WTF Gym Talk

Had a 30 minute drive, so figured I'd rap on how I think about the balance of hard work + smart work.   When do you need to work hard, versus when do you need to work smart?   How do you know it's time to switch? Let me know what you think. 

2021/2022 has kept me very busy with helping microgyms during a pre-sell.  For some of these businesses, they are launching the first iteration of their concept.  For others, they are relocating and need to drum up new business in this new location.  Here's how I go about my overall pre-sell strategy. 

My last podcast episode was with Stephen Hitt where we discussed his evolution of the "in-place" model.  And I was really excited for the microgym world to get a hold of it. But for some reason, there are still a high number of us that refuse to learn about new ways of doing this thing of ours. And it's going to be the downfall for most of the owners, I fear. 

Stephen Hitt is the founder of Industrious in WA, an incredible microgym with a true brand identity that's been killing it since 2011.  We've shared the stage at speaking engagements together and he was on my podcast previously for his DJ-inspired music app for microgyms. However, today we are talking about the evolution of his brand's operating system in terms of installing an 'In-Place' model that he's dubbed the Halo System.  A 169 sqft station with every strength & conditioning toy you could imagine, for every member. With the early success of this new system, they have opened up their franchise model and are currently accepting applications.

Members are not movers, you cheap fuck.   Listen for full context.

Somewhere along the line, I've been pegged as "Don't you hate CrossFit gyms?"  "Aren't you against all the things that CrossFit gyms do???" This couldn't be further from the truth.   Here's how I address that misidentification. 

If anyone giving you business advice has ever put down marketing + branding and made a statement that sounds like "Don't worry about marketing, we're going to teach you how to have such an amazing service that your customers do the marketing for you." These people are fucking morons.  Here's why. 

Most owners think of PT First as a business play that can only be used with barbell-based group fitness classes, but it can actually be applied to any fitness model. 

My colleagues over at Best Hour Of Their Day had a big announcement that's a pretty big deal if you're a CrossFit affiliate and I need of business help.  And since that's the world I've been playing in since 2015, I definitely wanted to share in their celebration and had some thoughts of my own.   Please note:  This is not a hit piece.   This is comedic relief mixed with the genuine excitement I have for not only BHOTD, but for CrossFit owners - because I truly believe there are not enough business solutions out there for this specific sector of the microgym industry and I'm excited to see owners get access to business coaching.   Much love to BHOTD and their continued success.

Zach Eggen + Josh Werner are the owners of a MADabolic franchise located in Jupiter, Florida.   I flew down on the eve of their first Game Day to talk all things business, converting from CrossFit to MADabolic, and how Game Day will scratch the competitive itch of their member and prove the validity of the programming.