We’ve consolidated our videos, guides, webinars and more into the AFS Business Learning Center. Browse the resources, and use the concierge service if you need help with any topic.

Anthony Trucks discusses how he runs his 3 independent businesses, and how he found ways to leverage and monetize all the information he is getting.

Video, Business Start-up, Quick Answers

Jenna Zaffino discusses how she made a name for herself in the Pilates community, and how she knew when she was ready to open her own studio.

Video, Business Start-up, Quick Answers

Brent Gallagher, AFS Community Expert and owner of Avenu Fitness & Lifestyle, talks about the importance of joining the Association of Fitness Studios in order to succeed in the business of fitness.

Video, Business Start-up, Education

AFS and MATRIX are excited to have industry leader, AFS Advisory Council member and all around fitness expert Stephen Tharrett present his top 10 characteristics of the most successful fitness studio/gym operators in the country. 

Webinar, Video, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Business Start-up

Anthony Truck teaches people how not to run into the same pitfalls he did, by running the business like a business.

Video, Business Start-up, Education, Quick Answers

Todd Bumgardner shares his advice for those looking to open a studio.

Video, Business Start-up, Quick Answers, Strategy

Get expert advice on how the best fitness studio owners have not only become successful but maintained that success.

Video, Marketing, Programming, Business Start-up, Operations, Strategy Articles, Quick Answers

There is a difference between being average and great.  In fact, fitness studios in the top quartile generate revenues and EBITDA per square foot more than double the industry average!

And studio owners and staff are reasonably compensated. Studio owners take home more on average than most small business owners and their staff are paid equally or better than those in the traditional industry.  Where do you fall? 

Video, Operations, Business Start-up

What do you charge?  When compared to traditional fitness offerings studios command higher price points by driving greater value for the customer!

Plus, fitness studios are productive at generating revenues and earnings - which means productivity tends to be better in smaller studios despite larger studios having higher absolute numbers.

Video, Operations, Business Start-up

Did you know? More and more studios are moving away from the pay as you go models to membership models. Learn the different types of access offerings sold, including percentage distribution by type of package offered.

Plus Stephen Tharrett talks about why studio business models are so diverse and unique!

Video, Marketing, Operations, Business Start-up

Are you set up for success?  Stephen Tharret showcases the latest research including how planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.

What is your studio’s greatest challenge for attracting new clients?  This industry-leading research will get you on track!

Video, Marketing, Operations, Business Start-up

Differentiation is real and can make or break you.  Stephen Tharrett talks about “True differentiation, sustainable differentiation, is rarely a function of well-roundedness; it is typically a function of lopsidedness.”  

And how it’s about providing specialized, high touch, personalized, intuitive, fun experiences led by passionate professionals who are able to foster the creation of self-supporting tribes.

Video, Operations, Marketing, Business Start-up

Insight into consumer attitudes and behaviors can help shape your brand’s value proposition and positioning. Plus insight into industry trends from finance to marketing to operations can help frame your journey.

Video, Operations, Business Start-up, Marketing

Finding people that fit the culture you've worked so hard to achieve can be a challenge for many studio owners.   

Video, Human Resources, Operations, Business Start-up, Strategy Articles, Quick Answers

Leadership development is a key ingredient in any success fitness studio.  No matter how you approach it, these skills need to be refined and applied on a daily basis.

 

Video, Nutrition, Strategy Articles, Human Resources, Operations, Business Start-up, Quick Answers

During the past 12 months AFS has undergone a huge transformation.  Within that time frame our growth has been extraordinary.  We've added more benefits, more partners, and more value that make up a compelling case for membership, including our ROI calculator.

During these past several months, AFS has also traveled across the country, literally - from being headquartered in Chicago to now the Bay Area.

Strategy Articles, Video, Business Start-up, Marketing, Equipment, Fitness Accessories, Blog

Jenny Piro has created one of the most successful fitness studios in the country.  Fit with Jenny was established in 2006 in order to revolutionize the way we think, and feel about fitness. Built on the premise of FITNESS, NUTRITION and SUPPORT, her team helps you transform your life.

Jenny describes the keys to success and provides insight to her journey.  

Strategy Articles, Business Start-up, Operations, Marketing, Video, Quick Answers

Whether it's putting together your business plan, understanding where the industry will be in 5 years, or seeking the insight from those who aren't your friends - Cris Dobrosieski shares his experiences with AFS members.

Monumental Results, located in San Diego, CA is run by President and "Head Coach," Cris Dobrosieski. Cris has grown his business from training athletic teams, past and present Olympians - to become an author, professional blogger and motivational speaker!

Video, Operations, Business Start-up, Strategy Articles, Quick Answers

As aspiring or current studio owners, running your own business is hard work.  You could be the best trainer, coach or instructor in the world, but creating a business from your own vision and making it a profitable venture is and always will be a challenge. 

Function First, located in San Diego, California is run by hugely successful studio owner & CEO Anthony Carey.  A fitness industry educator who regularly presents at conferences and consults for larger clubs and equipment manufacturers, Anthony provides valuable insight behind what his keys are to a success fitness business.  

Video, Strategy Articles, Business Start-up, Operations, Quick Answers

Brent Gallagher, Owner of Avenu Fitness & Lifestyle in Houston Texas discusses that one thing that every aspiring or current business owner needs to know. 

Brent recently sat down with Josh Leve, AFS Founder & CEO to discuss a variety of topics on how he's been able to grow his business from zero clients and zero teammates in 1,200 sq. ft. to an all-star 14 person team generating over seven figures annually, serving 465+ clients in 4,500 sq. ft.

Video, Strategy Articles, Business Start-up, Operations, Marketing, Quick Answers