The Small Group Gym Pod #12 From Garden Shed to 5,000 sq ft: How Ian Stevenson Did It
Oct 28, 2025
In this chat, Ian Stevenson, a seasoned gym owner and founder of EK Fitness & Performance, shares his inspiring journey from running a gym out of a garden shed to a 5,000 sq ft facility. He emphasizes the power of 45-minute sessions starting at 5:30 a.m. and accessible pricing that prioritizes community. Ian discusses the pivotal changes that helped him step back and let his gym operate independently, as well as his effective marketing strategies and how handwritten cards cultivate member loyalty. A must-listen for aspiring gym owners!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Near-Bankruptcy Turnaround
- In 2015 Ian nearly closed after running out of money with newborns at home.
- His dad convinced him to try a different approach and that saved the gym.
Make The Gym Run Without You
- Build systems so the gym runs without you and set a goal to step away completely.
- Test it by taking planned leave and measure whether staff and processes keep growth going.
Dedicated Stations Change Session Dynamics
- Ian scaled to 12 stations so every member gets a dedicated rack, bar and bench.
- That setup reduced coaching complexity and preserved a near one-to-one training feel.
