Behind Gym Doors | A Fitness Business Podcast

Smart studios don’t just market, they engineer member behavior. In this episode of Behind Gym Doors (formerly the GSD Show), fitness business expert Mike Arce is joined by Dave and Kimberly from Blended Athletics, a high-performing gym in Nova Scotia, Canada. They break down the exact referral campaigns, email strategies, and retention formulas that drive over 90% conversion rates. This combination of strategies has maximized revenue per member  without relying on costly paid ads.  Blended Athletics uses psychology-driven marketing emails, seasonal campaign planning, and strategic VA support to generate high-quality leads at scale. Discover why their biannual “$30 for 30” referral program outperforms industry-standard advertising, and how layering direct mail, social media engagement, and high-ticket offers creates a complete marketing ecosystem. Whether you're opening your first studio or scaling to multiple locations, this episode delivers step-by-step frameworks built specifically for fitness studios looking to win long-term. Chapters (0:00) Introduction  (1:37) Business Overview (2:18) Marketing Strategies & Lead Sources (6:00) Member Referral Campaigns & Sales Conversion (10:00) Psychological Marketing Techniques in Emails (28:30) Direct Mail Campaign & Organic Lead Generation (33:00) Lead Quality, Sales Process & Virtual Assistant Role (38:00) Marketing Philosophy & Multi-Channel Approach Enjoyed this episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with the latest strategies from top fitness entrepreneurs.  🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The GSD Show! 🔗 Ready to GROW your GYM? Schedule a free call to learn how we can help: https://loudrumor.com/discover More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoudRumor

🔗 Ready to GROW your studio? Schedule a free call to learn how we can help: https://loudrumor.com/discover If you think more ads are the key to scaling your studio, think again. In this episode, Loud Rumor CEO, Mike Arce, sits down with Allison Moreno, founder of a massage studio brand on track to hit $20 million in revenue, to reveal what actually fuels sustainable growth: leadership, systems, and real operational strategy. From building a 10-person support team to scaling without ad spend, Allison shares how she evolved from burned-out operator to a confident CEO leading nearly 300 employees. If you’re serious about multiplying revenue and reducing your time in the weeds, this is the mindset and playbook shift you’ve been waiting for. Chapters (00:00) She Wasn’t Profitable. Here’s What Changed (01:50) Scaling Starts with Growing You (04:46) How to Stop Doing Everything Yourself (07:01) The First Hire That Bought Back Her Time (10:13) How to Build a Team That Actually Performs (14:22) What Most Owners Don’t Understand About Empathy (20:46) Time Management That Actually Works (26:00) The Lie That Almost Limited Her Growth (33:36) The Gift Card Strategy Worth $2M+ (41:28) Why Paid Ads Stopped Working and What Replaced Them (52:17) How to Run Referral-Only and Still Scale (58:37) Be the Dumbest in the Room (and Reap the Rewards) Enjoyed this episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with the latest strategies from top wellness and fitness entrepreneurs. 🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The GSD Show! More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor

If there’s someone on your team you know isn’t a fit, but you’re still holding on, this episode is the wake-up call you’ve been avoiding. In this episode, Loud Rumor CEO Mike Arce delivers an honest message every leader needs to hear about what it really means to let someone go… and why NOT doing it might be the most selfish move of all. You’ll walk away with a new framework that: Ends the emotional guilt trip Unlocks space for your next A-player Protects your best team members from burnout This isn’t about being heartless. It’s about being high-performing. And you won’t lead the way you’ve always led after hearing it. Don’t wait to learn this lesson the hard way... press play now before it costs you your culture, your growth, or your peace. More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor

If your studio is struggling with retention, reviews, referrals, or upgrades, this episode flips the script.  Inspired by an unforgettable act of hospitality, Loud Rumor CEO, Mike Arce, dives into how studios can create standout member experiences that drive lasting loyalty. You’ll hear how one F45 owner built a 700+ five-star review reputation and how Loud Rumor members are using similar strategies to reduce attrition to 2–3%.  From real-world examples to practical ways to reintroduce meaningful touchpoints, this episode is a masterclass in making your studio unforgettable. This is what marketing looks like when it’s rooted in care, not clicks. More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor

🔗 Ready to GROW your GYM? Schedule a free call to learn how we can help: https://loudrumor.com/discover If you’ve ever thought more leads were the answer to your gym’s growth, think again. In this episode of The GSD Show, Mike Arce is joined by Rich and Jade from Crowned Boxing to unpack how they slashed their gym’s attrition rate from 20% to just 4% and why retention was the real growth lever. From strategic onboarding and in-body progress checks to class revamps, gamified rewards, and ambassador programs that actually work, they reveal the exact plays that transformed their business in just a few months. This is a masterclass in what it really means to scale a fitness studio that people stay loyal to. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:01) The Real Problem Behind Flat Growth (04:11) Using Military Strategy (OODA Loop) in Gym Retention (06:17) How Class Variety Reduced Member Drop-Off (10:04) The Power of Bi-Weekly Progress Check-Ins (14:24) Shadowboxing Videos: A Hidden Retention Tool (21:20) The Psychology Behind Pre-Booking Classes (24:20) What to Focus on After Fixing Retention (27:14) Re-Engagement Strategies for Old Leads (29:15) Community Events That Boost Retention and Sales (30:06) High-Value Onboarding and Bag Tag Gamification (33:31) The Member Ambassador System (36:12) Hiring for Culture Fit Using Personality Tests (40:44) Final Advice for Fixing Attrition Fast Enjoyed this episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with the latest strategies from top fitness entrepreneurs. 🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The GSD Show! More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor Twitter: https://twitter.com/loudrumor

If you've ever blamed your marketing agency for poor results, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about paid ads, lead generation, and agency relationships.  Adam Kifer joins Mike Arce to reveal why most gym and martial arts studio owners fail with ads—and what separates the top performers from the frustrated ones. From community-driven lead strategies like “business baskets” to retargeting hacks and onboarding that actually works, this is your new playbook for scaling smarter. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:57) The #1 Key to Agency Success (06:18) Stop Treating Agencies Like Vendors (09:45) This $450 Local Strategy Got 250 Leads (15:14) Retargeting That Actually Works (28:57) Social Proof That Drives Real Conversions (34:05) The 3 Levers That Actually Grow Revenue (36:22) Why Most Gym Owners Ignore Critical Metrics (40:57) How Adam Accidentally Built a 50-Client Agency Enjoyed this episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with the latest strategies from top fitness entrepreneurs.  🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The GSD Show! 🔗 Ready to GROW your GYM? Schedule a free call to learn how we can help: https://loudrumor.com/discover More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoudRumor Connect with Adam Kifer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamkifer YouTube: https://ww.youtube.com/⁨@adamkifer⁩  

Mike Arce sits down with Lindsay Greenlee, a former PhD professor who walked away from academia to launch one of the top 5 Pure Barre franchises in the country. She didn’t just build a studio—she built a movement that’s helped over 1,000 women reclaim their health and confidence. Lindsay shares exactly how she turned her lack of fitness industry experience into a superpower—leveraging storytelling, clarity, and community to create a brand that closes 60% of leads without high-pressure sales. From content that converts to building a team you can trust, this episode is a masterclass in how to scale a studio that runs on retention, not constant acquisition. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (02:15) Lindsay's Background and Transition from Academia (08:30) Building the Pure Barre Business (15:00) Lead Generation Strategies (22:00) Achieving a 60% Close Rate (28:30) Retention and Community Building (35:00) Advice for Gym Owners Enjoyed this episode? Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with the latest strategies from top fitness entrepreneurs.  🔔 Hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The GSD Show! 🔗 Ready to GROW your GYM? Schedule a free call to learn how we can help: https://loudrumor.com/discover Connect with Lindsay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsay.at.pb/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lindsaygreenlee5553 Website: https://zaap.bio/TrainwithLindsay More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoudRumor

“You shouldn’t work in your business—only on it.” It’s a phrase we’ve all heard. Maybe even lived by. But in this episode of the GSD Show, Loud Rumor CEO Mike Arce challenges that long-standing business mantra and unpacks a powerful asterisk we’ve all been missing. After a candid fireside chat with high-performing entrepreneurs (including one with a $500M valuation), Mike shares why sometimes getting in the weeds is not only necessary—it’s the smartest move a leader can make. From shadowing employees to stepping into unfilled roles, this episode explores how strategic immersion inside your business can actually unlock the breakthroughs you need to work on it more effectively. You’ll walk away with a sharper lens on: When it’s wise to jump into the day-to-day How to avoid getting stuck in the “operator trap” Why AI, automations, and VAs can only go so far How to treat “in the business” work like a house flip—not a permanent home If you’ve ever felt torn between delegating and diving in, this episode is for you. More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor

In this new episode of The GSD Show Podcast, Mike opens up about a personal battle with burnout that stretched across nearly half a year—and the surprising realization that pulled him out of it. What if burnout isn’t really about being overworked? What if it’s about lack of progress? Mike shares the internal dialogue, tough questions, and game-changing mindset shift that helped him rediscover motivation, re-energize his team, and dramatically reduce member attrition—all without switching companies or overhauling his role. If you’ve ever felt stuck, tired, or uninspired in your work—even if it’s work you love—this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to: Recognize the hidden root of burnout Reframe your thinking to break the cycle Use your business as a tool to train your mind for progress And reignite the fire that got you started in the first place ➡️ Listen now and start building the skill that keeps burnout from following you into your next venture. More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor  

What if you could grow your gym to full capacity—without spending a dollar on ads? Laurel Roach reveals the strategy that helped her do exactly that. In this episode of The GSD Show with Mike Arce, fitness entrepreneur and Alloy franchise partner Laurel Roach breaks down the referral and relationship marketing system that’s fueling explosive growth at her North Scottsdale location and how you can do the same. A former corporate executive turned purpose-driven business owner, Laurel shares the mindset, tactics, and community-building playbook that helped her go from cold start to sellout. You’ll learn how to build high-value partnerships with local businesses, create authentic cross-promotions that drive leads, and launch member-get-member referral programs that feel good and convert. Laurel also opens up about overcoming rejection fears, her journey from burnout to impact, and how she’s creating a ripple effect of transformation for her members, her team, and her family. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (03:12) From Janitorial Sales to Gym Owner: Laurel’s Backstory (08:45) The Service-First Mindset Behind Her Referral Success (16:51) How to Build Local Partnerships That Actually Drive Leads (21:10) Scripts, Social Tactics & Real Walk-In Conversations (30:22) Creating the Scottsdale Wellness Collective (34:46) The Instagram Strategy That Launched Her Studio (41:53) Monthly Referral Events That Convert on the Spot (47:16) Rejection Proof: How to Sell Without Fear (52:13) The Real Close Rate—and What Success Really Looks Like 🔗 Ready to GROW your GYM? Schedule a free call to learn how we can help: https://loudrumor.com/discover Connect with Laurel https://www.instagram.com/laurelroach https://www.instagram.com/alloyscottsdalegrayhawk https://alloypersonaltraining.com/location/scottsdale-grayhawk-az/ More From Loud Rumor Website: https://www.loudrumor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loudrumor LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/loud-rumor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boom.loudrumor Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoudRumor