Built To Grow Fitness Business
537 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 60 ratingsWe help gym owners win! This podcast is a deep dive into marketing and excellence for Fitness Professionals. The fitness business industry can be a maze of misinformation and the hosts, Tim Lyons and Randy Angsten, will guide you down the proper path by sharing insights and learnings on marketing, mindset, business, and sales that have helped them grow a multiple 7-figure fitness business. This podcast will build a foundation you can GROW your fitness business on.
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Episodes
Why Own a Gym? Beats Being a Doctor or Lawyer!
April 18, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MB“I'm making money while I’m sitting here in the cafe, and I don't even have to be at work on Monday.” How many professionals can say something like this? Definitely not many. Doctors, lawyers, professors, pharmacists, dentists – these traditional professionals are highly respected. However, their careers constantly require them to trade time for money. That’s something gym owners don’t have to do. Of course, when you decided to become an entrepreneur and probably leave your 9 to 5, you de...
Easiest Way To Remove Yourself From Day to Day Operations
April 16, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBMany gym owners are trapped in their businesses, constantly putting out fires. Yet others seem to enjoy their freedom to the fullest as their gyms grow smoothly. Why does this happen? Well, their secret lies in delegating tasks and giving the team the power to make decisions. This strategy not only improves efficiency but also empowers the staff, creating a proactive and independent team culture. To step back from day-to-day operations, gym owners need to overcome their control issues an...
The Industry Has A Bad Rep
April 11, 2024 08:00 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBWould you buy what you’re selling if you walked into your gym? This is something gym owners and personal trainers should consider, especially given the fitness industry's not-so-great image. And, to be honest, the bad reputation is justified because there's been years of low-quality stuff out there. Why does this happen? Most of the time, the problems stem from not being professional enough and lacking clear regulations. These issues get worse with varying quality of services, messy rules...
Million Dollar Model Mastery
April 09, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBThis is the million-dollar question (literally): How does a gym reach the $1M milestone? Tim and Randy have the answer, and they're eager to share it through a unique event designed specifically for gym owners aiming for success. They're pulling back the curtain at an in-depth event at Legacy Personal Training in Scottsdale, AZ. Attendees will get a firsthand look at everything from daily operations to client training methods, pricing strategies, and how to run winning ad campaigns. In ju...
Get More Done in One Day Than a Whole Week
April 04, 2024 08:00 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBJust like other entrepreneurs, gym owners often find themselves caught in a never-ending cycle of busyness, finishing each day worn out and still feeling behind on their to-do list. If only a day had like 36 hours… A 36-hour-day is something out of our reach, but there is a tool that could help you accomplish more in a week than you did in a month. It is called Motion, and it can help you organize your chaotic schedule and ensure you focus on what truly matters. You’re probably skeptical...
Break Your Revenue Ceiling
April 02, 2024 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBMany gym owners believe they've hit the max on how much money they can make. It can feel like running into an invisible wall. Whether it's $30,000, $35,000, or $70,000, moving past those numbers can sometimes feel impossible. Even when you think you're making some progress, you might find yourself sliding back down. Frustrating, right? Many gym owners face this challenge. So, the real question is: How can we continue to grow past these barriers? In this week's episode, Tim ...
Don't Underestimate The Task At Hand
March 28, 2024 08:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBHave you ever wondered why the same marketing strategy succeeds in one market but fails in another? Often, it's because gyms take the easy road, neglecting the hard work of crafting a message that speaks directly to potential clients. In this episode, Tim and Randy discuss this topic, sharing insights from their experience and a game-changing meet-up with marketing guru Todd Brown. They describe how attending a workshop, which cost them $12,000, completely changed their approach to tailor...
Switch To Semi-Private
March 26, 2024 08:00 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBIt's tough to be just another fish in the sea. And if you're running a large group training gym, that's exactly your business's position. Although large group sessions have their charm, they're not the golden ticket to business growth or client satisfaction they once were. These days, more and more gyms are leaving this model behind. Tim’s gym did just that 14 years ago, switching to a semi-private model. And that proved to be a true game-changer. Semi-private training strikes the perfect...
A Problem For Every Solution
March 21, 2024 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBTim's journey into the fitness business wasn't a typical success story. He was working in construction management when he decided to open his own gym, although he had no experience in the industry before that. He wanted to create the perfect workout space and planned to fill his gym with equipment he personally loved. However, his dream quickly hit a wall – the gym wasn't making money because the model he loved failed to meet market demands. As his rent abatement period was nearing its en...
How to Simplify Your Gym Business for Higher Profits
March 19, 2024 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBMany gym owners think the number of members defines success. But that’s not true. What truly matters is not how many people walk through the door but the revenue each member brings in. (After all, revenue is what pays the bills). So, like in any business, your main focus should be on maximizing net profit and ensuring that what came in isn't just for show but has real financial backing. If you want to build a solid business foundation for future growth, you need systematic processes and a ...
Highlight Invisible Gym Benefits to Boost Client Retention
March 14, 2024 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBFor many gym clients, fitness success is often boiled down to the numbers they see on the scale. However, there's a whole spectrum of benefits that don't make it to this narrow view, which even gym owners may not always be aware of. These moments include realizing you're hitting the golf ball further, hiking with ease, or simply enjoying playtime with the grandkids without nagging back pain. These are the real, though often unrecognized, wins that your gym brings into your clients' lives. ...
Solve A Problem, Don’t Sell The Product
March 12, 2024 08:00 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBWhy do some gyms thrive while others struggle, even when they all offer pretty much the same thing? The secret isn't in the equipment or even in the types of classes offered; it's not about what they're selling, but how they're selling it. Many gym owners get caught up in listing amenities, such as the weight of their dumbbells or their state-of-the-art facilities. But that's not what really attracts people. It's like saying, "Our hotel has beds and bathrooms." Sure, but what does it offer ...
Why Your Gym Website Loses Leads & How to Fix It
March 07, 2024 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBMany gyms face the same problem: their websites seem like ghost towns where potential clients visit but never stick around. Imagine someone lands on your website, curious and ready to learn more, but there's no way for them to just say, "Hey, I'm interested!" without committing to a purchase or a class. It's like throwing a party and forgetting to send out invites – how can you expect a crowd? One thing is sure – this way, gyms miss a huge market segment. Picture the old food pyramid, bu...
When the Owner Steps Away
March 05, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBWhen gym owners decide to step back from day-to-day operations to maybe open a second spot or just focus more on their business growth, it shakes things up a bit. You're likely the go-to person in your gym, knowing all your clients by name, what they like, what they don't… But eventually, focusing on the bigger picture means you won't be around as much. That’s the point when some clients might start feeling left out. (You can’t blame them – suddenly, the friendly face they’re used to seei...
The True Cost of Free Gym Trials
February 29, 2024 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBHave you ever wondered why so many gyms offer free trials yet struggle to keep their doors open? Or, put simply, do free trials really work? Many people think that offering something for nothing is the golden ticket to a booming business. But that 'free' offer can actually cost you much more than you might think. In fact, outside the fitness world, free services are pretty uncommon. So, why would they be a good choice for gyms? One of the biggest drawbacks is that free trials attract the...
Simple Business Policies - The Lifesaver Your Gym Needs
February 27, 2024 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBAdding random classes at 8 AM or 9 PM because a couple of clients said they could make it, only for them to drop out later — sounds familiar, right? This is just one example of how gym owners try to please everyone but end up creating a schedule that's hard to follow. Another issue arises when offering sessions that never expire. Picture someone from 2019 showing up for their sessions in 2024. This might sound bizarre, but it's a real issue that leaves gym owners without a steady membershi...
We're Doing Everything Wrong In The Fitness Industry
February 22, 2024 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBDo you know what's really going wrong behind the scenes at your gym? This question goes beyond workouts or diets. Ask yourself: Why do your clients leave? Why isn't your gym making more money? How dependent is your gym on your coaches, and could they potentially steal your clients? If you don't have answers, or if you’re not satisfied with them, this episode is for you. This time, Tim and Randy are tackling some tough truths in the fitness industry. It's not about pointing fingers, but ...
Pass Through Fees
February 20, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBThis week, Tim and Randy dive into a hot topic: should gyms pass credit card processing fees onto their clients? With the potential to save gyms tens of thousands of dollars annually, the decision seems financially sound. However, the issue goes beyond just numbers, especially in the fitness industry, which is not just any business. The personal connection between gyms and their clients makes adding extra fees more complicated. Gym owners must think about balancing their finances and bui...
Secret Fitness Business Metrics with Dan Uyemura
February 15, 2024 09:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBImagine having access to secret business metrics that could dramatically increase your retention rates, optimize your operations, and enhance your customer service. That’s exactly what Tim and Randy’s guest can offer gym owners. In this episode, Tim and Randy sit down with Dan Uyemura, CEO and founder of PushPress, to discuss how technology is transforming fitness business operations. Dan shares his journey from opening a gym to developing PushPress, a gym management software focusing on ...
Iron Circle Winter 2024 Recap
February 13, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBThis episode recaps the Iron Circle Winter 2024 mastermind experience, a three-day gathering for gym owners held in Orlando. This wasn't a typical business retreat - it was a deep dive into what makes a business truly successful beyond the numbers. One of the guest speakers was Jeff Hoffman, the founder of Priceline.com. This brilliant speaker inspired all participants to reflect on their leadership and the impact they have on their teams and communities. During his 8-hour-long speech (del...
The Point Of No Return
February 08, 2024 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBThere's a point in every gym when you just don't grow anymore. Your gym seems stuck, no matter what you do. This phenomenon is something many gym owners face but rarely discuss - the point of no return. In the fitness business, attrition is as certain as gravity: you gain members, you lose some, and when you reach a growth ceiling, adding more members doesn't necessarily increase profit due to fixed attrition rates and marketing costs. This ceiling isn't about lack of effort but about hitt...
The Systems Of A Successful Gym
February 06, 2024 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBWhat if there was a way to let your gym run itself for a month or two, allowing you to step back, watch it thrive, and enjoy the fruits of your labor without being caught in the day-to-day grind? Sounds too good to be true? Well, it's not as far-fetched as you might think. The secret lies in going back to the basics, to the very core of operational success: systems. Yes, the magic ingredient to transforming your gym into a self-sustaining entity is simpler than you'd expect. The ultimate ...
Reeling In Your Team
January 30, 2024 09:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBManaging people is tough in any business. Gyms are no exception. You need to deal with different personalities and the fact that life outside the gym affects how your team acts inside it. Also, over time, they may become too comfortable and stop following the gym's rules. Sounds familiar? Most gym owners have likely faced coaches who start to slack off at some point. It begins with them not fully meeting their responsibilities, and before you know it, the whole atmosphere in the gym starts...
HOLY $#!T EPISODE 500!
January 25, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 70 MBA milestone is reached for Tim and Randy - the Built to Grow podcast hits the 500th episode! Over four and a half years, they've consistently delivered twice-weekly episodes packed with insights to inspire and educate their audience. But this one is a bit different. Over the last month, gym owners have been calling in with their questions, and Tim and Randy are going to answer them in this special edition. The questions range from client onboarding to memorable episodes, gym stability, t...
Is This Keeping You From Scaling?
January 23, 2024 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBThere are two mistakes gym owners often make. Some of them get really into making their programs and become so involved that they can't step back and see the bigger picture. It’s a kind of paradox - although deep involvement in programming can be a gym's unique strength, it can also be its Achilles' heel. The personal touch in programming is often what's actually holding back the gym's growth. On the other hand, there are gym owners who only think about the business side and let their co...
Pain Is a Funny Thing
January 18, 2024 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBPain is often seen negatively but can be a key ally for entrepreneurs, especially gym owners. Although this might sound counterintuitive, the truth is that it's pain, not pleasure, that really pushes you to succeed. Take your gym clients, for instance. Many start their fitness journey motivated by a desire to get fit, lose weight, address back pain, you name it... Initially, they're disciplined and regularly attend the gym. But after they see the first results and start enjoying their ne...
Work-Life Balance
January 16, 2024 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBWork-life balance is something ordinary people aim for. But for those who want to be among the top 5% of their industry, it's a different story. If you run a gym and want to be really successful, it's not just about working hard. You need to be literally obsessed with your goals. This means your work will often take over your personal life. Entrepreneurs face huge pressures in balancing these aspects, and it's a tough path that not everyone can stay on. The support and understanding of fam...
Addition by Subtraction
January 11, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBAs 2024 unfolds, it's time to decide what we want for our gyms this year. In the past, the focus might have been on increasing gross revenue or boosting member count. But now, your focus probably should be shifted towards simplifying operations. Simplifying doesn't just make things easier; it also brings better results. You become more efficient, save time, and even see a rise in your profits because you're doing fewer things but doing them well. When we look at gyms, we often see they'r...
The January Issue
January 09, 2024 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBJanuary is here, and for gym owners, it's not what many think. It's a common myth that gyms are overflowing with new clients turning their New Year's resolutions into practice. But the truth is, things are quite different. On January 1st, you won't see a crowd rushing to the gym, all feeling guilty after the holidays. In fact, expect few new faces in the early days of the month. Even though many people put health and fitness at the top of their New Year's resolutions, they don't always jum...
What’s in Store for '24
January 04, 2024 09:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBTired of the same old gym strategies that produce the same old average results? Can you imagine yourself scaling your business with new approaches that go far beyond gym-related stuff and traditional marketing? No? Yes? You don’t know? Easier said than done? Well, Tim and Randy have a solution for you! They know exactly where you can learn how to diversify your income, build a strong personal brand, manage finances, scale up, develop investment strategies, lead effectively, understa...
The $30k Ceiling
January 02, 2024 09:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MBThere's a common financial roadblock that many gym owners face - the $30,000-a-month revenue mark. It's like hitting a ceiling that's hard to break through. In fact, many of them remain stuck just below that magic number for years, and it’s a pattern more common than you might think. This might be connected to the Dunbar number, which is about 150. This number represents the amount of personal relationships you can realistically manage in a business setting. If you consider an average g...
This Is Holding You Back From Scaling
December 28, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBThe story that follows is a situation all gym owners hate, but most of them have faced it at least once. One of the Iron Circle members, enjoying a rare break from his daily responsibilities at the gym, was visiting his daughter who was studying in another state. However, he got an unexpected email: one of his main coaches had decided to resign. With no backup plan in place, the gym owner had to cut his vacation short and rush back. Upon his return, he found himself back in the trenches,...
How to Find Enough Time for Your Gym's Growth
December 26, 2023 09:00 - 16 minutes - 14.6 MBYou wouldn't attempt to repair a car while driving it, right? Similarly, when it comes to a gym business, you need to set aside intentional time to work on business growth. Because planning and strategizing (like developing growth strategies, marketing plans, and retention tactics) cannot be done amidst day-to-day operations. The rule is simple – business is all about intentionality. If you want your business to grow, you need to spend time actively working on it. Yet, many gym owners, e...
The Trainer Pay Mistake That Costs Your Gym Big
December 21, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBGym owners face numerous challenges, but there's one mistake too many of them are making: how they pay their trainers. The common payment model for gym trainers is letting trainers keep most or all of the earnings from their sessions (like a 70:30 split favoring the coach). This may sound harsh, but it is all wrong! Yes, it seems kind, keeping in mind the hard work trainers put in. But is it really the best for the business? When you own a gym, it’s important to think about more than ju...
Why Your 2024 Gym Business Goals Need a Revisit
December 19, 2023 09:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBWhen was the last time you actually paused and looked back at your own progress? Let me guess - not recently. It's easy to overlook our own achievements in the chase for the next big thing, as most of us do. So this time, you can make a small change that can have a huge impact on your gym business. Use the end of the year, when most of us recap 2023, as an opportunity. It's the perfect time to think about balancing recapping with planning for the future. Take a moment to reflect on where...
Why Your Gym Should Send More Emails Now
December 14, 2023 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBEver thought sending too many emails or texts to clients was a big no-no in marketing your gym? Well, you’re not alone. It’s a common fear among gym owners that they would bother clients with too much communication and make them opt out. But the real business of gym marketing isn't about preventing opt-outs - it's about driving sales. Your revenue actually directly relates to the number of offers you make. If clients don't know what you're selling, they can't buy. And you definitely can’...
How to Break Your Gym into the Fitness Industry's Top 1%
December 12, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBEver heard the saying, "If you're the smartest in the room, you're in the wrong room"? Well, that's exactly why the Iron Circle was created. It's a place for gym owners who've grown beyond their current circles. This mastermind group is for the best in the gym industry. So, if you can call yourself a top dog among gym owners, then this episode is right for you. This time, Tim and Randy dive into how the Iron Circle helps with business and personal growth. They discuss everything from le...
Rising Future Champions - High-Performance Nutrition for High School Athletes w/ Justin Kegley
December 07, 2023 09:00 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBEver wondered what sets apart a good athlete from a great one? Sure, training hard matters, but there's another big piece of the puzzle – how well you fuel your body. That is exactly the topic of this week’s episode, in which Randy sits down with Justin Kegley, a sports performance coach and author of the book 'High-Performance Nutrition for High School Athletes.' Justin is also an Iron Circle member and owner of the Movement Fitness facility in Rockford, Illinois. His journey in the fitn...
How to Adapt Your Gym for Today's Fast-Changing World w/ Chris Poirier
December 05, 2023 09:00 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBIn the world of fitness, staying ahead means more than just keeping up with the latest exercise trends. It's about understanding the business side of things and being able to foresee future challenges and opportunities in order to better adapt to our fast-changing world. Back at the beginning of the fitness industry, having modern equipment in your gym was probably enough to be way ahead of your competition. However, today, it's much more about delivering quality and personalized experience...
A No-Fail Strategy for Hiring Gym Staff
November 30, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.85 MBThinking of hiring a new coach for your gym but worried about the cost? You're not alone. Many gym owners hesitate to hire because they're scared it'll cost too much, especially if they're not making enough money yet. But here's the thing – hiring someone is actually about making more money. When you bring on new staff, you're basically expanding your capacity to serve more clients, boost sales, and grow your business. However, you don't just bring someone on board and hope for the best. ...
How to Leave the Gym Floor & Focus on Your Fitness Business Growth
November 28, 2023 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBEver felt like you're stuck on the gym floor, training clients day in and day out, unable to focus on growing your business? Imagine having more time to strategize, grow your business, and still maintain the quality of your gym. Sounds like a perfect scenario? Then this episode will be perfect for you! This week, Tim and Randy discuss this critical shift from a hands-on gym owner to a strategic business leader. Gym owners, much like other entrepreneurs, often find it hard to step away fro...
Why Large Group Training Is Dead and How Your Gym Can Adapt
November 22, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBThe large group training model is on its way out, and this isn't just guesswork. It's what the numbers from many gym chains are showing. Take Orangetheory, for example. At their recent convention, they revealed that most members stick around for only three to four months. This short stay means gyms like these are always hustling to get new members. It's a hard way to keep a gym going. Of course, new gyms will continue to open with large group models because it's easy to start: you just nee...
The Win-Win Gym Pricing Strategy - Happy Clients, More Cash
November 21, 2023 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBWhen it’s time to raise the prices in your gym, there's always a fear among gym owners that it might lead to losing some clients. Usually, you won’t lose too many clients unless you raise your prices insanely, but still, it’s never a pleasant part of running this business. But what if there is a pricing model that allows for an increase in prices without upsetting your clients? In fact, they might even be grateful. This isn't a far-fetched idea but a shift from the traditional tiered struct...
A Proven Campaign to Get Past Clients Back in Just One Week
November 16, 2023 09:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBImagine having a dozen new clients next week without launching new campaigns, spending extra money, or pitching your gym's benefits. This might sound unrealistic, as our usual strategy for attracting more clients typically involves generating fresh leads, expanding our email list, or designing new ad campaigns to draw in new members to the gym. There's also the important aspect of nurturing relationships with these new gym-goers, going above and beyond, and earning their trust – all crucia...
Are You Charging Enough? The Dark Art Of Pricing Psychology
November 14, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBMany gym owners and trainers struggle with setting the right prices for their services, often charging less than they should. Typically, this is due to a psychological barrier rather than the true value of their offerings. It's common for trainers to undervalue their services because working out is part of their routine. They overlook that what seems easy for them can be a challenge for someone else. So, what’s important for them to realize is that the value of a service isn't limited to t...
How to Keep Your Gym Strong When a Dollar Buys Less Every Day
November 09, 2023 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBThis episode is all about something that touches all of us – the economy. And it doesn't matter where you are in the world; the economy is creating ripples that affect everyone, everywhere. While official figures may report inflation rates of 7-8%, the numbers we see on price tags suggest a much bigger increase. Take the humble pack of rice, which has more than doubled in price in just four months. So we can't pretend it is just a 7% problem when we're spending twice as much on the same gr...
Gym Contracts vs Open-Ended Deals
November 07, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this week's episode, we're diving into a big issue in the fitness world: sticking to contracts. When clients sign up for gym services, they agree to a contract, but things get tricky when someone decides to leave early. It's a common problem, and the system actually doesn't really back the businesses in these situations. Because, as a business, you have nothing really to stand on unless you have clients’ social security numbers, are willing to file credit reports on them, and are ready ...
Proven Lead Gen Strategies to Double Your Gym's Growth w/ Matt Weaver
November 02, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBAs gym owners, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that doing everything ourselves is the best way to save money. But let’s be honest, is it really saving money if you’re spending four hours repairing a treadmill to save 200 bucks? That’s a hard no. Your time is way more valuable than the money saved on such tasks. That’s why outsourcing some of them, especially the ones that are not in your area of expertise, can be a game changer. It buys back your time, allowing you to focus on ...
Why Would Clients Choose Your Gym? Tips to Stand Out From the Competition
October 31, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MBAt a recent Bootcamp in Vegas, a speaker's tale about a plumbing company grabbed the attention of Tim and Randy. This company had found a unique way to distinguish themselves from competitors. When called to address a plumbing issue, be it fixing a toilet or a leak, their plumbers always added an extra touch. They wouldn’t just fix the problem; they'd also clean the entire bathroom - from the toilet and shower to the mirrors and sinks. This unexpected service delighted homeowners, givin...
Collecting Leads is Easy - Here's How to Nurture Them for Sky-High Conversions
October 26, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBHave you ever gotten a Black Friday promotion email just to ask yourself, “Who’s this?!” “What do they want from me?” “Why am I even getting this?” Of course, you have. In fact, every day, we're all bombarded with promo emails, most of which we send straight to spam without even opening them. But with Black Friday around the corner, as gym owners preparing a campaign, we can't help but ask ourselves: How can we avoid our emails ending up in our prospects' spam? This week, Tim an...