Welcome to the Fitness Business Asia podcast, hosted by BASE founder and CEO Jack Thomas - a show with a strong and powerful mission to raise the standards of Asia’s fitness industry.
If you’re an ambitious gym owner, fitness manager, investor in the wellness industry or a coach that wants to get into the business side of fitness, this weekly resource will help you raise your game.
We welcome back Emma Barry for a very special episode—number 300—to talk about all things fitness in 2025!
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Emma Barry on LinkedIn
Trouble Global
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The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Sales are the lifeblood of your fitness business. Through both personal experiences and evaluations at The Fit Guide, Jack has seen common sales mistakes that need fixing!
Jack Thomas highlights common gym sales errors and tips to fix them so your business can survive and thrive, and you can help more people.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome Mark Fisher, founder of hugely successful New York studio Mark Fisher Fitness and mentorship platform Business for Unicorns.
Mark discusses bringing in $4m USD revenue in a 4,500 square foot studio, standing out amongst the crowd and building a story and brand so powerful you don’t need any PR out reach—the media are seeking you out!
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Mark Fisher on LinkedIn
Business For Unicorns
The Little Book Of Marketing Secrets
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The step from trainer to fitness manager is a tough one. The jump to gym owner is even harder. In this episode, host Jack Thomas explains how to navigate these stages of growth for success.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome Richard Cowley, APAC Events Director for HYROX, to discuss the growth of HYROX in Asia, stats on HYROX in the region, how to get the most from HYROX affiliation and new opportunities with ‘Performance Centers’ and personal training.
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Richard Cowley on LinkedIn
HYROX
HYROX365: Become an affiliate gym
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The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Sales are the lifeblood of your business, essential for survival and enable you to HELP more people become fitter, stronger and healthier.
If you struggle to get sales over the finish line, this episode is for you.
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The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome Cam Clayton, who is an expert in fitness sales and head of Sales Hero. We discuss mindset, getting more leads, how to talk to potential clients and much more!
If you need more sales in your gym (and who doesn’t?!) this one is for you.
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Cam Clayton on LinkedIn
Sales Hero
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You cannot build a strong culture of success without effective one to one time with your team. Have every manager in your company listen to, and implement, these ten tips in their one to ones and appraisals with coaches, fitness managers and other gym staff.
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Get your pricing wrong, and your career in fitness will be an uphill battle. Get it right, and you have every chance of building a strong and fruitful career in the fitness industry.
Whether you’re a trainer, a fitness manager or a gym owner, this episode will help get your pricing right.
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The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Host Jack Thomas draws on 20 years of business experience in Asia to offer 10 essential tips to being successful in business (and life!) in the region.
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The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome Kathleen Ferguson of Coach360 to discuss the business skills coaches need for success in 2025. This is perfect for coaches, or managers of coaches to help recruit more clients, make more money and have more impact!
Interview Correction: Femtech is on track to hit 50 billion by 2025.
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Kathleen Ferguson on LinkedIn
Coach360
Coach360 Marketplace
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The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Ross Campbell and Jack Thomas review the current state of Thailand’s fitness industry, looking back at a tough few years but with heavy optimism for the future.
View Video Interview On LinkedIn
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Beyond Activ
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Ross Campbell of Beyond Activ and host Jack Thomas discuss Asia’s fitness industry in 2024, with deeper worldwide insights and a look ahead at what to expect in 2025.
View Video Interview On LinkedIn
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Ross Campbell on LinkedIn
Beyond Activ
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Being a gym owner is tough! Host Jack Thomas talks about eight big mistakes that have cost him over his 13 years in the fitness industry - so you don’t have to make the same costly moves.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome back Mohammed Iqbal - CEO of Sweatworks and co-host of LIFTs podcast - to discuss what’s happened in fitness technology this year, and what he expects to see in 2025.
We discuss the ups and downs of Web3, blockchain, AI, virtual reality and the metaverse, as well as companies doing big and exciting things.
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Mohammed Iqbal on LinkedIn
Sweatworks
LIFTs Podcast
THE FIT GUIDE
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The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Our data at The Fit Guide shows that boutique fitness needs to seriously work on sales. Your business can’t survive without sales, so if this is a problem that you need to work on, don’t miss this solo episode with Jack Thomas.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome Natalie Dau back to the show to talk about Project 1000 - an incredible 12 day run through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore which set a new world record and was featured as a homepage story on the BBC.
We talk about the ups and downs of her incredible journey, how she prepared, what she’s learned and how her story is impacting people across the region.
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Natalie Dau on Instagram
Natalie Dau Website
Project 1000
Natalie Dau on LinkedIn
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For long term success and profit, invest in trends, not fads. In this episode, Jack Thomas explains why this is important, and how to spot the difference. He also looks at famous case studies in the industry such as Pilates, Crossfit and SoulCycle and gives his verdict - trend or fad?
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Tom Dowd is the president and CEO of F45 Training. We discuss the work Tom has have been doing to help F45 bounce back from a difficult start to 2023 and their plans for the future, as well as what to expect in Asia.
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Tom Dowd on LinkedIn
F45 Training
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After listening to a recent LIFTs podcast with Dr Paul Bedford, he outlined two essential rules for providing great sales and service. It resonated so deeply with our host Jack Thomas, he did a deep dive on today’s episode into what these crucial rules are, and how to win at them.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome returning guest Matthew Januszek to the show - founder and CEO of leading fitness equipment brand Escape and host of the Escape Your Limits podcast - to talk all things strength training in the fitness industry and how the space has developed from a business perspective since Escape was founded in 1998.
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Matthew Januszek on LinkedIn
Escape Fitness
Escape Your Limits Podcast
THE FIT GUIDE
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Gym owners and personal trainers aren’t good at increasing prices. They either don’t do it at all or often enough, or they communicate poorly. It needn’t be that way - this episode will talk you through how best to do it and why it’s so important to do it, and do it right.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome Dan Uyemura who shares his incredible story of being at rock bottom and facing jail to building one of the fitness industry’s most exciting and fast-growing gym software companies.
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Dan Uyemura on LinkedIn
PushPress
THE FIT GUIDE
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Many gym owners write off December as a lost month. Here’s how you can make December strong and profitable, and set yourself up for a great 2025!
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Jack Thomas welcomes good friend Khemika ‘Lynn’ Chivapornthip to the show to discuss bringing a US fitness franchise successfully to Bangkok. Lynn operates multiple locations and has been in business for over 10 years, with other health and wellness businesses in the city.6
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Lynn Chivapronthip on LinkedIn
Physique 57 Bangkok
THE FIT GUIDE
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Host Jack Thomas was recently asked what was the quickest fix or first thing a club should look at to improve their experience. This service and hospitality essential was his answer - with six tips today to get it right in your club.
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The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Host Jack Thomas welcomes good friend, business partner and veteran of the hospitality industry, Matt Lavender.
Matt was global director of evaluations for Forbes Travel Guide before founding Enlites, a consultancy working with world’s leading hotels, restaurants and spas. Together, Jack and Matt founded The Fit Guide.
Today, Matt shares what the world’s leading hospitality brands do, and how we can adopt some of these practices and techniques to become fitness industry leaders.
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Matt Lavender on LinkedIn
Enlites
The Fit Guide
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Today’s episode is required listening for managers, business owners or coaches who aspire to be managers. The eight tips will help you be a strong, effective leader, get the most out of your team and retain your star players.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome Hamza Gherara, founder of marketing company GHM Consultancy in Dubai to discuss the fitness scene in the Middle East, experience-based fitness and how he helped bring Gymshark into the UAE.
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Hamza Gherara on LinkedIn
GHM Consultancy
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Host Jack Thomas talks about how this year has been a great one for him, but has also presented some of my toughest professional challenges.
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The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We welcome back old guests and friends of the show, Lach and Raph from Lockeroom Gym in Sydney and Mind Muscle Project Podcast.
We discuss how they’ve smashed their original 100 member target for their high end gym and opened another location in central Sydney, and how knowing their target market has helped them achieved this.
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Lach Rowston LinkedIn
Raph Freedman LinkedIn
Lockeroom Gym
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We welcome Richard Cowley, APAC Director for Hyrox, to discuss the incredible Hyrox growth story, their plans in Asia and what it means to be a Hyrox affiliated gym.
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Richard Cowley on LinkedIn
HYROX
Find A HYROX Race in Asia
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In the fourth and final part of our mini-series, we discuss how to be an effective and dynamic interviewer or podcast moderator. We look at what to do before, during and after your interview or panel to make the most of your opportunity and create value for the audience.
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The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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In the third part of our mini-series, we discuss what to do on the day of the panel or interview, to ensure you have maximum impact.
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In the second part of our mini-series, we discuss how to prepare for your interview or panel appearance once you’ve secured it. With good planning and preparation, you can have maximum impact for you and your brand.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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This three-part series is for podcast guests, media interviewees, panelists and speakers and will help you find the right media outlets for your message and craft a memorable, powerful and inspiring brand story.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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When her favorite fitness studio closed, Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi went from fitness class client to business owner and created one of the world’s first brands to be recognized as “boutique fitness” in the process.
Physique 57 has since opened in countries around the world, has seen great success in online fitness and is still going strong as one of the industry’s leading Barre brands.
Their Soho location was also recognized as the world’s leading Barre experience in The Fit Guide.
GUEST RESOURCES
Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi on LinkedIn
Physique 57
Beyond Activ
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Host Jack Thomas talks through seven gym sales essentials that will help you increase revenue and impact more people. Based on over 250 gym visits to clubs around the world, this list lays out the ‘must-dos’ which you can start implementing now.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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This episode is a must if you’re looking to do business or grow your brand in GCC, or you want to learn more about the region.
Taken on the sidelines of Beyond Activ in Riyadh, we welcome Mohammed Iqbal back to the show to discuss the huge potential in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
Beyond Activ showcased some incredible projects and brands, as well as the people making it happen behind the scenes!
GUEST RESOURCES
Mohammed Iqbal
Sweatworks
LIFTs Podcast
Beyond Activ
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In this episode host Jack Thomas reacts to a recent LIFTs podcast interview with SoulCycle CEO Evelyn Webster, where she discusses the company’s stance on handling sensitive social issues.
This is an important conversaton for our industry that will challenge your thinking on values and branding.
What do you think SoulCycle’s position? Connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know.
Watch Evelyn Webster on the original episode of LIFTs podcast here.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Host Jack Thomas talks about one of the most important trends in boutique fitness currently - using your unit space efficiently. Discover why this is so important, how you can maximize your space and how it can lead to you saving $100,000.
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The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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In this honest and open episode, host Jack Thomas discusses how 2023 was for the fitness industry as a whole, Thailand’s fitness industry, his gym BASE Bangkok and also him personally.
Hear about trends, predictions and what to expect in the next 12 months!
Subscribe for our complimentary The Fit Guide 'Year One' report: The Fit Guide Newsletter
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The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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In this episode, host Jack Thomas introduces The Fit Guide’s four step process to identifying issues in your business, as well as how to fix them.
This easy to follow breakdown is essential for any fitness club or studio manager.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Lise Kuecker’s company Studio Grow has helped fitness clubs and studios in over 42 countries build special, profitable businesses. Today, we welcome her to the show to talk about creating magical customer journeys and experiences.
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Lise Kuecker on LinkedIn
Studio Grow
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The Fit Guide Sydney has launched, highlighting the leading clubs and studios in the city.
Check it out here: The Fit Guide Sydney
In this special feature we celebrate the launch of The Fit Guide Sydney with a quick intro, and one interesting thing we learned from our evaluations of 50 leading clubs in The Fit Guide.
If you haven’t already, sign up to our free industry newsletter here.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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Most fitness managers and gym owners have been there - a star performing member of the team develops an inflated ego and starts creating a toxic environment.
In this episode, host Jack Thomas talks about the best way to deal with this tricky situation.
THE FIT GUIDE
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We welcome back Ian Mullane of Keepme to talk about the developments in AI over the last few years, what you can implement in your business today and what we can expect over the next few years
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KeepMe
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Comprehensive and clear systems and processes are essential if you want to deliver consistent experiences, take time off, work ON the business or sell it.
See standard operating procedures - also known as SOPs - as a complete blueprint on how to run your business. Investing into SOPs is not glamorous or sexy, but getting this right will have a huge impact on the experience you provide and the value of the company.
Enquire about The Fit Guide’s SOP Course ➜ team@thefitguide.com
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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We speak to Eric Malzone, host of the excellent Future of Fitness Podcast and consultant to leading companies such as WRKOUT and Dark Horse Rowing. Today, Eric brings a US perspective as we talk about democratization in fitness, technology, AI, podcasting and what the next 5-10 years have in store for the industry.
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Eric Malzone on LinkedIn
Future of Fitness Podcast
WKROUT
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We’re Hiring Experience Evaluators - Apply Here
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What do you need to consider when choosing the right location for your new studio or gym? Jack Thomas talks through some of his learnings from opening five locations.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
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In part three of our three part Fitness Manager mini-series, host Jack Thomas discusses how to best support your coaching team and ways to reach managerial excellence.
If you missed parts 1 and 2, do go back to episode 249 to catch up.
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Become a World Class Coach - 3 Part Series (Episode 131)
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
The Fit Guide Newsletter
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In part two of our three part Fitness Manager mini-series, host Jack Thomas discusses tackles recruitment, interview and face-to-face management essentials.
If you missed part 1, go back to episode 249.
Part 3 is on supporting your team and reaching next-level status as a fitness manager.
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Become a World Class Coach - 3 Part Series (Episode 131)
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
The Fit Guide Newsletter
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In this three part mini-series, host Jack Thomas discusses eight key values that you must hold strong if you want to be a successful leader of coaches and instructors in the fitness industry.
Part 2 is on recruitment and meetings
Part 3 is on reaching the next level
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter
Become a World Class Coach - 3 Part Series (Episode 131)
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
The Fit Guide Newsletter
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We welcome back Brandon Cullen, co-founder of MADabolic, on what they discovered after we anonymously visited and evaluated their Brooklyn location, how they create consistent five-star member experiences and how The Fit Guide’s processes have helped not just Brooklyn, but all of their franchise locations.
GUEST RESOURCES
Brandon Cullen on Linkedin
MADabolic
MADabolic Brooklyn Club Profile on The Fit Guide
THE FIT GUIDE
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
We’re Hiring Experience Evaluators - Apply Here
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We speak to Brandon Cullen, Chief Concept Officer and co-founder of MADabolic, on their fast-growing franchise concept and the strength of their brand message. MADabolic are doing big things in the US and are delivering a vibe that is strongly resonating with the no-nonsense section of the US fitness market.
We visited MADabolic Brooklyn for our launch of The Fit Guide New York, with the club achieving one of our few five-star ratings for overall experience.
GUEST RESOURCES
Brandon Cullen on Linkedin
MADabolic
MADabolic Brooklyn Club Profile on The Fit Guide
THE FIT GUIDE
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
We’re Hiring Experience Evaluators - Apply Here
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Justin Ashley is the founder and CEO of One Playground. We cover Justin’s journey through different positions and price points in the fitness industry, how One Playground builds and maintains a great team, marketing and sales tips, and the how and why behind their recent big rebrand.
GUEST RESOURCES
Justin Ashley on LinkedIn
One Playground
THE FIT GUIDE
Jack Thomas recent podcast appearances:
Playing Guilty Podcast with Brandon Cullen (MADabolic)
Mel Tempest’s Gym Owners Podcast
The Fitness Network Podcast
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Using data from The Fit Guide’s anonymous visits to the world’s leading fitness clubs, here are five quick sales tips and approaches you can start implementing today that will put you in the top 10%
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
The Fit Guide Newsletter
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We welcome Mohammed Iqbal of SweatWorks, one of the industry’s foremost speakers on fitness technology. Mohammed talks about crypto, web 3, blockchain, AI and the future of health and fitness tech, as well as his personal journey of being born in Sri Lanka before moving to the US.
GUEST RESOURCES
Mohammed Iqbal on LinkedIn
Sweatworks
THE FIT GUIDE
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
The Fit Guide has launched! In today’s episode, host Jack talks about the story behind it, why it was launched and how it will improve the industry and YOUR club.
THE FIT GUIDE
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
Visit The Fit Guide
Frequently Asked Questions: https://thefitguide.com/faq
The Fit Guide New York: https://thefitguide.com/cities/new-york-city/studios
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas highlights the eight key milestones that, after you have the idea to launch your own fitness business, you will have to pass for success.
THE FIT GUIDE
Check out The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We welcome Anthony Vennare of Fitt Insider for a deep dive into the state of the fitness industry and what we can expect over the coming years. Don’t miss this episode that’s jam packed with knowledge and value from a true industry leader.
GUEST RESOURCES
Anthony Vennare on LinkedIn
Fitt Insider
Fitt Capital
THE FIT GUIDE
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We’ve visited 150 of the leading fitness clubs and studios around the world, and it showed us some areas where we need to improve. In today’s episode, host Jack Thomas talks about five things that we in the fitness industry are not doing, or should be doing - if we want to create true five-star experiences for our clients.
Visit The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
https://thefitguide.com/
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
The Fit Guide Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We visited the leading 50 fitness studios in New York - the first upcoming city for our launch of The Fit Guide - covering everything from pilates to strength, cycling to yoga. We’ll soon be releasing our results - but in the meantime, here’s a little teaser on some of the best things we’re seeing at the top of the fitness industry.
Sponsored by The Fit Guide
The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
https://thefitguide.com/
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
The Fit Guide Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Do you cancel classes if not many, or any, people are booked into the class? This is a fairly common practice so today host Jack Thomas discusses whether you should do this and solutions to low class numbers.
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Check out The Fit Guide - helping fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helping fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
More information: https://thefitguide.com/
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
The Fit Guide Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Today’s episode highlights four recent mistakes made and lessons learned, talked about in detail here so you can learn from them.
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Make sure you check out The Fit Guide - helping fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helping fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
More information: https://thefitguide.com/
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
The Fit Guide Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We’re proud to announce The Fit Guide - helping fitness lovers find and experience the world’s best fitness clubs and studios; and helping fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time.
More information: https://thefitguide.com/
The Fit Guide on LinkedIn
The Fit Guide on Instagram
The Fit Guide Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We welcome Stuart Miller of The Platform Studios in Dubai to talk about opening and operating multiple locations, the Dubai fitness scene, how they recruit and retain the best coaches from around the world and their innovative plans in the digital fitness space.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox: Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass: The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone: Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency: Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Stewart Miller on LinkedIn
The Platform Studios
The Platform Studios Instagram
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In today’s show, host Jack Thomas talks about 4 big mistakes he’s made running gyms and what he’s learned from these experiences.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
⮕ The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
⮕ Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
⮕ Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
⮕ Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Emma Masters returns to talk about the importance of music in creating an incredible member journey and experience. The best fitness studios get this right, but many miss the mark - so listen to today’s episode to make sure you’re one of the studios that nails it.
Ep 208 - Emma Masters: Creating Industry Leading Group Class Instructors
Ep 229 - Emma Masters: Build a Strong Fitness Community
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox: Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass: The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone: Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency: Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Emma Masters on LinkedIn
Therapy Instagram (Emma’s New Studio!)
Emma Master Instagram
Exercise To Experience Instagram
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas shares his experiences from making the coach to manager transition himself, as well taking many in his team through the managerial ranks. Jack candidly shares his successes, failures and learnings in an area he’s passionate about.
Whether you’re a coach looking to get a management position, a current manager or someone who hires managers, you’ll take a lot from this episode.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
⮕ The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
⮕ Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
⮕ Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
⮕ Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
When it comes to storytelling, there’s no one better in our industry than Mason Bendewald. Mason shares some of the key ingredients to creating impact with a story that helped P90X become a $700 million phenomenon.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox Fitness Founders Podcast
Glofox: Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass: The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone: Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency: Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Mason Bendewald on LinkedIn
Mega Mace
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas shares 10 big lessons from visiting leading gyms and fitness studios in the world’s leading fitness cities. The episode includes traits of the world’s best experiences and also learnings on what to avoid if you want to present a premium, industry-leading offering.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
⮕ The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
⮕ Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
⮕ Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
⮕ Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We welcomed Emma Masters back to the show to talk about what it means to create a powerful, strong and welcoming environment at your gym or fitness studio.
We saw Emma talk on this subject at the Asia Fitness Conference the day before we recorded an interview on exercise to music and we just knew we had to get out this message too!
Don’t worry - our exercise to music episode will be released shortly.
Ep 208 - Emma Masters: Creating Industry Leading Group Class Instructors
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Ep 207 - Get the most out of working with ClassPass
Glofox: Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass: The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone: Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency: Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Emma Masters on LinkedIn
Therapy Instagram (Emma’s New Studio!)
Emma Masters Instragram
Exercise To Experience Instagram
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas uses the notes from his seminar at Asia Fitness Conference 2022 to bring you the six big ways you can scale your impact, influence and income.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
⮕ The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
⮕ Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
⮕ Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
⮕ Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We speak to Ross Campbell, CEO of the Fit Summit about what we’re likely to see over the next 12 months in Asia’s fitness industry and beyond.
Join us at the November Bangkok Fit Summit:
Bangkok Nov 29 - Dec 1: ASIA-PACIFIC HEALTH, FITNESS & WELLNESS FESTIVAL
Instagram Live of this podcast
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox: Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass: The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone: Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency: Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Ross Campbell on LinkedIn
ross@thefitsummit.com
Fit Summit
Bangkok Event - November 29th
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Mike Beeney (MyZone) on Fitness Tech
Conor O’Loughlin (MyZone) Interview
Sam Canavan (ClassPass) Interview
Bill Davis is CEO of ABC Fitness Solutions, the recent acquirer of Glofox. ABC also owns Trainerize and Gym Sales, two leading fitness companies. Bill talks about building and running a strong team, how the Glofox acquisition came about and what the data from 391 million (and counting) workouts has shown.
If you missed last week’s interview with Conor O’Loughlin, go back to episode 225 to check it out (see below for links).
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox: Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass: The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone: Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency: Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Glofox
ABC Fitness Solutions
Conor O’Loughlin Interview - Apple Podcasts
Conor O’Loughlin Interview - Spotify Podcasts
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Glofox has built an incredible gym management platform that was born over a pint of Guiness in Dublin and is now one of biggest and most respected fitness industry softwares out there. Here is their inspiring story from co-founder Conor O’Loughlin.
Glofox: Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass: The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone: Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency: Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Glofox
Conor O’Loughlin LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We welcome back Sam Canavan, MD of Asia Pacific for ClassPass for part 2 of our interview, with today focusing on the fitness industry trends we can expect to see over the next few years.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass: The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone: Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency: Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
Glofox: Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
GUEST RESOURCES
ClassPass
Studio Partner Page
Sam Canavan LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Sam Canavan, MD of Asia Pacific for ClassPass joins the show to talk about what some of the data is showing us in the region’s markets and recovery, as well as some of the missed opportunities for gyms in creating a differentiated marketing message.
Through his role at ClassPass, Sam has a great overview of the fitness industry in Asia and how it compares to other markets, making this episode a must-listen.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass: The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone: Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency: Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
Glofox: Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
GUEST RESOURCES
ClassPass
Studio Partner Page
Sam Canavan LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Is your ‘community’ your strength or your weakness? Do you call your staff ‘team’ or ‘family’? What should you do if a group of members want to change aspects of your fitness concept? Just some of the questions answered in today’s podcast on what this buzzword can mean for your business.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
⮕ The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
⮕ Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
⮕ Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
⮕ Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Group class experience experts Barry and Shay Kostabi return to the show to share with us how to build the foundations for a strong and successful brand, mission and member experience.
If you find yourself looking at prices as a way to bring in and keep members, this episode will be perfect for you.
Episode 86: Barry and Shay on creating an incredible digital experience
Jack Thomas on the Fitness Career Mastery Podcast
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
⮕ Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
⮕ The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
⮕ Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
⮕ Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Book a Free Breakthrough Session
Fitness Career Mastery Instagram
Group X Conservatory Instagram
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
A sale is not a sale until this law is realised. We made this mistake for years before tweaking our processes and almost eliminating the issue. This episode has some practical scripts you can use - but if you need more help with your sales process, reach out to us at Fitness Business Asia.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
⮕ The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
⮕ Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
⮕ Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
⮕ Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In our first in person interview in over 2 years, host Jack talks to Suzanne Hosley. Suzanne started FIT, Asia’s first internationally recognized personal training certification in 2005 as well as the region’s first major conference, with the Asia Fitness Conference in 2009.
In the must-listen episode, Suzanne offers 37 years of experience in Asia and some great stories on what she’s been through along the way!
The Asia Fitness Conference is in Bangkok from 30 Sept - 2 Oct, 2022.
For 10% off a ticket at this year’s Asia Fitness Conference, use code: AFC2022_BASE
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
- Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
- The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
- Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
- Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Asia Fitness Conference 2022
Buy a Ticket for AFC 2022 (AFC2022_BASE for discount)
Suzanne Hosley on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
If you’re a gym manager or owner who’s involved in the hiring of coaches and instructors, this episode will be perfect for you. It contains the learnings from years of experience working with over 100 coaches and all our successes and failures in this area - and there have been many!
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
⮕ The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
⮕ Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
⮕ Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
⮕ Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Michael Jordan joined 12RND in 2017 at 5 studios and has helped grow the brand to 94 studios today (and counting), as well as overseeing a major rebrand recently to UBX.
With great success comes a lot of lessons, which Michael was happy to share openly in this episode.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
- Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
- The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
- Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
- Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
UBX Boxing + Strength
Own a UBX
Michael Jordan LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Fitness franchises are big right now, but should you open one or create your own, independent brand? In this episode, Jack Thomas helps you understand which route will be best for you.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
⮕ The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
⮕ Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
⮕ Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
⮕ Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas shares 15 social media content ideas that will spark some inspiration for your marketing team. These ideas are best used in conjunction with our last show, episode 214, with Natalie Dau on connecting with your audience.
Episode 214 with Natalie Dau
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Natalie Dau is an entrepreneur, athlete and influencer. Natalie has over 400k followers on her Instagram account ‘rockstararms’ and works with many top brands to create powerful, memorable content.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
- Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
- The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
- Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
- Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Natalie Dau Website
Natalie Dau Instagram
Natalie Dau Facebook
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In the fitness industry we need to run positive businesses and workplaces that have an impact on people and improve their lives. This requires strong leadership and today’s show will help you achieve that, with host Jack’s top 12 tips from his fitness management career.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
- The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
- Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
- Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
- Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
After testing positive before the event, host Jack Thomas could not attend the Fit Summit. In this episode we cover the topics and points he would’ve spoken about on the panel.
Jack covers surviving the last two years, finances, franchises, technology and, to finish up, trends on the up and fads on the down over the next few years.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
How much is your gym worth? All gym owners have at least thought about the value of their business and most massively overvalue it. In fact, many studios are sadly worth nothing more than the equipment and fittings.
In this episode, host Jack Thomas talks about the different factors that affect the value of a gym and how to raise the value of your gym or studio.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Michael Ramsey ran the world’s busiest F45 studio with over 450 members and Saturday morning classes that hit 72 people! Michael sold his F45 studios to launch Strong Pilates, a concept that uses a pilates reformer and Concept 2 Rower hybrid.
Strong Pilates has 14 locations opened and 87 confirmed (and counting). It’s a great story of growth that he shares openly.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Strong Pilates Website
Strong Pilates Instagram
Michael Ramsey on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Going from one to two gyms is a big step. In this episode Jack goes through what he wished he knew when BASE expanded from one to two studios and all the things you’ll need to consider before you decide to scale.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Whether you’re a coach, a manager or gym owner, you’ll take a lot from this interview with Emma Masters about the ingredients that make up an incredible group class training experience. Emma has worked with some of the leading brands in fitness to help them building powerful, effective group class coaches and brands.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Episode 207 - Get the most out of working with ClassPass
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
LinkedIn Article - mentioned on the show, must read!
Retention Handbook by Emma Masters
Emma Masters Instagram
Experience Age Consulting
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In today’s show Jack tackles whether working with ClassPass is the right move for your gym or studio and how to get the most out of a partnership with them.
Episode 147 with ClassPass Asia Pacific MD Sam Canavan
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya’s Case Study of BASE Branding and Development
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We talk to Pete Moore about creating your ‘special sauce’ to make your brand stand out and how to attract investment and private equity interest. We also talk about Pete’s new book about the lessons we can take from sport into the business world.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Time To Win Again by Pete Moore
Halo Talks
Halo Academy
Integrity Square
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In a repost from Vanessa Severiano’s podcast The Business of Fitness from April 2021, FBA host Jack Thomas discusses the BASE journey, creating a special, impactful brand and tips on creating a strong culture within your business.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
GUEST RESOURCES
Vanessa Severiano on LinkedIn
The Business of Fitness Podcast
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Want to keep your best coaches for years? Having trouble with coach and staff turnover? One of the things that Jack is most proud of at BASE is how they’ve retained their best coaches for years.
As we all know, having great staff means a strong, healthy and long-lasting fitness business so follow these 10 tips to improve your coach and instructor retention.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Cameron Falloon is the founder and joint CEO of Body Fit Training. In part 2 of our interview, we discuss the F45 patent case that was recently settled in BFT’s favour and what we can expect over the next few years in the APAC region.
Part 1 of our conversation with Cam can be found here:
Episode 202 - APPLE - SPOTIFY
Check out our previous episodes with Cameron here for Body Fit Training story, one of APAC’s most impressive brands and stories:
Episode 122 - APPLE - SPOTIFY
Episode 123 - APPLE - SPOTIFY
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Cameron Falloon on LinkedIn
Body Fit Training
Own a BFT
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Cameron Falloon is the founder and joint CEO of Body Fit Training, the Australian fitness franchise powerhouse that was recently acquired by Xponential Fitness.
BFT have had a great few years, expanding to over 300 confirmed locations and experiencing big growth in Singapore, with plans to further expand in Asia.
Coming off the back of a big victory in an important patent case brought by F45 (covered in part 2, episode 203), BFT are set up for big things with expansion to the US and beyond.
Check out our previous episodes with Cameron here for Body Fit Training story, one of APAC’s most impressive brands and stories:
Episode 122 - The Body Fit Training Story
APPLE - SPOTIFY
Episode 123 - Boutiqur Fitness Franchising
APPLE - SPOTIFY
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Cameron Falloon on LinkedIn
Body Fit Training
Own a BFT
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Here’s our top 5 ‘must-listen’ episodes from over 200 shows!
Give yourself and your business a boost by downloading these today:
Ep 13 - Peter Thew of Yoga Movement - Building a brand
APPLE
SPOTIFY
Ep 30 - Rich Hutson of Evolution Wellness and FIRE FItness - Making a great sale
APPLE
SPOTIFY
Ep 52 and 66 - Linda Tang and Anabel Chew - The WeBarre Story
LINDA APPLE
LINDA SPOTIFY
ANABEL APPLE
ANABEL SPOTIFY
Ep 114 - Nathan Bright of Bright Architecture - Boutique fitness design
APPLE
SPOTIFY
Ep 141 - Thomas Plummer - The next decade in fitness
APPLE
SPOTIFY
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Fitness industry powerhouse and global authority, Emma Barry, joins us for a fun and enlightening talk on trends, the latest in fitness tech and the state of recruitment.
It’s always a blast with Emma, and this show to celebrate hitting 200 was no different!
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/ GUEST RESOURCES Rate Your Studio - FREE - 2-page report and Building a Badass Boutique Masterclass https://www.buildingabadassboutique.com Building a Badass Boutique - Your 10 Touch Journey to Designing and Fitness Studio that Rocks! https://amzn.to/3fKzZ4X Good Soul Hunting Executive search brand serving purpose-driven health and wellness brands. https://www.goodsoulhunting.com
FitTech Club USA FitTechCompany https://fittechcompany.com 2022 EVENTS CES 5-8 January Las Vegas https://www.ces.tech ukactive SWEAT (Virtual) 24 February London Event for Boutiques and Independent Studios. https://www.ukactive.com/sweat/ Connected Health and Fitness Summit (Live) 8-9 March Los Angeles https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit FIBO (Live) 7-10 April Cologne https://www.fibo.com/de-de.html BOUTIQUE FITNESS SOLUTIONS (Live) 28 April New York Building a Badass Boutique Masterclass https://boutiquefitnesssolutions.com/bfs-nyc-summit-2022/ FILEX BUSINESS (Hybrid) May 26-27 Sydney https://www.filex.com.au WORLD: HEALTH FITNESS AND WELLNESS FESTIVAL (Hybrid) 13-15 June Singapore https://thefitsummit.com IHRSA USA (Live) 22-25 June Miami https://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2022-request CAN FIT PRO (Live) 10-14 August Toronto https://www.canfitpro.com MINDBODY - BOLD (Hybrid) 12-14 September Los Angeles https://www.mindbodybold.com SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack speaks to Anthony Kelly, Chief Customer Officer and co-founder at Glofox, about lessons learned in the last 2 years, what their data has shown about shifts and trends in the industry, fitness franchising and their recent big deal with Xponential Fitness.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
GUEST RESOURCES
Anthony Kelly on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
This episode is in remembrance of John Holsinger, industry leader and legend. We were very sad to hear of his passing, and listening back to this interview recorded in March 2020 was a reminder of what he gave to everyone in Asia and Australia’s fitness industry.
Thank you for everything John and may you rest in peace.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution to John’s charity of choice, Mercy Ships, may do so here:
https://mercyships.org.au
Meetings are your chance, as a leader, to inspire, share the vision and get out important messages. Doing this powerfully and effectively can make a big difference to the culture of your company, so get it right with today’s solo episode from our host, Jack Thomas.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
You’ve created something special… and you want to expand. Sounds great, but are you really ready to do it, why are you doing it and are you set up for success across multiple locations yet?
If you’re looking to expand (or you’ve expanded recently) this episode is an absolute must-listen. Reflect on all the points in this show carefully before making your decision - and reach out to podcast@basebangkok.com if you need help.
MAYA - Case Study for our BASELINE Technology
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
FBA welcomes Stu Brauer of WTF Gym Talk to the show for some straight talking advice for microgym owners everywhere.
We talk about building a strong brand, common mistakes microgym owners make and some predictions for the future of the industry.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
Listen here: Episode 147 - Sam Canavan of ClassPass
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
GUEST RESOURCES
WTF Gym Talk
Microgym University
WTF Gym Talk YouTube
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
A collection of the worst gym business advice we’ve ever heard which, after hearing it, we feel we had a duty to address today.
We also cover the better approach and route for you and your business.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Andrea Bell, chief people officer of Inspire Brands Asia, has a great story to tell. In this episode we hear how some of the hardships in Andrea’s journey led to her business success running one of the largest networks of gyms in Asia.
Andrea joined forces with one of our previous guests, Johannes Raadsma of episode 143, to purchase the master franchise agreement for Anytime Fitness across the region. This process, coupled with the hurdles of 2020 and 2021, has gifted her a wealth of knowledge and experience that she was happy to share in this interview.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
GUEST RESOURCES
Andrea Bell on LinkedIn
Inspire Brands Asia
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
In the final part of our podcast series, we explore 6 big things you can do after launching your show to build an impactful, successful resource that brings more business to you and your company.
Glofox Fitness Founders Podcast
GloCon 2021 Panel on Digital Fitness with Jack Thomas
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas takes you through the 11 crucial steps to launching a successful podcast, based on his experience creating two top 10 show in both the entrepreneurship category and the fitness category, with the Build Your Base podcast.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas tells the story of this show - why it was started, the ups and downs on the journey to 200 episodes and what’s been learned along the way.
Thinking of starting your own podcast? Don’t miss the next episode in this podcast mini-series.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Avrum Elmakis, co-founder of CLMBR, a beautiful and powerful piece of equipment and technology that elevates one of the purest and most underrated forms of movement - climbing.
The story of CLMBR is a truly inspiring one and has helped the company attract superstar investors such as Jay-Z and Novak Djokovic.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
GUEST RESOURCES
Avrum Elmakis on LinkedIn
CLMBR
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
After discussing whether you should have sales and discounts in your gym in episode 187 (listen here), today Jack presents 7 other effective sales strategies that are not just money off.
This allows you to maintain your pricing structure and the integrity of your brand, as well as getting bigger and stronger commitments from your members.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Selina Bridge is the CEO of KX Pilates out of Australia, overseeing strong growth in APAC and beyond and a robust bounceback after lockdowns.
Selina shares openly her insights into running such a strong network of studios and franchisees, how innovation plays a big part in their success and plans. This is a great listen for any ambitious fitness entrepreneur or manager.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
GUEST RESOURCES
Selina Bridge on LinkedIn
KX Pilates
Own a KX Pilates
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Sales and discounts are addictive for a business and have their place but, when incorrectly applied, can also destroy your margins and brand.
Host Jack Thomas talks through the pros and cons of sales and discounts and how to both use them effectively and avoid the common pitfalls.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Friend of the show Ross Campbell from the FIT Summit returns for a conversation about Asia’s fitness industry in 2021 and what we can expect in 2022.
Don’t miss this one - we have big things ahead for Asia’s fitness scene and with Ross having such a great oversight of the industry, we always appreciate his thoughts and reflections.
Full Details ⮕ The FIT Summit Dec 1-2, 2021
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
GUEST RESOURCES
Ross Campbell on LinkedIn
The FIT Summit
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Getting your sales commissions right for your team can positively shape their behavior and drive your culture. Get it wrong and, well… the opposite is true.
Jack Thomas talks about some of the crucial things to consider when putting incentives together for your sales team and what’s worked well for the coaches and front desk staff at his gym, BASE.
PARTNERS SUPPORTING THE SHOW
ClassPass
The app for all things fitness, spa & beauty
⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
Maya Agency
Branding, marketing and web development for fitness & wellness businesses
⮕ https://maya.agency/
MyZone
Industry-leading heart rate monitor and online social platform for gyms and studios
⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
Glofox
Innovative and comprehensive fitness management software
⮕ Glofox Website
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We’re proud to announce our partnership with Glofox. Our host Jack Thomas has appeared on their podcast numerous times and has joined their online gym owner conference as a speaker and it’s through these kind of events, that seek to empower studios, that we really wanted to work with them on this podcast
For some time we’ve been recommending Glofox as our first choice for gym management software and our clients have been very happy with the service in setting up their facility, the ongoing support from Glofox and the product itself.
Glofox have created a slick streamlined experience on the front and back end and they’ve got a really strong suite of tools for sales, marketing, member management, payments, and analytics that are easy to use. It’s this central platform where you can manage all these aspects of your business that our clients have really benefited from.
After some strong growth, Glofox are a strongly established player now with over four thousand customers across sixty countries, with numerous big gyms on board including British Military Fitness, 9Round and they work with Spartans Boxing who are growing fast and were featured on this podcast in episode 163.
If you have any questions about Glofox or you’re interested in finding out more them, visit fitnessbusinessasia.com or reach out to them directly at the link in this episode.
We’re proud and excited to be working with Glofox and appreciate their support in helping us in our mission to raise the standards of the fitness industry in Asia.
MORE ABOUT GLOFOX
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
We’re proud to announce our partnership with MyZone - a fitness technology that I’ve been using consistently for years now and we’re excited to be bringing into the BASE experience.
MyZone are hands down the leading heart rate technology for gyms and fitness studios. On the show we want to partner with the very best companies and with this in mind MyZone were the first company we reached out to.
They’ve done a great job of gamifying fitness and group classes and, having been an avid user of the tech, I’ve seen and experienced this first hand. It’s great for consumers because it’s fun and easy to use, keeps you training consistently and keeps you connected with other MyZone users through their App.
All these things have been shown to help members feel more rewarded and it helps members train harder and get better results. I love numbers, data and targets and MyZone does all of that with loads of stats at the end of each workout but it also offers basic figures and monthly activity targets that anyone can use for motivation and to keep them going.
What do this mean for gyms? More connection with your facility, a stronger community and better retention - and that’s why we’re excited to be offering MyZone at BASE.
One of the things I love about MyZone is that they’re dedicated to innovation, which is shown in their awesome new Myzone Switch which can be used as a chest strap, arm strap or on your wrist.
Another big reason for us wanting to work with MyZone is their commitment to offering value to the industry, which is of course in line with our mission. I interviewed head of Asia Pacific Mike Beeney in episode 36 of the show and he was insistent that our interview offer as much value as possible and explore other areas of fitness technology beyond heart rate, rather than be a pitch for MyZone. I respected this and their clear dedication to building the industry up made it an easy decision to work with them.
If you have any questions on fitness technology, heart rate technology or you’re interested in finding out more about how MyZone can help your fitness studio offer some special and different, go to fitnessbusinessasia.com or reach out to MyZone directly. Links are in the notes of this episode.
Episode 36: Fitness Technology with Mike Beeney, Director of Asia-Pacific for MyZone
MYZONE ⮕ https://www.myzone.org/
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
We’re very excited today to announce our partnership with Maya Agency - an agency that’s played a huge role in developing and building both BASE and this podcast.
We’ve been working with Maya Agency since the very start of BASE. They helped us create a beautiful and powerful brand, but working with them has really provided a lot more than that - the process helped educate us on what it means to build, maintain and grow a brand.
We enjoyed every element of the process of building our BASE brand and learned a huge amount along the way. We had a lot of false starts and pivots but the team were really patient and definitely helped us through some tough moments.
The end result was something we were really proud of and gave us the best possible start to the business. We’ve gone on to do big things at BASE and getting the brand right was an essential first step, which is why I always advise to invest in the process and not just go for your mate who’s handy on illustrator.
Since then, Maya Agency have built our BASELINE technology which has been a big project and a big success. They’ve really sought to understand what we wanted to do with the technology and how we wanted to change the industry - and that’s helped us create something really special and groundbreaking.
Finally, they’ve created our new brand for Fitness Business Asia and we absolutely love it!
We wanted something that belonged to the BASE family but had its own unique look and feel. We wanted something a colorful and lively that could expand to include our consultancy work and other future projects Like BASE, we wanted a brand that we were proud of and got us excited, and Maya delivered on all of this.
We’re proud and excited to be working with Maya Agency and appreciate their support in helping us in our mission to raise the standards of the fitness industry in Asia.
MAYA AGENCY ⮕ https://maya.agency/
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
We’re proud to announce that we’re partnered with one of the biggest fitness companies in the world and the first billion dollar unicorn of this decade: ClassPass.
ClassPass has had a big impact since they launched in Singapore in 2018 and as they are an important player now in Asia's fitness scene we knew it would be good to have them involved in this podcast's conversations.
We know first hand that ClassPass can be used as a force for good for your business and it’s essential you’re educated on them and understand the best way to get the most from working with ClassPass.
ClassPass have been a strong partner of ours at BASE and we’ve gained a lot from our relationship with them. With a positive mindset and the right approach, ClassPass can work for your business and you can convert CP clients to become full members - in future podcasts we’ll be going through ways in which you can use the platform to your advantage and ClassPass are happy that we’re doing that, even if it means ClassPass members becoming your members.
One of the things I most respect about our partnership and one of the non-negotiables of us working together was complete objectivity and no control over our content. The ClassPass team were insistent that we get out the best information to help gyms and studios in our shared mission to raise the standards of the fitness industry in Asia.
We’re proud and excited to be working with ClassPass and appreciate their support in helping us in our mission to raise the standards of the fitness industry in Asia.
ClassPass ⮕ https://classpass.com/partners
FBA Episode 10 with Claire Goodill ⮕ https://bit.ly/FBA-10
FBA Episode 147 with Sam Canavan ⮕ https://bit.ly/FBA-147
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
To help us create more impact in our mission to raise the standards of Asia’s fitness industry, we’ve brought on partners to the show.
It was an absolute non-negotiable that we chose partners to work with that we believed in, that could add value to BASE and this podcast and that could also add value to you, the listeners of the show and so we’re proud to announce we’ll be working with ClassPass, Maya Agency, Glofox and MyZone.
ClassPass https://classpass.com/partners
Glofox https://www.glofox.com/
Maya Studio https://maya.agency/
MyZone https://myzonemoves.com/
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Welcome to the Fitness Business Asia podcast, hosted by BASE founder and CEO Jack Thomas - a show with a strong and powerful mission to raise the standards of Asia’s fitness industry.
If you’re an ambitious gym owner, fitness manager, investor in the wellness industry or a coach that wants to get into the business side of fitness, this weekly resource will help you raise your game.
Are you involved in the coach or instructor recruitment process? If so, this episode is a must for you. Host Jack shares lessons from 10 years of coach recruitment and management experience and our 12 rounds of recruitment at BASE.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Will Brereton has worked at the top of some of the biggest companies across world fitness, including Les Mills, ClassPass and Beachbody - and in today’s episode we talk about how boutique fitness should approach the growing online part of the industry.
You can find part 1 (episode 177) here.
You can listen to my appearance on Will’s Group Class Real Talk podcast here where we went deep into our group class training process at BASE.
GUEST RESOURCES
Will Brereton on LinkedIn
SH1FT Fitness
Ministry of Fit
Group Class Real Talk Podcast
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Will Brereton has a depth of knowledge that makes him the perfect guest for the show. He’s worked with two of the world’s biggest group class providers, led the UK’s ClassPass operation (their 4th biggest market) and now runs two leading businesses in the digital fitness space.
You can listen to my appearance on Will’s Group Class Real Talk podcast here where we went deep into our group class training process at BASE.
GUEST RESOURCES
Will Brereton on LinkedIn
SH1FT Fitness
Ministry of Fit
Group Class Real Talk Podcast
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
This episode will help you develop a clear, concise concept and message that leaves your clients feeling assured and ready to go.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We can add copy writing to the list of things that we generally don’t do well in the fitness industry. This underlying marketing and branding principle will get you in the right mindset to create something special with your communications that leaves a strong impression.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Whatever the size of your team, this episode will give you clear, actionable ideas on how to hit multiple marketing channels with less effort. It will be especially useful if you have a small (or one man/woman) marketing team.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
The flow of your gym or studio matters as it directly affects its functionality and the customer experience. Invest into it, take your time and get the right people involved in the process.
Episode with Nathan Bright of Bright Architecture
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Having a solid sales process is crucial to your business success and your prospective clients’ health. These 3 tips can be turned on today for immediate impact.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
The fitness industry is young - and there’s a lot we don’t get right. Train yourself to become a keen student of other industries and seek out the very best fitness businesses for inspiration.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
When someone asks what your business is all about, what do you say? Getting this right is so important - and today we discuss why and how to get it right.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
If you’ve listened to our show (or any quality business show) you’ll know about the importance of systems. Today we highlight email templates - I think a great first system if you’ve not got much in place yet, and an important one to work on and make exceptional.
In today’s episode we highlight why email templates are so important and some big steps to getting started and perfecting them.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Using the ‘repost’ function can be a powerful tool and a quick way to get some quality content. However, when executed poorly, it can wreck your social media and put you out of favour with those pesky algorhythms.
This episode will ensure you get it right for maximum effectiveness.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In the first of our FitBiz Fix series that will run through September we dig into client surveys and how they can provide golden feedback that’s otherwise hard to get.
Tune into the podcast every Monday and Thursday through September for a 5 minute podcast that will help you and your fitness business.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
BASE, crowned ‘Asia’s Gym of the Year’ from Fitness Best and ‘Bangkok’s Best Studio’ from ClassPass, hit its 5th birthday this week!
In a repost from our sister podcast Build Your Base, host Jack takes us through the first 5 years with some valuable lessons on building a strong and successful fitness business in Asia.
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Build Your Base Podcast ⮕ https://bit.ly/BYBshow
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas tells you his 6 key principles for running a successful gym or fitness studio based on 10 years in fitness management and 5 years creating and operating BASE - one of Asia’s leading gyms.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Russell Harrison joins us for part 2 where we discuss how Spartans has built a strong franchise model that's been able to scale to 11 locations in Singapore with international expansion into Dubai and Australia on the horizon.
GUEST RESOURCES
Russ LinkedIn
Spartans Boxing
Own A Spartans Franchise
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Russell Harrison, Group Managing Director of Spartans Boxing tells us the impressive story of Spartans Boxing and its growth, and the importance of having strong values when creating a fitness business in a busy market.
GUEST RESOURCES
Russ LinkedIn
Spartans Boxing
Own A Spartans Franchise
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
This conversation with Pete Thew in 2018 about building one of Asia’s leading fitness brands is just as relevant today as it was then.
Pete and his wife Alicia used the core value of ‘accessibility’ in every decision they made around building the brand, which offers a great lesson in knowing what you stand for and who you’re talking to.
Listen to Part 2 of this interview (episode 14)
GUEST RESOURCES
Yoga Movement
Peter Thew on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We’re having a tough moment in Asia - here are 21 quick tips to survive Covid-19 and government lockdowns, which are sure to give you a few nuggets of inspiration.
Reach out to me for a free consultation on your gym or fitness business at jack@basebangkok.com
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Yves Priessler discusses the Middle East and East Africa fitness scenes, two interesting markets at different stages of development. If you missed it, check out part 1 of our interview with Yves, a leading gym consultant who has worked with many top clients across the Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
GUEST RESOURCES
Yves Preissler Consulting
Yves Preissler on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Yves Preissler is a gym consultant based in Nairobi, Kenya. With years of experience, Yves has worked on many big and profitable projects in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
GUEST RESOURCES
Yves Preissler Consulting
Yves Preissler on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Make sure you aren’t saying these five phrases to yourself, or taking them seriously when other people direct this advice to you. They are often repeated in the gym and fitness business but can be very destructive.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Our new Moments series takes the gems from our top episodes that you may have missed, or that we could all do with a reminder on.
To listen to the full interview with Thomas, visit episode 141: https://bit.ly/FBA-141
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
This is part 2 of a great conversation with Will Skinner, CEO of UFit in Singapore, one of Asia’s strongest fitness brands. We discuss what UFit have been doing in the B2B space in Singapore recently which will open your mind to what other revenue streams and opportunities there may be in your city.
GUEST RESOURCES
Will Skinner on LinkedIn
UFit (Singapore)
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We welcome Will Skinner, CEO of UFit, to the show to talk about UFit’s decade as one of Singapore’s strongest and most successful fitness brands.
In our next episode, part 2, we discuss UFit’s strong corporate strategy and how they’ve partnered with hotels to create in exciting win-win business model.
GUEST RESOURCES
Will Skinner on LinkedIn
UFit (Singapore)
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas talks about the common errors in sales, marketing and branding that gyms studios make.
With a few tweaks, some awareness and a little smart investment, you can fix these errors and turn them into big positives for your fitness business.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We welcome Brittany Welk onto the show to talk about the importance of creating systems if you want to expand your business, create a consistent experience or even take a week off without distraction.
As Brittany notes, it’s not the sexiest topic, but it’s a key ingredient to all the sexy stuff - scale, expansion and delivery a kickass experience every time.
GUEST RESOURCES
LadyStrong Fitness
Ladystrong Fitness Instagram
Brittany Welk on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas goes through the 8 big boxes you need to tick if you’re making the transition from coach into a business owner.
Whether you’re considering opening a gym or studio or you’ve already made the leap, there will be a ton of good stuff for you in today’s show.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Ian Mullane is the founder and CEO of Keepme. Ian is also a leading authority in fitness technology and the author of a hotly-discussed whitepaper The Fitness Future: Rules of Engagement.
Keepme is one of our industry’s most exciting startups offering AI-based revenue acceleration CRM for fitness operators.
GUEST RESOURCES
Download Ian’s Whitepaper: The Fitness Future
Keepme
Ian Mullane on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas goes through what he’s learned and implemented at BASE through episodes 134 to 149.
Get some quick fire ideas and inspiration today or go back to the full episodes:
Episode 134 - Vision Personal Training with Andrew Simmons (AUS)
Episode 135 - Creating a Late-coming Policy For Your Studio
Episode 136 & 137 - Ed Haynes of Coastal Fitness (HK)
Episode 138 - The Fitstop Story with Pete Hull (AUS)
Episode 139 - The Power Of Feedback
Episode 140 - Getting Investment For Your Gym (Webinar)
Episode 141 - The Next Decade In Fitness with Thomas Plummer (USA)
Episode 143 - Johannes Raadsma of Inspire Brands Asia (Anytime Fitness in 9 territories)
Episode 144 - Biggest Mistakes We’ve Made at BASE
Episode 145 - The Lockeroom Story with Mind Muscle Project hosts Raph and Lach
Episode 146 - 4 Essential Traits Of A Great Manager
Episode 147 - 5 Big Sales Tips
Episode 148 - Sam Canavan MD of APAC for ClassPass
Episode 149 - How Asia’s Industry Has Blossomed with Pete McCall of All About Fitness
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas goes through what he’s learned and implemented at BASE through episodes 119 to 133.
Get some quick fire ideas and inspiration today or go back to the full episodes:
Episode 119 - Aerial View Of The Fitness Industry with Jusin Tamsett
Episode 120 - 4 Social Media Marketing Mistakes
Episode 121 - Building An Indestructible Fitness Brand
Episode 122 & 123 - Cameroon Falloon of Bodyfit Training
Episode 124 - Ross Campbell from FIT Summit - 3 Part Series
Episode 125 - Finding The Right Investors For Your Fitness Business
Episode 127 - 12 Step Recruitment Process For Coaches
Episode 129 - Jason Khalipa, Crossfit Games Champion
Episode 130 - Empowering Women with Mel Tempest
Episode 131-134 - Coaching Mini-Series
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas goes through what he’s learned and implemented at BASE through episodes 100 to 118.
Get some quick fire ideas and inspiration or go back to the full episodes:
Episode 100 & 101 - Emma Barry
Episode 106 - FIT Summit Panel with Tracy Minnoch-Nuku and Brad Robinson
Episode 107 - LinkedIn Tips
Episode 108 & 109 - Daniel Nyiri
Episode 110 - Handling Feedback & Complaints
Episode 111 & 112 - NT from FitGrid
Episode 113 - 7 Secrets To Our Success
Episode 114 - Nathan Bright
Episode 115 - Fitness Tech
Episode 116 - Marketing with Mike Arce
Episode 117 & 118 - Justin Tamsett
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas is interviewed by US veteran of the fitness scene, Pete McCall, on the Asia industry, how it's developed over the last 10-20 years and what we can expect next.
Pete is connected to the Asian industry through his many visit over the years and was a presenter at the first Asia Fitness Conference back in 2009.
GUEST RESOURCES
All About Fitness
Pete McCall on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Each sale you make helps someone get fitter, stronger and closer to their goals, but in our industry we often shy away from selling, or see it as ‘pushy’.
Sales are the backbone of any business, so today’s episode highlights the 5 big steps to making more sales in your studio or gym.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Sam Canavan is Managing Director of ClassPass Asia Pacific. We talk about how to get the most out of working with ClassPass, as well as addressing some of the concerns that gyms and studios have raised.
Sam has a unique and broad perspective on Asia’s fitness industry so we also dig into his insights and discuss the present and future of the region’s scene.
GUEST RESOURCES
Episode 10 - Claire Goodill of ClassPass (2018)
ClassPass
Sam Canavan on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas talks about the 4 strong and essential managerial values that are promoted within BASE. Knowing your values helps with recruitment, culture and guides your daily decisions and conversations with your team.
If you manage people, don’t miss this episode and for maximum impact, share it with your team.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Lach and Raph from the Mind Muscle Project podcast come onto the show for a deep dive into their new project, Lockeroom Gym in Sydney’s CBD.
Lockeroom is one of the strongest examples in today’s fitness industry of positioning and knowing their client. You’ll take many big lessons from their story in terms of concept, branding and marketing.
GUEST RESOURCES
Lockeroom Gym Website
Lockeroom Gym Instagram
Raph Freedman on LinkedIn
Lachlan Rowston on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
We’ve made the mistakes so you (hopefully) don’t have to! Host Jack Thomas talks you through the failures and lessons from 5 years of building and running BASE.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Johannes Raadsma is a co-founder and director of Inspire Brands Asia who have over 280 Anytime Fitness locations across Asia in their portfolio.
Johannes’ experience in many of Asia’s top fitness markets as well as Inspire Brand Asia’s meteoric rise makes him the perfect guest to help us raise the standards of the fitness industry.
Watch out for Johannes’ podcast Unleashed, coming out soon!
GUEST RESOURCES
Johannes on LinkedIn
Johannes on Instagram
Inspire Brands Asia
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas speaks to Jim Adams of the Masters In Fitness Business Podcast on how the US and Asia fitness industries compare to each other and what we can learn from each other.
GUEST RESOURCES
Jim Adams on LinkedIn
Masters in Fitness Business on Apple
Masters in Fitness Business on YouTube
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Thomas Plummer is an industry legend that needs little introduction. 4 decades in the industry, numerous best selling books on running strong, profitable fitness businesses and countless seminars around the world helping gym owners.
In today’s episode host Jack talks to Thom about the next decade in fitness and some of the shifts and changes we can expect and prepare for.
GUEST RESOURCES
Making More Money - By Thomas Plummer
Living Your Dream - By Thomas Plummer
The Soul Of A Trainer - By Thomas Plummer
Thomas Plummer Email
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
This is the recording of a webinar with Fitness Education Online (Australia) on finding investors for your gym or fitness business and building the right relationship with them.
Even if you’re not looking for cash, there are a lot of take homes in this episode on working with partners and building a successful gym.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
FitStop is one of the hottest fitness franchises of the moment. Currently at 70+ locations in Australia, founder and CEO Pete Hull has a great story and big plans for growth.
GUEST RESOURCES
Fitstop Australia
Own a Fitstop
Pete Hull on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Today is a solocast from Jack Thomas on the power of eliciting and receiving feedback in building a world-class fitness business and how we’ve done this at BASE.
We go through: why it’s so important, the essential mindset shift you must go through (that Jack has had to work on) and the best channels and techniques for receiving feedback.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Listen to part 1 of our interview here.
Today is part 2 of our interview with Ed Haynes, founder of Coastal Fitness in Hong Kong, co-founder of Earned Apparel and fellow podcast host.
Ed talks about how they’ve actually managed to grow in 2020, expanding their current location and developing new projects - Earned Apparel and the Live Perform Compete podcast.
Ed finishes with a positive and strong outlook on the future of the fitness industry, a sentiment much shared here on the show.
GUEST RESOURCES
Coastal Fitness (Hong Kong)
Earned Apparel
Ed Haynes on Instagram
Ed Haynes on LinkedIn
The Process Programming
The LIVE PERFORM COMPETE Podcast
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks to Ed Haynes, founder of Coastal Fitness in Hong Kong, co-founder of Earned Apparel and fellow podcast host.
Ed talks about his 11-year journey in HK’s fitness scene, creating and building the Coastal brand and the lessons learned along the way.
Enjoy this inspiring story with lots of strong take-homes - this is part 1 of our 2 part interview, check out episode 137 for part 2.
GUEST RESOURCES
Coastal Fitness (Hong Kong)
Earned Apparel
Ed Haynes on Instagram
Ed Haynes on LinkedIn
The Process Programming
The LIVE PERFORM COMPETE Podcast
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Having a strong late-coming policy for your group classes is crucial for a smooth operation and to create a safe environment and great experience for everyone.
In this episode, Jack Thomas goes through how to create the right latecoming policy for your gym, how to implement it and the importance of getting it right.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Andrew Simmons, founder and CEO of Vision Personal Training, shares his journey and insights into what it takes to build a franchise network of over 50 locations and growing.
Andrew talks about the importance of systemizing processes and the mindset shift that set him on the path to building a strong and profitable franchise model.
GUEST RESOURCES
Vision Personal Training
Andrew Simmons on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In the final part of our coaching series we ask an important question - what’s the next step for coaches and instructors?
Coaching Mini-Series
Part 1 (Intro)
Part 2 - How To Apply For The Right Coaching Job
Part 3 - How to Excel As An Industry Leading Coach
This question is not addressed often enough in our industry but if you don’t approach the topic in your fitness business, you will lose good team members.
If you’re a coach, this will help you consider what a career in fitness means.
If you’re a gym owner/manager, you can better manage and help your team.
Share this with a coach or gym manager who needs to hear it.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Part 1 of our Coaching Mini-Series was all about finding the perfect coaching or instructor job for you - listen to part 1 here.
Part 2 looks at what comes next and goes through the 6 essential steps to becoming a world-class coach or instructor.
If you’re a manager or gym owner - listen carefully to these steps and ensure YOU are providing the environment needed for great coaches to thrive and reach their highest potential.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
So, you’ve decided to become a coach or instructor and take your first step into the fitness industry.
This episode is required listening to find your dream role in the industry, and goes into detail on how to align yourself with the best people to help you succeed.
This episode is NOT just for coaches - if you’re a manager or gym owner this episode will help to improve your recruitment and HR processes, as well as better understand the coaching mindset.
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas introduces the Coach and Instructor Mini-series to help coaches find their best role in the industry and become a world-class coach.
This series is NOT just for coaches - it’s also for managers and gym owners to understand the coach perspective and to refine their training and HR processes.
Jack has seen time and again that those that follow their formula, become great and profitable coaches. Learn from Jack and his team at BASE’s successes and failures, all of which are discussed and analysed in this 3 part series.
Tune into episode 130 for part 1.
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks to gym owner, keynote speaker and fellow podcast host, Mel Tempest, about empowering women in fitness. Whatever your role in the industry, you’ll take a lot from this straight-talking episode.
GUEST RESOURCES
Mel Tempest on Facebook
Mel Tempest on LinkedIn
Gym Owners Fitness Business Podcast
RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jason Khalipa, former Crossfit Games winner in 2008 and founder of NC Fit joins the podcast to share his story of winning the Crossfit Games and the traits and values he took from that victory to succeed in business.
Jason also talks about his work across Asia, collaboration amongst the US fitness industry and the future of fitness, online training and the hybrid model.
GUEST RESOURCES
NC Fit
Jason Khalipa Instagram
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In the final episode of our mini-series, host Jack Thomas talks to Ross Campbell, founder and CEO of the FIT Summit, Asia’s premier fitness business conference.
If you haven’t heard parts 1 and 2, you’re missing out - go back and get up to date!
Listen to part 1 of FitBiz Talk with Ross Campbell
In part 3 of 3, Jack and Ross talk about the huge potential of our industry over the next decade and the encouraging signs for fitness in Asia.
Online/offline hybrid FIT Summit is December 9th - don’t miss it!
More information on 9th December FIT Summit - APAC Leaders
GUEST RESOURCES
The FIT Summit
Ross Campbell on LinkedIn
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Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In this episode, we break down the 12 steps we go through at BASE to recruit the best coaches available, taking you through what we do from initial contact to passing probation and becoming a full-time member of the BASE team.
This episode is in preparation for our ‘Become An Industry-Leading Coach’’ mini-series and will be a big help for gym/studio owners and managers who want to recruit the best coaches and instructors around.
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In part 2 of our mini-series, host Jack Thomas talks to Ross Campbell, founder and CEO of the FIT Summit, Asia’s premier fitness business conference.
If you haven’t heard part 1 on 2020 for the fitness industry, go back to episode 124 to get up to date on what’s been discussed.
Listen to part 1 of FitBiz Talk with Ross Campbell
In part 2 of 3, Jack and Ross talk about what the next 12 months holds for the fitness industry in Asia.
More information on 9th December FIT Summit - APAC Leaders
GUEST RESOURCES
The FIT Summit
Ross Campbell on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas answers a listener question on bringing on investors - when is it the right time? How do you find good investors? How do you know if they’re right for you and your business?
These are huge questions and decisions. Get this right, and it could take your business to the next level. Get it wrong, and it could negatively impact your company, or in the worst cases, destroy it.
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
In the first of our FitBiz Talk mini-series, host Jack Thomas talks to Ross Campbell, founder and CEO of the FIT Summit, Asia’s premier fitness business conference.
In part 1 of 3, Jack and Ross discuss 2020 so far for Singapore’s fitness industry: what’s happened, the ups, the downs and what we can learn.
More information on 9th December FIT Summit - APAC Leaders
GUEST RESOURCES
The FIT Summit
Ross Campbell on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks fitness franchising with Cameron Falloon, founder and joint CEO of Body Fit Training, a fast-growing fitness franchise out of Australia with 170+ (and growing) locations across the globe.
In this episode we go deep into what it means to own and operate a franchise, why Cameron chose this route for BFT and what to expect when opening a fitness franchise location.
If you haven’t heard part 1 of our interview, we recommend going back to episode 122 first.
GUEST RESOURCES
Body Fit Training
Own a BFT
Cameron Falloon on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks to Cameron Falloon, founder and joint CEO of Body Fit Training, a fast-growing fitness franchise out of Australia with 170+ (and growing) locations across the globe.
This two part interview is truly one of our most useful and information-packed episodes, with part 1 talking about the Body Fit Training journey from a test location a few years ago into one of the industry’s most exciting franchises today.
Make sure you check out part 2 for more on fitness and gym franchising.
GUEST RESOURCES
Body Fit Training
Own a BFT
Cameron Falloon on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack Thomas hosts a panel for ExPro Singapore on how to build an indestructible fitness brand that can survive the toughest times and thrive in the good times.
So many great takeaways from today’s show - if you know someone that might learn something or is starting a fitness brand, share this show with them.
This panel was part of ExPro Singapore Virtual Summit. Visit them for information on their upcoming events.
Past podcast shows with our panelists today:
Ep.87 - Managing Industry Shifts with Sean Tan of True Group
Ep.66 - Creating and Scaling a Leading Boutique Fitness Brand with Linda Tang of WeBarre
Ep.38 - Premium Personal Training in Singapore and HK with Chris Richards of Ultimate Performance
GUEST RESOURCES
Min Chan on LinkedIn
Yoga Movement
Linda Tang on LinkedIn
WeBarre
Chris Richards on LinkedIn
Ultimate Performance
Sean Tan on LinkedIn
True Group
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas highlights common marketing mistakes he’s noticed fitness businesses making recently. Make sure you’re not doing anything on the list and if you are - this episode will help you resolve it.
More fitness business marketing podcasts:
The 5 Pillars of Fitness Business Marketing
Email Marketing
10 Tips To Maximize Your FItness Business Instagram
11 Social Media Content Ideas
Use Your Whole Team To Boost Marketing
The Bangkok Podcast interview with Jack Thomas
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack Thomas talks to Justin Tamsett about member pricing and structures, where the industry is heading and some hard conversations you need to have with yourself to get through the next 6-12 months.
This episode is the audio repost of Justin and Jack's YouTube interview - click here to view
Join the Active Management Facebook Group
GUEST RESOURCES
Justin Tamsett on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Podcast
jt@activemgmt.com.au
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Justin Tamsett is a fitness industry consultant who runs the lively Active Management Community and the Fitness Business Podcast.
In part 2 of our interview the JTs talk about the importance of collaboration in our industry, especially during tough times.
The Aerial View of the Fitness Industry with Jack Thomas
Join the Active Management Facebook Group
GUEST RESOURCES
Justin Tamsett on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Podcast
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks to Justin Tamsett - the man behind the Fitness Business Podcast, Active Management consultancy (and lively Facebook community).
The two JTs talk about his journey and all things fitness business.
The Aerial View of the Fitness Industry with Jack Thomas
Join the Active Management Facebook Group
GUEST RESOURCES
Justin Tamsett on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks to one of the world’s leading gym and studio marketers, Mike Arce of Loud Rumor.
Jack and Mike dive into some big, thought-provoking topics such as the importance of sales scripts, recruiting the best for your business and how Mike coached someone from novice to a 100% 45 member success streak.
GUEST RESOURCES
Loud Rumor
Membership Sales Guide
Mike’s Transformation in Sales with Brandon
GSD Show with Brandon
GSD Show with Matt Kafora
GSD Show with Corbyn
Fitness Selling Secrets
25% up in 90 days
Loud Rumor Virtual Training
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack Thomas has helped many fitness business owners, operators and investors raise their game and build strong, profitable businesses and concepts.
For a chance to claim a free consultation session with Jack all you have to do is leave a 5-star review on Apple podcasts and in that review just write a few sentences on how the podcast has helped you out or some of the things you’ve learned.
Importantly, please leave your instagram or facebook handle at the end of the review and he will then pick his favorite 3 reviews for the 30 minute consultation.
CONTACT JACK
jack@basebangkok.com
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks to Michael Waitze about how fitness technology has developed over the last 10 years, and how “to really thrive and survive in fitness, you need some elements of technology woven into your concept and operations”.
This podcast was originally recorded for the Ignite Podcast by Morphosis Capital Partners. Interviewer was Michael Waitze.
GUEST RESOURCES
Ignite Podcast Episode
Morphosis Capital Partners
Michael Waitze on LinkedIn
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks to Nathan Bright, founder of Bright Architecture. Nathan and the team at his New York based studio have helped design some of the world’s leading boutique fitness studios such as Rumble, Fhitting Room, GRIT Boxing, Flywheel and SLT.
GUEST RESOURCES
Bright Architecture
Contact Nathan Bright
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack Thomas talks through the 7 big secrets to the success of BASE, voted Asia’s ‘Gym of the Year’ by Fitness Best and Bangkok’s Best Studio at the ClassPass Awards.
CONSULTANCY - Work with Jack Thomas to build a strong, successful fitness business
Quick Link: http://bit.ly/fba-jt
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN - http://bit.ly/JT-L
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
In part 2 of their interview, Jack talks to Nt about fitness technology and online training platforms. We also touch on collaboration and the future of fitness.
If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend who needs to hear it.
GUEST RESOURCES
NT on LinkedIn
FitGrid
Boutique Fitness Solutions
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks to Nt of Boutique Fitness Solutions and FitGrid. In today’s show, Nt offers insights into boutique fitness and the future of the space, as well as reflections on New York and what we can learn from the world’s busiest fitness market.
Check out part 2 of our interview in episode 112 for a look at fitness technology and the worldwide shift to online training.
GUEST RESOURCES
NT on LinkedIn
FitGrid
Boutique Fitness Solutions
SHOW RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
How you deal with feedback will have a huge impact on your business. In this episode, Jack Thomas goes through the three types of member feedback and how to handle them to ensure that the impact is positive and actually helps your fitness business, even when it’s a complaint.
Aerial View Of The Fitness Industry on YouTube
The FIT Summit - October 7th 2020
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
In part 2 of their interview, Jack talks to Daniel Nyiri on his recruitment process, which has been compared to Space X, as well as some tips on when you know it’s the right time to open your 2nd or 3rd studio.
FIT Summit - World Conference - More Info & Sign Up
Bangkok - Fireside Chat at The Hive Thonglor - More Info & Sign Up
GUEST RESOURCES
Daniel Nyiri - LINKTREE
RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Jack talks to Daniel Nyiri, the founder of 4U Fitness with locations in New York and Florida, about how he arrived in the US with nothing and has since built a 6 location business in some of the world’s busiest fitness markets.
Daniel’s inspiring story is one of working hard, having a strong mission and not being afraid of taking risks and trying new things.
GUEST RESOURCES
Daniel Nyiri Instagram
4U Fitness
RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
10 big LinkedIn fitness business marketing questions - just 1 minute for each question.
Today we welcome back Steve Bruce, Hong Kong’s #1 LinkedIn coach for a quick fire episode on LinkedIn for fitness industry professionals.
Check out our first interview with Steve Bruce for a recap on LinkedIn basics:
Episode 8 - Introduction to LinkedIn Marketing with Steve Bruce
FBA 73: LinkedIn for fitness industry coaches, investors and managers, with Steve Bruce
Sign up to the Virtual FIT Summit on August 5th:
The FIT Summit - August 5th - More Information and Sign Up
GUEST RESOURCES
STEVE BRUCE ON LINKEDIN
SB CONSULTING HONG KONG
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
For the best in networking and upskilling in Asia’s fitness industry, join the FIT Summit online conference:
MORE INFORMATION ➜ FIT Summit - August 5th, 2020
https://thefitsummit.com/events/worldonline1/
BUY NOW ➜ FIT Summit tickets just $49 SGD
In this special episode, we hear from Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, Brad Robinson and Fitness Business Asia podcast host Jack Thomas on how they innovated their business through the COVID crisis and positioned their businesses to rebuild.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Host Jack Thomas revisits episodes 84 through to 100 to recap on the biggest lessons learned from each show.
Featuring:
Brad Robinson (Ritual, Singapore)
Alex Povey (Coaching Ignited Podcast)
Ross Campbell (The FIT Summit, Singapore)
Sean Tan (True Group)
Shay Kostabi and Barry Ennis (Fitness Career Mastery)
Matthew Januszek (Escape Fitness)
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Host Jack Thomas revisits episodes 68 through to 83 to recap on the biggest lessons learned from each show.
To support the show, please share the podcast or any individual episodes with friends or colleagues who you think will benefit.
Featuring:
Linda Tang (Webarre, Singapore)
John Holsinger (IHRSA, Director of Asia-Pacific)
Charlie Temple (Platinum Fitness, PURE Fitness)
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Host Jack Thomas revisits episodes 50 through to 67 to recap on the biggest lessons learned from each show.
Featuring:
Anabel Chew (WeBarre, Singapore)
Danny Yueng (Prenetics, Hong Kong)
Ryan Hogan (CEO APAC Les Mills)
Owen Bowling (CrankIt and FourD Media)
Raph and Lach (The Mind Muscle Project Podcast)
Ross Campbell (The FIT Summit)
Peter Thew (Yoga Movement, Singapore)
Linda Tang (Webarre, Singapore)
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
In this solo episode, host Jack Thomas goes through some of the key things you’ll need to consider when reopening your fitness facility after closure.
We look at how to reopen strongly and confidently, as well as considerations for the long-term stability and strength of your business.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
In part 2, Jack talks to Emma Barry on studio design, getting the flow right for the member journey and how pricing models might look in the future of our industry.
GET $600 OFF EMMA’S COURSE WITH THE CODE ‘BADASS” ($199 reduced from $799)
Building A Badass Boutique - Online Masterclass
GUEST RESOURCES
Buy Building A Badass Boutique on Amazon
Emma Barry on LinkedIn
Emma Barry on Instagram
RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
As we hit 100 episodes, we are proud and excited to welcome Emma Barry to the show, a true global fitness authority and author of Building A Badass Boutique.
Emma is a founding member of Les Mills, was Director of Group Fitness for Equinox and now consults for some of the world’s leading boutique fitness brands.
GET $600 OFF EMMA’S COURSE WITH THE CODE ‘BADASS” ($199 reduced from $799)
Building A Badass Boutique - Online Masterclass
GUEST RESOURCES
Buy Building A Badass Boutique on Amazon
Emma Barry on LinkedIn
Emma Barry on Instagram
RESOURCES
Jack Thomas on LinkedIn
Fitness Business Asia Website
Fitness Business Asia Instagram
Host Jack Thomas takes questions at the end of his ExPro Singapore lecture on: free vs paid content, why are clients just looking for the cheapest deal and how you should price your digital content vs your normal rates.
EXPRO SINGAPORE
FITNESS SG
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Host Jack talks about the 7 key areas of focus to ensure your gym and in-person coaching experience can come back strong and survive against the shift to online, digital fitness.
This episode was recorded at the online ExPro Virtual Circuit Breaker, a great event that brought speakers from across the globe together.
EXPRO SINGAPORE
•
FITNESS SG
•
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack talks to Alex Povey of Coaching Ignited podcast on the shifts the industry is going through, who will survive and what it will take to bring people back into gyms.
The conversation provides some interesting contrasts between the fitness scene in the UK and Thailand.
⬇ Join the 2 big free online conferences this week ⬇
EXPRO CONFERENCE Join my talk on bullet-proofing your in person coaching business - REGISTER HERE
THE FIT SUMMIT ONLINE - REGISTER HERE
GUEST RESOURCES
Instagram - Facebook - LinkedIn
Coaching Ignited Podcast
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
In part 2 of CJ’s interview, Jack talks about the importance of processes in scaling, embracing difficult conversations and staying true to your values - all of which are traits of success.
CJ also asks Jack his predictions for the next few years in Asia’s fitness industry - a question Jack asks his guests - and they revisit a conversation they had 4 years ago in Bangkok before CJ set up The Playground in Malaysia.
LISTEN TO PART 1 OF OUR INTERVIEW HERE
REGISTER FOR THE EXPRO ONLINE CONFERENCE HERE - 28-29 May 2020
GUEST RESOURCES
FITNESS BUSINESS SECRETS
THE PLAYGROUND KL
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack is interviewed by CJ Lee of The Playground Fitness KL and Fitness Business Secrets on what it took to build BASE, the brand and how we’ve developed a world-class coaching team.
We also delve into collaboration and why ‘competitors’ shouldn't be feared or obsessed over.
GUEST RESOURCES
FITNESS BUSINESS SECRETS
THE PLAYGROUND KL
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
In part 2 of our interview with Matthew, CEO of Escape Fitness, we discuss how the fitness industry should be well positioned to provide important services to people, paid vs free content and creating an incredible in-studio experience.
LISTEN TO PART 1 OF OUR INTERVIEW HERE
REGISTER FOR THE EXPRO ONLINE CONFERENCE HERE - 28-29 May 2020
GUEST RESOURCES
MATTHEW ON LINKEDIN
ESCAPE FITNESS
ESCAPE YOUR LIMITS PODCAST
Jack talks to Matthew Januszek, founder of one of the biggest and most recognizable fitness equipment brands in the world, Escape Fitness.
In this episode Matthew talks about his 20+ year journey building Escape fitness, the inspirational energy of Asia and how the scene here compares to the US and Europe.
GUEST RESOURCES
MATTHEW ON LINKEDIN
ESCAPE FITNESS
ESCAPE YOUR LIMITS PODCAST
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Learn why Jack and the team at BASE decided to launch their own podcast, the Build Your Base show.
LISTEN TO THE BUILD YOUR BASE PODCAST SHOW HERE!
This podcast is NOT just about podcasting - you’ll learn about some principles of marketing , which will carry over to all other areas such as email and social media.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
The Build Your Base show is a new podcast from our team at BASE.
LISTEN TO THE BUILD YOUR BASE SHOW HERE!
When you’re listening to this episode think about how a prospective client might feel listening to it. You may not be in Bangkok but I think this interview with our Fitness Manager can give you some solid insights into how to craft an effective marketing message and story, wherever you are.
In part 2, Jack talks to Brad Robinson, CEO of Ritual Gym, on how they’ve adapted to Covid-19, how they’ve been supporting franchisees and the quick roll out of Ritual Anywhere, a platform that Brad knew had to be world-class.
Listen to part 1 of our interview with Brad here
GUEST RESOURCES
BRAD ROBINSON ON LINKEDIN
RITUAL GYM
RITUAL ANYWHERE APP DOWNLOAD
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack welcomes on Brad Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Singapore’s Ritual Gym to talk about how Ritual started and how they built the concept, brand and franchise model.
Ritual now have franchise locations in markets including the US, Brazil and South Africa, with more planned domestically and elsewhere.
GUEST RESOURCES
BRAD ROBINSON ON LINKEDIN
RITUAL GYM
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack talks to the Glofox Fitness Founders podcast about how BASE quickly shifted to an online training platform and why it’s essential for both business and member for you to charge for online services and then deliver extreme value.
GUEST RESOURCES
GLOFOX
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack welcomes back Sean for a candid discussion on digital fitness now and in the future, as well as insights into the need for collaboration, leadership and togetherness to elevate the industry and come out of the current crisis stronger.
In part 1 we discussed how Sean has been managing industry shifts across multiple locations and countries. Wherever you’re at in the industry, there are some great take homes from Sean’s interview.
Listen to part 1 (episode 87) of Sean’s interview here
GUEST RESOURCES
TRUE GROUP
SEAN TAN ON LINKEDIN
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Sean Tan is the Director of True Group, overseeing the growth and development of an industry-leading big box operation across Singapore and Taiwan.
Sean and True Group have been at the forefront of the big box scene with innovative concepts and strong growth over the last few years.
Hear how Sean has navigated the last few months, how Taiwan’s gyms have stayed open and how to negotiate with your landlord on rental rates.
Today is part 1 of our two part interview. Tune into episode 88 for the second half where we discuss digital fitness.
SIGN UP TO THE FIT SUMMIT ONLINE HERE - MAY 6th
GUEST RESOURCES
TRUE GROUP
SEAN TAN ON LINKEDIN
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack welcomes back Barry and Shay to discuss the technical aspects of creating a digital experience that will represent you and your brand well, and bring in meaningful revenue.
If you haven’t heard part 1, go back to episode 85 to hear more about injecting soul and life into your on-demand and live streamed content.
For more information on equipment and Barry and Shay's course, go to our website episode page here
GUEST RESOURCES
FITNESS CAREER MASTERY
FREE COURSE SAMPLE
LEARN TO LIVESTREAM COURSE
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack welcomes on fellow podcasters Shay Kostabi and Barry Ennis of Fitness Career Mastery to discuss online and digital fitness offerings.
Barry and Shay help gyms and fitness businesses produce high-quality online platforms and digital content so they’re perfectly placed to help gym owners navigate this big shift online.
For more information on equipment, royalty-free music and Shay and Barry - check out the episode webpage here
GUEST RESOURCES
FITNESS CAREER MASTERY
FREE COURSE SAMPLE
LEARN TO LIVESTREAM COURSE
SHOW RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack welcomes back Ross Campbell, founder and CEO of the FIT Summit, to discuss the power and importance of networking and how collaboration can help the industry thrive.
Being able to draw on a solid network has always been important, but in these times it’s more than that - it’s an essential element of survival.
Listen to episode 84 for a different angle on how to get through this current industry shift.
Register for the FIT Summit on 15th April here
GUEST RESOURCES
ROSS CAMPBELL ON LINKEDIN
THE FIT SUMMIT
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Today we look at 6 positive things that can come out of these tough, unprecedented times.
Stay positive and active - the future of your business depends on it.
Register for the FIT Summit on 15th April here!
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Your marketing priorities now should be helping the wider community through this time and keeping your fitness business in the forefront of people’s minds for when they return.
Today’s episode offers 11 marketing tips to help you achieve that.
Please reach out with any good tips that we missed, or just to connect at jack@basebangkok.com
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
This could be our most important podcast. Jack runs through 8 essential survival tips to get through business closure, lockdown or a downturn in business.
Be strong. Be positive. Show leadership. In this, and any crisis.
Please reach out with any good tips that we missed, or just to connect at jack@basebangkok.com
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
A summary of all the different measures you can consider for your gym regarding the current coronavirus pandemic, as well as a look at the positives that can come from this time.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
FITNESS BUSINESS EVENTS
THE FIT SUMMIT - RESCHEDULED 3-5 AUGUST, 2020
Jack talks to John Holsinger, director of Asia-Pacific for IHRSA, on the fitness industry in China and Japan. They talk about leading technology in China, the opportunity from the rising middle class in China and a look into both the big box and boutique spaces.
Listen to part 1 of Jack’s talk with John Holsinger:
The evolution of Asia’s fitness industry, with John Holsinger of IHRSA
GUEST RESOURCES
IHRSA
IHRSA 2020 - San Diego March 18-21
JOHN HOLSINGER ON LINKEDIN
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Coronavirus is the big story of the moment. Asia is currently hardest hit, so how should you deal with this as a fitness business in the region?
Jack goes through some ideas and things to consider when managing your approach and marketing message.
Disclaimer: this podcast is only Jack’s thoughts on 2nd March 2020. Always take the latest government advice when deciding on your business’s policies.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack talks to John Holsinger, Director of Asia Pacific for IHRSA, about how Asia’s fitness industry has evolved in the last few decades and where it’s heading.
John has been immersed in Asia’s fitness scene since the 80s so it was great to get his insights and thoughts. Next week, we delve into China’s industry.
In today’s show we cover...
GUEST RESOURCES
IHRSA
IHRSA 2020 - San Diego March 18-21
JOHN HOLSINGER ON LINKEDIN
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Welcome to our first roundup of fitness business news from around the region, a concise summary of what’s going on that is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their finger on the pulse of Asia’s fitness industry.
Do you have any news that you’d like covered in our next roundup? Send to jack@basebangkok.com and we’ll try and include it on our next summary.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
FITNESS BUSINESS EVENTS
BOUTIQUE FITNESS TALKS - FEB 20-21, BANGKOK
THE FIT SUMMIT - APRIL 14-16, SINGAPORE
Today’s episode is a quick show with a few more tips from Jack on building and developing a great front of house team. Your front of house are often the face and voice of your company, so invest in them for a positive knock-on effect to the rest of your fitness business.
If you haven’t heard episode 74 yet, it’s essential you catch up on that first:
FBA 74: Build a great Front of House team - the 10 steps
Last chance to join us in Bangkok!
More info on the Boutique Fitness Talks next week - 20-21 February
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
How strong are your front of house?
Your front desk / customer service team play a pivotal role in the success of your fitness business. They will often be the first person a client will see or speak to and the importance of that connection cannot be underestimated.
In this episode Jack shares all about what has helped him and his team build a strong, friendly and reliable front of house staff.
RESOURCES
BOUTIQUE FITNESS TALKS BANGKOK - FEB 20-21
FIT SUMMIT SINGAPORE - APR 15-16
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Today we welcome back Steve Bruce, Hong Kong’s #1 LinkedIn coach to talk about how coaches, managers and investors in the fitness industry can use the social media network for professionals effectively and powerfully.
Check out our first interview with Steve Bruce for a recap on LinkedIn basics
Episode 8 - Introduction to LinkedIn Marketing with Steve Bruce
Today we cover...
GUEST RESOURCES
STEVE BRUCE ON LINKEDIN
SB CONSULTING HONG KONG
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Marketing is a big job that takes a lot of time and energy - why not use your whole team to your advantage?
Jack discusses tips, ideas and strategies to help you leverage the power and reach of your whole team for maximum impact? For this to work, there’s one crucial element that’s needed for it to come together well.
In this episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
In part 2 of our interview, Jack talks to Charlie about the 24 hour market with a round up of what’s going on in Asia’s different fitness markets.
Charlie also digs into valuing and selling a fitness business, technology and franchising.
In this episode we discuss:
GUEST RESOURCES
CHARLIE TEMPLE ON LINKEDIN
PLATINUM FITNESS
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack sits down with Charlie Temple of Singapore’s Platinum Fitness, a 24-hour gym in the CBD. Charlie has a diverse background in Asia’s industry, starting in the family business PURE before going on to found Topfit in Hong Kong. After selling that business, he entered the 24 hour gym space in Manila before hitting the Singapore market.
Charlie has consulted for top boutique offerings around Asia so his diverse background in many of Asia’s top markets makes him a great guest for the podcast.
In this episode we discuss:
GUEST RESOURCES
CHARLIE TEMPLE ON LINKEDIN
PLATINUM FITNESS
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
In this episode, Jack goes through some of the principles that are key to creating a world-class group fitness program.
Based on years of experience in the industry and visits to the world’s top gyms, there will surely be a few things on this list that you can implement into your gym’s program.
SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Telling a friend - share the episode or send them this link: www.bit.ly/FBApodcast
Leaving a 5 star review on iTunes
Screenshot the podcast and tag us on the socials @fitnessbusinessasia
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack talks sales with Linda - what worked for her when she opened her first studio, through to the techniques WeBarre has used to open 5 successful studios across Singapore and Hong Kong.
Sales are the lifeblood of any business and whatever stage you’re at, this episode will give you some guidance and ideas on how to sell effectively.
GUEST RESOURCES
LINDA TANG ON LINKEDIN
WEBARRE
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Here are some of the things we’ve got lined up for you and your fitness business in the coming year!
Support the podcast by:
Subscribing!
Helps Apple push this podcast out to more people
Tell a friend!
Help us have a big and positive impact on Asia’s industry by sending this link to a friend who's a business owner, coach or investor:
http://bit.ly/FBApodcast
Check these out, too:
Add Jack Thomas on LinkedIn - More LinkedIn Lives coming in 2020!
My recent interview with The Worst Investment Ever Podcast
Contact Jack Thomas with questions or comments
Jack sits down with Linda to talk about what it takes to build Asia’s leading homegrown barre brand, WeBarre, and the inspiration and story behind the brand.
Every boutique studio owner will take some big lessons from today’s episode on branding, recruitment, training and even how to get the most out of millennials.
GUEST RESOURCES
LINDA TANG ON LINKEDIN
WEBARRE
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Many find money and prices a difficult and awkward topic, but to run a successful business it’s a conversation that must be had.
Jack discusses why increasing your prices is something that’s essential at some point if you wish to run a strong and thriving business that continues to be great for both staff and clients.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Pete talks about his industry leading academy for yoga instructors, why collaboration is something that benefits us all and the foundations of building great business partnerships.
Pete also breaks down the yoga scene in Asia and makes his predictions for the next few years.
If you’ve not heard part 1, go back and get up to date:
Part 1 with Peter Thew
Our first interview with Pete back in 2018:
FBA 13: What does it mean to create a brand with Peter Thew of Yoga Movement [Part 1 of 2]
FBA 14: Branding, values and the fitness industry ecosystem with Peter Thew of Yoga Movement [Part 2 of 2]
In the episode dice into:
GUEST RESOURCES
YOGA MOVEMENT
PETER THEW ON LINKEDIN
SHOW RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Pete’s first interview with Jack was one of our most popular and downloaded episodes - go back to episodes 13 and 14 to check it out.
A lot has happened in the last year with Pete and the team at Yoga Movement, so we check in on how his 7th studio build has gone and the ups and downs of building a seamless, slick and interactive app for Yoga Movement.
Our first interview with Pete:
FBA 13: What does it mean to create a brand with Peter Thew of Yoga Movement [Part 1 of 2]
FBA 14: Branding, values and the fitness industry ecosystem with Peter Thew of Yoga Movement [Part 2 of 2]
In the episode we touch on
GUEST RESOURCES
YOGA MOVEMENT
PETER THEW ON LINKEDIN
SHOW RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jake Anderson of the One Life Show interviews Jack Thomas on sales, marketing and the ups and downs of building a fitness business.
In this episode, we touch on:
Check out me interviewing Jake Anderson on episode 21 of the Fitness Business Asia podcast
GUEST RESOURCES
ONE LIFE SOCIAL MEDIA
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
MORE INFO ➜ APRIL 2020 FIT SUMMIT IN SINGAPORE
CONNECT WITH ROSS CAMPBELL OF THE FIT SUMMIT
Build the foundations of success by collaborating and communicating with others in the fitness industry.
Jack shares his journey and shift in mindset from being wary and nervous around competition to striving for a more united and stronger industry.
Like our friends at The FIT Summit, at this podcast we believe a connected and open industry benefits everyone and it’s our mission to raise the standards of Asia’s fitness scene.
Instagram is arguably Asia’s premier social media channel now for fitness, health and wellness businesses. In this episode, Jack runs through his top 10 tips for an impactful profile.
These 10 principles and tips remain true on most social media platforms or for marketing in general.
Implement one of these into your business today!
RESOURCES
CONTACT: jack@basebangkok.com
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
Jack talks to Lach and Raph from the Mind Muscle Project, one of the leading fitness podcasts worldwide.
The boys discuss what it means to run a fitness business and make the jump from coach to owner, Crossfit’s current state and future, fitness franchises, business partnerships and hiring the right talent.
They have 400+ podcasts under their belt with some of the world’s top fitness industry leaders and have solid experience running their own gyms in Sydney, making this episode a must.
Check out Jack's interview on the Mind Muscle Project earlier this year
GUEST RESOURCES
MIND MUSCLE PROJECT
MMP – FREE BUSINESS GUIDES
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
This podcast episode was broadcast live on LinkedIn. If you have any questions you’d like answered on future Q&A sessions please contact us at:
jack@basebangkok.com
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA ON INSTAGRAM (Send DM)
In today’s episode we answer listener questions on:
RESOURCES
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
EPISODE WEBPAGE
Jack talks to Owen Bowling of FourD Media on why video marketing is king and your best options if you’re on a tight budget, or if you’ve got unlimited funds.
Owen is great at breaking down marketing principles in an easy to understand and powerful way which makes for an interview with lots of actionable take homes.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
OWEN BOWLING ON LINKEDIN
FOURD MEDIA
NUDE NUTRIENTS
CRANKIT SUSPENSION TRAINING
Owen Bowling has built 3 companies in the wellness and fitness space and is making waves with his new fitness video content company, FourD Media.
Today he shares some of his biggest lessons and insights of his journey. Whatever your space is in the industry, there’s something to take home from this episode.
In this episode…
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
OWEN BOWLING ON LINKEDIN
FOURD MEDIA
NUDE NUTRIENTS
CRANKIT SUSPENSION TRAINING
Jack talks to the head of Les Mills APAC on how they’ve kept their brand and offering so strong and relevant for over 20 years.
We also dive into technology and how that’s changing the fitness scene and what steps gyms need to take to ride the wave of change rather than be wiped out by it.
In this episode…
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
RYAN HOGAN ON LINKEDIN
LES MILLS ASIA PACIFIC
LES MILLS GLOBAL
Jack goes through his top 5 tips for how to attract, hire and retain coaches and instructors that will lead the industry.
In our industry it’s important we have the right people, so this episode is a must for anyone who works with or hires coaches.
In this episode we cover:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
Danny Yeung’s story is as inspiring as it is powerful. Danny went from selling baseball cards aged 12, to founding a company that was acquired by Groupon, to starting a leading genetics testing company in Asia.
Danny is a true entrepreneur making big inroads into an exciting and new industry – DNA and genetic testing.
In this episode…
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
DANNY YEUNG ON LINKEDIN
PRENETICS
CIRCLE DNA
Anabel Chew is the co-founder of WeBarre, a barre concept with studios in Singapore and Hong Kong.
With an original vision to become Singapore’s leading Barre brand, Anabel and the team have certainly achieved this with big plans for their future.
In today’s episode we discuss…
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
ANABEL CHEW ON LINKEDIN
ANABEL CHEW ON INSTAGRAM
WEBARRE
In the last of our birthday celebrations, we look at episodes 32-48 and recap the BIG take homes from each episode.
You’ll learn a lot from this episode alone, but if you want to learn more about any particular topic, revisit the podcast in question.
Here are links to episodes 32-48…
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
We are celebrating hitting 50 episodes on the podcast with our BIG take homes from FBA podcasts number 16 up to 31.
There are some real gems in there so if you want to dive deeper, click on the links below and if you have any friends or colleagues in the industry that might benefit, please do share.
Hear me being interviewed for the Glofox Fitness Founders Podcast
In this podcast, we recap episodes 16 through to 31.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
We’ve reached 50 episodes! We’ve had so many great guests and covered a lot of important topics, so in this episode we recap the first 15 episodes with one big take home message from each one!
Please feel free to go back and download any episodes that sound interesting and useful to you and share any episodes with friends or work colleagues that could benefit.
We look at the big take homes from FBA episodes 1-15. Click to listen…
Interested in why we started this podcast or want to start your own?
Listen to me being interviewed on The Podcast Show Asia on our podcast journey.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
Tracy Minnoch-Nuku is Asia’s ambassador for WIFA (The Women In Fitness Association) and co-founder for FIRE in Malaysia.
We talk about opportunities for women in Asia and breaking barriers, as well as a deeper dive into what it means to recruit, develop and build Rockstar instructors
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
TRACY MINNOCH-NUKU ON LINKEDIN
FIRE FITNESS IN KL, MALAYSIA
WOMEN IN FITNESS ASSOCIATION
TRACY ON INSTAGRAM
Tracy is the co-founder of Fire Fitness in KL, Malaysia and has 30 years of experience in the fitness industry (20 years in Asia).
Having first entered the scene here to help set up Les Mills in APAC, Tracy has gone onto big things in the scene including setting up FIRE and becoming a global ambassador for WIFA (The Women in Fitness Association)
In today’s episode
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSIT
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
TRACY MINNOCH-NUKU ON LINKEDIN
FIRE FITNESS IN KL, MALAYSIA
WOMEN IN FITNESS ASSOCIATION
In this episode Jack covers types of marketing content you SHOULD NOT be posting or putting out there.
We see these things everyday but don’t worry - we’ve all been guilty of a few of these – let us know if we missed any out!
On episode 46 we cover:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
Jack talks to Stuart about negotiations in Asia, with landlords, employees and partners.
This episode is a must for anyone doing business in Asia, with Stuart building a strong picture of what it means to connect with the locals here.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
JCADEMY - STUART’S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
STUART JAY RAJ ON LINKEDIN
STUART JAY RAJ ON YOUTUBE
BLOG
Stuart Jay Raj speaks 15 languages and has done TED talks in both Chinese and English.
He helps many top companies across Asia run more efficient businesses and bridge the cultural divide between east and west, so there’s perhaps no better person to talk to about doing business in Asia as a foreigner.
In this podcast episode, we cover:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
JCADEMY - STUART’S PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
STUART JAY RAJ ON LINKEDIN
STUART JAY RAJ ON YOUTUBE
BLOG
This episode will give you ideas and inspiration for the kind of content you can put out on your fitness business social media channels.
On today’s episode we cover:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
FIT SUMMIT – ASIA’S PREMIER B2B EVENT
Jack welcomes back Noël Nocciolo of Boutique Fitness Talks to talk about the boutique indoor cycling scene in Asia.
There’s no better person to speak to about indoor cycling in Asia than Noel. Not only has she worked at the world’s top indoor cycling studios, she’s been immersed in the scene in this region since it all started and continues to consult with some of Asia’s top players in cycling.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
NOEL NOCCIOLO
BOUTIQUE FITNESS TALKS
In part 2 of our interview with Emma Harris, formerly of Asia’s fitness tech startup Guavapass, we talk about ClassPass entering the Asian market, their acquisition of GuavaPass and the lessons learned from Emma’s startup journey.
We also touch on Emma’s foray into studio creation and management, after she opened STILL, Singapore’s first aqua bag boxing studio which started a huge trend there.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
EMMA HARRIS ON LINKEDIN
Jack interviews Emma Harris, formerly of Guavapass which was one of Asia’s most high profile tech startups and arguably the most disruptive and interesting fitness business in Asia during their time in business.
ClassPass entered the Asian market in 2018 and after a brief territorial battle, Guavapass was acquired by ClassPass for $4.2m in early 2019.
Emma talks about their incredible startup journey which offers lessons and insights for anyone in Asia’s fitness industry or in the tech startup scene.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
EMMA HARRIS ON LINKEDIN
This podcast is required listening for anyone either in a business partnership or considering getting into one.
If you go into business with the wrong partner, or don’t build the right relationship with them, it can destroy your business.
If you get the right partner and do things right and you can reach heights that you may never have been able to do alone.
Listen to Jack’s 8 tips on finding the right partner and building a great relationship.
On today’s episode we cover…
CONSULTANCY FROM JACK THOMAS
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
Ultimate Performance is one of the worldwide industry leaders in personal training with private gyms in the UK, Spain, the US, Australia and Dubai.
Chris heads their Singapore and HK gyms so it was kind of him to share his insights into the markets here and how he's built successful branches of their model in the region.
In this episode we discuss…
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCE
CHRIS RICHARDS ON LINKEDIN
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE
Our first ever questions and answers sessions tackling some of the queries that have been sent through to us at the Fitness Business Asia podcast.
What did you think of today’s show? Would you like more Q&A podcasts like this one? Please contact us with feedback, or better still, your own questions.
CONTACT US
jack@basebangkok.com
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA ON INSTAGRAM (Send DM)
In today’s episode we answer listener questions on:
RESOURCES
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
EPISODE WEBPAGE
We talk with MyZone’s Asia Pacific Director Mike Beeney on heart rate monitor technology (HRM) and other fit-tech trends and products.
Fitness technology is changing the industry and all fitness business owners need to be aware of the impact it’s having on our industry.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
MIKE BEENEY LINKEDIN
What opportunities are there in Asia’s more developing and emerging markets? What should you consider if you’re looking to open a fitness business in a country like Vietnam, Cambodia or Myanmar?
Jack explores the opportunities and potential pitfalls of jumping into one of Asia’s young fitness industries.
In today’s episode we discuss:
CONSULTANCY FROM JACK THOMAS
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
Bobby Cappuccio overcame adversity to become one of the fitness industry’s leading educators, speakers and coaches.
Listen to Bobby’s story, along with his thoughts and musings on our industry, in the second half of our two part interview
In today’s episode
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
BOBBY CAPPUCCIO WEBSITE
Bobby Cappuccio is one of the fitness industry’s leading coaches and educators. Jack caught up with Bobby in Singapore to talk about his journey, what makes great and impactful coaching and why people don’t change, even when facing death.
Whether you’re a coach, business owner, investor or even someone outside of the fitness industry, you’ll take something away from our chat with Bobby.
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
BOBBY CAPPUCCIO WEBSITE
Jack highlights some of the common mistakes that prevent fitness studio owners from crafting an A-grade experience every time.
The good news is that these are fairly easy to fix through training and adding in processes, procedures and structure.
In today’s episode we discuss:
CONSULTANCY FROM JACK THOMAS
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDI
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
EMPIRE FIT CLUB BALI
BOUTIQUE FITNESS TALKS
Sales is the backbone of any fitness business and a focus on selling right needs time and attention if you’re to succeed.
If you ever say you don’t like selling or the product sells itself, you are doing your clients, your community and your business a big disservice.
In this podcast, Rich Huston of Chi Fitness and FIRE Fitness highlights why it’s so important and how to do it right.
In this episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
RICH HUTSON ON LINKEDIN
CHI FITNESS
FIRE FITNESS
Jack talks to Rich Hutson, CEO of Malaysia’s Chi Fitness and boutique offering FIRE in KL, about his long and eventful journey through Asia’s fitness industry.
With Rich’s vast experience in both bigbox and boutique fitness in Asia, he’s the perfect person to speak to regarding what’s happening in all areas of the region’s industry.
In this episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDI
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST RESOURCES
RICH HUTSON ON LINKEDIN
CHI FITNESS
FIRE FITNESS
Jack answers a listener’s question on how to find the right location for your fitness business in Asia.
There are some crucial factors to consider when choosing the right spot for your business. In this episode Jack explores the topic and gives you some things to think about to take a step towards success.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
Jack interviews Eric Malzone, host of The Future of Fitness podcast and fitness business consultant on what’s happening stateside.
They delve into fitness technology, Crossfit’s journey and what we can learn from there success and we touch on many little gems that you’ll be able to work into your business.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST INFO
ERIC MALZONE ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BLITZ RADIO
FUTURE OF FITNESS PODCAST
CERTIFIED COURSE CREATION
The tables are turned as Eric Malzone of the Fitness Blitz and Future of Fitness podcasts interviews Jack Thomas, host of this podcast - Fitness Business Asia - and founder/CEO of BASE, on his story, cultural differences between the east and west and the fitness landscape in Asia.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA WEBSITE
FITNESS BUSINESS ASIA INSTAGRAM
EPISODE WEBPAGE
GUEST INFO
ERIC MALZONE ON LINKEDIN
FITNESS BLITZ RADIO
FUTURE OF FITNESS PODCAST
Jack talks to Alex De Fina of Pherform in part 2 of their interview about building community, strong branding and how you can’t fake consistency.
Alex has done these things very well at Pherform and he’s happy to share his thoughts and insights. Listen to episode 26 to take some important lessons from his journey and experience.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/alex-de-fina-pherform-hk
CONTACT
ALEX DE FINA https://www.instagram.com/alex_de_fina
PHERFORM http://www.pherform.com/
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
Jack talks to Alex De Fina, founder of Pherform and the now defunct Bikini Fit in Hong Kong. Alex is an industry veteran with a wealth of knowledge in fitness business.
Alex has creating something very special with Pherform, building both a strong differentiator as well as a business that he can run remotely from abroad.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/alex-de-fina-pherform
CONTACT
ALEX DE FINA https://www.instagram.com/alex_de_fina
PHERFORM http://www.pherform.com/
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
In episode 24, Jack talks about the hiring process for your fitness business’s staff.
You may have heard ‘hire slow, fire fast’, but what does that mean? Jack goes through this, as well as some there crucial recruitment tips that will help you find the staff that are the right fit for your business.
In today’s episode:
CONTACT / CONSULTANCY ENQUIRIES
EMAIL jt@basebangkok.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/recruitment-hire-slow-fire-fast
In episode 23, Jack talks with Muk of Gorilla Strong, a Hong Kong-native and one-man brand who has been involved in HK’s scene for over 10 years. Muk has been one of the most successful coaches I know in carving out a strong and powerful niche in Asia – kettlebell training.
Muk started off as a freelance coach and eventually ran his own studio in Hong Kong as pretty much a solo business. Muk tells us about his personal journey navigating the fitness and business landscape in HK and what he’s learned from his time embedded in the industry there.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/muk-venkataraman-gorilla-strong
CONTACT
GORILLA STRONG https://www.gorilla-strong.com/
MUK VENKATARAMAN ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/muk-venkataraman-2088324/
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
In episode 22, Jack talks about the top ways boutique fitness studios can stand out, thrive and compete against big box offerings.
There is certainly a place in the industry for both big, traditional gyms and small, specialized studios. For boutique fitness success, you must understand how the two offerings are different and double-down on the things that make studios unique and have contributed to their explosion in popularity.
In today’s episode:
CONTACT / CONSULTANCY ENQUIRIES
EMAIL podcast@basebangkok.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/boutique-studios-thrive
In episode 21, Jack talks all things social media with Jake Anderson of One Life.
One Life help gyms bring in new clients by combining an attractive opening offer with a well-structured social media campaign to target, and re-target, the right potential clients.
We are in a golden age of paid social media marketing and Jake and his company are doing big things at the moment in this area.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/jake-anderson-onelife-social-media
ONE LIFE SOCIAL MEDIA https://thefitsummit.com
JAKE ANDERSON ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-anderson-07558132/
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
In an action-packed episode 20, Jack goes through 10 tips that every fitness business can action today to improve the effectiveness of their Instagram account.
Instagram is arguably the primary social media channel for fitness businesses now so make sure that your account is doing your brand justice, not dragging it down.
In today’s episode:
CONTACT / CONSULTANCY ENQUIRIES CONSULTANCY https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/consultancy/
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/top-10-tips-instagram
In episode 19, Jack concludes his two part interview with Noël Nocciolo who is a top Asia-based gym consultant and runs Boutique Fitness Talks. Noël and Jack cover a wide range of topics in this episode that will plant seeds of thought in many areas of your business.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/superstar-coaches-noel-nocciolo
NOEL NOCCIOLO http://www.noelcycles.com
BOUTIQUE FITNESS TALKS https://boutiquefitnesstalks.com
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
In episode 18, Jack sits down with Noël Nocciolo of Boutique Fitness Talks. Noël is a top consultant for indoor cycling studios with a huge depth of knowledge and experience within the Asian market.
Her background working with some of the biggest boutique fitness studios worldwide makes for a very insightful discussion.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/gym-consultant-noel-nocciolo
NOEL NOCCIOLO http://www.noelcycles.com
BOUTIQUE FITNESS TALKS https://boutiquefitnesstalks.com
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
In episode 17, Jack talks about email marketing, which is one of the best ways to really build a strong relationship with your clients.
When done correctly, email marketing can help to position you as an authority in your industry, it can strengthen the bond you have with your clients and ultimately it can really help to drive sales.
In today’s episode:
CONTACT / CONSULTANCY ENQUIRIES
EMAIL podcast@basebangkok.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/email-marketing
In episode 16, Jack sits down with Ross Campbell, founder and CEO of The FIT Summit.
The FIT Summit is the region’s first major B2B conference for the fitness industry and their first full event will be in Singapore on 20th March 2019. Whilst organizing the event, Ross has connected with many of the region’s fitness business owners across the full spectrum of fitness and from the big chains to the small boutiques. This has given Ross a deep insight into what’s happening right now and Ross was very kind to share his thoughts with the Fitness Business Asia podcast.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/the-fit-summit
CONTACT
THE FIT SUMMIT https://thefitsummit.com
ROSS CAMPBELL ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossstewartcampbell/
JACK THOMAS ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
In episode 15, Jack talks about PR – public relations. There are countless stories of brands being made by a clever and powerful PR campaign, but it’s not easy. You need to be able to create and pitch an interesting, exciting story.
Make people it a life-changing story and you could get massive coverage that elevates your brand in one .
In today’s episode:
CONTACT / CONSULTANCY ENQUIRIES
EMAIL podcast@basebangkok.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/what-is-good-PR
In episode 14, we continue our interview with Peter Thew of Yoga Movement. We touch on many topics including branding, as well as a deeper dive into values, motivation and why ‘following your passion’ is not always the best advice.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/values-vision-passion
YOGA MOVEMENT https://yogamovement.com
PETE THEW ON LINKED https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-thew-7281ab137
In this special new year episode, Jack talks about a strategy he's used in the past to hold himself accountable for his goals.
Sometimes motivation, procrastination or prioritizing other things makes progress hard. This is normal and fine, even good, to admit - but when it stops you from making the progress you deeply crave, you need to take drastic action.
Jack wraps up the episode with some brief reflections on what we can learn from 2018 to take into 2019.
Enjoy this sharp and snappy FitBiz Fix episode and happy new year to you.
CONTACT
LINKEDIN https://linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
EMAIL podcast@basebangkok.com
RESOURCES
WEBSITE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM https://instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/2019-goal-setting
BASE https://basebangkok.com
In episode 13, Jack sits down with Peter Thew of Yoga Movement in Singapore to talk branding and about Pete’s six and half year journey into Asia’s fitness industry. Pete co-founded Yoga Movement over 6 years ago and it’s since grown to 6 studios with exciting plans for the future.
Pete and his company have played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore’s yoga scene and fitness industry, so if you couple this with Pete’s background in branding he’s certainly someone that anyone involved in Asia’s fitness industry can learn from.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/what-is-a-brand
YOGA MOVEMENT https://yogamovement.com
In episode 12, Jack dives deeper into a big point that was touched on in his interview with Pete Thew of Yoga Movement.
There is one simple thing that you can start doing today that will have a big and positive impact on your business and life. It’s free and simple, but very few people do it.
In today’s podcast:
CONTACT/CONSULTANCY
EMAIL jack@basebangkok.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/do-this-one-thing
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE & MENTORSHIP
CRAIG BALLANTYNE https://www.craigballantyne.com/
BEDROS KEULLIAN https://bedroskeuilian.com/
In episode 11, Jack continues his discussion with Claire Goodill, GM of Expansion for ClassPass in Asia during their recent wave of launches across the region.
Claire spoke to hundreds of studio owners and fitness professionals in the region during her 6 months in Singapore and Bangkok, offering a unique insight into what’s going on in our fitness scene and what we can expect in the coming years.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/singapore-bangkok-fitness-industry
CLASSPASS https://classpass.com/
In episode 9, Jack shares a recent experience he had as a client of another business and what we can learn from it.
Looking at all businesses through the lens of a business owner can be incredibly useful. Even when you go to a coffee shop – what do they do well? What don’t they do well? What can you learn, and what do you see that you need to make sure isn’t happening in your business?
Every time you buy a product or service you’re being presented a case study and viewing businesses through this lens will provide valuable insight and lessons.
In today’s episode:
CONTACT / CONSULTANCY ENQUIRIES
EMAIL jack@basebangkok.com
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/what-we-can-learn-bad-experience
FBA 10: ClassPass in Asia: Everything you need to know with Claire Goodill, GM of Expansion
In episode 10, Jack talks to ClassPass’s former General Manager of Expansion for ClassPass who spearheaded the company’s growth across Asia.
With quick-fire launches across major cities in Asia – Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, KL and Dubai – ClassPass have quickly established themselves as the premier class aggregator in the region.
ClassPass have had a major impact in the markets in they’ve entered and any fitness business owner should be up to scratch on their offering and how it affects them.
In today’s episode we discuss;
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/classpass-in-asia
CLASSPASS https://classpass.com/
In episode 8, Jack talks to Hong Kong’s top LinkedIn marketing coach, Steve Bruce, on how to get the most out of this powerful platform and how fitness professionals can use it to increase their network and strengthen their personal brand.
In today’s episode we discuss:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/linkedin-marketing-fitness-steve-bruce
STEVE’S LINKS AND RESOURCES
stevebruce@sbconsulting.com.hk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hongkongmarketingconsultant/
ARTICLES FROM STEVE
7 steps to an all-star profile
How to source powerful recommendations
Linkedin 1-2-1 Profile upgrade summary
Linkedin Posting Filter – What to post and when
Turn Off ‘Work Anniversary’ notifications
How to spy on your competitor without them knowing
FBA 07: How we partnered with adidas and the way to negotiate partnerships with big brands in the fitness industry
In episode 7 Jack discusses the way to approach big negotiations with partners such as adidas, BASE’s partner in a deal that was secured before they opened their first location. He also talks about the best way to go into partnerships, view them and ultimately get the most out of them.
In today’s episode:
RESOURCES
WEBSITE www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
EPISODE https://fitnessbusinessasia.com/negotiate-partnerships-adidas/
Welcome back to the FBA Podcast and thank you for tuning in.
We’re getting more and more listeners with each episode which is great. Our goal at the start of this project was to help fitness business owners raise their game in Asia and provide a resource that will help elevate the industry, I think we’ve made a little start with this and I’m excited about some of the content we’ll be releasing in the coming months.
Before we kick off today’s topic I’d like to ask a couple of small favours that will help us get out the best possible information and impact as many people in Asia’s fitness industry as possible. We don’t have any ads on the podcast and what we put out is for free, so if you can help out Id greatly appreciate it..
OK, let’s get into it… For today’s episode, we will be going through partnerships, how to set them up and how to get the most out of them, and I’ll also be talking about something that I’m asked probably more than anything else. How did BASE get to partner with adidas?
I’d like to start by saying that while partnerships can be great, and we have some great ones at BASE, many are simply not worth the effort involved. Partnerships require an investment of time and sometimes money and before entering into one make sure that it’s going to be worth it for all parties and it’s not going to take too much focus off the important things that are going to really push your business forward.
Partnerships are like any other relationship – they require effort and some give and take from both sides for it to be successful. I think many people view partnerships in the wrong way and it often leads to them fizzling out, or in the worst cases disagreements and bad vibes.
The first step to creating a partnership is the introduction. Now sometimes others will reach out to you, you can of course also reach out to potential partners or you can get introduced by a trusted mutual friend of connection.
Without doubt the best way is to get introduced by someone you both know well, as you already have some trust and common ground, in that you both know the same person. This highlights the importance of a strong and diverse network – the more people you are connected with the more chance you can get good introductions. And I don’t mean facebook connections, I mean strong connections with people that you are willing to go out of your way for and help if they ask it of you. See that as a definition of a strong connection.
Whichever way you get introduced to the potential partner, the most important thing is that you demonstrate to the other party that you can bring them value. That should be the focus of your initial discussions NOT what they can do for you. This is pivotal to setting up a strong partnership, so keep the focus on what you’re giving, not what you’re taking.
Now in a perfect world, they are also taking the same approach and selling you on everything they can do for you. This is how the best partnerships start and flourish.
Now, the dynamic will often by quite one-sided – when we started BASE we were nobody, we didn’t have a physical location built yet and we didn’t own even a dumbbell. And then suddenly we were in negotiations with one of the world’s biggest brands on a partnership. Of course, they didn’t need to show us the value they brought at the start of discussions, that responsibility was solely on us.
I wish there was a step by step guide to these things but there’s more art than science and every situation will be different.
In summary, as I’ve discussed you have to show them the value you bring to them. How do you do that?
One – they need to be inspired by and have clarity on your vision and concept. Where is your company going? Will that excite them.
Who’s your target market? If this is the same target market that they are going for then that will greatly help.
What makes your offering special and unique? Will that excite them?
Two – they need to KNOW that you will represent their brand in the best possible way. Who do you have on your team – whether that be investors, managers, coaches, other staff? Are these people well known and reputable. Will you run a well-maintained facility and business that will be befitting of their brand?
Three – you need to let them know how a partnership might look and how they will benefit. What event and activations would you like to host? Can you help them with product launches? Is your business or venue a place they can use for things? Can you provide them with prizes, training, products?
Of course, the other party knows, or should know, that the best partnerships are ones where everyone benefits, so you can subtly add in benefits that you will get, but try and keep them to benefits that both parties gain from. For example – an activation with a partner is something that both of you win from. Everyone gets exposure, media attention etc.
Avoid any talk of ‘we will need this’, ‘this is what it will cost you’, ‘this is what we’d like in return’. This is bringing the focus back to take, rather than give, and that will turn them off pretty damn fast.
Let’s look at a switch in roles – let’s say a small healthy snack start up, or new holiday retreat company approached BASE and wanted to work with us and it’s clear that we are the more established business that brings a lot to the table.
In this case, you can let them do the talking and selling and see if they talk themselves out of a partnership. Honestly, usually they do because they’re focusing more on take, rather than give. Even if they’re saying some of the right things, often you know there’s a strong ulterior motive and it won’t be long before they want to be paid-back, so to speak.
I have found many partnerships end up like this and just take more time, effort and energy than they’re worth. For this reason, be very careful about who you choose to work with and really weigh up the mutual benefits of any potential partners. Partnerships, like any relationship, take work and nurturing, so make sure you know what you both set the expectations at the start.
OK, so let’s say a small start up have done a great job with telling me about all the benefits that BASE will receive, as the onus was on them to do so. I’m happy with what they can do for us, I believe they’re entering this partnership with a spirit of giving and so it’s now my turn to tell them what we can do for them and how we can help. If both parties play their part in this, we could have a great partnership.
Let’s look at another dynamic – you both have businesses of similar standing, position and status. This should be a very open conversation from the start with, again, both parties offering ways to add benefit to the others business. Good to questions to ask in these meetings are:
Do you think we share some of the same customers? How can we encourage them to visit each others businesses?
Do you have any ideas for events and promotions we can run together?
Or simply, ‘is there any way I can help you and your business?’
Now we don’t live in a perfect world where all partnerships work beautifully and flourish into amazing relationships that last generations. If you’ve entered into partnerships, relationships and networking with the spirit of giving then you’ll get a lot back overall. If you find that one particular partnership is not working out for you then you can choose to allocate less of your time to them. Simple as that, no hard feelings. If you approach partnerships and networking with this mindset you won’t go far wrong.
We’ve got some great partnerships at BASE with Paleo Robbie, Broccoli Revolution and of course Adidas. These are partners that are looking to give and we look to give in return.
Not all partnerships have ended up like that and that’s fine, that’s life. As I said in the beginning, I’ve found that a lot of partnerships have taken more time and effort that I’ve been able to give and so now we are very selective. Most partnership requests for BASE don’t get an initial meeting and I don’t mean to sound arrogant with that, it’s just reflective of our time and the quality of most of their approaches. In the next few weeks we’ll be releasing a podcast on how to make a quality approach to a partner, or really anyone that you’re looking to make a business connection with.
So I’d like to summarize the important points on partnerships:
In our next episode we will be looking at how to make key business approaches in the fitness industry. This will help know how to initiate that first meeting, whether that’s with the view to starting a partnership or any other kind of collaboration or even going for a job in the fitness industry.
That’s it for today – if you have any questions, comments or topics you’d like covered, please hit me up at podcast@basebangkok.com or you can send a DM to our Instagram page which is fitnessbusinessasia – all one word.
For now, have a great day wherever you are and I’ll catch you next time!
In today's episode we finish off our interview with Asia fitness industry veteran JJ Sweeney, who founded Celebrity Fitness and helped grow it to 64 gyms internationally.
Today JJ talks about the Jakarta industry and where his new gym Paradigm Fitness will fit into the market.
We also discuss the healthiest way to view competition and the current state and future of the Asian market.
RESOURCES
Website: www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
Episode page: www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
SHOW RESOURCES
Paradigm Fitness: https://paradigmfitnessindonesia.com
Today’s show is our first ever interview and we’ve a very special guess – JJ Sweeney, founder and former VP of Celebrity Fitness.
From initial idea, JJ pounced on the opportunity in the fitness market in Indonesia and saw his chain grow to 64 studios across Asia.
This podcast is a must for anyone in big box or chain gyms or simply anyone in the Asia fitness scene.
KEY MOMENTS:
RESOURCES
Website: www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fitnessbusinessasia
Episode page: www.fitnessbusinessasia.com
SHOW RESOURCES
Paradigm Fitness: https://paradigmfitnessindonesia.com
Welcome to the FitBiz Fix - a bite-sized episode that tackles one small (but important) fitness industry topic in 5 minutes.
Today's FitBiz Fix tackles photography. Your photography represents your business so make sure you get this important aspect right.
Keep listening to the end for the one thing you absolutely must not do when it comes to your business's marketing.
Some of the keypoints from today’s episode:
In this episode, Jack goes through 5 of the most important marketing channels for any fitness business looking to get their message out to the world effectively and powerfully. Having a great product and giving good service is not enough – you need to find ways to connect with potential clients and keep connected with your current ones by sharing your business’s stories and successes.
Listen today to find out more about the 5 key areas of marketing that you should be focusing on. You can refer back to this episode if you’re stuck for marketing ideas or direction and if you’re feeling confused on where to start, pick one thing and learn about and develop it.
In today’s episode we’re covering:
[2:49] The importance of social media marketing and how it’s replaced many other more traditional forms of advertising
[7:26] How to approach PR and the things to consider when developing an effective approach to getting your story out in newspapers, magazines, blogs and TV shows.
[11:31] Why you cannot ignore email marketing and some solid ideas and strategies towards kickstarting this important and cheap form of marketing.
[13:55] The things you need to consider when approaching partners or entering a partnership with another business.
[18:23] Why word of mouth and referrals are possibly the best form of advertising out there.
[22:18] A summary of the essential 5 pillars of fitness business marketing
In Episode 2, Jack focuses on the recruitment process and the things you need to consider when hiring for your fitness business.
Some of the keypoints from today’s episode:
Welcome to the Fitness Business Asia Podcast with Jack Thomas, founder and CEO of BASE, which was voted Asia’s Gym of the Year 2018.
This is Asia’s number 1 fitness industry resource for coaches, business owners and investors looking to raise their game.
Don’t just be a listener, get a pen and paper ready and if you hear something that resonates with you, commit to taking positive action today.
Jack is on a mission to help fitness professionals in Asia start their own business so if you want to raise the business side of your fitness game, both in the region or beyond, this is the podcast for you.
What to expect in coming episodes
Recommended further listening