Club Solutions Magazine: Recent Episodes
Club Solutions Magazine
range- Calorie burn and VO2 max are the least reliable metrics — sometimes off by 100%- What this means for how operators talk to members about their wearable dataSubscribe to our Newsletter: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/Visit our website: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.comFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClubSolutionsFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubsolutionsmag/Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/club-solutions-magazineFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clubsolutionsmag
The high-value, low-price gym floor doesn't look — or feel — like it did a decade ago, and the operators who've caught on are the ones pulling ahead. Todd Scartozzi, the COO of Retro Fitness, joined the Club Solutions Magazine podcast to unpack how strength training, recovery amenities and a hospitality mindset are reshaping what members expect from an HVLP membership and why clubs that ignore the shift risk falling behind.Scartozzi traces his path from two decades in hotel operations to running Retro Fitness' growth engine. He digs into Gen Z and Millenial members' pivot toward strength and specialized training, how recovery has moved from an add-on amenity to table stakes and why value perception — not price alone — now drives HVLP loyalty. For operators rethinking their floor plan or membership tiers, Scartozzi's playbook offers a concrete blueprint.Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/new...Visit our website: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.comFollow us on Facebook: / clubsolutions Follow us on Instagram: / clubsolutionsmag Connect with us on LinkedIn: / club-solutions-magazine Follow us on TikTok: / clubsolutionsmag
A systematic review finds that lifting and lowering weights slowly outperforms self-paced training for both nervous system adaptation and strength gains.The paper, published in the journal Healthcare, is by a team of Stanford researchers examining how lifting tempo affects the brain-to-muscle connection during resistance training. For operators coaching strength training, the findings offer a clear, low-cost coaching cue that could meaningfully improve member outcomes.This Episode Covers:- Tempo training uses a metronome to slow both the lifting and lowering phase of each rep- Across 12 studies, tempo training improved nervous system adaptation where self-paced training showed no change- The tempo-controlled group also saw significantly greater strength gains- Researchers suggest even bigger benefits may exist for injured populations, pending future study📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
New research reveals why lowering the weight — not just lifting it — may be the most valuable, most overlooked element of resistance training. A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Sports examines the comparative benefits of eccentric versus concentric training across healthy adults, older adults and clinical populations. For operators, the findings challenge a widespread blind spot in how strength training is coached and programmed on the gym floor.This Episode Covers:- Eccentric vs. concentric training: what the latest meta-analysis reveals- Why lowering the weight may matter more than lifting it- The link between power, rate of force development, and longevity- How eccentric training benefits clinical populations, including COPD patients- What this means for how trainers should be coaching strength work📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
A new study finds that modest, concurrent improvements in sleep, exercise and nutrition can add years to lifespans — without a lifestyle overhaul.In Episode 21 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson break down a newly published study in The Lancet examining how small, combined changes in sleep, physical activity and nutrition affect long-term health and lifespan.This Episode Covers:- New Lancet study tracks an eight-year population cohort to measure how sleep, activity, and nutrition impact lifespan and health span- Small, combined changes — not major overhauls — produced the biggest results- Just 5 more minutes of sleep, 2 more minutes of exercise, and 2 extra veggie servings per day added a year to lifespan- A slightly bigger set of changes, including fish and whole grains, added four years- Why thesee evidence-backed basics are missing from most clubs' longevity offerings 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
Fitness marketing's old seasonal playbook is breaking down and clubs that focus too much on January are leaving money on the table the other 11 months. That's the data-backed case from CEO Eric Goodstadt of UpSwell, the fitness marketing platform that works with more than 4,000 facilities nationwide, ranging from big-box gyms to boutique studios.Goodstadt joined Club Solutions Magazine editor and podcast host Taylor Gabhart to unpack two trends reshaping how clubs market and retain members the flattening of seasonal demand and a strategic pivot from constant acquisition toward maximizing the value of existing members. The conversation covers whete to start when marketing to certain member segments, the rising cost of new members and why the first 180-days determines whether a membership lasts six months or four years.Listen to the full conversation here.
Succession planning isn't a finish line — it's a process that starts years before any leader steps back. Scott Gillespie knows this better than most. A 40-year fitness industry veteran, Gillespie owns Saco Sports and Fitness, a multigenerational outcomes-based health club, and a F45 training studio in Maine, along with many other roles in the industry.Gillespie joined Club Solutions Magazine editor and podcast host Taylor Gabhart to discuss how he prepared his team to lead Saco without him in the building. The conversation covers how crisis reveals character in future leaders, the gradual step-back strategy that eased both staff and members into the transition, and why documenting systems two decades ago made the handoff possible today.
explained: why an overweight individual with strong cardiorespiratory fitness can carry the same mortality risk as a normal-weight fit person- Why clubs investing in longevity programming should anchor those offerings in evidence-based aerobic exercise rather than less-studied modalities like cold plunge or infrared therapy- How operators can reframe the member value proposition — shifting the conversation from how exercise changes your body to how it extends your life📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
As member acquisition costs continue to rise, one of the biggest growth opportunities for fitness businesses may already exist in your database. In this webinar, discover proven strategies to reconnect with former members and turn past cancellations into renewed relationships.From personalized outreach campaigns and targeted offers to smart use of automation and member data, our panel of industry experts will break down what’s working right now to win back lapsed members. You’ll also learn how to create fresh experiences, events and programs that give former members a compelling reason to return even if they’ve been gone for years.What You’ll Learn:- Personalized outreach and offers that bring lapsed members back.- Using data and automation to identify who’s most likely to return.- Creating events and programs that feel fresh to people who haven’t been in for years.
The fitness industry has spent years talking about integrating with health care. David Flench, the president and CEO of the Medical Fitness Association, says the time for talking is over and operators who build the right structure now stand to fundamentally change the role fitness plays in the broader care system.Flench joined Club Solutions Magazine editor and podcast host Taylor Gabhart to discuss what the medical fitness model actually looks like in practice, how operators can take their first meaningful steps toward clinical integration and why the biggest barriers are about trust.Drawing on more than 25 years at the intersection of fitness, health care, and operations, Flench outlines how MFA's facility certifications give operators a credible framework to differentiate themselves, build relationships and serve populations that have traditionally felt out of place in a gym.
New research challenges the fitness industry assumption that consistency is the only path to results.Episode 19 of The Research Debrief examines a paper in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science and Sports asking a question nearly every club member eventually asks: what happens to my progress if I stop training? The findings carry real implications for how operators and fitness professionals communicate with lapsed members.This Episode Covers:- What the study tested: Continuous training for 30 weeks vs. 10 weeks on, 10 off, 10 on — measuring changes in strength and muscle size.- What happens during a break: Strength and muscle decline, but participants retained more than their pre-training baseline.- The muscle memory effect: The returning group regained strength and muscle faster than the continuous group, driven by the persistence of myonuclei.- The 30-week result: Both groups finished at the same levels of strength and muscle size.- The message for operators: Re-engaging lapsed members works better with encouragement than guilt and the science supports it.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
actually means, and why it's different from being passionate, experienced, or well-credentialed.- Why the fitness industry's reliance on enthusiasm over expertise is costing it credibility with consumers, healthcare providers, and policymakers.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
Few names carry as much weight in the fitness industry as Mark Mastrov. As the founder of 24 Hour Fitness — which has grown from a single club to now more than 400 locations — Mastrov went on to build Crunch Fitness and UFC Gym. Now, he's returned to where it all started.In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, sponsored by ROR, Mastrov joined host Taylor Gabhart to discuss what brought him back to 24 Hour Fitness, the three priorities driving his first year, where the industry is headed and what operators at every level should be paying attention to right now.Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/Visit our website: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.comFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClubSolutionsFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubsolutionsmag/Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/club-solutions-magazineFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clubsolutionsmag
actually means in practice- Which cardio modalities work best for this protocol and why the stationary bike is the most practical and accessible starting point for most members- How clubs can apply this research to programming, member education, and conversations around the number one barrier to exercise: perceived lack of time📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
One of the most persistent debates in fitness — whether combining cardio and strength training undermines the results of each — just got a thorough scientific review.Episode 16 of The Research Debrief breaks down a newly published meta-analysis examining the effects of concurrent training, defined in scientific literature as combining aerobic and resistance training, on body composition in middle-aged and older adults.This Episode Covers:- What concurrent training is, why researchers study it separately from cardio and strength alone, and the molecular science behind the so-called interference effect.- Whether adding cardio to a strength program negatively impacts muscle size, strength, or power.- Whether adding strength training to an endurance program compromises aerobic fitness gains .- Why combining strength and cardio in the same session eliminates the post-workout calorie-burning effect that strength training alone produces, and what that means for how combination classes are marketed.- How operators and fitness professionals can use this research to have more precise goal-setting conversations with members and correct common misconceptions that may be steering them toward the wrong programming.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
Alastair Watson has been in rooms with thousands of people at industry trade shows. And after years of two-minute conversations and badge scans, he started asking a different question: what would it look like to actually get to know someone?In this episode, Watson shares what eight years of attending the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat has taught him about the fitness industry, building real business relationships, and what happens when you slow down long enough to actually listen.Spoiler: one breakfast conversation turned into a 300-bike order for Keiser. But more than the numbers, it's the quality of conversations — at the roundtables, over lunch, during team building — that keeps him coming back. If you've ever wondered whether the format of an event matters as much as the content, this one's worth a listen.Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/Visit our website: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.comFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClubSolutionsFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubsolutionsmag/Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/club-solutions-magazineFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clubsolutionsmag
are and how researchers used them to accurately measure and compare training volume across exercises- Why participant training history matters and what these results mean specifically for the experienced gym members operators are most likely serving- The bottom line for time-crunched members: a low-volume strength training session isn't a shortcut, it's the most efficient path to results the research currently supports📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
A brand new meta-analysis synthesizes the most comprehensive look at how women respond to resistance training across their entire lifespan and the findings should reshape how fitness operators program, coach and communicate with their female members.Episode 14 breaks down the paper which reviewed 126 studies involving more than 4,000 women ranging from premenopausal to postmenopausal, with a mean age of 50. Several of the conclusions directly challenge common myths still being repeated on gym floors today.This Episode Covers:- Why women have been significantly underrepresented in exercise science research for decades — and why this paper represents a meaningful shift.- The myth-busting finding that females achieve similar lower body strength and hypertrophy gains as males, and actually show greater relative upper body strength increases.- Why no age-related differences in adaptive capacity were found — meaning women at 50, 70 and 80 respond to resistance training to the same degree.- The frequency finding that training two times per week produced comparable results to three or four times per week.- Why current resistance training recommendations appear to apply equally to both sexes.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
This expert panel explores what today's youngest professionals truly value in the fitness industry, how to communicate in ways that resonate and how to build career paths that keep them engaged for the long haul. Whether you're managing Gen Z for the first time or looking to strengthen your approach, this is the conversation you don't want to miss.
What does it take to build a thriving boutique fitness franchise? For The Bar Method, the answer is community. Stephanie Schon, the brand president of The Bar Method, has spent the last five and a half years scaling a brand where 99% of studio owners are women, growth is driven from within the client base and community is treated as a core business strategy.Schon joined the Club Solutions Magazine podcast to discuss how the brand approaches franchisee selection and support, what KPIs matter most in year one and why the boutique fitness boom is only getting started — particularly as Gen Z and Millenials increasingly drive industry spending.
The American College of Sports Medicine just published its first updated position stand on resistance training since 2009, and the findings challenge some the most widely held assumptions in the fitness industry.In Episode 13, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson break down the ACSM's new paper which synthesized more than 30,000 studies published over the last 15 years. The conclusions are clarifying with direct implications for how health clubs program, communicate and coach.This Episode Covers:- What the science actually says drives muscle growth (and what doesn't — including some widely held assumptions about load and frequency).- Why progressive overload is the single most important variable in any strength training program.- The case for minimal effective dose: how three exercises, once or twice per week, can produce meaningful results.- What the safety data says about resistance training for older adults — and why the risk perception doesn't match the evidence.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
Did you know exercise directly improves academic performance?In Episode 12 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson break down a large-scale randomized controlled trial linking gym exercise to academic outcomes in college students, alongside a supporting meta-analysis covering youth from ages 6 to 18.This Episode Covers:- How students with free gym access outperformed their peers academically — completing more courses, dropping fewer classes and failing fewer exams — and what drove those results.- What a supporting meta-analysis found when examining resistance training's impact on children ages 6–18, spanning cognitive function, grades and classroom behavior.- Why Carlson argues most operators are underestimating the benefits of exercise — and how academic performance represents one of the most underleveraged membership value propositions available.- Why the research points specifically to structured gym exercise — not general movement — as the key variable, and what that means for the value of a physical facility.- How clubs with family memberships can reframe their marketing around a benefit most parents have never considered: that consistent gym use may be directly improving their child's academic performance.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website.🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
A, Tara Bayke, economist and senior consultant at ITR Economics, offers a preview of her upcoming keynote at the 2026 Club Solutions Leadership Summit, taking place May 18–20 at The Montage in Park City, Utah.This conversation is just a glimpse into the insights Summit attendees will gain during her session.At the event, attendees will walk away with a clear, data-driven framework for navigating what’s ahead — including:-What’s driving growth — and what risks are building beneath the surface-How to time key decisions like hiring, expansion and investment-The economic indicators that directly impact membership, retention and revenue-Why forecasting is less about what to do — and more about when to do itAs Bayke explains, most businesses don’t struggle with strategy — they struggle with timing. Her keynote will equip attendees with the clarity, confidence and direction to make smarter decisions ahead of the next shifts in the market.If you’re attending the Summit, this is a first look at the insights you’ll gain in Park City. And if you’re not, you’ll still want to watch — we’ll be sharing a full post-event breakdown of the key takeaways. For more information on the Club Solutions Leadership Summit, visit https://peakemediaevents.com/summit
A major paper recently published is challenging one of fitness' most entrenched assumptions and the implications for how clubs communicate the value of exercise are significant.In Episode 11 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson break down new research from Duke University on constrained total energy expenditure and how the body automatically compensates for calories burned during cardio, effectively neutralizing the caloric deficit most members assume they're creating.This Episode Covers:- What the constrained total energy expenditure model is and why it challenges decades of conventional thinking about cardio and weight loss.- How the body automatically offsets calories burned during aerobic exercise — making total daily caloric expenditure largely unchanged regardless of activity level.- Why combining cardio with caloric restriction, the most common weight loss approach, actually amplifies the compensation effect.- How resistance training produces the opposite response, increasing caloric expenditure for the remainder of the day.- Why the fitness industry needs to update how it talks about cardio — and what a more accurate, trust-building message looks like for members.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/03/stop-selling-cardio-as-a-calorie-burner-science-says-youre-wrong/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
a hiring phenomenon in which a candidate appears perfect on paper and through the interview process, only to fall short once on the job. After noticing an uptick in turnover at the company — after maintaining a 94% employee retention rate for decades — Clark and her team spent 90 days auditing their review and onboarding system to identify where things were breaking down.The conversation covers the warning signs operators should watch for, the structural changes Corporate Health Unlimited made to its interview panels and question strategy, and how a more intentional onboarding process can be with the difference between a new hire thriving or walking out the door. For operators struggling with staffing, this episode offers a practical framework for getting hiring right the first time.
challenges long-held assumptions about what makes personal training valuable beyond just programming.- How global fitness trend data exposes a U.S. perception gap around the value of personal training — and what may be driving it.- Why the same workout program yields different results depending on who is in the room — and what that means for how trainers sell their services.The science now offers a concrete answer to a question operators and trainers face: what exactly does a personal trainer provide that a workout buddy cannot? The answer — more strength, more muscle, less fat — is measurable, transferable and marketable. Clubs that help their training staff lead with that message are better positioned to convert curious members into consistent personal training clients.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/03/combatting-the-false-positive-interview-with-laura-clark-of-corporate-health-unlimited/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch right here on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
— motivation technology — and how behavioral science, gamification and community are becoming the new levers for long-term retention. Worthy draws on his background as a former operator and personal trainer to make the case that the industry is solving the wrong problemWorthy explains how simplifying performance into a single, effort-based metric creates an inclusive, level playing field for every type of mover and why that approach is more relevant than ever as smartwatch adoption accelerates globally. He also talks about the launch of Myzone Go, which removes hardware barriers by allowing members to use any compatible smartwatch to utilize Myzone features.Listen to the full conversation here.
Millions of Americans are currently taking GLP-1 medications and new research is make the case that resistance training isn't just complementary to the medication. It's essential to it.In Episode 9 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson examine what the latest science says about muscle loss during GLP-1 treatment — and why health clubs are uniquely positioned to serve their members who use the medication.This Episode Covers:- How much muscle mass is lost during GLP-1 drug therapy and what clinical trial data reveals about the scope of that loss.- The two key factors critical to preserving lean muscle during weight reduction — and why one of them falls squarely within the scope of what health clubs provide.- What the science says about the long-term consequences of stopping GLP-1 therapy, including which outcomes exercise has been shown to mitigate.- How the profile of a GLP-1 drug user compares to the profile of a typical health club member — and what that overlap means for operators.- Why physicians prescribing GLP-1 medications are increasingly looking to fitness facilities as partners in patient care, and how clubs can position themselves to meet that demandGLP-1 drugs are reshaping the healthcare landscape at scale, and the fitness industry has a scientifically validated role to play. Clubs that build programming, messaging and referral relationships around this now will be best positioned to grow their member base and their influence within the healthcare continuum.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch right here on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
New research challenges the industry's long-held belief that more volume drives better results, showing shorter, high-effort sessions may deliver better results for trained members.In Episode 8 of the Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson look at a controlled study that examines the effect of doing on set of an exercise to failure or close to failure when strength training. The conversation turns to how strength training can be more time efficient when only doing one set.This Episode Covers:- A breakdown of a new randomized controlled trial comparing one set to muscle failure versus one set with reps in reserve- How proximity to failure impacts muscle hypertrophy, strength, endurance and power- Why trained individuals saw significant improvements with just two 30-minute sessions per week- What the findings suggest about reducing volume without sacrificing results- How time-efficient, high-effort strength training models can reshape club programming and member engagementOnly 28% of the population engages in strength training and lack of time remains one of the largest barriers for people to do so. This research provides operators with a science-backed framework for delivering efficient, effective programming.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/03/one-set-to-failure-rethinking-strength-training-efficiency/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch right here on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
Clive Chesser, the CEO of PureGym, shares the evolution of the brand from its start in the UK to its global expansion across Europe, the Middle East and the U.S.The conversation highlights the brand's success, Chesser's background, global fitness trends and the future of PureGym as it continues to expand.
Personal training is a common service in the fitness industry, but the reasoning behind why men and women choose personal training can be very different.In Episode 7 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson look at an article written by Carlson and his colleagues at Discover Strength that surveyed the difference in men and women's choice to have a personal trainer. The conversation talks about the why and how club operators can use that towards the personal training experiences offered at their facilities.This Episode Explores:- A breakdown of new research on how men and women perceive the value of supervised strength training- The six key elements of supervision: technical coaching, effort, motivation, program design, safety and accountability- Where male and female perceptions align — and where meaningful differences emerge- Why confidence and perceived self-sufficiency differ between men and women- How these insights can help operators refine personal training messaging and positioningThis episode provides operators with research-backed clarity on what clients actually value in supervised strength training — and how those perceptions should shape marketing and service delivery.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch right here on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
As recruitment challenges intensify and last minute coverage disrupts operations, fitness leaders are confronting a bigger question: Is people management built to scale — or are outdated systems hurting the member experience?Rosanna Tucker, the CEO and co-founder of CoverMe, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the creation of CoverMe and how it offers a digital platform that streamlines talent management, reduce chaos and enhances team communication.Tucker shares the importance of addressing both operator and fitness professional pain points to create an effective solution. She highlights the need for digital infrastructure to streamline operations and how CoverMe allows for operators to focus on revenue-generating activities and member experience.Listen to the full conversation here.
Exercise during pregnancy has long been encouraged, but clear guidance on what actually drives measurable physiological benefits has often been inconsistent.Episode 6 of The Research Debrief unpacks a newly published systematic review and meta-analysis from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology examining how structured exercise training during pregnancy impacts maternal biomarkers. The conversation moves beyond general outcomes and dives into what the latest science says about inflamation, metabolism, hormones and immune function — and what that means for fitness operators serving pregnant members.This Episode Explores:- A new systematic review and meta-analysis examining how exercise training during pregnancy impacts maternal biomarkers- Why combining aerobic and resistance training produces the strongest physiological benefits- How moderate to vigorous intensity exercise influences inflammatory, metabolic and hormonal markers- The importance of program duration — and why interventions longer than 12 weeks matter- Practical guidelines for structuring prenatal programs in health club settingsThis episode provides operators with evidence-based clarity on how to confidently program for pregnant members, highlighting that structured, longer-duration aerobic and strength training can positively influence key maternal health markers — creating opportunities for safe, strategic and science-backed prenatal offerings within clubs.
As fitness guidance continues to evolve, some of the most widely accepted ideas deserve a second look.In Episode 5 of The Research Debrief, Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson examine new research published in the Journal of Physiology that challenges widely shared advice about timing strength training around the menstrual cycle. The conversation breaks down what the science actually shows — and the much of the guidance circulating on social media may be unnecessarily complicated.This Episode Explores:- New research examining whether menstrual cycle phase impacts strength training effectiveness- How muscle protein synthesis responds to resistance training across different cycle phases- Why popular cycle-based strength training advice has gained traction — and what the data actually shows- The implications of this research for coaching women in health club settings- How simplifying strength training guidance can improve consistency and participationThis episode provides operators with evidence-based clarity, confirming that strength training is effective regardless of menstrual cycle phase — allowing clubs to coach women toward consistency, confidence and long-term engagement without unnecessary complexity.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/02/why-women-dont-need-to-time-strength-training-around-their-cycle/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch right here on YouTube👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
What if the most popular cardio advice is actually slowing member progress — instead of accelerating it?In Episode 4 of The Research Debrief, Rachel Chonko, our hosts examine new scientific research questioning the effectiveness of “Zone 2” cardio training for the general population — and what it means for health clubs, operators and fitness leaders.This episode explores:-Why Zone 2 training became so popular in media and podcasts-The difference between endurance athlete training and everyday member needs-What current research says about low-intensity vs. high-intensity cardio-How short, higher-intensity workouts can outperform long steady sessions-Why time efficiency is one of the biggest opportunities for clubs-What this science means for programming, coaching and cardio messagingIf you operate, lead or work in a health club, this episode will challenge how you design cardio offerings — and help you better communicate results-driven guidance to members.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed:https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/02/rethinking-zone-2-how-clubs-should-coach-cardio-now/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdTzDt3DUmM👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox:https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
What if one of the most confusing parts of strength training… is also one of the simplest?In Episode 3 of The Research Debrief, our hosts break down a recent high-impact study that challenges one of the most persistent beliefs in fitness: that lifting heavier weights leads to greater muscle growth.Drawing from research published in The Journal of Physiology by scientists at McMaster University, this episode explores what actually drives muscle hypertrophy — and why genetics, not load selection, plays a much larger role than the industry has long suggested.This episode explores:-Why “heavy vs. light” training doesn’t determine muscle growth-What the research actually says about reps, load and training to failure-Why genetics drive hypertrophy more than programming tweaks-How perceived complexity keeps people out of the weight room-Why clubs need to stop marketing offerings as “toning” vs. “muscle building”-What this means for coaching, programming and strength training messagingIf you operate, lead or work in a health club, this episode will challenge how you think about strength training — and how you communicate its value to members.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/01/how-to-talk-about-strength-training-without-confusing-members/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Es0iFGeEOBI👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to get industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox:https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
Sam Bernstein, COO of Chelsea Piers, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the brand's growth and new locations.
Could healthy aging be the fitness industry's biggest opportunity? In Episode 2 of The Research Debrief, Rachel Chonko, Editor-in-Chief of Club Solutions, and Luke Carlson, founder and CEO of Discover Strength, examine the scientific consensus on how exercise directly impacts healthy aging — and what that means for fitness operators.This episode explores:-Why healthy aging is the fitness industry’s biggest opportunity-The “exercise phenotype” and why it matters-The two types of exercise that matter most-Using exercise to prevent and manage chronic disease-Why the medical system falls short — and where clubs fit in📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/01/the-research-that-redefines-exercise-programming-for-older-adults/🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wBlCQ61ZD34👉 Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to get industry insights, trends, and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
What if strength training is one of the most powerful — and underused — tools for improving mental health?In Episode 1 of The Research Debrief, Rachel Chonko, Editor-in-Chief of Club Solutions, and Luke Carlson, founder and CEO of Discover Strength, break down the latest scientific research on how resistance training impacts anxiety and depression — and what it means for health clubs, operators, and fitness leaders.This episode explores:-Why anxiety and depression are rising across all age groups-How strength training works as a proven, non-pharmaceutical intervention-Why supervised resistance training matters more than intensity or volume-How clubs can reposition strength training beyond weight loss and aesthetics-What this research means for programming, marketing, and healthcare credibilityIf you operate, lead or work in a health club, this episode will change how you think about the role of strength training in your business — and in people’s lives.📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/202...🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or SoundCloud📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXplJG2g69A👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership, and researchSubscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to get industry insights, trends, and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/
Josh Rider, president and COO of YouFit, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the transformation of the brand since his start in his role and where he see the future of the company headed.
Matt Goebel, CEO and founder of Woven, sat down with Club Solutions Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the platform’s creation to streamline operations for multi-location fitness businesses.Goebel shares how simplifying operational processes can help improvement, engagement and consistency. He also touches on technology, how it should be used and the challenges that come with it. Lastly, he advises that it’s never too early to scale your business.Listen to the conversation below.
Chad Shaw, COO of Fit Athletic Club in San Diego, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss community, recovery and wellness in the fitness industry.Shaw discusses the luxury fitness brand's signature events, its wellness day-club concept Fit Social and the integration of recovery amenities directly into membership. He also touches on rising trends such as strength training and the influence of wellness podcasts. And lastly, he focuses on Fit's number one priority — community.Listen to the conversation here.
With the ongoing AI-craze, there’s newfound potential for clubs to bridge gaps in service quality and sales execution for lasting improvement. That’s why companies like AI Front Desk are stepping up to offer promising results amid this national trend.Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Brian Holmes, the CEO of AI Front Desk, to discuss how the company was created, how it’s helping the club industry and what Holmes believes the next years of AI will look like.He also discusses how challenges with staffing and customer communication inspired the creation of AI-powered front desk tools that drastically reduce response times and improve sales follow-up, resulting in better member engagement and operational efficiency. Listen to the conversation below.
Every health club leader should understand the importance of their most valuable participants. They stay and visit longer at clubs and are often your loudest advocators.Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Mario Tarquinio, the head of key accounts/verticals at Les Mills U.S., to discuss how to best build a loyal, engaged membership base.Recently, Les Mills completed their most valuable participants (MVPs) report, which analyzed 2.6 million members to understand club growth dynamics. The key findings reveal Les Mills group training participants visit the gym 59% more and stay 39% longer than average members.Tarquinio emphasizes the importance of motivation, group training, and creating an inclusive environment where instructors and members build a supportive community.Listen to the conversation here.
Luke Carlson, the founder and CEO of Discover Strength, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss everything regarding efficient, research-backed strength training.Carlson details how the company was founded with a mission to bridge the gap between exercise science and practical workout methods, focusing exclusively on personalized, evidence-based strength training. He also debunks common fitness myths, emphasizes the importance of staying current with scientific literature and highlights the growing popularity of strength training. Carlson covers topics such as the misconceptions about weight training, recovery modalities and the critical need for fitness professionals to base their practices on current scientific research.Listen the conversation here.
The most influential generation that’s shaping the fitness industry right now is Gen Z members. This value-driven, tech-savvy group is redefining what it means to be a fitness consumer. They prioritize authenticity, sustainability, mental well-being and meaningful community. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Ruben Mejia, the executive vice president of SportsArt, to discuss how clubs and the fitness community can best fulfill the needs of Gen Z. Mejia also shares how this group is reshaping expectations and how health clubs can better adapt today to connect with this very powerful generation of gym-goers.Listen to the conversation here.
Blair McHaney, the president and CEO of MXM, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss everything regarding member experience from creating memorable moments to intentional service.Key strategies include empowering staff to foster positive memories, such as sending handwritten cards, making personal introductions and anticipating member needs. McHaney also stresses the importance of operationalizing these practices — focusing on root cause solutions rather than just symptoms — and measuring member experience systematically. He believes clubs should view themselves as hospitality businesses where every interaction matters and creating a sense of belonging is crucial to member retention.Listen to the full discussion here.
Jenn Hogg, the director of group fitness at East Bank Club in Chicago, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to unpack what it really takes to build a thriving group fitness program.They cover everything from aligning instructors with your club’s brand identity to designing smarter class schedules and delivering evaluations that inspire your team. Hogg also shares why she believes group fitness is the “secret sauce” of a club and what many operators get wrong when integrating it into their brand.Whether you’re running a boutique studio or managing a large-scale facility, Hogg offers clear, actionable insights to help your group fitness program not only grow — but thrive.Listen to the full discussion below.
Recovery and biohacking innovations continue to be a major focus of the fitness industry. One company excelling with this current trend is Power Plate. With comprehensive staff training, digital resources and proven results used by pro teams and celebrities, Power Plate offers fitness facilities a competitive edge in the growing recovery and wellness market.Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Laura Wilson, the director of training and curriculum for Power Plate. The two discuss Wilson’s role in developing Power Plate's program and the company's evolution, which includes the release of two new products: the MOVE — a hybrid commercial/home Power Plate — and the REV, a self-powered vibration bike.It's a must-listen for industry professionals who want to learn more about the benefits of effective recovery offerings in clubs and Power Plate’s value in efficient, biohacking-style workouts.Listen to the conversation below.
Bryan Myers, the CEO of [solidcore], recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko. The two discuss the brand's recent majority investment from L Catterton, what sustainable growth really looks like in boutique fitness, and how [solidcore] is doubling down on product excellence, community and innovation. They also discussed Myers’ philosophy on leadership, the challenge of scaling culture and how [solidcore] is working to set a new industry standard for long-term success.If you’re interested in having success with boutique fitness, then this conversation featuring the leader of one of the most recognizable and fastest growing brands in the industry is for you.Listen to the full discussion below.
Chris Smith, the CEO and president of Fitness World, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss current global fitness industry trends.Smith highlights the industry's resilience during economic uncertainty, the potential for expansion across different market segments and the need to serve diverse demographics, including seniors and youth. He also shares insights on political advocacy, the potential role of GLP-1s and the significance of creating meaningful community connections in fitness centers.If you want to better understand what’s really happening on a global scale — this is the conversation for you, as Smith is a board member at IHRSA and the Fitness Industry Council of Canada.Listen to the full discussion here.
A growing demand in the fitness industry from younger generations is access to environmentally responsible fitness solutions. To meet this trend, the energy-generating equipment at SportsArt can help clubs become carbon neutral through the company’s innovative technology.Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Rueben Mejia, the executive vice president of SportsArt, to talk all things sustainable fitness. Mejia shares how the company helps clubs meet their sustainability goals while enhancing the member experience. Whether your club operator or just curious about the future of green fitness, this is a can’t-miss conversation.Listen to the conversation here.
Derek Riley, the COO and president of Zoo Health Club, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the unique franchise model of Zoo Health Club that emphasizes customization and community-focused fitness centers. Riley also highlights the trend of integrating holistic wellness services like hormone replacement therapy and IV therapy into gym operations, moving beyond traditional workout experiences. He also emphasizes the importance of consistency, building solid systems and tailoring gym offerings to specific local communities, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re interested in how to differentiate your club from others by providing franchisees with flexibility, comprehensive support and the ability to create gyms that serve local markets, then this is an ideal conversation for you.Listen to the full discussion here.
Alyssa D’Aquino, the vice president of fitness at CR Fitness Holdings, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss hot Pilates, strength training trends, what people are really looking for in group fitness and much more.If you’re interested in how to best capitalize on a few of the biggest current trends in the industry, then this is an ideal conversation for you to hear.Listen to the full discussion here.
A hot topic in the fitness industry is how can traditional health clubs bring the boutique experience into their own four walls? With boutique concepts like Pilates, recovery and strength training shaping consumer expectations, operators are looking for ways to integrate these high-value experiences while maintaining accessibility and affordability. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Justin Fouse, the president of Elevate Fitness Coaching, to talk all things boutique fitness. They also touch on the role technology plays in making these offerings successful, including how platforms like ClubReady can help clubs streamline operations, enhance the member experience and maximize revenue.Listen to the conversation here.
In today’s fast-paced fitness industry, providing quality education and training for club operators and staff is crucial to long-term success.Ralph Rajs, the vice president of education for Club Solutions Institute, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the launch of the Club Solutions Institute, a new online education platform designed to bridge the knowledge gap in the industry. The platform will allow health club operators to provide certification and ongoing continuing education opportunities to club staff. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their club’s training programs, develop future leaders and keep their team engaged with cost-effective education solutions. Having a structured learning system in place can elevate your club’s operations and help retain top talent.Listen to the conversation here.
Ensuring your club is prepared to face a range of emergencies and situations is crucial in providing an environment where members can feel truly safe. That’s where Focus Health, a national leader in providing emergency preparedness products and solutions, can step in.In this edition of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, Bryan Wiedenheft, the CEO and co-founder of Focus Health sat down with Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, to discuss how Focus Health helps fitness facilities certify staff and creates community programs that drive engagement and revenue.This episode is ideal for any health and fitness professional looking to enhance safety, build trust and add value to your club.Listen to the conversation here.
In today’s online-crazed culture, promoting your club and getting your name in front of as many potential members as possible is essential to the livelihood of your business.Allison Rand, the vice president of marketing at YouFit Gyms, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the recent limitations on TikTok, the possibility of AI cannibalizing search optimization and more.This is a great conversation for anyone interested in the biggest marketing trends of 2025 and how they can grow their club’s reach in their area.Listen to the conversation here.
For the last few years, pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in the U.S., and there are no signs of it slowing down. The activity not only serves as an easy point of entry for those wanting a fun way to exercise and compete with friends, but also as a possible avenue for club operators to grow their businesses.Eric O’Connor, the vice president of franchise development at PickleRage, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the booming pickleball industry and the rise in pickleball franchising. The two also discuss the ripple effects this trend can have on the health club space and why gym owners should be paying attention.Listen to the conversation here.
One common issue for club leaders is they sometimes struggle to identify the correct problems to solve in the industry. Luckily, one resource helping to solve this is Fitness Revolution, a business coaching firm providing business coaching programs and curriculum for club owners.Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Justin Hanover, the president of Fitness Revolution. Hanover and Gabhart dive into the biggest pain points and challenges are for fitness business owners, actionable steps to navigate those problems, and how to best serve your team and members.Listen to the conversation here.
2024 was another year of advancement and success for the fitness industry. While there were still some growing pains in the continued rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, many clubs saw a surge in sales and member interest in new programs.Scott Gillespie, the founder and owner of Saco Sport & Fitness, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to recap the biggest business challenges of 2024 and what opportunities to keep an eye on for 2025. The two cover a host of topics including nutrition and GLP-1s, end-of-the-year planning, and strength training trends.Listen to the conversation here.
Jon Brady, the president of Midtown Athletic Clubs, has been working tirelessly to further enhance the culture of his team at his club. As a result, he’s seen very positive results in his efforts.In this edition of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, Brady sat down with Ralph Rajs, the practitioner of The Table Group, to discuss how Midtown Athletic Clubs has thrived post-pandemic and how they’ve harnessed the power of technology through AI and machine learning. Brady also shares his personal leadership journey along with new key strategies he’s implemented.Listen to the conversation here.
From assisting personal training to easy membership check ins, having reliable software is essential for thriving in the fitness industry. One such provider of dependable club management software is ClubReady.Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Charlie Lindsey and Jeremy Blowers, the CEO and COO of Max Fitness. As ClubReady customers, Lindsey and Blowers detail how the software is powering their clubs, share aspects of their journey in the industry, partnerships they’ve formed and more.Listen to the conversation here.
For a long time now, hiring and staffing has been a large issue facing the fitness industry. However, this ongoing problem isn’t due to a lack of qualified available candidates.Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with fibr’s William Coker, the co-founder and president of the company. Coker details for listeners why hiring is currently difficult for the industry, shares why fibr is an ideal solution to the issue and more.Listen to the conversation here.
Will Bartholomew, the CEO of D1 Training, first founded the company in 2001 in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. While starting a business in the fitness industry is never easy, D1 Training now boasts over 100 locations across the U.S., with even more growth on the horizon.Bartholomew sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss leadership learning lessons, the keys to D1’s growth, what makes the brand unique in terms of its mission and why, and more.Listen to the conversation here.
Group training of all sizes has seen several advancements over time. TRIBE Team Training is one organization that’s embraced these evolutions and is providing modern, holistic Group X offerings for club owners and operators. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with TRIBE Team Training’s Sue Richard, the co-founder and international coaching director, and Jeffrey Kline, the social media and marketing manager. They discuss the “why” behind TRIBE, how the company started, the organization’s impact and more.Listen to the conversation here.
Crunch Fitness first began as one small gym in a basement studio in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1989. Now, there are over 500 Crunch locations, and the company is now heading into its newest iteration: Crunch 3.0. which will feature a completely modernized version of the gym.Tony Scrimale, the CEO of Crunch Fitness CR Fitness Holdings, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko top discuss Crunch 3.0, leadership tactics, entrepreneurial advice and more.Listen to the conversation here.
Fitness instructors are an essential aspect of the club industry. As such, it’s imperative for trainers to be fully certified so they have the trust of current and potential members.Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Carter Collins, the owner and operator of International Fitness Trainers Association (IFTA). They discuss how Collins went from nursing school to IFTA, challenges facing the fitness industry concerning certifications, how the company stands out and more.Listen to the conversation here.
Club leaders are figureheads for all staff and members. This means values such as inclusive leadership are important to have and put into practice to ensure everyone who steps into your club feels comfortable and appreciated.Michaela Brown, a general manager at VIDA Fitness and Aura Spa and chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Board for Urban Adventures Companies, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the subject of inclusive leadership.Their conversation covers a lot of ground including group fitness trends, DEI initiatives and what it means to be an inclusive leader, emotional intelligence, how to take care of yourself and your team, and much more. It’s a great episode for anyone looking for insights into what it takes to lead in the fitness industry.Listen to the full discussion here.
There possibly isn’t a hotter topic in the world of health and fitness right now than GLP-1s, or weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. These drugs are one of the more fascinating opportunities the industry has right now, and there are many different opinions on the subject.Eric Durak, the president and founder of Medhealthfit, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the subject of GLP-1s. Their conversation looks at some of the muscle-wasting side effects that can occur from taking these drugs, how clubs can play a role in overcoming that and more.Listen to the full conversation here.
While personal training remains a core focus for many facilities, TrainPMT in Southlake, Texas, is pioneering a unique approach by integrating advanced assessments, movement screenings, and personalized outcome-based methodologies.In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, host Rachel Chonko chats with Jarrett Phillips, the founder of TrainPMT, about how his facility leverages technology to provide tailored fitness solutions for its clients. Phillips shares the inspiration behind his business model and the significant impacts of data-driven plans on client progress.
While improving the physical fitness of members is still a top focus for clubs, the industry is seeing a shift toward more approaches utilizing both fitness and wellness.Karah Ehrhardt, the head of wellness at Active Wellness, and Mark Koester, the head of fitness at Active Wellness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the future of fitness and wellness, how both areas can be integrated, and ways to utilize digital tools and technology.They also chat about how their company is using science and data tracking to help inform decisions, new initiatives in the pipeline, and top trends they are seeing.Listen to the full conversation here.
Managing and growing a successful personal training business in today’s economy is no easy task. However, FlexWerk is providing fitness professionals with everything they need to succeed like premium private spaces, equipment and the tools necessary to excel in the industry.Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Steve Pirt, the founder and CEO of FlexWerk. They discuss how his company is the “Airbnb of fitness,” specific benefits to personal trainers, plans for future growth and more.Listen to the conversation here.
With election season ramping up, how do clubs break through the noise and identify a clear message that aligns with their brand and their target consumer? How will you know if that message is getting through and hitting your desired mark?Chad Waetzig, the chief marketing officer of Crunch Fitness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss how to have success with AI and marketing, Crunch’s new partnership with Amazon technology, and more.Listen to the full conversation below.
Thanks to continued advancements in technology, consumers are embracing virtual fitness offerings more than ever. The company Fitness On Demand has embraced this shift and is delivering premium digital fitness classes and content to club members or residents anytime, anywhere.Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Andy Peat, the CEO of Fitness On Demand. They discuss the state of the fitness industry and where it can further evolve, what’s in the pipeline for Fitness On Demand and more.Listen to the conversation here.
It can be lonely at the top as a leader of your club. However, it’s imperative your organization has successful governance from the top-down to provide an ideal environment for members. Without strong leadership, your team will be running at high risk of falling apart.Amber Martinez, the operating partner of JEM Brands, which owns and operates several Crunch locations across the U.S., recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss all things leadership, from being accountable to holding your team accountable, having tough conversations and more.Listen to the full conversation below.
The ebbs and flows of the fitness industry remain ever changing. Nevertheless, clubs are still rebounding strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent inflation spike.Chris Craytor, the CEO of ACAC Fitness & Wellness, CEO of Welld Health and Chair of the IHRSA Board of Directors, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss industry trends, including the popularity of strength training and recovery.They also chat about industry challenges such as the rising costs of real estate/construction and hiring and retaining great staff. Craytor then shares his advice for other business leaders and provides an update on advocacy in Washington. Listen to the full conversation here.
In the climate of today’s economy, hiring can be a difficult process for small businesses commonly found in the fitness industry. However, the company Wizehire has all the resources on hand to help ensure your organization effectively employs the best possible candidates for open positions.Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Sid Upadhyay, the co-founder and CEO of Wizehire. They discuss why the company was created, the fundamentals of Wizehire, how the service can grow in the future and more.Listen to the conversation below.
The connection between fitness and technology continues to grow as advancements enable clubs to better connect with members. One such company that’s atop of this growing trend is Freemotion Fitness.Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Mark Watterson, the CEO of iFIT Commercial. They discuss Watterson’s role in his company, what led him to Freemotion and iFIT, how his passion for technology and fitness merged, and more.Listen to the conversation here.
With the new year underway, one extremely popular industry trend from 2023 is still gaining more steam and traction — pickleball. The game is still the most popular sport in the U.S. with more clubs joining the craze and adding it to their offerings.Frank Lawrence, the CEO of Little Rock Athletic Centers, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the ongoing trend. Lawrence is currently in the process of opening a new, expansive pickleball complex. He discusses why he’s excited about this new opportunity, what you need to know if you want to open a similar space and more.Listen to the conversation below.
Club Solutions Magazine is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month after two decades of serving the fitness industry.Shawn McDonald and Rico Francis, the co-founders of Club Solutions, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the brand’s history, culture and what lies ahead for the company in the near future. The duo provides a genuine look into the brand they first started in 2003.Listen to the conversation here.
Recovery is still a growing trend in the industry and clubs are finding new ways to capitalize on interest from members. In fact, the modality was the focus of the recovery and wellness panel at the 2023 Club Solutions Leadership Retreat.Ani Oksayan, the vice president of fitness for Chuze Fitness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss Oksayan’s time as one of the featured panelists. Oksayan recaps what was discussed during the panel, key takeaways and learnings, and best practices for incorporating recovery into a fitness environment.Listen to the conversation below.
The fitness industry is currently ripe with franchise opportunities, ranging from big-box clubs to boutique concepts. One such company seeing sizable success across a variety of verticals in the boutique space is Xponential Fitness.Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Lance Freeman, the president of franchise development of Xponential brands. They discuss Freeman’s 25 years in the industry, how he ended up with Xponential and what sets the company apart from other franchisee options.Listen to the conversation here.
You will learn:– How gyms can effectively leverage technology, such as fitness apps and wearables, to enhance the overall member experience and encourage long-term engagement.-How to balance offering of incentives without compromising the financial sustainability of the business.-Additional services or amenities can gyms offer to add value and encourage long-term commitment from members.- And more.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, clubs across the U.S. were put in a perilous position. Many were shut down for extended periods of time. The situation created a need for club leaders to have their voices heard through political advocacy.Liz Clark, the CEO and president of IHRSA, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to talk about the work Clark and her organization are doing to boost the industry’s voice in Washington D.C. and at the state and local levels.Listen to the conversation here.
As technology continues to take center stage in everyday life, more clubs are investing in software offerings to improve operations and member relations. One tech option built specifically to assist clubs in these endeavors is GymStudio.Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, sat down with Hewitt Tomlin, the CEO and founder of GymStudio, to discuss what sets GymStudio apart from other software options in the industry and why club operators should consider working with Tomlin’s company.Listen to the conversation here.
Marketing has perhaps never been more important in the industry as it is now. Simply put, failure to accurately showcase your club to the public could result in a failure of member sales.Alex Schwartz, the director of marketing at Midtown Athletic Clubs, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss a unique case study his club experienced surrounding a sales and marketing challenge.The conversation centers on why Schwartz’s club switched from a fitness-industry CRM system to HubSpot to connect the customer’s online journey with their first in-person sales experience at the club. Their discussion is full of sales, marketing and even customer experience insights many operators can benefit from.Listen to the conversation here.
One of the more popular trends occurring in the industry right now is a focus on medical body composition analysis. Success in fitness is now being measured by members not only through results on the gym floor, but by their health outcomes showcased on body scans.
Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, sat down with Christian Dietrich, the global division manager of body composition at seca TRU, to discuss the background of the company, what sets seca TRU apart from other medical body composition analysis tools and why it’s essential to have in the industry’s current landscape.
Listen to the conversation here.
Thought Leaders Roundtable: The Fitness Industry's Role in Mental Health.
You will learn: - Best practices for providing mental health support for members and employees. - How to better promote programming and services to aid in mental health. - Specific programs clubs are implementing that focus more on mental health. - And more.
Panelists include: - Mary Frank, VP Sales & Marketing, Cincinnati Sports Club - Jacqueline Buchanan, Director of Communications & Wellness Experience, In-Shape Health Clubs - Erin Lotta, Certified Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach - Laura Newman, Mental Health Coach, Wisconsin Athletic Club - Wauwatosa - Elise Stolzle, Fitness Director, Stone Creek Club and Spa
After 30 years as a member of 24 Hour Fitness, CEO Karl Sanft has seen the club grow and change a lot over time. Fast forward to 2023, and Sanft is now looking back at all the lessons learned during his first full year as CEO of the company.
Sanft recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko for a conversation on his brand’s 40-year anniversary and what’s been key to the longevity of the company. They also discuss industry trends and topics such as mental health, recovery and much more.
Listen to the full conversation here.
Cardiac arrest is very prevalent as it happens to over 350,000 people every year in the U.S. Even worse, survival rates today are 10% or less in communities. That number has not changed mostly due to a lack of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, sat down with Sameer Jafri, the CEO and co-founder of Avive Solutions, a company that’s empowering the health and fitness industry to save lives and protect the hearts of their communities with an all-new AED management software.
Listen to the conversation here.
On July 19, four thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry gathered to discuss the trends in recovery offerings and amenities.
Sponsored by WellnessSpace Brands.
Topics of discussion:
What types of recovery products, amenities and services clubs are offering. Best practices for offering these services to members. Tips for monetizing/packaging these offerings. Where recovery is headed/growth opportunities in this space. Panelists include:
EK Navan, CEO & Founder, The Covery and REGYMEN Fitness Kevin Yanuskavich, President and CEO, Fit Athletic Therapy Gini Grimsley, Director of Fitness Product, VASA Mary Thomas, Owner and General Manager, Western Racquet and Fitness Club
Being a leader of an organization in an ever-changing industry can present an array of successes and difficulties. While learning how it display effective leadership takes time, it’s absolutely necessary to operate a club.
Carol Nalevanko, the president of Village Health Clubs & Spas, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko for a frank conversation on leadership in the current industry climate. They discuss everything from the pickleball boom, hiring challenges, AI, the biggest trends and much more.
Listen to the full conversation here.
One of the most recent trends in the fitness industry is the rise in interest surrounding body composition scans for member health data and analysis.
Taylor Brown, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, sat down with Dipra Ray, the CEO and co-founder of Bodymapp, an accessible and affordable 3D body scanning app, available on iPhone or iPad. They discuss all the app’s features and how it stands out from similar tech offerings.
Listen to the conversation here.
The 2023 Club Solutions Leadership Summit brought together top industry leaders to discuss a series of innovative ideas and pressing topics through roundtables and a panel discussion.
In this virtual discussion, sponsored by ISSA, attendees from the Leadership Summit highlight the big ideas and top takeaways discussed during the event. These include:
- How to navigate a culture change with Gen Z employees.
- Best practices for driving profit and increasing ROI.
- What technology is essential for clubs.
- The role AI will play in the industry.
- What your brand actually means to your members and how to improve it.
With 2022 being a transformational year in the world of technology, businesses around the world are trying to find new ways to use the most recent tech developments to their advantage.
Mike Rucker, the chief digital officer for Active Wellness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the future of technology in the fitness industry.
They discuss everything from AI to webhooks, what excites and scares Rucker when it comes to technological advancements, and much more.
Listen to the full conversation here.
Thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry discuss the strength fitness trend. Sponsored by SportsArt.Topics of discussion:- Trends in strength equipment and functional fitness.- What members are gravitating towards, and what clubs are buying.- Fitness floor and functional fitness layout advice.- What to look for in equipment partnerships.- Advice for other operators.Panelists include:- Andrea Ausmus, Director of Fitness, Gold's Gym SoCal- Greg Maurer, Vice President of Fitness and Education, Workout Anytime- Jon Baraglia, Regional Director Of Club Operations And Fitness, Fitness Formula Clubs Corporate- Mary Edwards, Director of Fitness, Cooper Aerobics- Elise Stolzle, Fitness Director, Stone Creek Club & Spa
In the continued aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses around the world are still facing numerous staffing challenges. While there may not be immediate answers to some of these struggles, clubs can still employ several beneficial strategies.Joe Cirulli, the owner of Gainesville Health & Fitness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to detail how the fitness industry can overcome hiring and staffing challenges.Cirulli and Zabonick-Chonko talk about how to build a great reputation in a community, how to maximize your team to do more with less, tips for hiring Gen Z and more.Listen to the full conversation here.
Thought Leaders Series: Answering Your Most Pressing Questions by Club Solutions Magazine
Clubs continue to look for new, beneficial avenues to increase membership and support retention. While not every strategy is a sure home run, eco-friendly fitness equipment is one approach companies like SportsArt are finding success with offering.Rico Francis, the president of Club Solutions and Peake Media and special guest, recently sat down with Ruben Mejia, the executive vice president of SportsArt America, to discuss how the company is different from other manufacturers, sustainable fitness options and more. Listen to the conversation here.
Now more than ever, current and potential employees are looking for positive working environments to continue their careers in. Ideal job titles and salaries are often not enough to retain talent with job morale becoming more important for personnel.Nate Welch, the vice president of operations for Cross Gates Family Fitness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the different aspects of creating culture in the workplace.Welch and Zabonick-Chonko talk about why Nate was drawn to Cross Gates due its positive culture, the importance of core values to a brand’s success, ways to reinforce culture through hiring and training, and much more.Listen to the full conversation here.
Thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry discuss serving the next generation.Topics of discussion:- What programs/equipment do you see Gen Z drawn to the most?- How are you marketing to reach the younger generation?- What sets Gen Z apart from previous gym goers?- How can gyms capitalize on this generation?Panelists include:- Billy Grenham, Chief Marketing Officer of CycleBar- Matt Wright, Partner & General Manager of The Fort Athletic Club- Ann Marie Barbour, Director of Programming and Operations at The Mine
Thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry discuss how to keep new members engaged after the New Year rush.Topics of discussion:- How are facilities marketing to new members, enrolling them and managing their expectations.- How to help new members make exercise a priority and routine.- What role gyms play in helping members achieve behavior modification.- Successful strategies for retaining new members.Panelists include:- Colleen Kennedy, Director of Membership Sales at The Houstonian Club- Jacob Thomas, Owner of Razor Sharp Fitness- Jersey Giambrone, Founder of Fuel Bootcamp- Marie Gonzalez, CEO of ClubFitness Greensboro
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, medical fitness has emerged as a top trend in the industry. With the trend aimed at maximizing a person’s health and quality of life, medical fitness helps impact more lives in the community and get more members back in clubs.Sue Boreskie, the CEO of Reh-Fit, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss medical fitness and how Reh-Fit facilitates the popular trend to members.Boreskie walks us through the many unique aspects of her center and the advantages medical fitness provides. It’s a very informative chat that outlines how far the trend has come and where it’s going.Listen to the full conversation here.
The fitness industry is continuing to invest in new technologies to make visitor experiences highly personalized and more efficient. One popular tech trend is the rise of body composition scans for health data and analysis.Rico Francis, the president of Club Solutions and Peake Media, recently sat down with Ed Zouroudis, the CEO of Evolt, to talk about how Evolt is improving the club experience for members and increasing overall retention.Listen to the full conversation here.
Being a leader is no easy task, which is why only a specific kind of individual can succeed as the head of a team, group or company. Difficult times, such as the beginning of months of the COVID-19 pandemic, often showcase the very best attributes of leaders.Justin Drummond, the chief operating officer of PF Growth Partners, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the most important aspects of being a leader in the industry's current environment.Drummond offers his valuable perspective on the importance of core values, how to cultivate a positive culture, leadership styles and more.
Thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry discuss how to best prepare your club for a recession.Topics of discussion:- Best practices to prepare for financial uncertainty.- How to support your staff through a potential recession.- Tips for keeping members engaged at the club and off your freeze list.- How to prepare for financial success beyond 2023.Panelists include:- Christopher Montoya, President, Thrive Business Development- Justin Drummond, COO, Ohana Growth Partners, a franchise division of Planet Fitness- Mark Miller, COO, Merritt Clubs- Paula Neubert, President and General Manager, Club Greenwood
The past year was filled with exciting developments for the fitness industry while the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The close of 2022 brings even more new hopes and goals for 2023.Michele Wong, the chief operating officer of Active Wellness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss what industry trends to keep an eye on in the new year.Wong provides an expert overview of numerous current trends from outdoor fitness, recovery, strength training, virtual fitness and more.
Thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry discuss the top industry trends for 2023. Sponsored by ASF.Topics of discussion:-Trends operators predict will be paramount in 2023.-A review of 2022 and what may change in the year ahead.-Biggest challenges and opportunities in 2023.-Potential recession navigation tips.-Advice for other operators.Panelists include:-Joe Cirulli, Owner & CEO, Gainesville Health & Fitness-Amy Bueme, Owner, Catalyst Fitness-Assaf Gal, Franchisee, Crunch-Cher Harris, General Manager, The Houstonian Club-Frank Lawrence, CEO, Little Rock Athletic Clubs
The fastest growing sport in the U.S. right now is pickleball. Due to the sport’s easy learning curve, accessibility and slow pace, the surge of interest in pickleball isn’t slowing down anytime soon.Anish Manrai, the assistant director of community programs and services for the Columbia Association, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the pickleball boom.Manrai provides a masterclass in everything you need to know about pickleball from why the sport is exploding, to how to market it and more.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of social media marketing. Sponsored by MOTUS Consumer Insights. Panelists include:-Paula Fraisse, Social Media Manager, Gainesville Health & Fitness-Mario Purnell, Creative Consultant, QNTM Fit Life-Bre Brimhall, Senior Creative Project Manager, VASA Fitness-Diva Richards, CEO, Hardwork No Excuses
Perhaps now more than ever, advocacy is essential to ensuring the fitness industry has a voice on a national level.Kevin McHugh, the chief operating officer of The Atlantic Club, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the inroads the National Health & Fitness Alliance and Team 435 are making with giving the industry a larger spotlight, the connection between advocacy and medical fitness, and much more.McHugh is passionate and knowledgeable in these areas, and it’s a great discussion for anyone wanting to know more about the potential of medical fitness in the industry.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of leadership and team management. Sponsored by Zenoti. Panelists include:-Chez Misko, COO, Wisconsin Athletic Club-Ada McKenzie, Owner, Cedardale Health & Fitness-John LaRosa, COO, PNW Club Ventures Holdings-Karen Raisch-Siegel, Executive Director, LifeWorks of Southwest General
As the industry continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Great Resignation, the member experience continues to be a major point of emphasis for gyms.Khaled Elmasri, a regional director of Texas Family Fitness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to describe how his team is working to improve the environment at their gym at their gym.Over the last 20 years Khaled has worked at a wide range of clubs from HVLP to high-end, and has seen the good and the bad when it comes to serving customers. This is a great discussion for those looking to learn about what today’s consumer expect, how to deliver a great member experience and more.
Club leaders around the country are always looking for the latest fitness equipment that will help improve workout areas for members.
Rico Francis, the president of Club Solutions and Peake Media, recently sat down with Tyler Danen, the co-founder and CEO of FITBENCH, to talk about how the space-effective bench design of FITBENCH improves the flow of gyms and serves as a revenue generator.
Listen to the full conversation here.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of customer experience. Sponsored by Gleantap. Panelists include:
-Scott Morris, VP of Operations, Crunch Franchise -Khaled Elmasri, Regional Director, Texas Family Fitness -Ann Reeder, General Manager, Westlake Athletic Club -Catherine Porter, Executive Director, Carle Health & Fitness Center -Lisa Gorsline, President, Corpus Christi Athletic Club
Starting your own business is no easy task — especially during a worldwide pandemic. But that's exactly what Jessica Yarmey, the CEO and founder of KickHouse, accomplished in 2020.
Yarmey recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss entry-level entrepreneurship. They highlight the ins and outs of owning your own business, along with the highs and lows. Yarmey's refreshingly candid advice is valuable for anyone considering becoming an entrepreneur.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of consumer-facing technology trends. Sponsored by the MOTUS CI. Panelists include:
-Michele Wong, the Chief Operations Officer at Active Wellness -Greg Cibura, the Chief Technology Officer at Fitness Formula Clubs -Brent Frueh, the GM of Rochester Athletic Club -Trey McClain, the Chief Revenue Officer of BFit
In a time of seemingly constant staff turnover, developing and retaining employees is incredibly important to the sustained success of organizations.
Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Club Solutions, recently sat down with Sean Turner, the CEO of Les Mills U.S., to talk about Les Mills and how the company is striving to recruit, cultivate and keep effective instructors.
Listen to the full conversation below.
Recovery is one of the hottest trends in the fitness industry right now. The UFC GYM brand is one organization that has invested in recovery through the creation of a national recovery director position.
Derek Gallup, the global executive vice president of fitness for UFC GYM, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss where recovery is headed, the ins and outs of cryotherapy and much more.
His energetic conversation with Zabonick-Chonko is ideal for anyone looking to know more about the trending subject.
Technology is increasingly becoming more integrated with fitness clubs across the world. EGYM is one fitness technology leader providing facilities with workout solutions built upon an open-platform ecosystem of connected gym equipment and software.
Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Club Solutions, recently sat down with Dana Milkie, the general manager of North America at EGYM, to talk about EGYM and how the company is using the latest technology to keep gym members motivated while helping them achieve healthier lifestyles.
Listen to their full conversation here.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of pickleball! Panelists include:
-Janet Warner, the executive director of fitness services at The Alaska Club -Andrew Gunberg, the executive director of Cedardale Health & Fitness -Charlie Hauser, a senior operations advisor at World Gym and owner of Shasta Athletic Club -Eric Schmitz, the president of California Athletic Clubs -Anish Manrai, the assistant director of community programs and services for Columbia Association
Mindi Bridges, the chief brand and marketing officer at VASA Fitness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the latest marketing trends in the industry.
Bridges talks about digital and social media strategies, resonating messaging with consumers and the biggest challenges facing fitness marketers today.
Her conversation with Zabonick-Chonko is great for anyone looking for new ideas on how to showcase their businesses effectively to the public.
Recovery is one of the hottest trends in fitness, as consumers more frequently seek opportunities to recover from their workouts and increase their overall wellness. One of these trending recovery offerings is red light therapy, but you may be wondering, what exactly is it? And how does it benefit my members and business?
Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Club Solutions, recently sat down with Jacque Leuenberger, the business development director at Body Balance System, to answer these questions and more.
Transitioning between businesses can be a stressful but sometimes a necessary move for many gym owners. Kris and Maica Peterson, the co-founders of Chuze Fitness, recently left the day-to-day operations of their company in 2020 to start a boutique fitness franchise with Eat The Frog Fitness.
The couple recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss their decision and how it’s been beneficial for their family. They also provide valuable lessons and advice they gathered from the experience.
It’s an honest conversation for anyone considering starting a new business venture, changing roles or repositioning priorities in family or business life.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of marketing and sales trends. Sponsored by ASF + Club OS. Panelists include:
-Hiba Abduljawad, the Chief Marketing Officer at Fitness Ventures LLC -Donyel Cerceo, the Marketing Director at Merritt Clubs -Kory Angelin, fitness executive and creator of the Powr Sales App -Jake McCabe, the Vice President of Marketing at Genesis -Allison Rand, the Vice President of Marketing at YouFit
Leadership is always challenging. But these last two years have been especially difficult for those leading people and organizations.
Greg Maurer, the vice president of fitness and education at Workout Anytime, knows this well as an experienced industry veteran and former Marine.
He recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss tenants in leadership, lessons from Greg’s time in the Marine Corps, the power of in-person events and much more.
It’s a great talk for those interested in learning about leadership in the current times.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of outdoor fitness. Sponsored by BeaverFit. Panelists include:
-Julie Crowley, the director of group fitness at Wisconsin Athletic Club -Troy Richardson, the VP of fitness services at Gold's Gym SoCal -Jarrod Saracco, the COO of World Gym -Raphael Konforti, the senior director of fitness at YouFit
Technology should remove friction from your gym and member experience, not add to it.
Jarron Aizen, the CEO of Hapana, knows this well as the head of an end-to-end software solution built to deliver engagement and growth for ambitious fitness businesses. And he discusses this and more in this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast.
Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sits down with Aizen to discuss how he found his way to Hapana, the importance of focusing on unification and end-to-end journeys, creating raving fan cultures, and more.
Many gyms across the globe are united in one goal: Helping members adopt healthier habits and lifestyles. However, achieving this goal isn’t always easy. Behavior modification can be difficult and elusive for many members, especially those new to exercise.
Sheldon McBee, the executive director of Universal Athletic Club, recently discussed this very topic with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko. They discuss the science behind behavior modification, the impact the book Atomic Habits has had on Universal’s onboarding process, member retention tips and much more.
They also discuss McBee’s biggest fear and discover the TV show he’s obsessed with.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of recovery. Sponsored by Cryo Innovations. Panelists include:
-EK Navan, the co-founder of the Regymen Fitness / The Covery -Eric Schreimann, the CEO of Club Fitness -Ani Okaysan, the VP of Fitness at Chuze Fitness -Blake Mistretta, the co-founder of MOXI3 -Jeremy Longwell, the national recovery director at UFC GYM & UFC FIT
Data is one thing, but actionable data is another. MOTUS Consumer Insights knows the difference.
Peter Stipher, the president of MOTUS, shares about that and more in this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast.
Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sits down with Stipher to discuss how he got into the industry, how MOTUS works to stay ahead of the curve, why hyper personalization is key and the challenges MOTUS can help club owners with.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of leadership and business growth. Sponsored by ASF + Club OS. Panelists include:
-Trina Gray, the CEO of Bay Athletic Club -Julian Barnes, the co-founder and CEO of Boutique Fitness Solutions -Joe Cirulli, the owner of Gainesville Health & Fitness Centers -Assaf Gal, the franchisee Crunch Fitness in Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens -Jessica Yarmey, the CEO of KickHouse
Industry advocacy has taken on a new importance over the past year. And Paula Neubert is one of many club owners who became heavily involved.
As the president and general manager of Club Greenwood in Colorado, Neubert was part of the formation of the Colorado Fitness Coalition.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, she chats with editor-in-chief Rachel Zabonick-Chonko about industry advocacy on a local and national level, and how others can get involved. They also dive into Neubert’s top lessons from the past two years, her optimistic outlook for the industry and the best leadership books she’s reading.
Wexer’s current mission started with Paul Bowman’s question, “How do we scale the impact of our top trainers?”
As the CEO of Wexer, Bowman joins Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, in this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast. They talk about the company and how it was founded, how growing up in New Zealand had a fitness influence on Bowman, the impact of scaling rock stars at clubs, and what the future holds for the company.
Dive into the conversation between Francis and Bowman to get insight on helping your virtual fitness programming thrive.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of medical fitness. Sponsored by the Medical Fitness Association. Panelists include:
-Karen Raisch-Siegel, the executive director of LifeWorks of Southwest General -Scott Gillespie, the owner of Saco Sport & Fitness -Rhea Vaags-Olafson, the director of health and fitness at Reh-Fit Centre -Michael Feitelberg, the CEO of The EDGE Vermont -Jeff Jeran, the corporate director of fitness services at Valley Health Wellness and Fitness Center
One in five adults in the U.S. experienced mental illness in 2020 as reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It’s no wonder that the discussion of mental health and illness has taken off the past two years.
In fact, Victor Brick — the co-founder of Brick Bodies and Planet Fitness Growth — founded the John Brick Mental Health Foundation.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, editor-in-chief Rachel Zabonick-Chonko chats with Brick about mental health, what he’s learned since founding the John Brick Mental Health Foundation, how gyms can address mental health and illness, and more.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sits down with Steve Ayers, the vice president of national accounts for Daxko and its many brands, including Club Automation, CSI and Motionsoft. They discuss everything from Ayer's journey into the fitness industry, impacting the bottom line and more.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of fitness and programming trends. Panelists include:
-Victoria Tolbert-Ashley, the national director of group exercise at XSport Fitness -Troy Richardson, the VP of fitness services at Gold's Gym SoCal -Lisa Groft, a director at Baptist East Milestone -Gretchen Collins, the director of fitness at East Bank Club -Jenn Hogg, the Group X director at East Bank Club -Staci Alden, the group fitness director at PRO Club
Chris Craytor is seeing medical and outdoor fitness, at-home workouts, and human resources as part of the 2022 industry trends.
As the CEO of ACAC Fitness and Wellness, Craytor has been keeping tabs on the industry. In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, editor-in-chief Rachel Zabonick-Chonko sits down with Craytor to discuss the trends he is seeing, as well as the leadership books he's been reading and best practices for the industry as it enters a new year.
Recovery is a growing part of the industry that can't be ignored.
In fact, EK Navan, the co-founder of Regymen Fitness, launched The COVERY to focus on a variety of modalities of recovery.
As such, in this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, editor-in-chief Rachel Zabonick-Chonko chats with Navan about The COVERY. They also talk about the latest trends in recovery, what consumers are looking for, how to monetize recovery options and more.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of technology. Sponsored by Club OS and ASF. Panelists include:
-Mike Rucker, the VP of technology at Active Wellness -Mindi Bridges, the chief brand and marketing officer at VASA Fitness -Jon Brady, the president of Midtown Athletic Clubs -Mark Harrington, Jr., the president of Healthworks and Republic Fitness
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of industry trends for 2022. Sponsored by Radianse. Panelists include:
-Aaron Moore, the director of operations at VIDA Fitness -Michele Melkerson-Granryrd, the GM of Castle Hill Fitness -Matthew Wright, a partner at The Fort Athletic Club -Justin Drummond, the COO of PFGP -Cher Harris, the GM of The Houstonian Club
For Victoria Tolbert-Ashley, community health is at the forefront of her mind. As the national director of group fitness at XSport, Tolbert-Ashley has been working with African American Male Wellness Agency, the National Center for Urban Solutions and the American Diabetes Association. In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, editor-in-chief Rachel Zabonick-Chonko chats with Tolbert-Ashley about community health. They go on to discuss everything from food deserts to how health clubs can be more attune to health changes in local communities.
Salt therapy is like a toothbrush for your lungs.
That’s what Leo Tonkin, the founder and CEO of Salt Chamber, shared in this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast. He explained his journey to finding salt therapy and all of the benefits he’s found along the way.
He sat down with Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, to discuss salt therapy’s evolution, what Salt Chamber does and how it helps clubs, and how to bring this profit center into your business.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of expanding market reach. Sponsored by ASF and Club OS. Panelists include:
-Sheldon McBee, the executive director at Universal Athletic Club -Kory Angelin, the COO of Volofit by Tough Mudder -JoAnna Masloski, the COO of Wellbridge -Brent Frueh, the general manager of Rochester Athletic Club -Carolyn Jackson, the co-owner of Cedardale Health & Fitness -Jeff Linn, the executive director of Weymouth Club
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, editor-in-chief Rachel Zabonick-Chonko interviews Amita Balla, the regional director of sales west coast for Crunch Fitness.
Balla share how fitness got her through her breast cancer diagnosis in 2020, dives into her passion for the Crunch brand, pulls back the veil on her leadership style and chats on the current challenges of sales and marketing.
Nick Hahn, the vice president of product for the EverCommerce brands ASF and Club OS, chats with Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, in this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast. They dive into the history of the brands, how Hahn got to where he is and what it means to choose a club management software.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of political advocacy. Sponsored by MXMetrics. Panelists include:
-Chris Craytor, the CEO of ACAC -Merikay Marzoni, the director of marketing and public relations at Fitness Formula Clubs -Kevin McHugh, the COO of The Atlantic Club -Greta Wagner, the EVP of Chelsea Piers Connecticut
Kory Angelin, the COO of Volofit by Tough Mudder, chats with Rachel Zabonick-Chonko on this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast. They talk about what great brands do differently, how to go about creating the best onboarding club experience, and why it’s key to be the mayor of your club or studio.
Very few gyms saw growth over the past 18 months quite like Crunch Franchise.
Ben Midgley, the CEO and founding partner of Crunch Franchise, shared they only lost 2% of existing members during the shutdown. It’s a feat few other companies replicated.
He chats with Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, in this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast. They dive into how the company thrived over the past 18 months, the history of Crunch Franchise and Midgley’s top lessons learned in membership sales.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of increasing profits and revenue. Sponsored by Digital Revenue Systems. Panelists include:
-Robert Brewster, the CEO of The Alaska Club -Shawn Stewart, the founder/CEO of Fuel Fitness -Amita Balla, the regional director of sales, West Coast, at Crunch Fitness - Signature -Cassie Gallagher, the owner of Avenu Fitness & Lifestyle
From the country of Colombia to her current home in Greensboro, North Carolina, Maria Gonzalez has traveled far, literally and metaphorically.
In addition to moving countries, Gonzalez has also moved up the ladder — beginning her career at ClubFitness as a lifeguard. She is now CEO.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko chats with Gonzalez about her fascinating journey. They touch on her transition to Greensboro and ClubFitness, taking on new and challenging roles, lessons learned as a leader and during COVID-19, and more.
“We’re not just a ladder climbing company, we’re a climbing company," said Bob Palka, the owner of Jacobs Ladder, in this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast.
However, it's been an evolution to this point. They began with one single product and have developed over time into a company with various pieces of climbing equipment.
Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, chats with Palka in this episode about the company's creation, the breaks that saved them from going bankrupt and the evolution of products over time. Plus, they dive into the company’s history and growth, how Palka and his team can help club owners, and more.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of bringing back and retaining back talent. Sponsored by Club Automation. Panelists include:
-Ralph Rajs, the COO of Forma Gym -Michele Wong, the COO of Active Wellness -Amy Thompson, the VP & General Manager of IDEA Health & Fitness Association -Frank Lawrence, the CEO of Little Rock Athletic Clubs -Ryan O'Toole, the regional manager of Anytime Fitness Cheswick, Leechburg and Kittanning
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko chats with Mark Harrington Jr., the president of Healthworks and Republic Fitness, on the topic of data security. They discuss the surprising frequency in ransomware attacks, and Harrington Jr. shares specific strategies clubs can use to guard their member and company data.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of marketing well-being versus fitness. Sponsored by Club OS. Panelists include:
-Kris Mulkey, the CMO of In-Shape Health Clubs -JoAnna Masloski, the COO of Wellbridge -Eddie Davila, the owner of Urban Fitness -Edward Keith Navan, the co-founder and CSO of REGYMEN Fitness and The Covery -Mary Edwards, the fitness director and a professional fitness trainer at Cooper Fitness Center
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sat down with Dean Jerrehian, the president of Jade Industries and the creator of JadeYoga, to discuss the business' rich history and positive impact it can have on health clubs.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko chats with Shawn Stewart, the owner of CSS Fitness Holdings and Fuel Fitness, on leadership, culture, ownership and more. They wind through Stewart’s journey from Gainesville Health and Fitness to O2 Fitness and beyond. They discuss other topics including burnout and fun facts about Stewart’s first job at Disney.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of member engagement and retention. Sponsored by MXM. Panelists include:
-Paula Neubert, the president and general manager of Club Greenwood -Adrian Antigua, the general manager of Gainesville Health & Fitness -April McCullough, the general manager of Little Rock Athletic Club -Evan Zupancic, the COO and general manager of Stafford Hills Club -Jeff Linn, the executive director of Weymouth Club
The hybrid model – meaning a combination of the in-person and digital experience – is leaving an impact on the industry. And Les Mills is at the forefront.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sat down with Adrian Heffernan, the vice president of customer experience at Les Mills.
Heffernan shares his history in the industry and how he came to be at Les Mills. They also discuss the phenomenon of the hybrid model, its impact on health clubs and operators, and how Les Mills can help with this evolution.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko chats with Chris Stevenson and Marisa Hoff of The Empower Group and Be Military Fit franchise owners. They discuss where the industry is today, trends in virtual and outdoor fitness, favorite leadership books, and more.
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "Data-Driven Marketing: Driving Sales and ROI" — part of the 2021 Club Solutions Connect event. Panelists include:
Lyle Gadin, the vice president of client strategy at MOTUS Consumer Insights Jake McCabe, the vice president of marketing at Genesis Health Clubs Bryan K. O’Rourke, the owner of Moon Mission Media Lisa Maguire, the marketing and advertising director at Hockessin Athletic Club Merikay Marzoni, the director of marketing and public relations at Fitness Formula Clubs
Can data make a difference?
Time and time again, MXM powered by Medallia has proven it really can.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Ric Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sat down with Blair McHaney, the president and CEO of MXM and the owner of the Worx of Wenatchee Valley, a two-location health club based in Wenatchee, Washington.
They dive into how McHaney got his start in the fitness industry, what role data plays in health club success, the gaps and shortfalls McHaney most often sees plaguing clubs, an incredible turnaround story and the future of MXM.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of medical fitness. Sponsored by ASF. Panelists include:
-Chris Craytor, the CEO of ACAC -Debra Siena, the president of Midtown Health -Karen Raisch-Siegel, the executive director of LifeWorks of Southwest General -Alan Loyd, the executive director of Beacon Health & Fitness -Kevin McHugh, the COO of The Atlantic Club
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "Outdoor Fitness: Creating the Ultimate Experience" — part of the 2021 Club Solutions Connect event. Panelists include:
Alastair Watson, the VP of Keiser Amina Daniels, owner of Live. Cycle. Delight Jarrod Saracco, the COO of World Gym Jason Allen, the senior director of operations at In-Shape Health Clubs Marisa Hoff, the co-owner of Be Military Fit and director of operations at Stevenson Consulting Ralph Rajs, the COO of Forma Gym
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "The Ins and Outs of Successful Virtual Fitness" — part of the 2021 Club Solutions Connect event. Panelists include:
Nick Cross, the president of MotionVibe Cecil Hightower, a partner at Villa 59 Fitness Consulting Staci Alden, the group fitness director at PRO Club Michele Melkerson-Granryd, the general manager of Castle Hill Fitness Sheldon McBee, the personal training director at Universal Athletic Club
On this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, the senior management team of Dubai-based GymNation — Loren Holland, Frank Afeaki and Ant Martland — share how the market responded to their gyms, how they are revolutionizing the fitness market in the UAE and more.
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "Creating Raving Fans — Member Engagement Strategies" — part of the 2021 Club Solutions Connect event. Panelists include:
Katie Bossie, the senior business manager of Listen360 Rich Novelli, the general manager of Highpoint Sport & Wellness Mark Miller, the COO of Merritt Clubs Mindi Bridges, the chief brand and marketing officer of VASA Fitness Matt Wright, partner at Fort Athletic Club Karen M. Raisch-Siegel, the executive director of LifeWorks of Southwest General
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "Lessons Learned: Building a Crisis-Proof Organization" — part of the 2021 Club Solutions Connect event. Panelists include:
Sean Turner, the CEO of Les Mills US Chez Misko, the COO of Wisconsin Athletic Club Christopher Montoya, the president of Thrive Business Development / Fit Republic Cher Harris, the general manager of The Houstonian Club Laurie Smith, the senior vice president of VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa Ralph Rajs, the COO of Forma Gym
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of digital and virtual revenue streams. Sponsored by Intelivideo. Panelists include:
-Scott Gillespie, the owner and president of Saco Sport & Fitness -Tiffany Marie, the owner of Trampoline TRIM -Greg Maurer, the vice president of fitness at Workout Anytime -Landon Burningham, the founder, president and CEO of Physiq Fitness -Mary Edwards, the fitness director and a professional fitness trainer at Cooper Fitness Center
ROR Partners isn’t just about marketing — it’s about answering the question, “How do we help people engage in fitness?”
Both Tom Lapcevic, the executive chairman, and Greg Dowd, the CEO, have both been in the industry for 30-plus years. They have a passion for the fitness industry and engaging others in fitness.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sat down with Lapcevic and Dowd to learn their stories and background, how they arrived at where they are today, and where ROR Partners can help owners and operators in the industry.
Club leadership is key and has been invaluable during COVID.
Lisa Gorsline, the general manager and president of Corpus Christi Athletic Club in Texas, has been learning lesson after lesson on club leadership this past year.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, she shares on club leadership with the show’s host, Rachel Zabonick-Chonk. Their conversation centers around discussion of all the creative ways Gorsline has helped the club maintain a positive culture through COVID, the many leadership lessons she has learned over the last year, and much more.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sat down with Tony Autin at Jonas Fitness. As the executive vice president of research and development, Autin shares about his history, the history of Jonas and how the management software can help club operators.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of industry marketing, PR and communications strategies. Sponsored by ASF. Panelists include:
-Brian Morris, the SVP of Gold's Gym SoCal -Kari Bedgood, the chief marketing officer at Active Wellness -Erica Bates, a senior executive of media and community relations at Chelsea Piers Fitness -Jacqueline Buchanan, the senior manager of PR, communications and social at In-Shape Health Clubs -Mindi Bridges, the chief brand and marketing officer at VASA Fitness
Michaela Brown, the group fitness manager at VIDA fitness and the chairwoman of VIDA’s Diversity and Inclusion Board, sat down with host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko in this episode of the Club Solutions Podcast. Brown shares how the board came about, how they are addressing EDI at VIDA and advice for other operators seeking to prioritize EDI in their companies.
The audio version of the monthly webinar series "Thought Leaders" by Club Solutions Magazine, surrounding the topic of new year trends. Sponsored by Club OS. Panelists include:
-Joe Cirulli, the founder and owner of Gainesville Health & Fitness -Vicki Brick, the CEO of Brick Bodies -Mark Miller, the COO of Merritt Clubs -Jon Brady, the president of Midtown Athletic Clubs -Maria Gonzalez, the CEO of ClubFitness Greensboro
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Robert Brewster, the CEO of The Alaska Club, discusses the trends of 2021, the biggest challenges of 2020 and lessons learned, where the industry is headed, bright spots over the past year, and much more
As the industry goes through second, third and fourth shutdowns, state fitness alliances are playing a vital role. Cory Brightwell, the vice president of fitness at Chuze Fitness, dives into alliances, their benefits and why your state needs one.
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "Customer Experience — What Your Members Expect" — part of the 2020 Virtual Club Solutions Leadership Summit. Sponsored by BrandBot. Panelists included:
-Andy Swansburg, founder of BrandBot and Chief Product Officer, Boutique, TSG -Adrian Antigua , GM, Gainesville Health & Fitness -Karen M. Raisch-Siegel, Executive Director, LifeWorks of Southwest General -JoAnna Masloski, COO, Wellbridge -Blair McHaney, CEO, MXM
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "New Marketing & Sale Strategies For Future Success" — part of the 2020 Virtual Club Solutions Leadership Summit. Sponsored by Hawkeye + ROR, and Gympass. Panelists included:
-Linda Mitchell, the director of public relations and community partners at Newtown Athletic Club -Shilpi Sullivan, the VP of marketing at EoS Fitness -Massi Sardi, the managing partner at Gympass -Greg Dowd, the portfolio lead at Hawkeye powered by Epsilon -Tom Deimler , the senior vice president of California Family Fitness -Merikay Marzoni, the director of marketing and PR at Fitness Formula Clubs
Bob Surface shares his story that weaves in and out of the industry, landing him at Club Solutions Magazine, heading up the new Mastermind Group division.
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "Consumer/Industry Trends and How to Capitalize" — part of the 2020 Virtual Club Solutions Leadership Summit. Sponsored by Therabody. Panelists included:
Carrie Kepple, Owner, Styles Studios Fitness Illinois Nick Trosko, VP, Global Business Development - Health Clubs, Therabody Doris Thews, CEO, Team Thews Fitness Kris Mulkey, CMO, In-Shape Health Clubs Derek Gallup, EVP, UFC GYM Mark Miller, COO, Merritt Clubs
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "Virtual Fitness and Live Streaming" — part of the 2020 Virtual Club Solutions Leadership Summit. Sponsored by Les Mills. Panelists included:
Paula Neubert, the president and general manager of Club Greenwood Aida Johnson-Rapp, the director of Group X at East Bank Club Aaron Moore, the director of operations at VIDA Sean Turner, the CEO of Les Mills US Debbie Cedeno, the senior VP of sales and marketing at The Alaska Club Greg Maurer, the vice president of fitness and education at Workout Anytime
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "Navigating Through Financial Uncertainty" — part of the 2020 Virtual Club Solutions Leadership Summit. Sponsored by ABC Fitness Solutions. Panelists included:
Laurie Smith, senior vice president, VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa Frank Ancharski, COO, American Family Fitness Bill Davis, CEO, ABC Fitness Solutions Ralph Rajs, COO, Forma Gym Frank Lawrence, CEO, The Athletic Clubs Paula Neubert, president/general manager, Club Greenwood
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds a review of the last 10 months and what clubs should be planning for. Panelists included:
Brent Darden, interim president and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Christine Ulatoski, education manager, IHRSA Rachel Zabonick-Chonko, editor-in-chief, Club Solutions Magazine Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness *Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs
The audio version of the virtual roundtable "Leading through a Crisis" — part of the 2020 Virtual Club Solutions Leadership Summit. Sponsored by Matrix Fitness. Panelists included:
Moderator: Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of Worx health clubs Lisa Gorsline, the president and GM of Corpus Christi Athletic Club Kent Stevens , the executive vice president of commercial sales at Matrix Fitness Deslyn Norris, the chief people officer at Fitness Connection Chris Stevenson, the owner of Stevenson Consulting Maria Gonzalez, the CEO of ClubFitness Greensboro
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds how to support your local military community. Panelists included:
Brent Darden, interim president and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Colonel Kevin Bigelman, director of holistic health and fitness, U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training Stephanie Coulon, membership and marketing director, Stone Creek Club & Spa Colonel Mary Martinez, chief of staff and deputy commander, U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs
Outdoor fitness has taken on a new meaning in this COVID-19 world.
Prior the 2020 pandemic, it was a fun add-on, an extra option to get members outdoors. Now, in many clubs and studios it's become a must. Amina Daniels, the owner of Live Cycle Delight in Detroit, Michigan, is one of those studios that falls under safe outdoor fitness being a necessity.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko chatted with Daniels on how the studio is running outdoor classes. They go over the check-in process, getting member buy-in with COVID-19 regulations and more.
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds virtual events and outdoor fitness, sponsored by Reinig Insurance Solutions. Panelists included:
Brent Darden, interim president and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Robert Brewster, CEO of The Alaska Club Erin Oncken, national customer experience manager for Les Mills Ralph Rajs, COO of Forma Gym Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds cost containment and budget planning, sponsored by Wexer. Panelists included:
Brent Darden, interim president and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Paula Neubert, president & general manager, Club Greenwood Laurie Smith, senior vice president, VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness *Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds research and data you can use in your club. Panelists included:
Brent Darden, Interim President and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Melissa Rodriguez, senior research manager, IHRSA Kilian Fisher, international public policy advisor, IHRSA Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness *Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko spoke with Britt Waters, the social media manager at VIDA Fitness in Washington D.C., on social media. They touch on social media engagement strategies, Britt’s favorite social media platforms and tools, and much more. Sponsored by MOTUS Consumer Insights.
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds thinking like a retailer in fitness, sponsored by Jonas Fitness. Panelists included:
Brent Darden, Interim President and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Jon Brady, president of Midtown Athletic Clubs Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs *Meredith Rosson, the assistant general manager of Cooper Fitness Center
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds virtual trends in group fitness and personal training, sponsored by Jonas Fitness. Panelists included:
Brent Darden, Interim President and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Sara Kooperman, JD, CEO, SCW Fitness Education Sheldon McBee, Personal Training Director, Universal Athletic Club Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness *Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Club Solutions’ president Rico Francis chats with Paul Amoruso, the founder and CEO of Inciteful. They chat about the role of needs analyses in the success of membership sales, the ways technology can optimize these processes, and how Inciteful can help club operators elevate their sales performance.
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds fitness industry image, PR and communications. Panelists included:
Brent Darden, Interim President and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Britt Waters, Social Media Manager, VIDA Fitness Meredith Poppler, Vice President of Communication & Leadership Engagement, IHRSA Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs Allison Rand, Director of Marketing, VIDA Fitness
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds corporate fitness. Panelists included:
Brent Darden, Interim President and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Megan Hughey, MS, RDN, LDN, Senior Manager-Programs, Walton Life Fitness Center Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs *Matthew Parrott, Ph.D., Vice President of Business Development, Corporate Fitness Works
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko spoke with Mary Edwards, the fitness director and a professional fitness trainer at Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas, on personal training post-COVID. They touch on successes and challenges in letting trainers do in-home sessions, launching an online training business, and much more.
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds state fitness alliances, sponsored by Uscreen. Panelists included:
Moderator: Brent Darden, the interim president and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Pam O'Donnell, Vice President, Member Experience & Development, IHRSA Maria Morton, Brand Optimization Manager, Club Automation | CSI Spectrum | TennisSource | Motionsoft Edward Eickhoff, COO, PFMG Development, LLC Kevin McHugh, COO, The Atlantic Club, Inc. Jeffrey Perkins, Assistant Vice President of Government Relations, IHRSA Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic surrounds making exercise essential. Panelists included:
Moderator: Brent Darden, the interim president and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables Amy Bantham, DrPH, MS, MPP, CEO/Founder, Move to Live More Robert Sallis, MD, Co-director, Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, Kaiser Permanente & Clinical Professor of Family Medicine, University of California Riverside School of Medicine Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness *Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of Worx health clubs
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Club Solutions’ president Rico Francis chats with Marcelo Aller, vice president of sales and marketing at Therabody. They chat about trends in heart rate tracking technology, using data to help members workout smarter, and how Mio Labs is enabling clubs to further engage members and help them reach their goals through technology.
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine, REX Roundtables and IHRSA. This week's topic is the opportunity in virtual fitness. Panelists included:
Moderator: Brent Darden, the interim president and CEO of IHRSA, and chair of REX Roundtables José Teixeira, the head of customer experience for SC Fitness, Portugal Michele Melkerson-Granryd, the general manager of Castle Hill Fitness Tiffany Levine, the director of marketing & PR for Club Greenwood Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of Worx health clubs
The audio version of the weekly webinar series "Successful Strategies for Shaping Your Future," in partnership with Club Solutions Magazine and REX Roundtables. This week's topic is mental health for fitness pros. Panelists included:
Moderator: Brent Darden, the interim president and CEO of IHRSA and chair of REX Roundtables Meridan Zerner, a Cooper Clinic Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and certified wellness coach Lynne Brick, president of Planet Fitness Growth Partners and co-founder of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation Victor Brick, DOM of Planet Fitness Growth Partners and co-founder of the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation Bill McBride, the co-founder, president and CEO of Active Wellness Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and owner of WORX health clubs
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko spoke with Ralph Rajs, the COO of Forma Gym, on innovation. They discuss how the brand has pivoted to outdoor operations post-COVID, and how Rajs is approaching problem solving and leadership during this time.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko spoke with Mark Miller, the COO of Merritt Clubs in Maryland, on the strategies the brand is using to rebound post-COVID. They touch on the revenue opportunities in virtual fitness and corporate wellness, how Miller is coping with the lack of sports, and much more.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko spoke with Marvin Gresse, the assistant general manager of Stone Creek Club & Spa, on leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss how the brand stayed in touch with employees throughout the club’s shutdown, strategies for bringing staff back, and the importance of sensitivity training and leadership during this time.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, Club Solutions' president Rico Francis chats with Nick Trosko, vice president of global business, and Tim Roberts, director of sports science, at Therabody. They chat about percussive therapy, recovery trends, and why the brand is so committed to education, science and research.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko interviews Tiffany Levine, the director of marketing and public relations for Club Greenwood, on how the brand has used social media and live workouts to serve members throughout COVID-19, and what these offerings will look like upon reopening. Sponsored by GoDaddy Social.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko spoke with Frank Lawrence, the CEO of The Athletic Clubs in Central Arkansas, on the COVID-19 crisis, including financial considerations, how operations will change moving forward and more. Sponsored by Theragun.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko spoke with Vicki Brick, the CEO of Brick Bodies, on how her organization is being impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, how they’re using this time strategically, the importance of strong leadership, and more.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko spoke with Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXM and a club owner in Washington State, about the forced closure of his clubs. They discuss how to communicate with members and staff during a shut down, what clubs need to prepare for, new products being released to the fitness industry that can help during the crisis, and how to maintain hope.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko interviews Katie Allen, the fitness manager for American Family Fitness, on tips for maximizing personal training sales and customer service. Sponsored by Power Plate.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko interviews Alan Leach, the CEO and director of marketing and sales at West Wood Clubs, on membership sales and the secrets to selling fitness.
In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko interviews Bill McBride, the president and CEO of Active Wellness, on the fitness trends club operators should pay attention to in 2020. Sponsored by MXM.