Ep.74 - Has boutique fitness peaked? We ask the experts of IHRSA

It’s time that we spark up some debate between fitness industry leaders! As IHRSA is when the world of fitness comes together, what better time to discover fitness trends, the future of what boutique will become over the coming years, and how other sectors of the industry will react?

Our guests this week have a combined 80 years in business and entrepreneurship. The biggest question we want answered? Has the boutique fitness industry peaked? Let’s find out.

Video Version - YouTube

David Collignon, senior VP Blink Fitness

Consistency in marketing, branding, and reaching out to people who may not have felt comfortable approaching big box gyms in the past.

 

Josh Leve, founder and CEO of Association of Fitness Studios

Ways in which the industry can make fitness a lifestyle, instead of just an activity of coming in to a location and working out.

 

Dave Wright, creator and CEO of Myzone

Reasons why boutiques as a buzzword is not sustainable, but gym experience anywhere is about group training, functional training and a frictionless experience with the advancement of technology.

 

Emma Barry, former director of group programming and group exercise at Equinox

Why the fitness industry hasn’t been engaging enough over the years, even to the point of taking things for granted, and how boutiques as we know them today have brought a high emotional element to their service.

 

Steve Vlchek, co-founder of Workout Bar

How important experience is in fitness boutiques – that’s about activity in and out of the gym, along with how to create community within everything that an operator does.

 

 

Blink Fitness

With 80+ locations, with franchise opportunities and plans for plenty more, Blink’s USP is to bring a feel good experience with luxury at a value price. David Collignon joined Blink in 2016 and currently serves as SVP of operations.

 

AFS

The Association of Fitness Studios aims to support industry operators in changing lives, providing resources, expertise and education for any fitness business. Coming from fitness industry royalty (including his dad, the founder of IHRSA), Josh Leve has been behind AFS from the ground up.

 

Myzone

Wearable technology company Myzone shouts about the use of tech to help people feel good about exercise. Creator and CEO, Dave Wright, launched the company in 2011 and has been pioneering gym member engagement ever since.

 

Equinox

Fitness training, PT and studios that inspire you to perform, Equinox offers unlimited group fitness, luxury amenities and exceptional services. Formerly the director of group fitness programming, Emma Barry has a wealth of insight on what makes a successful fitness experience.

 

Workout Bar

Leading the way in what they call social fitness, Workout Bar in San Diego combines a high energy fitness program, utilising the latest in wearable technology along with lighting and immersive sound. On top of that, there’s more to the social scene outside the gym walls, too. Steve Vlcheck is innovating in the space as one of Workout Bar’s passionate directors.

 

Episode highlights - 

• What effect boutique fitness has had on the industry, how these changes have been seen in other industries and which sectors lead the charge.
• Why experience is key and how boutique studios can tailor their service to specific niches and needs of clients who pay
• Why buying into high emotional elements and hyperpersonalisation is only going to get more of an appealing offering for consumers.
• How being able to have control and pivot is a key factor to the success of boutique fitness spaces compared to big box gyms.
• What created the rise of the health club and why the boutique system is / isn’t sustainable over the traditional big box gym.
• How boutiques have been around for years, and what’s different now that’s causing their popularity.
• Why financial decisions between pay per visit and EFT can make a huge difference in the longevity of a boutique business.
• How, while yield per square foot is vital, it’s equally important to consider the experience outside of the gym space as well as in it.

 

 

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with the IHRSA boutique fitness expert panel…