Fitness Business Blog

This is Why Your Fitness Studio Needs a Self-Defense Program

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

My background in the martial arts and fitness is very deep and wide. I am of the full belief that there is an undeniable synergistic relationship between the martial arts and fitness. Ponder this thought, what is one without the other?

For example, if an individual is “buffed” and in great shape, but cannot execute a proper punch, how well will he or she be able to defend themselves or their family? Another example would be an overweight, unhealthy martial artist. What kind of example is this individual putting forth?

This 5-Step Strategy is the Easiest Way to Drive More Referrals

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

I've been incredibly fortunate over the past several years to share my knowledge of the fitness space with thousands of fitness professionals. From trainers/instructors, to those aspiring to open their own gym or studio to incredibly successful operators - every opportunity provides me the platform to support our market - something I never take lightly.

No matter what stage you're in, AFS stands for raising business standards, helping you manage your clients better and become savvier performers in a business setting.

Does Your Equipment Help You Get and Retain Clients?

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Whether or not a client decides to become or continue to be your client depends on a few things.

1. You. Your personality, teaching style, knowledge and passion will always be the most influential component as to whether or not a client will remain a client. You are your brand and your brand is a powerful sales influencer. It draws people to you, it keeps people with you.

Fitness Studios a Hot Topic at IHRSA 2017

Thursday, March 23, 2017

The annual International Health, Racquet & SportsClub Association (IHRSA) International Convention & Trade Show took place March 7-10 in Los Angeles and, honestly, it was a exceptionally exciting time for AFS and the entire fitness studio community.

We had over 25 formal meetings and scores of informal conversations with industry leaders over the three-day period.

Behavior Change Begins with Your Client – Not You!

Saturday, March 18, 2017

As fitness professionals, we know consistency is key to lasting results. Honestly, most of our clients know that too. But there’s often a disconnect between understanding this at an intellectual level and implementing this knowledge for lasting change.

In order for our work to be meaningful, our mission achievable, our retention rates high and our businesses thriving, we must arm clients with the right tools for behavior change.

AFS at EMPOWER! Fusion

Thursday, March 9, 2017

The other week, I had the honor and pleasure to present two seminars at the Empower! Fusion event in Chicago, and let me tell you – it was most definitely EMPOWERING!

Over a thousand attendees were on hand, with energy off the charts, with an amazing eagerness to learn, network, and workout. My two sessions - one on Studio Trends and the other How to Start your Own Fitness Business – were well attended and the interaction was incredible.

The Latest In Online Marketing - What You Need to Know

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Online marketing trends can be difficult to keep up with. The digital world changes so quickly and so often that unless you make a point to keep on top of it, you could find yourself falling behind without realizing it.

That’s why we want to share some of the online marketing trends we think will be the ones to follow in 2017, to help independent fitness studio owners stay in front of the curve.

How to Gain a Long-term Fitness Client in Only Two Sessions

Thursday, February 23, 2017

When I started as a personal trainer, my club had a system where we gave each new member two “free” sessions. On the first session, we took them through a traditional exercise routine with the “boring blue card” where we marched them from one machine to the next, wrote down the seat adjustment, weight and suggested sets and reps.

Then, on our second session - which we called the “wow” session - we used non-traditional equipment, applied more “functional training” movements, and tried to impress the member with all the cool exercise combinations we knew.

Why Gamifying Exercise is Good for Your Bottom Line

Saturday, February 18, 2017

We can all agree that if an activity is fun, we’re more likely to do it, right? As trainers, we understand this and do our best to incorporate “play” or “fun” into our training.

We advise our clients to choose exercise modalities that they like to do, we select exercises that will not only improve our clients’ fitness levels, but also create an enjoyable experience, and some of us even develop creative incentive programs for our clients to reward them for their hard work.

How to Find More Time in Your Day as a Trainer

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

If it seems like everybody always wants a piece of the fitness studio trainers’ time, it’s probably because demands are high and ever-increasing.

Trainers are often called upon not only for one-on-one and group training, but also for scheduling, developing programming, monitoring safe exercise execution and countless other vital tasks.