Gym Business Coach Podcast

Imagine having access to secret business metrics that could dramatically increase your retention rates, optimize your operations, and enhance your customer service. That’s exactly what Tim and Randy’s guest can offer gym owners. In this episode, Tim and Randy sit down with Dan Uyemura, CEO and founder of PushPress, to discuss how technology is transforming fitness business operations.  Dan shares...

This episode recaps the Iron Circle Winter 2024 mastermind experience, a three-day gathering for gym owners held in Orlando. This wasn't a typical business retreat - it was a deep dive into what makes a business truly successful beyond the numbers. One of the guest speakers was Jeff Hoffman, the founder of Priceline.com. This brilliant speaker inspired all participants to reflect on their lead...

There's a point in every gym when you just don't grow anymore. Your gym seems stuck, no matter what you do. This phenomenon is something many gym owners face but rarely discuss - the point of no return. In the fitness business, attrition is as certain as gravity: you gain members, you lose some, and when you reach a growth ceiling, adding more members doesn't necessarily increase profi...

What if there was a way to let your gym run itself for a month or two, allowing you to step back, watch it thrive, and enjoy the fruits of your labor without being caught in the day-to-day grind? Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's not as far-fetched as you might think. The secret lies in going back to the basics, to the very core of operational success: systems. Yes, the magic ingredient t...

This week, we're going back to revisit an old episode where Tim and Randy talked about the unique factors that make your gym stand out from the crowd.    Understanding these factors is important, as success in the fitness industry isn't just about luck or chance; it requires a strategic approach and careful consideration of certain factors. From gym location to training models to programmi...

Managing people is tough in any business. Gyms are no exception. You need to deal with different personalities and the fact that life outside the gym affects how your team acts inside it. Also, over time, they may become too comfortable and stop following the gym's rules. Sounds familiar? Most gym owners have likely faced coaches who start to slack off at some point. It begins with them not fu...

A milestone is reached for Tim and Randy - the Built to Grow podcast hits the 500th episode!   Over four and a half years, they've consistently delivered twice-weekly episodes packed with insights to inspire and educate their audience. But this one is a bit different. Over the last month, gym owners have been calling in with their questions, and Tim and Randy are going to answer them in this s...

There are two mistakes gym owners often make. Some of them get really into making their programs and become so involved that they can't step back and see the bigger picture.  It’s a kind of paradox - although deep involvement in programming can be a gym's unique strength, it can also be its Achilles' heel. The personal touch in programming is often what's actually holding back the...

Pain is often seen negatively but can be a key ally for entrepreneurs, especially gym owners. Although this might sound counterintuitive, the truth is that it's pain, not pleasure, that really pushes you to succeed.  Take your gym clients, for instance. Many start their fitness journey motivated by a desire to get fit, lose weight, address back pain, you name it... Initially, they're disci...

Work-life balance is something ordinary people aim for. But for those who want to be among the top 5% of their industry, it's a different story. If you run a gym and want to be really successful, it's not just about working hard. You need to be literally obsessed with your goals. This means your work will often take over your personal life. Entrepreneurs face huge pressures in balancing th...

As 2024 unfolds, it's time to decide what we want for our gyms this year. In the past, the focus might have been on increasing gross revenue or boosting member count. But now, your focus probably should be shifted towards simplifying operations.  Simplifying doesn't just make things easier; it also brings better results. You become more efficient, save time, and even see a rise in your pro...

January is here, and for gym owners, it's not what many think. It's a common myth that gyms are overflowing with new clients turning their New Year's resolutions into practice. But the truth is, things are quite different. On January 1st, you won't see a crowd rushing to the gym, all feeling guilty after the holidays. In fact, expect few new faces in the early days of the month. Ev...

Tired of the same old gym strategies that produce the same old average results? Can you imagine yourself scaling your business with new approaches that go far beyond gym-related stuff and traditional marketing? No? Yes? You don’t know? Easier said than done?   Well, Tim and Randy have a solution for you!  They know exactly where you can learn how to diversify your income, build a strong personal b...

There's a common financial roadblock that many gym owners face - the $30,000-a-month revenue mark. It's like hitting a ceiling that's hard to break through. In fact, many of them remain stuck just below that magic number for years, and it’s a pattern more common than you might think.  This might be connected to the Dunbar number, which is about 150. This number represents the amount of...

The story that follows is a situation all gym owners hate, but most of them have faced it at least once.  One of the Iron Circle members, enjoying a rare break from his daily responsibilities at the gym, was visiting his daughter who was studying in another state. However, he got an unexpected email: one of his main coaches had decided to resign.  With no backup plan in place, the gym owner had to...

You wouldn't attempt to repair a car while driving it, right? Similarly, when it comes to a gym business, you need to set aside intentional time to work on business growth. Because planning and strategizing (like developing growth strategies, marketing plans, and retention tactics) cannot be done amidst day-to-day operations. The rule is simple – business is all about intentionality. If you wa...

Gym owners face numerous challenges, but there's one mistake too many of them are making: how they pay their trainers.  The common payment model for gym trainers is letting trainers keep most or all of the earnings from their sessions (like a 70:30 split favoring the coach).  This may sound harsh, but it is all wrong! Yes, it seems kind, keeping in mind the hard work trainers put in. But is it...

When was the last time you actually paused and looked back at your own progress? Let me guess - not recently. It's easy to overlook our own achievements in the chase for the next big thing, as most of us do. So this time, you can make a small change that can have a huge impact on your gym business. Use the end of the year, when most of us recap 2023, as an opportunity. It's the perfect tim...

Ever thought sending too many emails or texts to clients was a big no-no in marketing your gym? Well, you’re not alone. It’s a common fear among gym owners that they would bother clients with too much communication and make them opt out.  But the real business of gym marketing isn't about preventing opt-outs - it's about driving sales.  Your revenue actually directly relates to the number...

Ever heard the saying, "If you're the smartest in the room, you're in the wrong room"?  Well, that's exactly why the Iron Circle was created. It's a place for gym owners who've grown beyond their current circles. This mastermind group is for the best in the gym industry. So, if you can call yourself a top dog among gym owners, then this episode is right for you.  This t...

Ever wondered what sets apart a good athlete from a great one? Sure, training hard matters, but there's another big piece of the puzzle – how well you fuel your body. That is exactly the topic of this week’s episode, in which Randy sits down with Justin Kegley, a sports performance coach and author of the book 'High-Performance Nutrition for High School Athletes.' Justin is also an Iro...

In the world of fitness, staying ahead means more than just keeping up with the latest exercise trends. It's about understanding the business side of things and being able to foresee future challenges and opportunities in order to better adapt to our fast-changing world. Back at the beginning of the fitness industry, having modern equipment in your gym was probably enough to be way ahead of yo...

Thinking of hiring a new coach for your gym but worried about the cost? You're not alone. Many gym owners hesitate to hire because they're scared it'll cost too much, especially if they're not making enough money yet.  But here's the thing – hiring someone is actually about making more money. When you bring on new staff, you're basically expanding your capacity to serve mor...

Ever felt like you're stuck on the gym floor, training clients day in and day out, unable to focus on growing your business? Imagine having more time to strategize, grow your business, and still maintain the quality of your gym. Sounds like a perfect scenario? Then this episode will be perfect for you! This week, Tim and Randy discuss this critical shift from a hands-on gym owner to a strategi...

The large group training model is on its way out, and this isn't just guesswork. It's what the numbers from many gym chains are showing. Take Orangetheory, for example. At their recent convention, they revealed that most members stick around for only three to four months. This short stay means gyms like these are always hustling to get new members. It's a hard way to keep a gym going....