209. Katie Carter: Don't Build a Gym Without This One Key to Success

Most gyms out there are filled with cookie-cutter equipment, fancy marketing, and zero substance. Jungle Gym is not one of those. In today's episode, I'm joined by Katie Carter, one of the founders of Jungle Gym in Tulum, to talk about how they built a fitness empire from the ground up and why it's become the most Instagram-famous gym in the world. We're diving deep into the story behind their journey from a small beachside gym to a globally recognized fitness destination, how they use natural, functional equipment to create a unique gym experience, and what it takes to run a business that actually delivers results. Katie also shares how she went from competitive athlete to successful entrepreneur, the challenges of building a business in a saturated market, and the importance of creating a gym environment that truly motivates members to push their limits. Plus, we'll explore why Tulum has become the epicenter for wellness and fitness culture, and why more people are flocking there to focus on health and longevity. Katie Carter is not just a fitness entrepreneur, she's a former athlete, a functional training expert, and a leader in the evolving gym space. In this episode, she gives us an inside look at how to create a fitness business that stands out, the value of functional equipment, and how to foster a community that values real results over fluff. We Also Discuss: (00:00) The Jungle Gym Transformation: Tulum's Fitness Revolution (09:52) How Beach Gym Influencers Went from Zero to Hero (14:52) The Genius Behind Jungle Gym's Unique Equipment (25:56) Tulum's Exploding Health Trends You Need to Know (36:14) My Personal Fitness Journey & Recovery in Paradise (41:33) How to Reach Jungle Gym & Start Your Fitness Journey Thank you to our sponsors: NAD + Cell Shield from Biostack Labs https://biostacklabs.com/kris BiOptimizers - code KRIS10 for 10% off https://bioptimizers.com/ Find more from Kris: Website: https://www.krisgethin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisgethin/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/krisgethin Find more from Katie: Katie Carter: @katietrainsalot Website Tulum Gym: https://www.tulumjunglegym.com Instagram Tulum Gym: @tulumjunglegym Katie Coaching Program: @kcfitness_team