Shaping the Future and Lobbying for Change in the Fitness Industry: Episode 529

Are you not sure if AI is right for your fitness business? This episode is a deep-dive into how your business could be using AI to streamline your operations, personalise the client experience, and ultimately improve business efficiency. Host Justin Tamsett speaks with Dr Ted Vickey, a fitness technology strategist, to discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT can help improve your gym or studio. You’ll learn real-life applications and how personal trainers, gym owners and managers are taking advantage of AI today. Listen to this episode and get ready to enhance leadership, drive innovation, and boost profits.   Key Takeaways: AI's Role in Fitness: AI can automate repetitive tasks, personalise client experiences, and analyse data to inform decision-making. ChatGPT's Applications: ChatGPT can be used to generate workout programs, create personalised content, and even draft emails. The Future of Fitness Professionals: While AI can automate certain tasks, it's unlikely to replace the personal touch and expertise that human trainers provide. Overcoming Misconceptions: The hosts address common misconceptions about AI, emphasising its potential to enhance rather than replace human capabilities. Leave us a voicemail!   Our favourite quotable moments: “When you combine awareness, practice and experience, you’re not just reacting to life, you’re responding and shaping it in the way you want it to look.” - Brian Weaver “70% of the tasks that you do as a fitness professional can and should be replaced by ChatGPT.” - Ted Vickey “Let AI do what it’s good at: the repetitive stuff.” - Ted Vickey “Clients are looking to us as an expert. We need to be able to take AI information and bring it to a level where our clients can understand it.” - Ted Vickey   Resources: Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn CommunityMystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website Dr Ted Vickey - LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Fit Well - Website Fit Well Academy - Website The Fitness Professionals Guide to ChatGPT by Dr Ted Vickey - Buy now. First Chapter Giveaway Offer (Connect with Ted on LinkedIn)   Wise Words Guest: Brian Weaver - Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook   In The Trenches With A REXer: Jason Jaquays-Tarbox - Website and LinkedIn   Sponsor’s Pitch: Clint with Max Members - Website    Merch Sponsor: Myzone - Website   REX Trusted Suppliers: Power Systems - Website Myzone - Website MXM Metrics - Website Digital Revenue Systems - Website REX Roundtables - Website and Email   About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations. Related: AI in fitness business, ChatGPT for fitness, Streamline fitness business operations, Personalize client experience in fitness, AI tools for gym owners, Future of fitness professionals with AI, AI and fitness misconceptions, How to use AI to boost fitness profits, fitness technology, fitness podcast

Are you looking for a unique and effective way to market your gym, attract new members and retain members and staff? Podcasting is the answer. In this episode, we chat with podcast producer Jamie Kennedy, exploring how gyms can leverage podcasts to build community, increase member and staff retention, and position themselves as thought leaders in the fitness industry. Key Takeaways: - Podcasting is a powerful storytelling tool. Use it to share your gym's story, highlight member success stories, and provide valuable fitness tips and advice. - Podcasting can improve member retention. By providing valuable content and fostering a sense of belonging, podcasts can help keep members engaged and motivated. - Podcasting can position your gym as a thought leader. By sharing expert insights and industry knowledge, you can establish your gym as a go-to resource for fitness information. Podcasting can be a valuable tool for gym leaders who want to increase their visibility, build community, and attract new members. Listen to this episode to create a successful podcast that will help your gym stand out from the competition. Our favourite quotable moments: "Storytelling is an incredible way to sell your offering, your product, your service." - Jamie Kennedy "Podcasts can be a great tool for the top of the marketing funnel (building awareness)." - Jamie Kennedy "Your job is to create a podcast that is helping solve your target audience's biggest struggles." - Jamie Kennedy If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Resources: Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn CommunityMystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website Jamie Kennedy - LinkedIn Brave Moon Podcasts - Website Resources: Free podcast launch guide for leaders in health & fitness - Download today. Podcastle - Podcast recording and transcription platform option 1. First 3 hours are free. Riverside - Podcast recording and transcription platform option 2. Acast - Podcast hosting platform option 1. Libsyn - Podcast hosting platform option 2. Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller Stories that Stick by Kindra Hall Wise Words Guest: Dr Paul Bedford - Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube In The Trenches With A REXer: Troy Morgan - Website and LinkedIn Willows Gym - Website  Sponsor’s Pitch: MXMetrics - Website and LinkedIn Jason Abucejo - LinkedIn REX Trusted Suppliers: ROR Partners - Website Precor - Website Performance Foods - Website REX Roundtables - Website and Email About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations. Related: start a podcast, start a podcast business, fitness business marketing strategies, podcast marketing strategy, podcast marketing trends, podcast marketing online, podcast marketing tips, fitness business ideas, fitness business growth, member retention Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

As a gym owner, you're constantly striving to grow your business and provide the best possible experience for your members. But did you know that joining a national fitness association can significantly impact your bottom line, including member and staff retention? Key Takeaways: - The importance of advocacy: Discover how industry associations are lobbying governments to create favourable policies for gyms. - The benefits of joining an association: Learn about the resources and support available to members, such as networking opportunities, educational materials, and industry expertise. - How to advocate for your business: Gain insights into effective advocacy strategies that can help you shape the future of the fitness industry. By listening to this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the role of industry associations and how they can benefit your gym. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and grow your business. Listen to the episode now! Our favourite quotable moments: “If you can't talk dollars to the government, they're not interested." - Barrie Elvish "We need to be part of the health continuum moving forward. And we are leading fitness through health." - Liz Clark "EQ is responsible for upwards of 60% of workplace performance." - Lindsay Vastola "[The Fitness industry] needs to be recognized as a key player in preventive healthcare." - Barrie Elvish If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Resources: Continue the conversation in our LinkedIn Community Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website Barrie Elvish - LinkedIn AusActive - Website Liz Clark - LinkedIn Health & Fitness Association - Website Richard Beddie - LinkedIn Exercise New Zealand - Website Fit for Office - Website Myzone - Website Wise Words Guest: Lindsay Vastola - LinkedIn and Website Vast Potential - Website Sponsor’s Pitch: Egym - Website Dana Milkie - LinkedIn REX Trusted Suppliers: Smart Health Clubs - Website Saltbox - Website Reinig Insurance - Website Club Com - Website REX Roundtables - Website and Email About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations. Related: Fitness industry advocacy training, public health campaigns, mental health awareness, physical activity promotion, physical activity promotion video, member retention, member retention strategies, gym member retention, Emotional intelligence (EQ), emotional intelligence in the workplace, COVID-19 impact on fitness industry, Membership cancellation laws, gym membership sales, gym membership cancellations, gym owner, gym manager

Fitness Business Podcast is back! Version 3.0 kicks off with an episode to knock your (gym) socks off. Are you struggling to increase your fitness business's bottom line? This episode of the Fitness Business Podcast reveals five proven strategies that can help you boost profits and take your business to the next level. Key Takeaways: - Maximize lead generation and boost retention. Discover how to audit your sales system and capture more leads to increase revenue, as well as learn effective strategies to keep members engaged and extend their memberships, resulting in higher profitability. - Motivate your team. Uncover how to create a positive and supportive work environment that inspires your staff to deliver exceptional service. - Optimize your gym’s finances. Learn how to pay yourself a fair salary and save excess cash in high-yield accounts to build wealth. Listen now to discover actionable steps you can implement today to drive growth and success in your fitness business. Our favourite quotable moments: “If you want a line of people wanting to work for you, including those who already do, then start caring about your team as humans first and team members second.” - Justin Tamsett "To fully understand perceived value, you must see your entire business through the eyes of your customer." - Justin Tamsett "[Digital signage] becomes an additional communication tool that could help increase revenue and reduce costs." - Taylor Watkins "What we leave behind is not set in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - FBP Community Signoff If you’re loving the podcast, please leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Resources: Continue the conversation in our LinkedIn Community. Keepme.ai - Website Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website Profit First book - Amazon Episode 24 with Mike Michalowicz Dr Paul Bedford - LinkedIn Mike Michalowicz - Website Wise Words Guest: Alan Leach - LinkedIn Sponsor’s Pitch: Digital Revenue Systems - Website REX Trusted Suppliers: Wellness Spaces - Website Solutions One - Website Egym - Website REX Roundtables - Website and Email About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations. Related keywords: Fitness Business Lead Generation Strategies, Increase Retention Rate at Fitness Clubs, Staff Training for Fitness Sales, Referral Programs for Fitness Gyms, High-Yield Savings Accounts for Business, Fitness Business Staff Motivation Techniques, Gym Owner Salary Optimization, Digital Signage Solutions for Fitness Clubs, Fitness Industry Government Lobbying

Are you a gym owner or manager looking to improve conversions from prospects to members, member satisfaction, employee retention, innovation and profitability? Many fitness podcasts focus solely on lead generation, but we believe the real key to long-term success lies in effective leadership and reducing churn of both staff and members. Host Justin "JT" Tamsett, a leader in the global fitness and wellness culture, brings you actionable advice from multiple industry experts in each episode. With over 1 million downloads, this podcast offers brilliant strategies to overcome challenges in the fitness industry today. Whether you run a big-box gym or boutique studio, this podcast is your lifeline to hands-on experience. Educate yourself today on how to hit record sales numbers, boost member retention, build a high-performing team, and skyrocket your revenue through strong leadership. Listen and subscribe now! Join our email list. Join the Fitness Business Podcast community. Q: Is this podcast right for me?A: The podcast is for independent, chain and franchise owners, managers and department managers ready to be the best: Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, Equinox, Anytime Fitness, PureGym, David Lloyd Leisure, Virgin Active, Snap Fitness, Crunch Fitness, F45, Pure Barre, Barry's Bootcamp, SoulCycle, Psycle, The Movement Nation, and much more. Q: How often are new episodes released? A: New episodes drop twice a month, delivering valuable education to help you grow your fitness business. Q: What can I expect to learn from the show this season? A: Expect to learn about building strong communities, boosting member retention, creating a better employee experience, and navigating the future of fitness. Q: Who are your sponsors? A: This show is supported by REX Roundtables and Active Management. About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often.  JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.  Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations.

The Fitness Business Podcast is ending after 8 years and 527 shows, but we are leaving you with a thought-provoking episode.  There is no easy business, and the fitness business certainly can present its challenges. But fortunately, our industry is filled with industry leaders willing to share their knowledge and advice. Today's episode is filled with exactly that.   Our guest is JT Tamsett, a business expert with extensive experience in the fitness industry. JT's work with Rex Roundtables and Active Management makes him the perfect person to share his knowledge and advice on the challenges of running a fitness business. Learn the difference between a blue ocean and a red ocean in the marketplace, highlighting the importance of finding unique opportunities. JT also defines the difference between trends and fads, emphasizing the significance of long-lasting styles and habits. He emphasizes the importance of strategy and planning, explaining how they support each other in achieving business goals. Lastly, JT discusses the misconception that quitting or ending a project is a sign of failure, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to move on and focus energy elsewhere. We hope you enjoy!  Show Notes: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/527 The Fitness Business Podcast has been a beacon of education and inspiration for fitness business owners around the world. It has provided a platform for industry experts to share their knowledge and insights, helping listeners improve their businesses and achieve their goals. While the podcast may be taking a pause for now, the impact it has made will continue to resonate within the fitness industry. As we look to the future, we can expect new opportunities and ventures from the hosts of the Fitness Business podcast. Their expertise and passion for the industry will undoubtedly lead to new ventures that will continue to shape the fitness business landscape. In the words of JT Tamsett, "You never say never." So, while this may be the end of the Fitness Business podcast for now, who knows what the future holds? - Dori Nugent, Weekly Host

Lou Lentine believes connected fitness is here to stay, as it offers convenience and affordability for people who may not have time to go to the gym. Echelon Fitness is constantly innovating and has several new products launching, including treadmills, ellipticals, a stair climber, and partnerships with Disney and Advent Health.  Summary: Join Sarah Pellegrino as she speaks with Lou Lentine, the founder and CEO of Echelon Fitness, who shares his background and story behind this global company.  Echelon Fitness offers a range of smart fitness equipment, including bikes, rowers, treadmills, and mirrors. The equipment can connect to the Echelon Fit app, which provides access to over 1,500 live classes per month. Echelon Fitness has a strong community of supportive members and instructors who are relatable and real. The company has seen success in both the home and commercial fitness markets, with a low churn rate and high usage levels.  About The Guest Lou Lentine is the founder and CEO of Echelon Fitness. With a background in product development and a track record of successful consumer products, Lou started Echelon Fitness in 2015. He was inspired to create fitness products after his doctor advised him to get in shape. Echelon Fitness has since become a global leader in connected fitness, offering a range of smart fitness equipment and an app with over 1,500 live classes per month. Key Takeaways: Echelon Fitness offers a range of smart fitness equipment, including bikes, rowers, treadmills, and mirrors. The equipment can connect to the Echelon Fit app, which provides access to over 1,500 live classes per month. Echelon Fitness has a strong community of supportive members and relatable instructors. The company has seen success in both the home and commercial fitness markets, with a low churn rate and high usage levels. Connected fitness offers convenience and affordability for people who may not have time to go to the gym. Echelon Fitness is constantly innovating and has several new products launching, including treadmills, ellipticals, a stair climber, and partnerships with Disney and Advent Health.

The passion that fills today's episode is inspiring. Tim Keightley has dedicated his professional career to making a difference in the fitness industry. His journey is incredible and worth a listen as he shares what he has learned along the way. From his time in the British Royal Marines to his leadership roles in fitness clubs, Tim provides valuable insights on fortitude, leadership, and building successful businesses. Tim Keightley is a veteran in the fitness industry with over 25 years of experience. He has held various leadership positions in well-known fitness organizations, such as Fitness First UK and New York Sports Clubs. Tim is known for his expertise in building and scaling successful fitness businesses, as well as his passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals. Read show notes:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/525

Learn how to take your personal training business to new heights with Anthony Amen, the owner and visionary behind Redefine Fitness in New York.   Anthony shares his expertise in selling personal training. He emphasizes the importance of knowing how to sell to help more people and make a difference in their lives. He discusses the steps to take before starting the sales process, including creating a welcoming and clean gym environment, making a personal connection with potential clients, and offering a tour that focuses on building rapport. He also highlights the importance of role-playing to improve sales skills and overcome objections. Anthony concludes by explaining the key elements of a successful fitness assessment and the importance of asking for the sale. Check out the show notes here:  https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/524

Terry Blachek, CEO and owner of Austin Fitness Group, LLC, which operates 133 Orangetheory studios across Texas, Arizona, and Kansas, shares his insights on building a dream team and cultivating a successful and productive work environment.  Terry Blachek is a seasoned leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the fitness industry. He has successfully launched and managed multiple fitness businesses, and is known for his expertise in building dream teams. Terry is also the host of the podcast "Tuesdays with Terry," where he shares insights on self-development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and sales and marketing. He's also one of the original founders of Orangetheory Fitness.  Get the full show notes here:  https://fit