideas for fitness businesses How automation tools can make recognition consistent and easy   Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter!   Got value from today's episode? ✔ Leave us a review on your favorite podcast app ✔ Send us a voicemail at fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail ✔ Share this episode with a colleague who wants to build a stronger team   Ready for more: ✔ Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast ✔ Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents ✔ Call in and let JT know if you think this has been the best season: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/ ✔ Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ Quotes: "We underestimate how meaningful it is to stop and say thanks, and the impact it can create." - Alex Grande "Recognition from a manager is more meaningful than from an executive, oftentimes because the manager knows more about that person." - Alex Grande "People want to be appreciated and people want to be heard." - Alex Grande   Jump Ahead: (00:03:00) What Reward and Recognition Really Mean in Fitness Businesses (00:05:00) Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation and the SAPs Framework (00:06:00) The Psychology of Recognition and Why It Works (00:07:00) Why Manager Feedback Matters More Than Executive Praise (00:09:00) What Gamification Looks Like in a Real World Workplace (00:11:30) Using Status, Access, Power, and Rewards to Motivate Staff (00:14:30) Peer to Peer Recognition and Building Stronger Team Culture (00:18:00) Automating Recognition with Microsoft Teams and Power Automate (00:22:00) Engaging Part Time and Casual Staff Through Recognition (00:26:30) How to Start a Recognition Program Without Overthinking It 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/    Recommended Books: ✔ Drive by Daniel Pink✔ Influence: The Art of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini Resources Mentioned: ✔ Microsoft 365 Tools ✔ Zapier ✔ Notion   Our Guest: Alex Grande, Founder & CEO of Recognize ✔ Website: https://recognizeapp.com/ ✔ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgrande/    Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/   REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: [email protected] A heartfelt thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: Les Mills USA: Creates pre-choreographed group fitness classes and offers home workouts. https://www.lesmills.com/us/ Referrizer: Provides automated marketing, referral, lead, and reputation management for local businesses. https://referrizer.com/ Energy Lounger: Sells the EnergyLounger, a full-body red and near-infrared light therapy device. http://www.energylounger.com/ Real Leader Fitness: Manufactures and sells commercial fitness and gym equipment. https://www.realleaderfitness.com/ The Covery: Offers wellness, hormone replacement, weight loss, and aesthetic treatments. https://www.thecovery.com/   "What we leave behind is not set in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." About Our Guest: Alex Grande is an entrepreneur and workplace innovation expert who combines gamification with HR technology to help organizations build stronger, more connected cultures.  As the founder of Recognize, a social employee engagement SaaS platform, he helps companies improve communication, recognition, and retention through behavioral science and thoughtful design. With a degree in psychology and published research in unconscious bias and social cognition, Alex brings an evidence-based, human-centered approach to creating recognition programs that drive lasting cultural change. 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. Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!