The money habits of successful gym owners
What your accountant wishes you already knew What’s up Gym World? We have special guests Andy Smith and Tadd Wooton from Numberwise Accounting, a boutique firm that’s spent the last 10 years working almost exclusively with gym owners and fitness businesses. They’ve seen what separates gyms that stay financially healthy from the ones that slowly lose […]
A $1,500 offer that converts 95% of athletes
Youth sports gym turns onboarding into long-term success Happy Friday Gym World, Mateo caught up with Stan Skolfield from Skolfield Sports Performance, a youth sports gym that charges $1,500 upfront for its onboarding program. Most gyms would hesitate to charge that much, but here, 95% of young athletes who finish onboarding move straight into semi-private training. Clearly, something’s […]
This gym built PT into 52% of its revenue
Inside a gym model built around families, not just members What’s up Gym World? This week, we brought Bobby Armock on the pod. He owns a gym in Grand Rapids, Michigan, called Friction. He bought the business four months before COVID hit, which forced him to rethink how the gym operated almost immediately. Today, personal training drives around 52% […]
The retention system hiding in plain sight
Why your care problem is really a systems problem Happy Spring Gym World, Most gym owners genuinely care about their members. That’s rarely the issue. The issue is that caring takes time, and time is the one thing gym owners never have enough of. Your day fills up fast with programming, sales, cleaning, and everything […]
These 5 gyms cracked the member retention code
The systems behind $100K months, 95% retention, and a gym that had to close its waitlist Hey Gym World, We’ve talked to a lot of gym owners over the past year. They are all in different markets with different price points and models. But when we went back through our best episodes, one theme kept […]
This coach fills 80-person HYROX camps
And it added $100K in revenue to the gym What’s happening Gym World? HYROX is quickly becoming one of the biggest participation sports in fitness. And some gyms are figuring out how to turn that momentum into serious revenue. Case in point: AJ Schrag, a HYROX coach running a program inside Catalyst Movement in Stamford, Connecticut. The program is […]
What gym owners get wrong about branding
What’s up Gym World? Boris Kezic ran a design agency for over a decade before he started Metcon Creative—a branding company that works with gyms, coaches, and wellness businesses. He’s done projects with OPEX, Urban Movement, Hydra, and a ton of independent gyms. And through it all, he’s found that most gym owners misunderstand branding. Many owners […]
This gym owner turns HYROX into $100K a year
How HYROX has become a serious growth lever. What’s up, Gym World? Most gym owners see HYROX as a weekend event. For Joe Baglione, it was an opportunity. Joe — better known as “Joe Bags” — owns Catalyst Movement in Stamford, Connecticut. He turned HYROX into an extra $80K–$100K a year on top of his existing membership base, […]
Steal this gym owner’s social media strategy
If you’ve been putting off content, this one’s for you. What’s up Gym World? Most gym owners know they should be posting content. The problem is actually doing it consistently without it taking over your life. This week we spoke with Isaac Morgado, owner of MVMT Strength in London, Ontario, who’s figured out how to make it work. […]
Proven gym content strategies for 2026
Cassie Day’s Instagram strategy still works three years later What’s up Gym World? Three years ago, we first introduced you to Cassie Day from All Day Fit. Her gym had 140 clients and was bringing in around 85k per month from Instagram. It’s still one of my favorite episodes we’ve ever recorded. I rewatched that interview recently, and […]
Scaling a gym that keeps its soul intact
How focus, patience, and clear systems guided One Academy’s growth What’s up Gym World? This week on the pod we spoke with Jesse Bruce and Eric Vieira from One Academy. One Academy is a useful case study for gym owners because it shows how a gym can grow to multiple locations, support a large staff, and still keep a strong […]
AI in gyms: what you need to know in 2026
Mark Fisher on making AI work in your gym Happy Friday Gym World, AI can make your gym run smarter if you know how to use it right. Most owners don’t. We wanted to find out what works best with AI in gyms, so we talked to our good friend Mark Fisher. He ran the wildest gym […]
From shared space to two locations
How Prevail Strength and Fitness created repeatable systems that scale What’s up Gym World? Sean Shearon ran Prevail Strength and Fitness inside another gym for two years before opening a single studio. During that time, he tested things like class size and programming to make sure everything worked. The result was a gym that could run consistently from […]
How a 22-year-old built a $6M gym from scratch
What it took to turn a struggling gym into a successful business What’s up Gym World? Some of the most interesting gym stories start long before anything looks successful. At 22, Wayne Zhou Li had about $30K AUD (~$19.5K USD) in savings, no experience running a business, and the only gym he could take over was a […]
Why gyms need medical integration now
How GLP-1s, hormones, and telehealth support members What’s up Gym World? We’re diving into a topic on a lot of gym owners’ minds: how medical wellness is starting to intersect with coaching and training. That includes GLP-1 medications, hormone therapy, and telehealth programs. Some owners see these tools as a threat, many are completely onboard, […]
Cale Owen: from scaling gyms to opening one again
Insights from the former Gym Launch CEO for today’s gym owners Happy New Year Gym World, Running a gym can feel like a juggling act. You want to grow, keep your members happy, and manage your staff, all while making sure operations run smoothly—but it’s easy to get stretched too thin. That’s why it’s worth […]
This gym keeps 95% of its members
Nick Palladino-King on the systems behind consistent member retention Happy Holidays Gym World, Nick Palladino-King of Tribe Fitness in San Francisco averages around 95% monthly retention across two locations. In a competitive market with premium pricing, that number is worth paying attention to. The interesting part is how that retention is managed day to day. Most gym owners […]
The boring work that grows a stronger gym
Mike Doehla on follow up, empathy, and systems that last Hey Gym World, Mateo recently caught up with Mike Doehla for his third time on the podcast. In the past, we’ve talked about building an 8-figure online nutrition business and knowing when it’s time to sell your gym. This time, the conversation focused on something different but just as important: […]
He built Australia’s top gym, then sold it
Inside the growth, timing, and exit strategy behind Australia’s top boutique gym Hey Gym World, Out of the thousands of gyms Australia has, very few stand out. Even fewer win national awards, scale to seven figures, or keep staff for seven and a half years. Ben Lucas of Flow Athletic did all three. And then he sold it […]
The blueprint for a long-lasting gym
Pro tips from Andy McCloy, a 25-year gym owner What’s up Gym World? When you’ve been in the fitness industry for 25 years, you see a lot. You see what works, what doesn’t, and what it really takes to build a gym that lasts. Most gyms don’t make it past the first few years, and […]
Should you still affiliate with CrossFit?
Why Ben Bergeron left CrossFit and the questions every owner should ask. What’s up Gym World? A few weeks ago, we looked at HYROX affiliation. Today, many gym owners are asking themselves the same question about CrossFit: Is it still worth it? For years, CrossFit provided incredible value for gyms. Putting the brand’s name on […]
The 90-day Onboarding System That Works
Steal the proven blueprint from Yellow Rose Fitness What’s up Gym World? Most gyms put their energy into getting new members signed up and into classes. But without a clear system to guide people through their first few months, it’s easy for them to get lost. New members show up, feel unsure about what to […]
The Truth About Gym Profitability in 2026
The real numbers behind what’s happening in gyms today Hey Gym World, It’s that time of year again. Every year, Two-Brain Business drops a monster of a report: the State of the Industry guide. This guide pulls together more real-world gym data than any other resource in the business, sourced from thousands of gyms worldwide […]
Should you affiliate with HYROX?
This gym owner weighs in after getting 100 members racing in 6 months Hey Gym World, HYROX is booming. Races are selling out, and new affiliates are joining every month. But is it really worth it for gym owners? We brought back Conor Oakley from Forged Fitness (formerly CrossFit Hintonburg) to find out. In just six months of affiliating, 100 members […]
Inside the $600K-a-month gym model
This hybrid system keeps 7 gyms full and insanely profitable. Hey Gym World, What do gym members really want? And how could a medical approach to care work inside a gym? In 2015, Jon Cheung asked exactly that. He ran a Reddit AMA and asked fitness enthusiasts what they liked, didn’t like, and wanted from a […]
These gym owners opened 42 locations in 5 years
Inside the $11M strength & conditioning franchise taking over Australia and Asia. What’s up Gym World? Launching an international gym franchise in the middle of COVID sounds crazy. Josh Mildren and Benny Woolford did it anyway. In June 2020, they took over four high-performing gyms in Australia, rebranded them, and launched REVL Training. Five years later, REVL has 42 locations […]
This UK gym owner is redefining the member experience
Inside Zeno Health Club’s approach to uniting fitness and wellness. Gym World, Imagine spending £1M building out your dream gym. You open the doors in January 2020, and by March the world shuts down. Brutal… but as many of you know, not a rare story for gym owners that year. This was the reality for Joe […]
John Franklin: What I’d do differently if I opened another gym tomorrow
What years of working with gyms have taught me about starting one the right way. Hey Gym World, If you opened a gym today, what would you do differently? I get asked this all the time. After 15 years in the industry, from owning five gyms to selling them and now working with hundreds of […]
These gym owners bring in $113K/month from CrossFit
Learn how they built a profitable multi-gym business after CrossFit peaked. What’s up Gym World? Ken Williams and Jessika Loving run four CrossFit gyms in Dallas with 700 members and about $113K in monthly revenue. Not bad for a couple who opened their first affiliate in 2020, right before COVID and well after the CrossFit boom had passed. […]
Kaleda Connell: If I opened another gym today, here’s what I’d do differently
Lessons from a former owner who sold her gym for 6 figures Gym World, If you’ve ever looked back and thought, “I should’ve done that differently,” you’re not alone. Most gym owners have regrets about their first pricing model, the space they picked, or how long they tried to do everything themselves. My business partner Kaleda Connell knows that […]
From broke gym to making $1.3M/year: what changed?
See how a personal trainer grew 2 locations into a 7-figure empire. Happy Friday Gym World, Imagine this: you open a personal training gym in 2018 with $450 in your bank account and $250K spread across 15 credit cards. You work 17-hour days, pay off the debt in a year, and finally feel like things […]
5 mistakes I’ll never make again running a gym
Save time, money, and sanity by avoiding my biggest errors Gym World, I’ve made just about every mistake you can make running a gym. Some were small. Others were expensive, stressful, and nearly catastrophic. If you’re new to our community—hey, I’m John Franklin. Today, I’m taking the hot mic to share the biggest mistakes I made […]
She doubled her clientele and built a $42K/month studio
What you can take away from her success Hey Gym World, Every market has gaps. The question is whether your gym is ready to fill them. When Nora Matthew was pregnant with her first child, she found there were few reliable options for pre and postpartum training. She soon realized that most women lacked safe, effective strength […]
Why one gym gave up $700K/yr to build a better business
Switching to semi-private was the best move these gym owners ever made Hey Gym World, Most gym owners don’t struggle because they don’t work hard enough. They struggle because they’re stretched too thin. One minute you’re coaching, the next you’re cleaning, then you’re chasing leads or doing the books. It wears down even the most […]
The gym that scaled to 8 locations by serving an overlooked group
It took just 2 years—and a focus no one else was paying attention to. Hey Gym World, Most gym owners choose a niche. But for Ryan Webb, the niche chose him. He was running a typical semi-private gym for gen pop clients when he started coaching a neurodivergent athlete. After seeing the life-changing impact it had, […]
The CrossFit gym owner who’s still going strong after 15 years
4 lessons from Danny Soul on beating burnout and building longevity What’s up Gym World? Running a gym isn’t easy. Burnout is real, and staying motivated in a tough industry year after year can feel impossible. Danny Soul is one CrossFit gym owner who’s been in the industry for 15 years and still enjoys every minute […]
The most creative gyms of 2025 (so far)
Steal their best strategies before the year ends Hey Gym World, Mateo and I picked 7 of the most tactical and creative gyms we’ve featured on the pod this year. They stood out in: Watch the video below for our full breakdown, or scroll on to see the gyms growing faster, keeping more members, and making more money […]
The gym that maxed out at 200 members in 1 year
Here’s how they scaled to $70K/month and built a waitlist Hey Gym World, The most successful gyms we talk to aren’t chasing leads or obsessing over programming. They’re focused on delivering a world-class experience people never want to leave. That’s what makes a gym worth talking about. And it’s the same approach Matt Skeffington, a seasoned […]
How to build an onboarding system that converts like crazy
Used by a hybrid gym that scaled to $100K/month in revenue in under a year Hello Gym World, How fast can a gym grow with the right systems? Jeremy Jones scaled The Collective, his hybrid strength, cycle and recovery studio, from $40K to over $100K/mo in less than a year. And it’s projected to reach $150K in […]
She makes $48K/month helping geeks fall in love with fitness
“Where fandom meets fitness and normal workouts can suck it!” Gym World, What happens when you stop trying to appeal to everyone and create something weird, specific, and wildly fun? You get The Micro Squad, an online training platform for nerds, fandom lovers, and anyone who hates traditional workouts. Sam Willens started the business five years ago […]
This strength and wellness studio made over $600K in its first year
It combines personal training with a team of healthcare pros, all under one roof. What’s up Gym World? If you’ve got extra space and aren’t sure how to use it, this model is worth a look. Core Collective Brookline isn’t your typical gym. It’s a shared space where personal trainers and health professionals, like psychotherapists and […]
His first gym went bankrupt. His second makes $28K/month
Inside the growth of a queer-inclusive gym with 300 members Buenos días Gym World, Scott Drapeau started his first gym in a garage. It didn’t work out, so he tried again. Today, Alliance Athletics makes $28K a month, has 300 members, and grew from 50 to 300 members in just two years with a 30% profit margin. My […]
A smarter way to market your gym, with John Goodman
You won’t believe how simple his strategy is… It’s Flashback Friday, Gym World. For the first time ever, we don’t have a new guest on the pod. Baby Franklin #3 is due any day now, and dad life is taking the front seat. So this week, we’re hitting rewind and sharing an episode we know […]
This gym owner got 200+ members from social media
And now he has 33K+ followers and nearly 2 million likes on TikTok. Hey Gym World, We’ve talked to many gym owners who use social media to get clients, but none who’ve grown their business through TikTok. Until we met Joe Strada. He started posting goofy, relatable workout videos on Instagram to make fitness feel more […]
This gym makes $60K/month by renting training pods
A high-margin concept growing fast in one of the country’s toughest markets What’s up Gym World? In 2021, Joe Cicero launched a strength gym in San Francisco inspired by the barbershop model. Instead of renting chairs, members and personal trainers reserve private pods by the hour. It’s called The Yard, and Joe’s opened two locations so far with […]
Gym owner raises $3.5M to scale fast-growing gym chain
He’ll open 7 more gyms by the end of next year. What’s up Gym World? You’ve heard Dane McCarthy from The Athletic Clubs talk about: Now he’s back to tell us how he raised $3.5 million to scale from 8 to 15 locations by the end of 2026. Here’s what happened. Why Dane decided to raise capital The Athletic Clubs are […]
This ninja gym makes 6 figures from kids’ programs
Steal their party strategy to make thousands on weekends. What’s up Gym World? In 2015, Joshua Fry used inheritance money and opened Ottawa’s first (and only) obstacle course racing gym to give Spartan athletes a place to train. 💬 Before opening the gym, Joshua was one of the OG Spartan employees back when the company was just […]
This gym owner’s second location grew 5x faster than the first
Here’s why it worked better the second time around. What’s up Gym World? Anthony Zangara spent 10 years running juice bars before opening Grind Gyms. He signed an expensive lease right before COVID with no real plan, which led to a rough start: But he stuck with it, fixed what wasn’t working, and eventually opened a second […]
This weightlifting gym grew to 160 members through Instagram
And became one of the top weightlifting gyms in Texas What’s up Gym World? Olympic weightlifting is one of the hardest gym niches to build because: But despite these challenges, Kyle and Jessica Dosterschill built Hunger in the Wild into one of the top weightlifting gyms in Texas using Instagram. And they did it after: Here’s their story: 👇 How Hunger […]
How a gym owner made $159,000 in 24 hours
Steal her discount strategy for your next big sale 💡 What’s up Gym World? Marie Merritt from Momentum Fit never ran sales. She thought discounts would: But last Black Friday, she tried a new strategy—and made $159,000 in 24 hours. 🤯 Mateo brought her on the pod to share exactly how she did it—and how you can run […]
Gym owner makes over $500/hour with HYROX events
Learn how you can start adding thousands to your monthly revenue. Buenos días Gym World, Done right, events can add thousands to your gym’s bottom line. Now, there’s Conor Oakley from Forged Fitness. Five months ago, he started hosting HYROX-style competitions between local gyms. He’s already done four, and each one generates over $2,000 in revenue. With HYROX […]
How a tattoo brand turned into a profitable gym
3 years ago, there was no gym. Now 300+ members train there… What’s up Gym World? Zach Peterson launched a tattoo-inspired clothing brand in 2018 after getting pushback from family for wanting to be both heavily tattooed and professionally ambitious. It took off—and a few years later, he opened Empyre Fitness because he was sick of training at gyms he didn’t like […]
This CrossFit gym owner makes $887,000/year
How a former teacher built one of Canada’s top CrossFit gyms 🇨🇦 What’s up Gym World? Jay Rhodes was a teacher who tried CrossFit in 2009, loved it, and started coaching on the side. He swore he’d never open a gym—but in 2012, his passion turned into CrossFit Outlaw North. At first, the gym was just a […]
Gym owner makes $45K/month training special needs athletes
Inside the gym transforming fitness for the special needs community 💪 What’s up Gym World? Back in 2014, Damon Vincent was asked to run a boxing class for 15 individuals with special needs. Little did he know, it would lead to building the largest—and only—fitness program for special needs athletes in his area. Six years later, he […]
3 simple ways to get more gym leads online
Minor changes can skyrocket your gym’s growth 🚀 Gym World, These three tools help people find your gym online: You’re probably using them already—but chances are, you could be using them better. Kaleda Connell, CEO of Kilo, is back on the pod to walk you through how to optimize all three. She’s worked with thousands of […]
This gym owner grew from 3 clients to $700K+/yr
Now he has 143 members and a 45% profit margin 😯 What’s up Gym World, Mateo was in Toronto last weekend and met up with Tim Concannon from Nothing Stronger Gym and Sports Medicine. Tim runs the 1,500 sq ft gym with his wife, offering small group personal training for both athletes and adults. But back in 2020, […]
This wellness concept rewires your brain for $59
…and resets your nervous system in 90 minutes or less What’s up Gym World? People are prioritizing well-being to reduce stress and feel their best, so more gyms are offering recovery experiences like saunas, cold plunges, Theragun stations, and breathwork classes. But Tarun Raj from Reality Center is taking recovery to another level. His sensory wellness studio in Santa Monica uses […]
This 21,000 sq ft gym has over 2,000 members
& demand is so high, there’s a waitlist just to get in… What’s up Gym World? Evan Duncan and Taylor Metzger’s Recess Fitness Club looks like a $5M gym. You’d think they had a PR team, top-tier designers, and deep pockets behind it. In reality, it was just two guys who started with almost nothing and figured […]
This gym owner got 2,000 members in 6 months
He built a $250M nutrition company. Now, he’s scaling a luxury fitness empire. What’s up Gym World? Brent Laffey turned a 4,000 sq ft passion project into one of the fastest-growing gym chains in the country. It started when he couldn’t find a strength gym he liked—so he built one. As a competing bodybuilder, he wanted […]
Gym owner opens 3 franchises after 11 years in business
Now he has 4 locations with 3 more on the way… What’s up Gym World? For 11 years, John Farkas ran Blue Ocean Fitness, one of the first semi-private personal training gyms in Missouri. He expanded twice, survived COVID shutdowns, and realized he wanted to help more people get healthier—faster. To do that, he needed a proven model. […]
The gym where trainers start a gym for $18
Is this the future of personal training? 👀 What’s up Gym World? Four years ago, Steve Pirt launched FlexWerk Fitness, and it’s changing the way personal trainers start their careers. Instead of paying rent to a gym, signing contracts, or working under someone else, trainers at FlexWerk book private spaces by the hour ($18-$22) and get full access […]
How much rent should you pay for your gym?
Steal this gym real estate expert’s tool to find out… Happy Valentine’s Day Gym World, Expanding your gym is a big decision. You have to consider: That’s why we brought back Stu Brauer, a gym real estate expert and good friend of the pod. He’s already shown us how gym owners can achieve financial freedom in 10 […]
This CrossFit gym owner makes $90k/mo
…and runs 4 gyms in Vegas 🎰 What’s up Gym World? Some gym owners struggle to run one profitable gym. Then there’s Joe Tepe who runs three: And not only are all three located on the Las Vegas Strip—they’re right next to each other. Despite being so close, Joe runs each gym as separate business. Each has its own concept […]
Selling a gym that made $34M in 13 years
Let’s break down this gym owner’s process… What’s up Gym World? After 13 years in business and $34M in revenue, my friend (and frequent pod guest) Mark Fisher sold his gym, Mark Fisher Fitness. But he’s not leaving the industry. Mark owns an Alloy Personal Training studio and runs Business for Unicorns. So why sell now? And what was the process […]
How to triple your gym’s growth in 6 weeks
…in just one hour per day ⏱ What’s up Gym World? The wealthiest people swear by morning routines because they: Top gym owners do too—and now, so can you. Chris Cooper’s latest book introduces GOLDEN, a 6-step framework designed to scale your gym faster (and honestly, forever). It takes just 1 hour at the start of your […]
How to be the #1 gym in your city
…and grow faster than your competitors 🚀 What’s up Gym World? Last time Jon Goodman was on the pod, he shared the playbook that took him from being a broke personal trainer to profiting over $3M a year. Since then, he’s written a book packed with 15 strategies to help you dominate your local market by becoming the obvious […]
This gym owner got 3,000 members with no paid ads
Here’s how this gym owner built a standout brand 👇 Gym World, What sets a gym apart? Most gym owners will say: But that’s not always true—unless you’ve built your business on hospitality. And while many obsess over training, equipment, and systems, they often overlook branding. 💬 Branding is how people see your business. It’s your voice, […]
Gym owner opens 7 powerlifting gyms in 4 years
& runs them across 3 different countries 😳 Happy New Year Gym World, Thomas Lilley opened the first Zero Weakness powerlifting gym in 2012. Eight years later, he acquired another gym—and since then, he’s opened 6 more ZeroWs across Australia, New Zealand, and Wales. Now, he’s planning to bring one to the US. That’s 1 location to 8 […]
This gym owner started a gym with just $12
…and bought the building a year later 🤯 What’s up Gym World? Last week on the pod, Simon Anderson spent millions (twice) building out SOMA Health & Wellness Club. This week, Amanda Fritscher started Lionheart Gym with just $12 and bought the building a year later. Here’s her story: 👇 The lunch date Amanda spent three weeks studying law before realizing […]
Gym owner forced to rebuild 7-figure gym from scratch
This might be the most luxurious health & wellness club ever. Happy Holidays Gym World, 5 years ago, Simon Anderson spent $1.7M building SOMA Health & Wellness Club. Then: So, he dropped another $3.2M to rebuild. Two years later: Here’s what happened: 👇 SOMA 1.0 Simon spent years as a head chef in high-end restaurants, cooking for celebrities […]
So, you want to build a 7-figure gym?
Here’s what this gym owner did to dominate the industry… What’s up Gym World? 19 years ago, Luka Hocevar opened Slovenia’s first small coaching gym. Then, he moved to the U.S. and had to start from scratch. For the past 16 years, he’s been running Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance and dominating the industry: We brought Luka on the […]
This wellness franchise is scaling to 200 locations
Orangetheory’s top franchisee is now helping Americans live longer 💪 What’s up Gym World? Jamie Weeks made a name for himself in the fitness industry as Orangetheory’s largest franchisee ever. In just three years with the brand, he: He took everything he learned from running those studios and applied it to his own concept, SweatHouz, a boutique […]
This training gym has been profitable for 23 years
It’s rare to see longevity (and success) like this… What’s up Gym World? Andy McCloy has been in the industry for over 30 years. He opened BCI Sports Performance & Fitness 15 years into his career, and it’s been profitable since Day 1. He’s running athlete and adult programs for 312 clients and is one of the most […]
How to run a more profitable gym in 2025
Minor changes can skyrocket your take-home pay… 👀 It’s that time of year, Gym World. Two-Brain Business dropped their annual State of the Industry report. This year, they’ve made it even easier to see where your gym stands across 10 key metrics with a simple rating scale: We’re breaking it down to show minor tweaks can […]
Inside a powerlifting gym with 560 members
& a shockingly easy way to make $50k in 6 months… What’s up Gym World? We know barbell clubs are some of the toughest gyms to run because: But some gym owners make it work—like Michael Scullin from Palmetto Pump House. His powerlifting gym: While these gyms aren’t known for being super profitable, Michael’s is doing well enough that he’s […]
Gym owner makes $1M/yr from 150 members
This is not your average CrossFit… What’s up Gym World? Back in 2009, Eric Chang was a college student training friends and family out of his mom’s garage for just $10 a session. Three years later, he opened Reason Fitness to introduce the people of LA County to CrossFit. 💬 Fun fact: A prof once told Eric that CrossFit […]
This 7-figure gym has 1,400 members
& the business model that should be on your radar… What’s up Gym World? I always ask our past guests about gym owners doing big things under the radar, and two-time guest Dane McCarthy immediately named Joey Welling. Joey’s been in the industry for 20 years and opened Ethos Athletic Club in 2021. 💬 Joey started by mopping gym […]
How to make $120k/yr from corporate wellness programs
& transform employee health worldwide… What’s up Gym World? For the last 7 years, Ben Fogel from Epic Fitness has been helping local businesses in Utah transform employee health through corporate wellness programs—and it’s adding an extra $120k to his annual revenue. He’s the first gym owner we’ve come across doing this, so we brought him on the pod […]
Steal the weird strategy that’s helping this gym owner scale…
& make millions in real estate What’s up Gym World? Most small group personal training gyms with 2-4 locations tend to: Then there’s Mark Ehnis from PowerStrength Training Systems, who’s: In 13 years, he’s scaled to four gyms, 1,200 members, and around $3M in annual revenue, with a fifth opening next month. His approach is unlike anything we’ve featured on […]
How one gym owner makes $400k with retail
This strategy can add thousands to your bottom line… What’s up Gym World? Chance Beam from Titans Sports Academy used to spend $19,000 a year on merch from a supplier. He’d order too much, wait weeks for it to arrive, and then watch the inventory sit around the gym. But that all changed when he bought a $100 […]
How to use gym events to attract more leads
Get inspired by these creative strategies… What’s up Gym World? Many top gym owners are getting leads from: But Tina Morin from MSC Strength, much like Mike Bouranis, is getting over half of her leads by partnering with local businesses and throwing events. Here’s how you can do the same: 👇 The strategy 🎯 After leaving her corporate job, […]
This gym makes $85k/mo from small group training
& is on track to scale to 4 locations next year… What’s up Gym World? 14 years ago, Ben Supik started Activate Body Personal Training in a small room with just a couple of pieces of equipment and 20 clients. 💬 He moved to a bigger space in 2017 and opened a second location in 2022. Now, Ben is […]
How to make your gym brand irresistible
Steal this branding expert’s 3-step playbook 👇 What’s up Gym World? While the average gym owner focuses on marketing to grow their business, the top owners prioritize building a strong brand. For most, branding is an afterthought. But a strong brand instills trust, which pays dividends for the life of the business. We’ve seen it […]
This large group training gym makes over $850k/yr
& the 5-step DM strategy that drives more sales… What’s up Gym World? Last year, Nick Page from The Trainer Page shared how he used Instagram DMs to generate an extra $15k a month for his gym. 💬 If you want to turn more conversations into conversions, watch his first interview for the playbook and stay tuned for the updated version. […]
This gym owner grew from $2k to $900k in one year
& scaled to 3 locations with 1,000+ members in 3 years… What’s up Gym World? Last time, we spoke with our first martial arts gym owner on the pod, Brendan Kalijundic. 💬 Brendan went from nearly bankrupt with 70 members in a 2,000 sq ft gym to managing a 10,000 sq ft facility with 700+ members […]
This martial arts gym makes $200k/yr from events
& sells out hockey arenas in Canada… What’s up Gym World? Brendan Kalijundic is our first martial arts gym owner on the pod. 💬 He opened Kalsamrit Martial Arts in 2011 without any experience running a gym. It’s located just outside of Toronto, Canada, and offers Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu, MMA, boxing, wrestling, and kickboxing for adults […]
When is it time to sell your gym?
This former 8-figure nutrition mogul weighs in… What’s up Gym World? If you saw Mike Doehla on the street, you’d never guess he built one of the world’s largest online nutrition empires. 💬 In 2015, Mike quit his job to go all-in on Stronger U with no formal business or nutrition background. Like Kevin Higgins, he broke every rule in […]
This gym makes 7-figures from semi-private training
& how to double your hourly earnings 👇 Hey Gym World, Brian Bott from Aspire Fitness was our pod’s first-ever in-person guest. 💬 Like James Pratt, Brian has been obsessed with training and coaching for 20 years. After college, he started a semi-private training program at a gym, spent nearly 10 years grinding it up to $50k a month […]
This gym added $100k revenue in 30 days
& the 4 strategies that made it happen… Happy Friday Gym World, Dan Trink and Kyle Fields from The Fort NYC are back by popular demand. Their trio of small group training gyms in Manhattan has 600 members, bringing in over $300k a month. First, they shared their content strategy. It’s one of the best I’ve seen. Then, Dan broke down […]
These gym owners built world-class communities
Copy their strategies for a stronger gym culture 👇 What’s up Gym World? Last week, I hosted a dinner in NYC with some of our top Gym World guests. But before that, we got a few of them together to record, giving you some interesting combos like Dane McCarthy and Cassie Day. Dane founded The Athletic Clubs, a series […]
This gym trains 550 kids in 1,900 sq ft
…without systems or processes 😳 What’s up Gym World? We often showcase seasoned pros who’ve: But Kevin Higgins from Stonefitt Performance is a counterexample. He: The gym has been open for three years, and while Kevin seems to be breaking every rule in the book, he’s built a massive kids program in one of the most competitive markets. He’s […]
This private gym makes $14k from events every month…
& it only has 1 staff member 😮 Gym World, What if your gym was more than just a place to work out? Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the concept of the “third place” in 1989. It’s a space beyond home and work where people gather and connect. Big players like LifeTime and Fusion Gyms are embracing this idea with […]
3 deadly gym marketing mistakes
& how to fix them in 30 minutes… Gym World, How many of you have been grinding to grow your business, only to get kicked in the face by a lack of leads? Not anymore. Our pal Mark Fisher just released a book to help you dodge fatal gym marketing mistakes. 🚨 It’s a 30-minute read. Download your […]
Look inside America’s biggest weightlifting club 🏋️
& how to make $58,500 in 3 days… What’s up Gym World? Barbell clubs aren’t known for being super profitable. It’s a tough business with tough clientele: Yet Sarah and Chris Amenta figured out how to turn SoCal Weightlifting Club into a cash cow by studying profitable studios and modeling their business after them. Today, they run America’s largest brick-and-mortar weightlifting […]
This gym trains 1,000 members in 3,500 sq ft
& only offers large group training… What’s up Gym World? We’ve talked to plenty of gym owners who made the switch from large group training to small group or semi-private because: But that’s not the case for Keith Hardwick and Riley Phelps, co-founders of KOR4 Elite Fitness. KOR4 is a group training concept with four programs that blend elements of Orangetheory, Barry’s Bootcamp, and […]
This personal trainer now profits $3M+ annually
Grow your gym with his playbook… What’s up Gym World? Jon Goodman started as a broke personal trainer and grinded his way to profiting over $3M every year. He went from: And achieved it all using the same playbook. Here it is: Content marketing Few gym owners make content marketing their main growth strategy. The most […]
Gym owner makes $900k/yr from semi-private training
& how you can save $30,000+ every year… What’s up Gym World? Like many gym owners, Mike Baker from BOLT Fitness & Performance Training started with large group training. Then he added programs, business got complex, and COVID hit. So, he simplified things and switched to a smaller group model, which skyrocketed his profit. Matt Wilbur and Dan Purington have similar stories. […]
These gyms profit $30k/mo without staff
…and don’t use paid ads What’s up Gym World? Kieran Williams started as a member of Alpha Performance Studio, now The Garage Gym, and wound up owning it. Today, he runs two open access gyms with a limited membership model that profit $30k a month. Here’s his story: Becoming a gym owner After finishing college in 2019, […]
This gym franchise is scaling to 50 locations
Steal their framework for building a strong brand What’s up Gym World? When I started my first gym, branding was not my top priority. That’s why I ended up with a banner that looked like this: But after being in the game a while, I noticed something. The owners that generate 7-figures of profit OBSESS […]
Remote gym owner buys franchises for $0
& makes them profitable from the Cayman Islands… What’s up Gym World? Evan Lindsay is buying gyms for $0 out of pocket and running them from the Cayman Islands. Here’s the rundown: The opportunity Evan opened a CrossFit gym in 2009, which was very early in the movement. And like many owners from that era, he […]
This training gym makes $100k/mo
Peek into NJ’s Top Sports Performance Facility What’s up Gym World? Mick Breuckner started Annex Sports Performance in 2006, offering semi-private training for baseball athletes in an 800 sq ft basement. Today, he’s making over $1M a year. Let’s break down his business: The beginnings of The ANNEX Mick dreamed of playing professional baseball, but surgeries prevented him […]
This positioning trick made this gym $150k in a week
Here’s how you can copy it… What’s up Gym World? Positioning can make or break a business, yet many gym owners don’t know what it is or how to use it. In her book Obviously Awesome, April Dunford explains that good positioning helps prospects understand the unique value of your product and shapes their perception of […]
How this gym owner buys competing gyms for $0
Without taking on any additional risk… What’s up Gym World? Many gym owners view acquisitions as buying an existing space and turning it around. While this strategy can save time and money upfront, it has its challenges: But there’s a different approach to acquisitions that mitigates these risks. Daniel Davidson from CrossFit Main Line is running this play. After […]
This weird CrossFit gym makes over $50k/mo
& doesn’t rely on group training… What’s up Gym World? Being a CrossFit affiliate means you’re qualified to teach the CrossFit methodology and use the brand name, but it doesn’t lock you into the group training model. Yet, that’s the path most affiliates take. And while we’ve seen success with this model in gyms like Dan […]
7-figures of PROFIT from group training?!
He made $250k/year from Instagram. Then, he threw it all away… What’s up Gym World? Sam Tooley started as a volunteer coach at his old high school and grinded his way to $250k/year in online training income. But then, he left it all behind to open brick-and-mortar. We’re unpacking his journey: All within seven years. Here’s […]
Gym owner makes $300k/yr from 575 sq ft
This will make you rethink your model… Gym World, regardless of what you’ve been told, it’s not size that matters, but how you use it. Haylin Alpert of Core Principles Personal Training is a prime example. 9 years ago, he subleased 575 sq ft in a corporate gym and now profits $300k/year from it. Today, he’s paying $1,000 […]
How much should you pay your coaches?
This 7-figure gym owner weighs in… What’s up Gym World? A common debate among gym owners is whether to pay coaches a salary or by the hour. I recently chatted with Chris Travis of Seattle Strength & Performance to hear why he offers all his staff members a salary plus full benefits. He does it for two […]
These gym owners get 300 leads a month 🤯
We’ve got their process. Now you can steal it. What’s up Gym World? Lisa and Dai Palmer of Gas Station Fitness & Nutrition run two successful CrossFit gyms at capacity. They’re known among Two-Brain gym owners for their great lead nurturing. Despite being able to generate a seemingly endless number of leads, they limit themselves to 300 a month. […]
How to sell more gym memberships via Instagram DMs
We break it down step by step What’s up Gym World? Sell by chat is an underutilized way to get more members. I just returned from a weekend seminar with Mark Fisher, where he broke down his gym’s sell-by-chat playbook. I’ve smashed those insights with my own to give you the ultimate guide to selling on […]
This gym owner gets 60 referrals a month
What’s his secret? What’s up Gym World? We’re back this week with James Pratt. James runs Pratt Personal Training, a semi-private training gym with 650 members who pay over $450 a month. Pratt has 9 trainers and offers 10 class times daily. He runs four sessions at once, each with eight athletes. This means 32 members train […]
How to handle sales objections in your gym
So you can sell thousands of memberships… What’s up Gym World? Last week, I attended the Business for Unicorns retreat and watched my boy Mateo Lopez speak about lead nurture. There, I met Emily Strasfeld, the head of sales at Mark Fisher’s. 🏋️♂️ For the unacquainted, Mark’s gym is a strange and wildly successful place. John […]
How to get 100s of leads from epic gym events
Steal these ideas… What’s up Gym World? One of the most common complaints from gym owners is that they need more leads. Well, we’ve covered how top gym owners get leads from And today, we’ll explore throwing gym events. Meet Mike Bouranis Mike runs Stoked Athletics in Long Island, NY. The gym brings in $50k a month from […]
5 fatal gym partnership mistakes
And how to avoid them… What’s up Gym World? Partnership mistakes are some of the most expensive mistakes gym owners make. Luckily, most of them are avoidable. Here’s how you can avoid the 5 bigger & most expensive ones: Hire a good lawyer A good lawyer representing YOUR interests will pay for themselves many times […]
8 ways to become a millionaire gym owner
Here’s everything you need to know… What’s up Gym World? There’s a proven and predictable path to growing a gym to $100k profit. That threshold is often where gym owners make VERY expensive mistakes. Why? Because more money comes with more optionality. You can take your newfound gains &: While all these options offer more […]
This gym owner makes $3M/yr 🤯
Steal his secret model… What’s up Gym World? The top gym owners stick to the basics over a long period of time. It’s the proven path to big profits. Joe Meglio of GameChanger Fitness is a prime example. In 2013, he started training athletes in a 500 sq ft room he subleased from a baseball facility. At its […]
How to buy a gym & 10x your money…
Dive into the success stories of two gym owners who 10x their investment by turning around a struggling gym business. Discover the potential of buying versus starting a gym from scratch.
How to get (almost) free space for your gym…
While running a CrossFit business that brings in $300,000/yr… What’s up Gym World? Tim Carroll from 908 Athletics is taking a unique approach to expansion. He’s been in the industry since 2009 and owns two CrossFit gyms, each profiting $150k/yr. In 2019, Tim decided to shake things up with a new training concept called Endure Training Co. So […]
This CrossFit gym has over 3,000 members 🤯
Here’s what it takes to run the biggest chain of affiliates in the world… What’s up Gym World? We’re always on the lookout for the world’s top gym owners. Last year, we talked to many who made big profits with small group training. But that’s not the only way to run a successful gym. Daniel Chaffey is the Founder of CrossFit Louvre. His three locations in Paris […]
Unveiling Gym World’s Weirdest Moments of 2023
What’s up Gym World? Last week, Mateo, Kaleda, and I crowned the biggest winners and losers of 2023. Today, we’re rounding out the awards by highlighting the best and weirdest moments of the year. Here are this year’s winners: Rookie of the Year My pick: Fusion Gyms In the early days of Gym World, we loved reacting to […]
The Gym World Worldwide Worldwide Recognition Awards 🏆
Who were this year’s biggest winners? And losers… Happy New Year Gym World, We’ll be back to talking to the world’s most successful gym owners soon. But today, I’m joined by Mateo Lopez and Kaleda Connell to recognize the biggest winners and the biggest losers of 2023. Here are the nominees: Favorite Guest 🏆 My pick: Mike Doehla If you ran […]
The BEST Instagram strategy for gym owners
Get more organic leads than you can handle… What’s up Gym World? Back by popular demand, we’ve got Cassie Day from All Day Fit to dive further into her killer Instagram strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the system she uses to get more organic leads than she can handle: Every gym owner knows that a good Instagram strategy can […]
So, you want to open a fitness franchise?
These gym owners lost everything… What’s up Gym World? We’ve talked about the wealth-building potential of franchising but really haven’t covered the downside. While being a franchisee is a great option when done right, it’s also a great way to lose everything when done wrong. This eye-opening article by Natalie Wong dives into Xponential Fitness—the largest holdings company of […]
He built a 7-figure mega gym & then wanted to burn it down…
Here’s the model he’s building now… What’s up Gym World? One thing we see a lot on here is that bigger isn’t always better. Joe Riggio, the founder of Varsity House Health & Performance, is another data point. In 2006, he began training athletes out of 1,200 sq ft. Then, he upgraded to a 5,000 sq […]
10 gyms in 5 years?!
This gym owner is risking it all for greater long-term wealth What’s up Gym World? Every week this year, I’ve talked to a gym owner who reached financial freedom. Most tend to do the same thing. They: And today, we’ll explore another route—becoming a franchisee. Meet Greg Morrone Greg runs The FIT Lab in Hoboken, NJ. His […]
What sets the most profitable gyms apart?
5 key takeaways from the BFU 2023 Gym Owner Benchmarks Report What’s up Gym World? ‘Tis the season for fitness industry insights. I recently talked to Michael Keeler from Business For Unicorns (BFU), a gym mentorship company that helps gym owners run a better business. We broke down their 2023 Gym Owner Benchmarks Report, which surveyed over […]
Running 17 $1M+ personal training gyms
An inside look at “North America’s largest network of premium personal training studios” What’s up Gym World? Less than 1% of gym owners break a million dollars in revenue. This week, we’re talking to someone who has done it 17 times. Curtis Christopherson is the owner of Innovative Fitness, a “network of personal training studios” that average […]
We asked 13,444 gym owners how much money they make
Their answers might surprise you… What’s up Gym World? Each year, Two-Brain Business collaborates with major gym management software companies like Kilo, Wodify, PushPress, and TeamUp to collect data from thousands of gym owners. The result is the State of the Industry (SOI) report—a fancy guide packed with graphs and visuals that gives us insight into what […]
From driving Lyft to making $200k/yr as a gym owner
This gym owner has the scrappiest success story we’ve ever heard… What’s up Gym World? Imagine starting your personal training gym in your 180 sq ft bedroom with a few bartered dumbbells and some second-hand equipment. It’s a humble beginning, but that’s exactly how Giancarlo Regni launched G-Strength 7 years ago. While plenty of fit pros dream of opening […]
This small training gym makes $300k/mo
Their rent is probably higher than your revenue… Buenos días Gym World, In my experience, scalable coaching gyms run a simple model. The Fort NYC, run by Dan Trink and Kyle Fields, is no exception. They have four locations in Manhattan and pay $70k a month in rent. But fear not, they generate about $300k in monthly […]
This gym owner made $95k/mo. Then he quit.
What pushes a successful gym owner to walk away? What’s up Gym World? Small towns always have that one family that everyone seems to know. Here in Tequesta, FL, it’s the Frezzas: They run FitTown Jupiter, a profitable gym that generates $95k a month. It also sits on close to $10M of real estate, which […]
Gym owner makes $80k/mo from a 1,200 sq ft basement…
…with a Gen Z clientele What’s up Gym World? Gen Z (those born between 1997-2012) is the latest generation to enter the workforce. The Washington Post says bosses can’t crack their lingo, so I asked a Gen Z coworker for a primer: The Gen Z version of Don Draper would pitch ideas like this: That said, […]
Gym owner makes $110k/mo with no social media
This will make you want to simplify your business… What’s up Gym World? This year I fulfilled my lifelong dream of starting the #3 business news podcast in Sweden. To commemorate that achievement and take a shot at the #2 spot, I invited Swedish gym owner Oskar Johed to come on the show. His two CrossFit gyms […]
This gym owner made $2M & hasn’t paid rent in 3 years
Here’s how you can do it too: What’s up Gym World? Jared Byczko, the CEO of Myriad Health & Fitness has one of the craziest real estate success stories we’ve seen on Gym World. In 2021, Jared sold his building for 10x what he paid and got the buyer to build him a new gym where he’ll […]
What’s going on with Gym Launch?
PLUS: 5 insights that’ll grow your fitness business Gym World, There are two things I hate in this world: What I like about Cale Owen, the CEO of Gym Launch, is that he gives actionable advice, based on data, that is meant to work for any gym in any market. We do the same at Two-Brain Business, […]
3 trends that will shape the future of fitness
Some gym owners will make millions from these… Sup Gym World? When I was a gym owner, I spent most of my time thinking about MY gyms. At the time, fitness publications were written for health club and globo gym owners, and weren’t that helpful if you ran a coaching gym. These days it’s easier to find data-driven […]
The gym owner’s guide to financial freedom
How to fast-track your retirement in 10 years or less What’s up Gym World? In my experience, the most successful gym owners usually follow one of two paths: Path 1: nail down a profitable model and expand to multiple locations Path 2: build a profitable location and then use the cashflow to buy real estate Our latest guest, Stu […]
Gym owner sells 150+ locations in 4 years
Steal his simple business model What’s up Gym World? If your background is in CrossFit, the name Rick Mayo may not be familiar, but in the rest of the industry, he’s kind of a big deal. Some refer to him as the “godfather of small group personal training.” Since 1992 he’s run Alloy Personal Training, and through trial […]
Online trainer makes $500k/yr with 1,400 followers
What’s up gym world? I saw this post by Jon Goodman, and it got me thinking about sniper marketing and shotgun marketing: Targeting a hyper-specific group with your marketing is referred to as sniper marketing, while taking a broader approach is called shotgun marketing. When you’re starting out, a sniper approach is almost always the […]
Can the average CrossFit gym owner make $10k/mo?
What’s up Gym World? I was at the CrossFit Games for the first time since 2018 and was pleasantly surprised by the vibes. According to Andrew Charlesworth, the Midwest Affiliate Representative, over 1,000 affiliate owners were in attendance. I can attest the affiliate lounge was full of energy and excitement. And why wouldn’t it be? […]
The process that made 43 millionaire gym owners
Sup Gym World? I ran five small training gyms from 2013-2019. My biggest problem during that time was a lack of focus. There was so much conflicting information on the “right way to run a gym.” Guru A says you need to do free trials Guru B says never give your service away for free […]
Gym owner makes $1.9M from a shared space
What’s up Gym World? I spent the weekend photobombing the most “tear-jerking moments from the 2023 CrossFit Games.” Mateo and I also took our first ice bath and posted it on Instagram. I’m not really sure why my account didn’t instantly grow by 100,000 followers. Nonetheless, it’s my favorite piece of content from the weekend. […]
How to hire the best staff for your gym
What’s up Gym World? We’ve made it to the CrossFit Games. I was surprised to find Greg Glassman hanging out in the affiliate lounge. Rumor has it that there are 1,000 affiliates in attendance, which is about the number of ice bath companies sponsoring the event. Let me know if you’re here. How to find […]
How to run FOUR 7-figure gyms
Gym World, I hit two PR’s this week. The first: an 11mm L4-L5 disc herniation. That’s a 4mm PR 💀. If you have any tips for getting my disc back into my spine, reply to this email & let me know. The second: this viral tweet that got over 12k likes and 1M impressions. I […]
Fitness Marketing is Easier Than You Think
I am proud to report that Gym World is now considered academic literature. This week we found out that Dr. Conor Heffernan, a lecturer in Sociology of Sport at Ulster University, assigns his students episodes of Gym World. To honor this landmark achievement, today we’re talking about the history of the fitness business. In my talk […]
Selling an online nutrition company for 8-figures
Picture this: It’s 2015, and you just quit your corporate job to go all-in on your nutrition coaching side hustle. At this point, you coach 350 clients 1-on-1, and you have no formal training in business or nutrition—that doesn’t stop you. You’re deviant. You break almost every rule in the fitness guru handbook. Instead, you […]
Gym owners are making millions using this strategy…
Most people believe the best way to become a gym owner is: get a loan, find a space, build it out, buy equipment, and pray to the marketing gods that people show up before the money runs out. This approach usually requires $100,000+ to get up and running, followed by 6-12 money-losing months before the […]
Gym owner opens three gyms in 10 months
Like most entrepreneurs, I tend to overestimate what I can get done in a short period of time and underestimate what I can get done over a long period of time. Case in point: I once tried to open three gyms in two months. To make things harder, they were different concepts, in different states, […]
Ex-gym owner sells blog for millions
Happy Friday Gym World, This week we talk with David Thomas Tao, the Co-Founder of BarBend.com—which was acquired by Pillar4 Media this year. Let’s break down how he went from writing blog posts in his apartment to an acquisition that “made [his] investors very happy” in 6 years. Step 1: Scratch your own itch The year was 2016, and […]
Building one of the biggest fitness business conferences
What’s going on Gym World? Last weekend was the Two-Brain Business Summit. Over 750 gym owners, coaches & vendors attended, making it one of the largest fitness business conferences in the world. 🤯 The conference has grown 5x since I started marketing for Two-Brain 5 years ago. So how did we get here? While I’d love to credit […]
A 9-figure opportunity in fitness
What’s up Gym World? In case you missed it, WeightWatchers (WW) recently acquired a telehealth company called Sequence for $132M—which rocketed WeightWatchers’ stock 79% in one day. Sequence is a $99/mo subscription plan that allows users to get prescriptions for semaglutides: What are semaglutides? 💡 Semaglutides, like Ozempic & Wegovy, fall under a class of meds called GLP-1 RAs that […]
Building a 7-figure semi-private training business
Happy Friday Gym World, This week I published the first-ever in-person episode of Gym World with special guest Brian Bott—a gym owner, real estate owner, and maker of hot moms. I’m going to share how he built a 7-figure business using this exact model and his process of buying 7-figure commercial properties to house his gyms—all in 7 […]
How to make your gym stand out online
Buenos dias Gym World, According to a study I just made up, when gym owners are met with the question, “What differentiates you from the competition?,” the top two responses are: I’ve been in the fitness industry for a decade, and I can tell you that almost every gym lists these qualities on their website. 💡 Two […]
Gym owner accidentally makes a $1.8M PROFIT in 10 months
Happy Friday Gym World, After running 5 gyms, I was given my honorary doctorate from the School of Hard Knocks. My best professors were NYC landlords—they taught some of the most expensive lessons I learned in business. Here are a few of them: This week I sat down with a gym owner that built real […]
The best gym content strategy I’ve ever seen
Good morningggg gym world. A couple of weeks ago, I shared the story of Jack Wheeler, a gym owner who makes $100k/mo from one Facebook ad campaign. Today we’re switching gears and focusing on the other end of the spectrum – earned media. What is earned media? Earned media, aka organic marketing, aims to establish relationships with […]
This gym owner generated $33M in revenue
If you get a dildo thrown at your head, that’s just another normal day in the office at Mark Fisher Fitness (MFF). I met Mark Fisher back in 2015 after hosting a dinner in NYC for gym owners. When I was putting together a list of some of the most successful operators in the fitness industry, that’s […]
The UK’s youngest BILLIONAIRE is from the gym world
Ben Francis, the Founder & CEO of Gymshark — one of the biggest sports apparel brands in the fitness industry — is the newest & youngest billionaire in the UK at just 30-years old. According to reports, his net worth is now $1.2B after selling a 21% stake to General Atlantic in 2020. @benfrancis 10 years of @gymshark❤️ #gymshark […]
Making $100k/mo from ONE Facebook ad campaign
Paid marketing is the fastest path to money for any business owner, and Facebook is the best platform for most small business owners. It’s easy to learn, and campaigns can be spun up and scaled quickly. When I started my second gym in 2014, I used a tiny Facebook ad budget to open the door […]
AI in the gym world
Hellooooo Gym World, You’re probably tired of hearing about ChatGPT—the AI chatbot that is making social media unbearable. However, last month OpenAI released GPT-4 and it’s kinda a big deal, so bear with me. AI scientist Dr. Jim Fan, does a good job of explaining why you should care: GPT-4 lets you add in more context, […]
Anti-influencer influencers
A recent CDC report revealed that 60% of teen girls experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 30% consider attempting suicide. The big (rhetorical) question is why? The social dilemma The report suggested that pandemic-era stressors like social isolation are to blame. Anxiety and depression rose by 25% within the first year of the pandemic alone. But it’s not […]
How to make $500k/yr as an online coach
Todd Herman posted something that got me thinking: I’ve met a lot of SaaS founders since starting Kilo, and the prevailing sentiment is that coaching businesses aren’t “real businesses.” As someone who has scaled both a saas and a coaching business, I can tell you that’s bullshit. A good coaching business has sticky recurring revenue […]
Gym chain grows revenue by 40% w/ one weird trick
Happy Wednesday Gym World. I inherited a $1,800 stroller from my sister in-law & man this thing is a piece of shit. I immediately managed to collapse the stroller & trap my son in the “storage position.” Luckily the “Wave 2022 features a NEW ergonomic Genius™ harness system,” which is aptly named because you need to […]
How to make money from the fastest-growing sport
Happy Tuesday, Gym World. I took the family to the Florida Keys for a long weekend. Any Dad who has vacationed in a warm climate knows that can only mean one thing: 10 hours a day of volunteer lifeguarding. In our household, we call this “pool jail.” Now that I am out on bail let’s […]
How to sell more without discounting
Happy Monday Gym World. This is your annual reminder that winter weather and state income tax are optional. Here’s what I have for you this week: Planet Fitness’s big brain promotion Last week Planet Fitness reported that 2022 revenue was up 60%. CEO Chris Rondeau attributed part of the growth to a November promotion where […]
A simple trick for charging premium prices
Happy Sunday, gym world. Here’s what I have for you: Money-making fitness tattoos A CrossFit coach from Cincinnati got a Wodapalooza tattoo and now gets to attend Wodapalooza for free, for life. I was inspired and told Facebook that if a gym owner got a Kilo tattoo, I’d give them a free website for life. […]
The best gym in the f*cking world
If you’re new here, an influencer gym is an audacious gym built for fitness influencers. They’re remarkable by design, and members are encouraged to film in the gym. The best ones serve as a destination for fitness lovers, with fans traveling thousands of miles just to visit. Youtuber Christian Guzman proved that this is a […]
This gym owner made $23M from his email list
Happy Sunday, Gym World. Over the last two weeks, we’ve talked a lot about making money with vertical videos. But don’t worry if you have a face for radio; today is your day. Here’s how you can make money from the comfort of your keyboard. Gym owner builds a $23M personal brand writing emails Chris […]
The best fitness business of all time?
Happy Sunday Gym World. My 16-month-old son ate two remote controls this week, and I have the receipts to prove it: You haven’t lived until you’ve troubleshot a TV with Cocomelon stuck on full volume. Enough Dadding, let’s dance. Is Zumba the best fitness business of all time? After selling 25 million DVDs, Zumba announced […]
This gym makes $200k/mo from vertical video
Happy Sunday Gym World. My daughter is two weeks old today, and I’ve already got 2-kid life under control. Here’s my secret: Like a fine car, I’ve taught my body to shut off during idle periods. Enough Dad tips. Let’s talk about the business of fitness. Short-form vertical videos are OP YouTuber Mr. Beast built […]
The megatrend that is making this powerlifter $350k/mo
Happy Sunday Gym World! Last month ClassPass reported that strength training was the #1 workout in 2022, while sculpt was the fastest-growing class. This is interesting because roughly 90% of ClassPass users are female. While strength training isn’t new, more women wanting to get strong is. When I started my CrossFit gym in 2012, the […]
The most successful gym owner ever?!
Happy Saturday. I hope you’re all making lots of money from the New Year’s rush. Just a friendly reminder: don’t spend it all on 70lb dumbbells because taxes are due in three months. Is CrossFit Dying? Over the past few weeks, CrossFit Youtubers Andrew Hiller, Craig Richey, and Nate Edwardson posted videos asking, “Is CrossFit […]
We asked 10,657 gym owners how much money they make…
Happy New Year! This year, I’ll be talking exclusively about the business of fitness. Now is the time to unsubscribe if you’re not interested in gyms, fitness influences, and weird memes. Still here? Let’s get into it. State of the Fitness Industry This week on Gym World Worldwide, I sat down with Chris Cooper, the […]
Gym World Worldwide
Happy Monday. I hope you survived Christmas. Mine was great. My son got $600 of presents and then spent the day playing with a half-eaten dog bone. After cleaning up boxes for an hour, my family came over and exposed us to COVID. Ah, I love the holidays. Here’s what I have you this week: Good […]
Tai Lopez bought Bodybuilding.com. Here’s his marketing playbook.
This week I listened to a 2.5-hour podcast with Tai Lopez. You may be asking yourself: “John, why would you spend 2.5 hours listening to Tai Lopez?”Because I am bad at managing my time. Don’t judge me. People love to hate Tai Lopez, but one thing is undeniable: Tai Lopez is an incredible marketerHis playbook is simple: 1/ Be remarkable […]
The New Year’s rush & why SMART goals are stupid
SMART goals are dumb Goal-setting season is among us. Soon the average American will actually think about their health. Gym owners love this time of year: Sites get more traffic, and sales friction melts away. The truth is ≈70% of people that buy around the new year won’t use their membership. Major gym chains know […]
Alphaland & the weird world of influencer gyms
Inside Christian Guzman’s 30,000 sq ft fitness wonderland Updated September 23, 2024 What’s up Gym World? It turns out that fame is a good business model. The formula is simple: We’ve seen this playbook over and over again: Mark Sisson Mark launched the popular diet blog Mark’s Daily Apple. In 2015, he started Primal Kitchen, a sugarless […]
7 Elements of Good Marketing
Happy Sunday. Here’s what I have for you this week: 7 Elements of Good Marketing Good marketing is fastest path to money for any new founder. If you can be marginally better than everyone else at marketing to a small subset of prospective customers you can quickly build a base of recurring revenue. I used […]
Media is the new marketing
Our 2023 marketing strategy. Happy Sunday. Here’s what I have for you this week: Media is the new marketing I co-founded a company called Kilo. We sell website, marketing automation, and biz management software to gyms. We started out as an agency and used the cash flow to build software. This is a proven bootstrapping […]
Planet Fitness is printing money
Happy Sunday. Apologies for getting the newsletter out late. I just wrapped up an 18 hour solo drive from NJ to FL. The highlight of the trip: (If you know, you know.) Here’s what I have for you this week. How to close more sales Lead response time (LRT) is one of the most important, […]
How get your first 100 customers | Build an audience that buys
Happy Sunday. Here’s what I have for you this week:How to get your first 100 customers: A business starts when someone gives you money in exchange for goods or services. If you’re making a website, printing business cards, and “networking” before you have a customer, you don’t have a business, you have a hobby. Luckily, getting your first […]
$0 Marketing Plan, Writing Cold Emails, & Building Wealth
Happy Sunday. Here’s how you can grow your business this week: The best newsletter platform? On Monday, I chatted with Tyler Denk, the CEO of beehiiv. He talked about building beehiiv & shared the strategies he used to grow Morning Brew to 2M+ subscribers while maintaining 40%+ open rates. Afterward, Gianni Cara & Kieran Drew taught everyone how to […]
Breaking down the unicorn-themed gym that made $33M
Happy Sunday. Here’s what I have for you this week: How to write tweets that get clients On Friday, I held a Space with Erica Schneider. As I am writing this, almost 4,000 people have tuned in 🤯. We discussed: • Dealing with haters • Her beef with Nicolas Cole • Building a hyper-engaged audience […]
Finding a good mentor
Happy Saturday. This week I recorded a Space with Kieran Drew. He shared: •How he built a 55k audience on Twitter •The strategy he used to get 7k newsletter subs & a 40+% open rate •His revenue numbers over the past year •How he writes his threads •What he’d do differently if he was starting over […]
The strategies biz owners use to avoid taxes
Happy Sunday. Bootstrappers.com did a profile on me. Learn how I built Kilo to $3M ARR in less than 3 years. But we digress. Today’s newsletter isn’t about making more. It’s about keeping more. That’s right, we’re talking taxes. The hard truth is that most entrepreneurs overpay because they don’t have access to $1,000+/hr tax […]
How to get your first 10,000 followers
Today, I am going to show you how to get your first 10,000 followers on Twitter. By following this process you can build a personal brand that grows your business and creates new opportunities for you. Unfortunately, most people don’t approach audience building in a systematic way. Because of that, they don’t get traction and […]
The secret framework of top coaches & consultants
In today’s issue, I am going to show you a controversial framework for building social proof as fast as possible. Founders, CEOs from big companies, and industry experts have used variations of this framework to make millions from coaching and consulting. You can use this framework to grow an audience, grow a personal brand, and […]
Buying a business for $0 down.
Today, I am going to show you how to buy a business for $0 of your own money. By following this process, you can buy an established, profitable business which decreases your chance of failure. Unfortunately, most people think buying a business requires bank loans, a sophisticated business education, and tons of money. Because of […]
The $0 marketing plan
In today’s issue, I am going to show you the $0 marketing plan I used to grow Kilo to 7-figures in revenue. If you replicate this process, you can grow a business without a big marketing budget. Unfortunately, most founders don’t approach their marketing in a systematic way. They try a bunch of stuff, don’t […]
How to build a 7-figure sales team:
Today I will show you how to build a 7-figure sales team. Following this process will help you avoid expensive mistakes and missed sales. Unfortunately, sales is one of the hardest functions to delegate. Because of that, most business owners prospect & sell for too long. This eats up the owner’s time & slows the […]
4x profit with better customer selection?
In today’s issue, I am sharing a customer selection framework that’ll increase profit & make your business more fun. Customer selection is an overlooked, but powerful positioning strategy. Just last week I met an entrepreneur who increased his profit 397% by cutting bad customers and focusing on good ones. But, I know a dozen entrepreneurs […]
A framework for earning more & working less:
In today’s issue, I am going to share a delegation framework that helps you maximize every hour you spend working on your business. If you follow this process every 3-6 months, I can almost guarantee that’ll be earning more and doing more fulfilling work. Unfortunately, most early-stage business owners try to do too much so […]
Fastest Way to Grow Your Net Worth: Sell a Business
Today I am going to show you how to build a sellable business. Building a business is the fastest way to grow your net worth. Selling a business is the fastest way to turn that growth into cold hard cash. Unfortunately, only 1% of businesses ever sell. The good news is that if you build […]
Grow your business with cold outreach
Messaging people you don’t know (yet) can change your life. Cold outreach is a necessary activity that many entrepreneurs dread, as it requires boring work, persistence, and plenty of rejection. However, when done right, cold outright can be one of the highest ROI activities in your business. Henry Ford said: “Nothing happens until someone sells something. And […]
How to sell without being “salesy.”
In today’s newsletter, I am going to show you how to make your sales calls frictionless. If you follow this system you’ll be able to handle sales objections before they happen, so you’ll never have to be pushy. This makes selling easier & more fun. Unfortunately, most small business owners follow a gimmicky script or […]