Built To Grow

"But my business is different."How many times have you told yourself that? It’s a common refrain among gym owners who believe their challenges are unique and that the solutions that work for others won’t apply to them.In this episode, Tim and Randy break down the "my business is different" mindset that holds so many back from achieving real growth. They explain how the systems and processes that lead to success – whether in marketing, staffing, or automation – are universal and can be applied to any business, in any industry.They share real-life examples of owners who initially resisted change, only to find that adopting proven methods resulted in significant growth in their businesses.The truth is that your business isn’t that different. This belief is just an excuse to avoid making necessary changes that feel too emotionally difficult to face.If you’re ready to stop making excuses and start making changes, this episode is for you.Tune in to learn how to overcome this limiting mindset and sta

As more and more gym owners jump into white-labeled automation solutions, they often find themselves trapped in systems that don't serve the full client journey.You might have experienced this frustration with different agencies offering you "custom solutions." However, you soon realize that all these systems are just rebranded versions of the same software, leaving you juggling multiple accounts and incomplete solutions.In this episode, Tim and Randy break down the chaos surrounding HighLevel automation tools.They reveal how gym owners are being locked into multiple platforms that barely scratch the surface of what a gym actually needs for real growth. These tools often stop at lead generation, leaving the crucial aspects of client retention, communication, and long-term relationship-building entirely out of the picture.If you can’t control the client's journey from start to finish, you’ll always be at the mercy of various agencies and their solutions. Their main focus is usually getting you

Do you have a clear system to evaluate the performance of your gym coaches? Or are you just hoping they’ll do their best and grow on their own?Many gym owners don’t have a structured plan to develop their coaches' skills or reward them for hitting performance benchmarks. But without a solid evaluation system, these gyms risk high turnover and stagnation (not to mention missed opportunities for growth).In this episode, Tim and his fitness director, Zach, break down the "4x5 Performance Evaluation" tool that gyms worldwide are now adopting. This system allows coaches to be graded in four critical areas – teamwork, standards, client experience, and expertise – on a scale of 1 to 5, and it gives your coaches the possibility for continuous improvement.Tim and Zach talk about the impact of this tool, how it helps coaches understand exactly what's expected of them, and how it can elevate both individual and team performance. They also explain why this approach makes all the difference in creating a s

When was the last time you focused on your gym's delta? Last week? Last month? You can't remember?Most gym owners don't have enough time to focus on actual growth because they're too busy putting out everyday fires. Yes, all that grind and constant involvement may feel productive, but it's actually an obstacle that sabotages business scaling.It's ironic, but many gym owners spend most of their time handling tasks that could easily be delegated. So, the turning point for a gym can be handing over the reins to a qualified director. A strong director can oversee operations, manage staff, and drive growth – allowing you to focus on bigger-picture strategies. Without this role in place, you're stuck in the grind of everyday responsibilities, making it impossible to step away.In this episode, Tim and his fitness director, Zach, pull back the curtain on how their owner-director relationship works.They share why giving a fitness director full autonomy allows a gym to run smoothly while als

Sooner or later, every high achiever reaches a point where they confront the cost of their success. Gym owners are no different. Time away from family, mental fatigue, or emotional strain... The question isn't if sacrifices will be made – it's how much they'll cost you.In this conversation, Tim Lyons and his special guest are breaking down this very topic. This isn't a regular podcast episode – it's an exclusive fireside chat from the Growth Summit, featuring Tim Grover, the legendary performance coach to icons like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.Grover opens up about the guilt he faced as a father while building his career and shares the powerful lessons he's learned about obsession, sacrifice, and the mental toughness it takes to push through those dark moments.Grover talks about his struggles with balancing family and career and the lessons he learned about what it really takes to succeed. He also discusses the emotional weight that comes with striving for greatness and challenges l

What sets the top 5% of gyms apart from the rest? This is truly a million-dollar question... or even better, a million-dollar-a-year question.We might get the answer in this episode as Tim and Randy recap the 2024 Growth Summit held in Chicago at the beginning of September. It was an event where gym owners from all over the country came together to share and learn from industry leaders.They didn’t talk about the flashiest equipment or the most intense workouts – they discussed the systems, strategies, and mindset behind the scenes that make everything in a gym run smoothly.This time, Tim and Randy are talking about many topics covered at the Summit, and here are just a few of them:Creating a gym design that makes you stand out from your competitorsBuilding systems that allow your business to grow without you being there 24/7Using emotional intelligence to lead your teamThe power of long-term financial strategies like infinite bankingWhy it's crucial to focus on profits – not just revenueWant to know how t

Many gym owners are working harder than ever but feel like they’re hitting a wall. They’ve followed all the standard advice – worked longer hours, added more services, even joined mastermind groups – yet growth has stagnated.That’s because working harder isn’t always the answer.At some point, you have to stop doing more and start thinking differently. Instead of trying to push through the wall, it’s time to find the open door. And sometimes, it’s not about doing more at all – it’s about changing your mindset.In this episode, Tim and Randy explain why giving yourself permission to think bigger is the key to real growth and why it’s crucial to surround yourself with people who are already where you want to be.(Yeah, you already know – if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.)They also share ways gym owners can break through self-imposed limits, work smarter, and adopt new strategies.If you’re tired of doing more without seeing more, this episode is your permission to think bigger. Tu

Many gym owners are spreading themselves thin, doing their very best, but still not seeing the profits they want. They’re trying everything – boot camps, large group training, offering every possible service under the sun – but they’re still struggling.That’s because more doesn’t always mean better. In fact, focusing on too many services and trying to serve all types of clients can actually hurt your bottom line. Instead, narrowing your focus to what truly makes money is the key to skyrocketing your gym business.It’s simple logic: when you pour your energy into what works – like semi-private training, where clients stay longer and pay more – you stop wasting time and resources on services that drain your business without bringing in revenue.This might sound too good to be true, but simplifying your business model can make your clients more loyal and your profit margins wider. All you need to do is focus on fewer, more profitable services.That’s exactly what Tim and Randy did when they transitioned from large

Making enough sales each month to cover your expenses may feel like a never-ending chase. We see it every day. Gym owners struggle month after month, constantly offering discounts or promotions just to make ends meet.Many gym owners believe that offering discounts, paid-in-full memberships, high-ticket offers, or running challenges will solve their problems. But in reality, focusing on these short-term cash grabs makes their financial situation worse. It brings only short-term relief and long-term stress.To build a financially stable gym, you need recurring revenue. By focusing on consistent, monthly membership sales, you create a solid foundation that keeps your business afloat, month after month, without the constant hustle.In this episode, Tim and Randy break down exactly how you can shift your focus from quick sales to recurring revenue and why this is the secret sauce to long-term success.Tune in and start building a profitable, sustainable gym business today.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Recu

We all got into the gym business because we love fitness. So, it’s understandable that gym owners often spend more time learning the latest training techniques than mastering the business side.But that’s also a trap many of us fall into – focusing on what’s interesting rather than what makes an impact. Of course, it’s fun to learn new workout methods, but we have to ask ourselves: is it really growing our business?If we want real business growth, we need to start focusing on the business side – marketing, leadership, and knowing our numbers. Sure, these things can feel boring and uncomfortable. And that’s exactly why most gym owners instinctively avoid them.But that’s exactly what’s holding their business back.To help you avoid such a scenario, in this episode, Tim and Randy explore the challenges gym owners face when balancing their passion for fitness with the need to run a profitable business.They explain the importance of continuous business education, understanding key metrics, and shifting from fitness

When was the last time you looked at your client retention rate?Most gym owners don’t remember because they’re so focused on getting new members through the door that they hardly think about the ones slipping out the back.But attrition is silently killing your business. You’re constantly spending more on marketing just to replace members you’ve lost, simply to break even – let alone grow your business, where you need to attract at least five more members than you’ve just lost.It feels like a never-ending race to maintain your client numbers and keep the money flowing each month.But wouldn’t it be great if you only had to replace 5 members instead of 10 each month? That’s the topic of this week’s episode.Join Tim and Randy as they discuss attrition issues and how retention is the hidden key to scaling your gym. They break down the numbers, show you how to calculate your average membership length, and share proven strategies to keep clients coming back.Tune in to learn how to reduce attrition by focusing on cli

Gym owners often see fitness challenges as an easy way to bring in cash quickly. The plan typically goes like this: launch a challenge, attract a flood of new clients, and enjoy a busy, buzzing gym. What could possibly go wrong?But just a few weeks later, those same clients start to disappear, leaving you struggling to fill the gaps.Some of you may have already been through this, and this is probably a painful reminder of months of rollercoaster revenue and sleepless nights wondering where the next dollar will come from.Why does this happen?Fitness challenges actually shift your focus from building a sustainable business to merely surviving the next few months. They set you back from achieving a steady, predictable stream of income from clients who truly value what you do.So, how can you build a gym filled with loyal, long-term clients who trust your expertise and are committed to their fitness journey with you?Tune in to this episode as Tim and Randy discuss exactly that. Join them as they reveal the dark si

⁤We often do our best to build a strong community at our gyms. ⁤⁤We host exciting holiday parties, plan fun events, and do everything we can for every client…… ⁤⁤Sounds great… but only if you're a client. ⁤⁤Because the truth is that despite everything you've done, most of your clients will cancel their membership as soon as they get a better offer. ⁤⁤So, why is this happening? ⁤⁤Although we believe that creating a welcoming community will keep clients coming back, the truth is - when clients decide it's time to go, nothing can stop them. ⁤⁤It's a tough pill to swallow, but sooner or later, you'll face this reality in your own gym (if you haven't already). ⁤⁤The energy spent on building a community might be better invested elsewhere - like ensuring your business remains profitable. ⁤⁤By focusing on the fundamentals - raising your prices to match inflation, maintaining exceptional service, and not bending over backward for every client - you could actually secure the long-term health of

"This can’t be right!"Every gym owner has heard this at least once from clients who check their BMI and see they’re labeled as "overweight." This isn’t only true for occasional gym-goers but also for those who consistently work out, lift weights, and eat right.It’s clear that BMI is just a number that doesn’t tell the whole story. And it makes us wonder if there’s a better way to measure health.Yes, there is!In this episode, Tim and Randy sit down with Bradley Davie from InBody, who explains why accurate body composition analysis is so important for your gym.Bradley started out teaching physical education before moving to California to work at Lifetime Fitness. His experience with InBody devices inspired him to build a career in sales, marketing, and public speaking with the company.InBody’s technology goes beyond the outdated BMI and gives you a complete picture of your health. It measures everything from muscle mass to visceral fat, providing the insights you need to personalize your fitness

Sooner or later, gym owners hit a revenue ceiling, finding themselves stuck making the same amount for a long time. We're all searching for ways to boost income without adding more hours or stress to our day. But can this really go on forever? Well, maybe not forever, but definitely longer than you might think.In this episode, Randy and Zach chat with a guest who's cracked this code by introducing a new service in his gym that boosted his revenue. Plus, his clients keep coming back for more.Randy and Zach are joined by Evans Armantrading Jr., founder of CNU Stretch, gym owner with multiple locations, and a member of the Iron Circle.And his powerful service is stretch therapy. You might be skeptical – can something as simple as stretching truly be impactful? Evans says yes, and we agree. When we integrated it into our gym, we saw our revenue increase and marketing costs decrease, all because this service fits seamlessly with what we were already doing.Curious?Tune in to this episode as Evans, Zach, and

As gym owners, we know that sometimes, despite our best efforts, something feels off. Our clients are not achieving the results we want.In this episode, Tim explores the next evolution of fitness with guests Sean Maynard and Dr. Kendrick McCarty from Inception Health.They discuss how gyms are shifting from purely fitness-focused operations to more holistic health centers by integrating telemedicine, hormone therapy, and personalized health monitoring.This approach not only enhances client results but also creates new revenue streams for gym owners.By utilizing Inception Health's services, gym owners can differentiate themselves from competitors through advanced health offerings that address deeper issues like hormone imbalances and metabolic disorders.Their approach integrates everything from blood panels to wearable tech data into one seamless system that benefits both the client and the gym.Curious to know how this works? Tune in to this episode to hear more!Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Shift toward holis

What makes a gym business truly successful?In this episode, Tim and Randy tackle one of the most crucial yet often overlooked elements: team buy-in. The team's belief and support can make or break the introduction of new services and products in a gym.Without team alignment, even the most well-thought-out strategies are doomed to fail.You should always involve the team in decision-making processes and ensure they are adequately trained to communicate new offerings to clients.Systematizing communication and using canned responses are some examples of ways to ensure everyone is on the same page and prevent costly miscommunications.Listen in to learn how to get your team’s buy-in before you introduce anything new.  Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Built to Win by Tim Lyons - Tim's new book (00:39)Importance of team buy-in (02:26)How coaches influence client decisions (03:57)Standardized communication is key (07:10)Five-question matrix for evaluating new offerings (14:49)Training team on communicating new servi

Gym owners face unique difficulties running their businesses. One of these is the loneliness and isolation that comes with being in your business, making hard decisions all day without much support. This isolation will definitely limit your potential.Nobody gets gym owners like fellow gym owners. There's possibly no problem you will ever face in your gym that another gym owner hasn't already faced.Besides problems, you also need like-minded people to celebrate wins together.In this episode, Tim and Randy discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with driven individuals like yourself to achieve growth and success as a gym owner.Mastermind groups, like the Iron Circle or other specialized communities, will positively impact your trajectory as a gym owner. The collective experience and knowledge of peers lead to better decisions and substantial business growth.Tim and Randy share powerful stories of how being part of the Iron Circle has transformed the lives of gym owners, leading to record profits,

Running a gym can be a very rewarding business. It allows you to help others achieve their fitness goals.But the daily grind of operations can quickly lead to burnout and resentment. Many gym owners find themselves in an unfortunate situation where the daily operations consume all their time and energy.From managing staff to handling client issues, the responsibilities can pile up, making it difficult to step back and take a break. All this constant pressure and fighting fires all day turns gym ownership into a burdensome obligation.Listen in as Tim and Randy provide practical steps for gym owners looking to build a successful gym that runs without their constant presence.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Delegation for operational freedom (04:02)Importance of leadership development (07:25)Systemizing operations for consistency (09:56)Cross-training employees (14:44)Building a great team culture (22:36)Additional Resources:- SOP in a Day Workshop: https://sopinaday.com/- Win an InBody 380 body composition scanner -

Many gym businesses lose a sale simply because they don’t know how to address objections from leads coming in.In this episode, Randy and Zack discuss effective strategies for overcoming sales objections in a fitness business.Zack emphasizes that understanding the underlying reasons for a client's hesitation, whether it be trust, belief in the solution, or personal financial values, is important for successful consultations.A structured sales process that allows gym owners to identify and address potential objections from clients will massively help close sales.It is important to create a perceived value that aligns with the cost of services, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates and client satisfaction.Tune in to learn of the exact process Zach uses to overcome objections in the sales process. Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Overview of common objections (01:19)Importance of consistent systems (06:04)Explanation of sales process to overcome objections (08:17)Role of long-term follow-up (21:15)Avoiding