270. Karl Sanft, President & CEO of 24 Hour Fitness
Jan 7, 2025
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Karl Sanft, the President and CEO of 24 Hour Fitness, leads a conversation about the future of fitness in a post-pandemic world. He shares insights on transforming gym experiences for the next generation, highlighting the shift to functional training and the importance of community in fitness. Sanft discusses the brand's commitment to facility renovations and adapting to evolving member preferences, ensuring that fitness remains accessible. His authentic leadership approach emphasizes collaboration and shared successes during challenging times.
Transparent communication fosters trust and community engagement, enabling members and staff to collectively tackle challenges and celebrate successes.
24 Hour Fitness is adapting to evolving member preferences by shifting towards functional training and investing in modern equipment to enhance gym experiences.
Deep dives
Honesty as a Leadership Strategy
Communicating truthfully to members and staff is crucial for building trust and fostering engagement within a fitness organization. When leaders acknowledge challenges and transparently share the path forward, it inspires collective ownership of successes and failures. This approach helps to create a strong community and reinforces the commitment to work toward mutual goals. For instance, the focus on rebuilding 24 Hour Fitness after the pandemic involved candid discussions about operational challenges and strategic adaptations.
Post-Pandemic Transformation and Growth
The pandemic significantly impacted the operational capacity of 24 Hour Fitness, reducing the number of clubs from approximately 450 to about 275. In response, the company initiated strategies like outdoor operations to maintain community engagement while gyms were closed. Moving into a growth phase, there are plans to invest in renovations for over half of the clubs in the next three years, enhancing members' experiences through updated facilities and amenities. This renewed focus aims to stabilize and strengthen the brand's market position in post-COVID fitness culture.
Adapting to Evolving Fitness Trends
To meet the changing preferences of gym-goers, 24 Hour Fitness is shifting towards functional training and investing in updated equipment that reflects current fitness trends. This includes reducing the emphasis on traditional cardio machines in favor of areas designed for strength training and functional movement. By prioritizing member feedback and industry trends, the brand positions itself competitively, appealing to those seeking a comprehensive fitness experience with a wider range of amenities. This commitment to evolution helps to attract new members while retaining the current base.
Fostering Engagement and Retention
Maintaining member engagement is essential, especially during peak seasons like January when new memberships surge. Strategies to facilitate this include personalized onboarding sessions, connecting new members with trainers, and focusing on goal-setting to ensure that individuals stay motivated and return to work out regularly. The fitness management team recognizes that consistent participation in the first 60 days is critical for long-term retention, as establishing early workout habits contributes to success. By creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment, the goal is to build a community where every member feels valued and supported in their fitness journey.
Today, I'm joined by Karl Sanft, president & CEO of 24 Hour Fitness.
A leading US operator, 24 Hour Fitness’s HVLP gyms combine vast facilities, group classes, and personal training. Rebuilding post COVID, Karl is leading the brand toward sustainable growth.
In this episode, we discuss transforming the chain for the next generation of gym-goers.
We also cover:
• Investing in club renovations • A shift toward functional training • Adapting to evolving member preferences
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Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:26) Current State of 24 Hour Fitness (04:37) Post-Pandemic Recovery (08:12) Positioning and Differentiation (10:51) Functional Training and Equipment Investments (13:21) Personal Training and Group Exercise Classes (16:26) Broader Health Trends and Member Engagement (26:13) Operational Strategies and Financial Health (28:50) Future Roadmap (35:01) The Power of Authentic Leadership (37:11) Conclusion
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