

Gym World Worldwide
John Franklin
Gym World is a weekly show about making money in the fitness industry.
Join the co-founders of Kilo, John Franklin and Mateo Lopez, as they interview some of the industry's most successful entrepreneurs.
Join the co-founders of Kilo, John Franklin and Mateo Lopez, as they interview some of the industry's most successful entrepreneurs.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 2, 2026 • 47min
Cale Owen: from scaling gyms to opening one again
🌎 John sits down with Cale Owen to unpack what he’s learned from scaling hundreds of gyms, leading Gym Launch as CEO, and now stepping back toward ownership with W.O.L.F. Gyms.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:W.O.L.F Gyms - (https://www.instagram.com/wolf_gyms/)W.O.L.F Gyms (Website) - https://wolffitnessgyms.com📺 Watch On: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Wolf Gyms' Unique Approach(2:23) Why Cale Owen Left Gym Launch(4:21) Wolf Gyms' Business Model and Philosophy(7:33) Why Wolf Avoids Tiered Memberships(8:55) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(9:39) Why Access Gyms Win in Tough Economies(13:09) What It Costs to Open a Wolf Gym(19:24) The Ideal Franchisee(20:39) Marketing, Sales Funnels, and Filling Gyms(31:59) Staffing a Wolf Gym(33:27) Content Strategy for Gym Growth(39:04) The Future of Group Training Gyms

Dec 26, 2025 • 39min
This gym keeps 95% of its members
🌎 In this week’s episode, John sits down with Nick Palladino-King of Tribe Fitness in San Francisco to unpack how his gyms maintain 95% monthly retention in one of the most competitive markets in the country. We break down the systems behind it: clear retention ownership, weekly attendance reviews, staff incentives, and the small daily actions that spot drop-offs before members cancel.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Tribe Fitness - (https://www.instagram.com/tribefitsf/)Tribe Fitness (Website) - https://tribefitsf.com/🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://youtu.be/31rfMYE1WsA🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Nick Palladino-King's Untraditional Path to Owning a Gym(3:53) Tribe Fitness' Training Programs and Pricing(7:26) Member Retention Strategies and KPIs(12:48) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(18:16) Lead Nurture and Marketing Efforts(29:51) Building a Community-Focused Gym(36:04) Future Plans and Expansion(37:42) Final Thoughts and Resources

Dec 19, 2025 • 39min
The boring work that grows a stronger gym
🌎 Mateo sits down with Mike Doehla for his third appearance on the podcast to talk about the boring work that actually drives gym growth. They dig into follow-up, empathy, and simple systems—and why consistency with the basics is often the difference between gyms that struggle and gyms that last.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Mike Doehla - (https://www.instagram.com/mikedoehla)Website - https://mikedoehla.com🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Mike Doehla’s Journey from Side Gig to Global Coaching Phenomenon(4:38) Building a Business While Maintaining a Job(6:14) The Importance of Empathy and Understanding Clients(10:55) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(26:50) Scaling a Business and Letting Go(30:38) The Role of Repetition and Enjoying the Fundamentals(32:41) The Decision to Sell and Retire(36:01) Advice for Gym Owners Feeling Stuck(37:48) Future Plans and Final Thoughts

Dec 12, 2025 • 27min
He built Australia’s top gym, then sold it
🌎 This week, John sits down with Ben Lucas of Flow Athletic, who built one of Australia’s top boutique gyms, scaled it to seven figures, and eventually sold it. Ben breaks down how he designed a hyper-efficient 3,000 sq ft space, entered the market at the start of a trend, and built a community that fueled word-of-mouth growth. A behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, timing, and strategy behind building—and exiting—one of Australia’s most successful studios.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Flow Athletic - (https://www.instagram.com/flowathletic/)Flow Athletic (website) - https://flowathletic.com.au🎙️ Listen On:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/gym-world-worldwide/id1659702465 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Flow Athletic's Journey and Success(3:06) Innovation and Market Differentiation(4:25) Decision to Sell Flow Athletic(8:18) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(8:51) Any regrets on selling?(10:00) Pricing and Space Usage(13:45) Staff Retention and Leadership Style(16:55) Marketing and Community Building(19:39) Transition to Head Coach of Sydney Marathon(24:09) Advice for Gym Owners Considering a Sale(25:33) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Dec 5, 2025 • 32min
The blueprint for a long-lasting gym
🌎 On today’s episode, Mateo Lopez chats with Andy McCloy of BCI Sports Performance & Fitness. Andy shares what it takes to keep a gym thriving for 25+ years: focusing on coaching as the core product, hiring slow, and developing real leaders. He also breaks down how to build a brand that outlives the owner and create long-term wealth through smart plays like owning your gym’s real estate.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:BCI Sports Performance & Fitness - https://www.instagram.com/bci__sports__performance/ BCI Sports Performance & Fitness (website) - https://bodycreationsinc.com/🎙️ Watch On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Andy McCloy's Journey and Philosophy on Entrepreneurship(3:54) Building a Respected Coaching Brand(5:39) Transitioning from Trainer to Business Owner(6:24) The Importance of Business Coaching and Mentorship(7:30) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(9:49) Building a Strong Team and Leadership(12:40) Retention and Client Loyalty(14:24) Hiring and Culture Fit(17:50) Building a Lasting Brand and Legacy(23:11) Focusing on Significance Over Success(25:29) Future Plans and Expansion

Nov 28, 2025 • 43min
Should you still affiliate with CrossFit?
🌎 In this episode, John Franklin chats with Ben Bergeron about the big question gym owners keep asking: Should you still affiliate with CrossFit? Ben breaks down how his values evolved, why he ultimately stepped away, and the key questions every owner should ask to decide whether affiliation truly supports the culture and member experience they want to build.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:CompTrain - https://www.instagram.com/comptrain.co/CompTrain (website) - https://www.comptrain.com🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Ben Bergeron's Journey and the Evolution of CompTrain(3:10) Longevity and Success in the Fitness Industry(5:47) Challenges and Decision to Leave CrossFit(11:25) Ben's Initial Attraction to CrossFit(14:30) CrossFit's Brand and Future Direction(21:20) Ben's Vision for CompTrain(24:10) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(24:42) Trends and Future Focus(35:57) Impact and Community Building(42:11) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Nov 21, 2025 • 45min
The 90-day onboarding system that works
🌎 Mateo Lopez sits down with Clark Hibbs from Yellow Rose Fitness to unpack the 90-day onboarding system that transformed his gym’s retention. Clark shares how consistent check-ins, personalized guidance, and clear structure help members stay for 30+ months.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Yellow Rose Fitness - (https://www.instagram.com/yellowrosefit/?hl=en) Yellow Rose Fitness(website) - https://yellowrosefitness.com🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Revenue and Initial Nutrition Focus(0:50) Introduction to Gym World and Guest(2:15) Yellow Rose Fitness Overview(3:50) Gym Culture and Customer Service(4:41) Onboarding Program Details(18:11) Nutrition Integration and Coaching(25:58) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(26:44) Tracking Attendance for Retention(30:18) Marketing and Sales Strategy(36:17) Automation and Systemization(38:49) Improve Onboarding Process(43:33) More Leads With Kilo

Nov 14, 2025 • 45min
The truth about gym profitability in 2026
🌎 Every year, Two-Brain drops the State of the Industry report, the most complete look at what’s actually happening inside gyms. This week, John Franklin sits down with Chris Cooper to break down the 2025 numbers: why leads aren’t your problem, how semi-private models are taking over, and what’s really driving higher owner income.The real data. The real trends. No fluff.Download your free copy here: https://twobrainbusiness.com/the-state-of-the-fitness-industry-2025/P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Chris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/twobrain/ Two-Brain Business - https://www.instagram.com/twobrainbusiness/?hl=en Two-Brain Business (website) - https://twobrainbusiness.com/🎙️ Listen On:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide 🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Gym Industry Revenue and Coach Compensation(0:28) Introduction to State of the Industry(1:53) Starting a Gym from Scratch Today(3:43) Pivoting from Group to Semi-Private Coaching(4:40) Lead Nurture and Marketing Challenges(6:24) Lead Source Breakdown and Content Marketing(13:01) Revenue and Pricing Strategies(15:16) Semi-Private Coaching and Small Group Training(20:05) Attendance and Churn Prediction(25:44) Profitability and Sustainability(37:47) Future Trends and AI in the Fitness Industry

Nov 7, 2025 • 45min
Should you affiliate with HYROX?
🌎 In this episode, host Mateo Lopez sits down with Conor Oakley from Forged Fitness to talk about one of the fastest-growing trends in fitness — HYROX. After nearly a decade as a CrossFit affiliate, Conor rebranded his gym and became Ottawa’s first HYROX partner.Mateo digs into how Conor made the switch, what it takes to integrate HYROX without losing your existing members, and why this model might be one of the best new opportunities for gym owners.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Forged Fitness - https://www.instagram.com/forged_fitness_hintonburg_/ Forged Fitness (website) - https://www.crossfithintonburg.com/ Ottawa Fitness League - https://www.instagram.com/ottawa_fitness_league/🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) HYROX Trend and Gym World Introduction(2:34) Transitioning to HYROX(4:12) Impact on Existing Members and Introduction Strategy(9:18) Marketing and Retention Strategies(20:25) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(24:25) Challenges and Opportunities in the Market(26:03) Class Management and Staff Training(30:18) Community Events and Competitions(36:57) Future Plans and Expansion(43:44) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 3min
Inside the $600K-a-month gym model
🌎What happens when you blend a gym with a medical clinic? Jon Cheung figured it out. He built Evolve Strength — a hybrid fitness and healthcare model where trainers, physiotherapists, and specialists all work under one roof. It’s a system that keeps 7 gyms full, helps 15,000+ members, and generates up to $600K per month per location. Mateo Lopez talked to Jon about how he built it, how he structured leases for maximum efficiency, and why this “shopping mall for health and fitness” could be the future of gyms.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Evolve Strength - https://www.instagram.com/evolve_strength/Evolve Strength (website) - https://www.evolvestrength.ca🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://youtu.be/THEtj0faRL4🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Gym Utilization and Equipment Rotation(2:23) Introduction to Evolve Strength(4:15) History and Evolution of Evolve Strength(6:33) Gym Layout and Equipment Selection(10:39) Reddit AMA and Equipment Feedback(13:50) Balancing Equipment Usage and Personal Trainers(17:02) Space Utilization and Revenue Generation(32:09) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(32:40) Sales Process and Business Education(44:45) Franchising and Expansion Plans(51:13) Startup Costs and Staffing(1:00:11) Future Plans and Market Strategy


