Built To Grow

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.Even though many people put health and fitness at the top of their New Year's resolutions, they don't always jump into action right away. In reality, gym sign-ups usually don't pick up until February, sometimes even March.Why is this? Well, one reason is the so-called "holiday hangover" effect. People might want to start exercising, but it often takes them some time to get going.Another usual thing in January is the rise in gym cancelations. With so many gyms throwing out tempting deals, some of your current members might be drawn to try other places.And when money is tight, gym memberships are often

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 brand, manage finances, scale up, develop investment strategies, lead effectively, understand tax benefits and strategies, master negotiation tactics, and so much more.That place is the Iron Circle, where gym owners aim not only to add another $1,000 to their income but to double it and go even further. In this episode, Tim and Randy dive into the upcoming changes and enhancements for their Iron Circle community in 2024. They discuss plans to expand the community, add varied events, and feature high-profile speakers like Jeff Hoffman, co-founder of Priceline.com, Jesse Cole of Savannah Bananas, and Gino Wickman, founder of

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 personal relationships you can realistically manage in a business setting. If you consider an average gym membership fee for larger group training sessions at around $200, and you multiply that by 150 members, you land right at that $30,000 monthly revenue mark. Of course, gym models vary - some might charge more than $200, others less, but most gyms find themselves averaging about $200 per member. Even when gyms sell extra things like merchandise or run special programs, it often doesn't help them make much more than $50,000 to $60,000 a month.So, the big question for gym owners is: what can you do differently? W

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 cut his vacation short and rush back. Upon his return, he found himself back in the trenches, covering for the absent coach. For the next few weeks, he was swamped with 40 to 50 hours of training sessions. Sounds familiar? Well, this wasn't just a vacation interrupted; it was a clear sign of a deeper issue and one of the biggest mistakes gym owners make: the lack of a second-in-command.But having just one director or coach isn't enough; there should be at least two or three to provide enough layers of insulation between gym owners and the direct delivery of services.Gym owners need to transition from the minds

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 want your business to grow, you need to spend time actively working on it. Yet, many gym owners, even experienced ones, get swept up in day-to-day tasks, neglecting to plan for the future of their business. If you leave important tasks for only leftover time, then the question is Are you truly in control? Probably not, because in that case, others are dictating your schedule, and your business is not being prioritized as it should be.A practical solution is to implement a structured calendar for your day. Be specific about how you spend your time and clearly identify each task you should finish. Some might think this app

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 really the best for the business? When you own a gym, it’s important to think about more than just trainer satisfaction. There's rent, marketing costs, and the effort to get clients through the door. So, if you’re letting trainers take a huge slice of the revenue, your gym will barely make ends meet because split payments often do more harm than good to a gym's financial health. As a gym owner who bears the brunt of the risk, you should structure your business to ensure you are adequately compensated. If this common mistake is eating into your gym profits, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as Tim and Randy

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 time to think about balancing recapping with planning for the future. Take a moment to reflect on where your gym was last year. Consider what milestones your gym has reached in the meantime. No matter how small they are, they are your victories.Celebrating them isn't just about feeling good; it's about recognizing your growth and feeling grateful for it. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you haven't achieved to the progress you've made. This mindset fosters positivity and motivation, keeping you grounded and focused. It’s a practical way to maintain a healthy, forward-looking mindset while staying conn

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 of offers you make. If clients don't know what you're selling, they can't buy. And you definitely can’t wait for them to come asking - that just doesn't happen. You need to be proactive, even aggressive, in your marketing. Yes, this might lead to some unsubscribes, but the people who really value what you offer will stick around.Think about how e-commerce works. Ever left something in your online cart and then got an email or text nudging you to complete the purchase? Or when you buy something on Black Friday sales - you often keep being bombarded with texts and emails even after buying something. That&

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 time, Tim and Randy dive into how the Iron Circle helps with business and personal growth. They discuss everything from leadership and money management to real estate and personal freedom.They talk about all the things Iron Circle members learn, even secrets someone might think should stay hidden. Unlike other groups, this mastermind encourages members to share knowledge and collaborate, even with competitors. So, if you feel stagnant in your current group or mastermind, this episode could open new doors.Tim and Randy will show you how Iron Circle members have boosted their profits, diversified their businesses, enjoyed

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 Iron Circle member and owner of the Movement Fitness facility in Rockford, Illinois. His journey in the fitness industry, particularly in training athletes, is driven by his own experiences as a college football player and his desire to help the next generation reach their potential. He’s on a mission to instill habits that promote long-term health and well-being.In this interview, Justin shares insights from his book, focusing on educating both parents and athletes about proper nutrition, hydration, and a protein-centric diet. In addition to physical training and nutrition, he also emphasizes mental resilience as one of

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 your competition. However, today, it's much more about delivering quality and personalized experiences to an increasingly educated client base. Coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, these shifts have caused a new trend - the rise of semi-private gyms, offering more personalized training experiences. They also underscored a crucial point - success in the fitness world today isn't just about knowing your squats and lunges; it's about business savvy, adaptability, and understanding the evolving needs of clients. This is also the topic of this week’s episode featuring Chris Poirier from Perform Better, an agency o

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 more clients, boost sales, and grow your business.However, you don't just bring someone on board and hope for the best. It involves a well-thought-out strategy, beginning with a clear understanding of the financial aspects involved.That's where Tim and Randy come in. This week, they'll be sharing their proven approach to hiring for driving sustainable growth in your business.Join them for this episode as they break down the common challenges faced by gym owners when bringing on new team members, such as budget constraints and the stress of financial commitments. They’ll also provide a strategic analysis of yo

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 strategic business leader.Gym owners, much like other entrepreneurs, often find it hard to step away from the gym floor and trust others with client training. Often, they feel like they have to micromanage everything, thinking no one else can match their level of personal investment in their own business.But they need to make that mental shift to focus on growing their business instead of being bogged down in day-to-day operations. To help gym owners in the journey of overcoming the fear of letting go, Tim and Randy share exact steps for handing off responsibilities. They offer a simple guide on how to hire and train new coach

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.Of course, new gyms will continue to open with large group models because it's easy to start: you just need a big open space, basic equipment, and coaches who focus more on motivation than deep training skills.However, this business model is not sustainable in the long run.One of the reasons is the low price point. To make it work financially, you need a lot more members compared to higher-priced, semi-private, or one-on-one training clubs. Plus, with the same number of members leaving each month, these gyms need to constantly replace a significant number of clients every month just to break even. It's a quick

When it’s time to raise the prices in your gym, there's always a fear among gym owners that it might lead to losing some clients. Usually, you won’t lose too many clients unless you raise your prices insanely, but still, it’s never a pleasant part of running this business.But what if there is a pricing model that allows for an increase in prices without upsetting your clients? In fact, they might even be grateful. This isn't a far-fetched idea but a shift from the traditional tiered structure to a more streamlined, flexible approach.Typically, gyms follow a good-better-best pricing format, offering memberships for twice a week, three times a week, and unlimited semi-private sessions. The innovation here is in eliminating the 'middle' option and making the cheapest one more flexible.This leaves clients with two clear choices: a flexible 2-3 times a week membership and an unlimited option. This new flexibility not only enables a price increase but also moves away from the usual session-counting

Imagine having a dozen new clients next week without launching new campaigns, spending extra money, or pitching your gym's benefits.This might sound unrealistic, as our usual strategy for attracting more clients typically involves generating fresh leads, expanding our email list, or designing new ad campaigns to draw in new members to the gym.There's also the important aspect of nurturing relationships with these new gym-goers, going above and beyond, and earning their trust – all crucial for a gym's long-term success.But what if these potential clients already know and are keen to return to your gym? Yes, we’re talking about your past clients. Have you ever wondered if it's worth reconnecting with them?In this episode, we dive into that big topic: getting your past clients back.These individuals once benefited from your services but eventually left for various reasons. Now, they're just names in your database, not receiving any of your attention, and here lies untapped potential.Past clie

Many gym owners and trainers struggle with setting the right prices for their services, often charging less than they should. Typically, this is due to a psychological barrier rather than the true value of their offerings.It's common for trainers to undervalue their services because working out is part of their routine. They overlook that what seems easy for them can be a challenge for someone else.So, what’s important for them to realize is that the value of a service isn't limited to the session itself. It also includes the years of knowledge and expertise that professionals bring to the table.Like a plumber who has learned to fix a leak in minutes after years of practice, trainers have invested time and effort in honing their skills. That’s why, in this case, selling isn’t just a simple exchange of time for money; it's about the comprehensive value you provide.The gym is more than just a place to work out; it's about the full range of solutions you provide your clients, like personalized pl

This episode is all about something that touches all of us – the economy. And it doesn't matter where you are in the world; the economy is creating ripples that affect everyone, everywhere.While official figures may report inflation rates of 7-8%, the numbers we see on price tags suggest a much bigger increase.Take the humble pack of rice, which has more than doubled in price in just four months. So we can't pretend it is just a 7% problem when we're spending twice as much on the same groceries.This trend of climbing prices isn’t limited to just groceries; it spans across interest rates, the housing market, the service sector, dining out, fuel – the list goes on. The bottom line is that our financial situation is much worse than it was a decade ago as the buying power of the dollar erodes.Gym owners, like other entrepreneurs, are dealing with increasing costs and the pressing need to raise employee wages. To stay afloat, they will need to find ways to boost revenue and reduce expenses.Similar to t

In this week's episode, we're diving into a big issue in the fitness world: sticking to contracts.When clients sign up for gym services, they agree to a contract, but things get tricky when someone decides to leave early. It's a common problem, and the system actually doesn't really back the businesses in these situations.Because, as a business, you have nothing really to stand on unless you have clients’ social security numbers, are willing to file credit reports on them, and are ready to challenge them with collections and all that other stuff.Without that, a client can just quit coming, cancel their credit card, and ignore your calls. You're left with no real way to make them stick to their agreement.The truth is, contracts really only keep honest people honest. They might think, “I don’t feel like training today, but I signed up for this, so I’m going to do it.” That’s about all you can expect. Because if someone's determined to bail, a contract isn’t going to stop them.That’s why

As gym owners, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that doing everything ourselves is the best way to save money. But let’s be honest, is it really saving money if you’re spending four hours repairing a treadmill to save 200 bucks? That’s a hard no.Your time is way more valuable than the money saved on such tasks. That’s why outsourcing some of them, especially the ones that are not in your area of expertise, can be a game changer.It buys back your time, allowing you to focus on what really matters: the growth of your business, the visionary mission, creating impactful marketing plans, and, ultimately, making more money.Lead generation sits at the top of the list of challenging and time-consuming tasks for many gym owners. If you are one of them, delegating all lead gen and marketing tasks to an agency may seem like the perfect solution.However, with the market flooded with countless marketing agencies, finding a reliable one can often be an uphill battle. That’s where this episode comes in—it might j