Fitness Business Asia Podcast

Jack highlights some of the common mistakes that prevent fitness studio owners from crafting an A-grade experience every time. The good news is that these are fairly easy to fix through training and adding in processes, procedures and structure. In today's episode we discuss: Don't be late Why lack of class structure hurts the experience Always plan ahead Why a timer makes everyone's lives better...

Sales is the backbone of any fitness business and a focus on selling right needs time and attention if you're to succeed. If you ever say you don't like selling or the product sells itself, you are doing your clients, your community and your business a big disservice. In this podcast, Rich Huston of Chi Fitness and FIRE Fitness highlights why it's so important and how to do it right. In this episo...

Jack talks to Rich Hutson, CEO of Malaysia's Chi Fitness and boutique offering FIRE in KL, about his long and eventful journey through Asia's fitness industry.  With Rich's vast experience in both bigbox and boutique fitness in Asia, he's the perfect person to speak to regarding what's happening in all areas of the region's industry. In this episode we discuss: Did Rick see much change between 200...

Jack answers a listener's question on how to find the right location for your fitness business in Asia. There are some crucial factors to consider when choosing the right spot for your business. In this episode Jack explores the topic and gives you some things to think about to take a step towards success. In today's episode we discuss: Why being the right side of the road can make all the differe...

Jack interviews Eric Malzone, host of The Future of Fitness podcast and fitness business consultant on what's happening stateside. They delve into fitness technology, Crossfit's journey and what we can learn from there success and we touch on many little gems that you'll be able to work into your business. In today's episode we discuss: How a text message started Eric's fitness business journey St...

The tables are turned as Eric Malzone of the Fitness Blitz and Future of Fitness podcasts interviews Jack Thomas, host of this podcast - Fitness Business Asia - and founder/CEO of BASE, on his story, cultural differences between the east and west and the fitness landscape in Asia. In today's episode we discuss:  My story in Asia (quick version) Why we're called BASE Creating the experience "Are yo...

Jack talks to Alex De Fina of Pherform in part 2 of their interview about building community, strong branding and how you can't fake consistency. Alex has done these things very well at Pherform and he's happy to share his thoughts and insights. Listen to episode 26 to take some important lessons from his journey and experience.  In today's episode we discuss: How do you build community? "Their he...

Jack talks to Alex De Fina, founder of Pherform and the now defunct Bikini Fit in Hong Kong. Alex is an industry veteran with a wealth of knowledge in fitness business. Alex has creating something very special with Pherform, building both a strong differentiator as well as a business that he can run remotely from abroad. In today's episode we discuss: Delving into the Alex's USP Running his HK gym...

In episode 24, Jack talks about the hiring process for your fitness business's staff. You may have heard 'hire slow, fire fast', but what does that mean? Jack goes through this, as well as some there crucial recruitment tips that will help you find the staff that are the right fit for your business. In today's episode: Hire slow Fire fast Ask yourself 'are they a good fit', not 'are they good or b...

In episode 23, Jack talks with Muk of Gorilla Strong, a Hong Kong-native and one-man brand who has been involved in HK's scene for over 10 years. Muk has been one of the most successful coaches I know in carving out a strong and powerful niche in Asia – kettlebell training.  Muk started off as a freelance coach and eventually ran his own studio in Hong Kong as pretty much a solo business. Muk tell...

In episode 22, Jack talks about the top ways boutique fitness studios can stand out, thrive and compete against big box offerings. There is certainly a place in the industry for both big, traditional gyms and small, specialized studios. For boutique fitness success, you must understand how the two offerings are different and double-down on the things that make studios unique and have contributed t...

In episode 21, Jack talks all things social media with Jake Anderson of One Life. One Life help gyms bring in new clients by combining an attractive opening offer with a well-structured social media campaign to target, and re-target, the right potential clients. We are in a golden age of paid social media marketing and Jake and his company are doing big things at the moment in this area. In today'...

In an action-packed episode 20, Jack goes through 10 tips that every fitness business can action today to improve the effectiveness of their Instagram account.  Instagram is arguably the primary social media channel for fitness businesses now so make sure that your account is doing your brand justice, not dragging it down. In today's episode: First impressions for your account The importance of go...

In episode 19, Jack concludes his two part interview with Noël Nocciolo who is a top Asia-based gym consultant and runs Boutique Fitness Talks. Noël and Jack cover a wide range of topics in this episode that will plant seeds of thought in many areas of your business.  In today's episode we discuss: The 3 ways to set up a fitness business Don't hurry the important stuff The elements of success How...

In episode 18, Jack sits down with Noël Nocciolo of Boutique Fitness Talks. Noël is a top consultant for indoor cycling studios with a huge depth of knowledge and experience within the Asian market. Her background working with some of the biggest boutique fitness studios worldwide makes for a very insightful discussion. In today's episode we discuss: Will we see more mergers and collaborations in...

In episode 17, Jack talks about email marketing, which is one of the best ways to really build a strong relationship with your clients.  When done correctly, email marketing can help to position you as an authority in your industry, it can strengthen the bond you have with your clients and ultimately it can really help to drive sales. In today's episode: Why you MUST be collecting your clients' em...

In episode 16, Jack sits down with Ross Campbell, founder and CEO of The FIT Summit. The FIT Summit is the region's first major B2B conference for the fitness industry and their first full event will be in Singapore on 20th March 2019. Whilst organizing the event, Ross has connected with many of the region's fitness business owners across the full spectrum of fitness and from the big chains to the...

In episode 15, Jack talks about PR – public relations. There are countless stories of brands being made by a clever and powerful PR campaign, but it's not easy. You need to be able to create and pitch an interesting, exciting story. Make people it a life-changing story and you could get massive coverage that elevates your brand in one . In today's episode: What's PR? What's good PR?! What channels...

In episode 14, we continue our interview with Peter Thew of Yoga Movement. We touch on many topics including branding, as well as a deeper dive into values, motivation and why 'following your passion' is not always the best advice. In today's episode we discuss: Why we all benefit from strong competition and a strong industry Which brands doing a great job and how Big box vs Boutiques The fitness...

In this special new year episode, Jack talks about a strategy he's used in the past to hold himself accountable for his goals. Sometimes motivation, procrastination or prioritizing other things makes progress hard. This is normal and fine, even good, to admit - but when it stops you from making the progress you deeply crave, you need to take drastic action. Jack wraps up the episode with some brie...

In episode 13, Jack sits down with Peter Thew of Yoga Movement in Singapore to talk branding and about Pete's six and half year journey into Asia's fitness industry. Pete co-founded Yoga Movement over 6 years ago and it's since grown to 6 studios with exciting plans for the future. Pete and his company have played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore's yoga scene and fitness industry, so if you cou...

In episode 12, Jack dives deeper into a big point that was touched on in his interview with Pete Thew of Yoga Movement. There is one simple thing that you can start doing today that will have a big and positive impact on your business and life. It's free and simple, but very few people do it. In today's podcast:  The common trait successful people share Why successful people are willing to share w...

In episode 11, Jack continues his discussion with Claire Goodill, GM of Expansion for ClassPass in Asia during their recent wave of launches across the region.   Claire spoke to hundreds of studio owners and fitness professionals in the region during her 6 months in Singapore and Bangkok, offering a unique insight into what's going on in our fitness scene and what we can expect in the coming years...

In episode 9, Jack shares a recent experience he had as a client of another business and what we can learn from it. Looking at all businesses through the lens of a business owner can be incredibly useful. Even when you go to a coffee shop – what do they do well? What don't they do well? What can you learn, and what do you see that you need to make sure isn't happening in your business? Every time...

FBA 10: ClassPass in Asia: Everything you need to know with Claire Goodill, GM of Expansion In episode 10, Jack talks to ClassPass's former General Manager of Expansion for ClassPass who spearheaded the company's growth across Asia. With quick-fire launches across major cities in Asia – Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, KL and Dubai – ClassPass have quickly established themselves as the premier class...