Blog

What is the future of fitness? If you get the same marketing emails I do, you’d think it’s all about technology and trackers, the next new ‘thing’ or machine promising to “revolutionize member engagement.” Don’t get me wrong, I love technology. But I don’t believe the future of fitness (at least not a healthy and thriving version of the future) will involve more screens and more stats. Don’t we...

I love the barber I found last year. Henry is personable and talented. His cuts involve clippers, multiple scissors, a straight razor, and hot towels. He remembers my name and my haircut, but we don’t chit-chat. I sit down, and he gets to work. The shop is nothing fancy, but it’s nice – a couple of TVs, music, and comfortable chairs. Unlike the last place I frequented, there’s no cool artwork,...

Consumer demand for strength training has never been higher. Google search data can tell you that, but I’m sure you’ve noticed in your facility and in your conversations – your members and prospects are looking for strength training that fits and fulfills them, whether they’re brand new to it or long-time lifters. Also higher than ever: their expectations. People don’t just want to move; they...

We were going out to dinner in New Orleans and decided to head to a neighborhood favorite, Charlie’s Steakhouse. My brother and his wife live in New Orleans, so the waiter recognized them as soon as we walked in. If Charlie’s even has menus, the waiter knew that we wouldn’t be needing them. After a quick welcome and a confirmed order of old fashions for the table, he was ready to take our...

If we could find fitness in a magic pill – and I’m not the first to suggest this, of course – everyone would take it. But alas, we can’t. What we need – exercise – is potentially uncomfortable, inconvenient, and for many, intimidating. And this “gymtimidation” is likely most prevalent when it comes to strength training. Maybe that’s because, years ago, strength training was bodybuilding. It was...

Imagine you walk into a clothing store. You are greeted “Hi. Welcome in. Is there anything we can help you find?” Your reflex response: “No, just looking, thanks.” But what if, when you walk in, instead of simply being greeted, you are invited (required, actually) to sit down and discuss your wardrobe and fashion goals? Whisked off on a full store tour then to a special desk and asked questions...

I was in the crowd for the recent initial review of our MMA-style group fitness workout, Group Fight. There was a buzz in the room with team members chatting and preparing for the workout. The instructor Mike, part of our program development team, was walking around, “working the room,” building up the pre-workout energy. His excitement was contagious, his intro was electric, and the workout...

It's time to finalize – and put into action – your goals for the new year, things like plans for upgrades, budgets, and benchmarks. I assume you have metrics and 2024 goals for your sales team and your personal training department. And, if you have a savvy marketing team, they've laid out plans for new campaigns, upcoming promotions and a content calendar for social media. But, what about your...

Have you ever wondered, "why is working out is so boring, and well ... bluh?" If you have, maybe it's not your fault. Maybe you've been trying exercises that are in fact, so boring. Maybe you need a re-engineered version of exercise that extracts the boredom, removes the bitterness, and leaves you feeling amazing. "Good For You" Doesn't Have to Be Bitter. Do you remember trying Brussels sprouts...

I'm not fit enough for the gym. I’ve never been good at exercise. I am too uncoordinated and unathletic. Have you ever said it? If so, you may be experiencing what I call exerciser imposter syndrome. It’s that feeling of doubting your abilities to even begin, never mind making exercise a regular part of your life, improving your fitness, gaining coordination, and learning to enjoy exercise. And...