Barbell Shrugged Gym Culture w/ Kenny Santucci, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #820
10 snips
Oct 22, 2025 Kenny Santucci, a leading NYC trainer and gym culture advocate, talks about Strong New York, an inclusive fitness festival that evolved from small beginnings to hosting over 4,100 attendees. He shares insights on running large events, the importance of a vibrant gym atmosphere, and current fitness trends, including the rise of Pilates and the ongoing relevance of strength training. Coach Travis Mash adds thoughts on gym economics, emphasizing member support and community as key to retention. Together, they explore how gyms can combat urban loneliness and foster deeper connections.
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Personality Drives Community
- Kenny's magnetic social energy consistently draws people and builds community around his events and gyms.
- Personal warmth becomes a repeatable asset for brand and attendance.
Strong New York’s Growth Story
- Strong New York grew from ~60 people in 2015 to 4,100 attendees this year.
- Kenny uses music, DJs, speakers, and family-friendly programming to shape it into a festival.
Control Essential Event Services
- Own or secure reliable on-site services (like coffee) instead of depending on multiple vendors.
- Ensure core staff needs are covered early morning when volunteers and crew arrive.
