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Fitness Business Asia Podcast

Jack Thomas·333 episodes

BusinessEntrepreneurshipManagement

Welcome to the Fitness Business Asia podcast, hosted by BASE founder and CEO Jack Thomas - a show with a strong and powerful mission to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. If you're an ambitious gym owner, fitness manager, investor in the wellness industry or a coach that wants to get into the business side of fitness, this weekly resource will help you raise your game.

Episodes

54 min
Mar 23, 2026Episode 324
A New Global Standard and Award for Gym Equipment Design, with Benny Price

Most gym equipment is still judged on the wrong things: Brand reputation, how it looks, or which influencer recommends it. In this episode, Benny Price of RTS Global joins us to talk about his new venture, Gym Equipment Design, and why the industry needs a proper standard for what "good" actually is. We get into the thinking behind creating a comprenesive award for gym equipment design, built around human-centered performance, rather than marketing. From usability and adjustability to resistance profiles and innovation, Benny breaks down how equipment should be evaluated based on how it actually works for the user, not just how it looks on the gym floor. This is essential listening for any fitness manager, gym owner or coach. Visit Gym Equipment Design   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Benny Price on LinkedIn Gym Equipment Design

43 min
Mar 15, 2026Episode 323
What It Takes to Create Consistent Five-Star Experiences

Linda Tang's WeBarre has earned multiple awards from The Fit Guide for both class and overall experience, making it one of the standout fitness brands globally, not just in Barre. In this episode, Linda shares how she has maintained consistent five-star standards across multiple Singapore locations, in a city where pre and post-class service has historically scored lower overall. Expect plenty of practical takeaways for operators who want to raise their standards. Check out Five-Star Fitness on YouTube here.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Linda Tang on LinkedIn WeBarre

1 hr 19 min
Mar 8, 2026Episode 322
Is ClassPass Good for the Fitness Industry? With Jeff Bladt, ClassPass

We welcome Jeff Bladt from ClassPass to answer some of the questions and concerns studio owners often raise about the platform. ClassPass has its vocal critics, so we discuss some of the most common sticking points and areas of tension between studios and the platform. For host Jack Thomas' analysis of ClassPass's role in the industry, check out episode 321, The Truth About ClassPass.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Jeff Bladt on LinkedIn ClassPass

37 min
Mar 5, 2026Episode 321
The Truth About ClassPass

ClassPass has become a controversial topic, with studios publicly leaving the platform recently. They say it damages pricing, brand value and the industry. In this episode, Jack shares his honest perspective as a studio owner who has worked with ClassPass for years, as well as someone who has had extensive conversations with ClassPass management and studio owners around the world. ClassPass is here to stay, so it's very important to make smart, informed decisions about the platform that are best for your business. This episode will help you do that.

17 min
Feb 24, 2026Episode 320
The 13 Step Process For Hiring World Class Trainers

At BASE, fewer than 2% of coaching applicants make it through the hiring process. In this episode, Jack breaks down the full 13-step system they use to find, test and develop world-class trainers. We talk about red and green flags, vibe checks, observed sessions, how candidates handle honest feedback, and why most fall away before they ever get near a class.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram

57 min
Feb 15, 2026Episode 319
The Expensive Financial Mistakes That Kill Gym Growth, with Albert Ramos Jr

Albert Ramos joins host Jack Thomas to break down the financial mistakes he sees fitness businesses make again and again, and the numbers that actually matter. We cover the key metrics for single clubs and multi-site operators, what "Five Star Finance" really means, and how strong back-office discipline supports a better experience on the gym floor.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Albert Ramos Jr on LinkedIn Stratego

21 min
Feb 9, 2026Episode 318
The State of Singapore's Boutique Fitness Industry in 2026

In this episode, host Jack Thomas digs into The Fit Guide's data from its 2026 Singapore launch, based on anonymous visits to the city's top clubs and brands. While some standards have improved, the data also highlights clear and significant areas for improvement.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support!   Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

49 min
Jan 25, 2026
Ringing the Bell at NASDAQ for the Health and Fitness Industry: The Athletech News Story, with Edward Hertzman

Host Jack Thomas is joined by Edward, founder Hertzman of Athletech News, to discuss what it takes to build a successful media company in health and fitness, what the industry can learn from other sectors, and what to expect over the next few years across global health, fitness and wellness.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Edward Hertzman on LinkedIn Athletech News

17 min
Dec 21, 2025Episode 316
Opening a Gym: Franchise or Build Your Own Brand?

In this episode, host Jack Thomas breaks down the real trade-offs between opening your own gym and buying into a franchise. He walks through the questions you need to ask yourself around risk, control, systems, creativity, and skillset, so you can find the path most likely to lead to success. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

30 min
Dec 15, 2025Episode 315
The Voice Problem Shortening Coaching Careers and Impacting Revenue, with Susie Millen

Host Jack Thomas is joined by Susie Millen, founder of My Vocal Fitness, to unpack how widespread vocal damage is in the fitness industry, why it happens, and why it should be on every coach and manager's radar. They break down how the voice actually works, what's going wrong when instructors shout to be heard, and the simple habits coaches can adopt to protect their voice before, during, and after sessions. Susie also shares practical guidance on being heard clearly without shouting, when to use a mic (and when you don't need one), and small changes managers can implement to protect their team, reduce burnout, and keep coaches performing at a high level. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Susie Millen on LinkedIn Article from Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups- 2024 Journal of the Voice- Group Fitness Questionnaire, 2013 Extra reading on some basic vocal tips SOVT warm up s

16 min
Dec 1, 2025Episode 314
How to Raise Your Prices Without Losing Members (And Maximizing Sales)

Host Jack Thomas takes you through a five-step process on exactly how to increase your prices so that you minimize complaints and maximize sales. January 1st is the best time to do it, so now is the last chance to prepare. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

1 hr 2 min
Nov 24, 2025
Selling Your Gym: The Playbook for a High-Value Exit

Jack Thomas welcomes Mitch McGinley of Boutique Fitness Broker, who specialises in helping boutique fitness studios sell their gym for the best price possible. Every gym owner must consider what selling looks like one day, so we dig into how to position your business for maximum value, what buyers and investors really look for, and the common mistakes and pitfalls.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Mitch McGinley on LinkedIn Boutique Fitness Broker

16 min
Nov 10, 2025Episode 312
How to Turn Black Friday Into Your Biggest Sales Day of the Year

Host Jack Thomas shares how you can turn Black Friday into one of their biggest sales days of the year. Jack breaks down his proven strategies to maximize revenue, create urgency without discounting too deeply, and build long-term loyalty, rather than short-term buzz. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

1 hr 15 min
Nov 3, 2025Episode 311
A Vision To Build Asia's Biggest Personal Training Company — with CJ Lee of MOVE Private Fitness

Grab your tickets for CJ's upcoming Fitness and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES CJ Lee on LinkedIn MOVE Private Fitness

47 min
Oct 20, 2025Episode 310
Taking on the US Fitness Market & Singapore's Boutique Fitness Scene, with Fitstop Founder Pete Hull

We welcome back Pete Hull, founder of Australian fitness franchise Fitstop. Joined by Singapore franchisee Clarence Teo, we discuss Fitstop's global growth, their push into the US that started in the heart of LA's fitness scene and the current state of Singapore's boutique fitness market.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Pete Hull on LinkedIn Fitstop

18 min
Oct 13, 2025Episode 309
My Gym Was 'Mystery Shopped'. Here's What It Revealed (The Whole Truth)

Host Jack Thomas' gym went through a full, anonymous 'experience evaluation' by The Fit Guide. In this episode, Jack shares the full truth on what the report revealed and how it's helped him improve his gym's experience, training and systems. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

48 min
Oct 5, 2025Episode 308
How To Find & Recruit Industry-Leading Talent — with Russell Harrison of EliteFit

Russell Harrison, founder and CEO of EliteFit, has decades of experience in both recruitment and as a fitness leader. In this episode, he shares his insights into how to find the best executive talent, as well as how to land top roles in the fitness and wellness industry.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Russell Harrison on LinkedIn EliteFit Advisory Contact EliteFit

20 min
Sep 28, 2025Episode 307
The sales mistake that's destroying your business - and what to do instead

The fitness industry is addicted to discounts and sales. In this episode host Jack Thomas tells you how this is damaging your business, and what to do instead. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

1 hr 9 min
Sep 21, 2025Episode 306
How I Built Vietnam's Biggest Gym Chain Over 18 Years with Dane Fort of California Fitness & Yoga

Dane Fort, founder and CEO of Vietnam's biggest gym chain California Fitness and Yoga, has a powerful mission to make the country healthier and happier. With a fitness empire that expands beyond gyms into recovery and health, Dane's umbrella of companies have over 60 locations across Vietnam. This episode is a must-listen if you want to hear an inspiring and powerful story, or you'd like unique insights into Vietnam's fitness industry.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Dane Fort on LinkedIn California Fitness and Yoga Instagram

23 min
Sep 14, 2025Episode 305
Run A 'HYROX-Style' Fitness Competition At Your Gym: Lessons From Our First Event

We ran a 'HYROX-style' event called BASE Games and sold out tickets in less than 6 hours. In today's episode we talk about how we did it. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

41 min
Sep 7, 2025Episode 304
Designing a Five-Star Cycling Experience With All Five Senses, with Bridge Hudson of XYZ in Hong Kong

We welcome Bridge Hudson, founding instructor of Hong Kong's leading cycling brand XYZ, to discuss how they create consistent five-star experiences, their recruitment tips and what makes the perfect member journey.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Ride High Magazine, The Fit Guide's cycling media partner   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Bridge Hudson on Instagram XYZ

19 min
Aug 31, 2025Episode 303
303. My first HYROX race in Bangkok - an honest review

Jack Thomas breaks down his — and Thailand's — first ever HYROX race, from the perspective of being a competitor, a spectator and also a HYROX Training Club owner.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

1 hr 2 min
Aug 24, 2025Episode 302
How to take your studio from breakeven to 20% profit with Julian Barnes of BFS Network

We welcome Julian Barnes of boutique fitness specialists BFS Network to discuss the most effective lead sources and the common traits of studio with more than 20% margin.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution   NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram   GUEST RESOURCES Julian Barnes on LinkedIn BFS Network Get Your BFS Report Take Part In Their Next Report

10 min
Aug 18, 2025Episode 301
The Future of Fitness Business Asia Podcast

As we hit our 300th episode, we were advised to discontinue this show. Here's what we decided to do.   SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

58 min
Mar 23, 2025Episode 300
Industry Trends, Gen Z & Building A Badass Boutique in 2025!

We welcome back Emma Barry for a very special episode—number 300—to talk about all things fitness in 2025!   GUEST RESOURCES Emma Barry on LinkedIn Trouble Global   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

15 min
Mar 17, 2025Episode 299
Gym Sales: 11 Common Mistakes (and how to fix them)

Sales are the lifeblood of your fitness business. Through both personal experiences and evaluations at The Fit Guide, Jack has seen common sales mistakes that need fixing! Jack Thomas highlights common gym sales errors and tips to fix them so your business can survive and thrive, and you can help more people.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

1 hr 5 min
Mar 9, 2025Episode 298
$4 million per year in a 4,500 square foot studio, with Mark Fisher of Business for Unicorns

We welcome Mark Fisher, founder of hugely successful New York studio Mark Fisher Fitness and mentorship platform Business for Unicorns. Mark discusses bringing in $4m USD revenue in a 4,500 square foot studio, standing out amongst the crowd and building a story and brand so powerful you don't need any PR out reach—the media are seeking you out!   GUEST RESOURCES Mark Fisher on LinkedIn Business For Unicorns The Little Book Of Marketing Secrets   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

17 min
Mar 2, 2025Episode 297
Trainers make terrible fitness managers and gym owners (unless they do this)

The step from trainer to fitness manager is a tough one. The jump to gym owner is even harder. In this episode, host Jack Thomas explains how to navigate these stages of growth for success.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

49 min
Feb 23, 2025Episode 296
Get in on the HYROX explosion in Asia, with Richard Cowley APAC Director

We welcome Richard Cowley, APAC Events Director for HYROX, to discuss the growth of HYROX in Asia, stats on HYROX in the region, how to get the most from HYROX affiliation and new opportunities with 'Performance Centers' and personal training.   GUEST RESOURCES Richard Cowley on LinkedIn HYROX HYROX365: Become an affiliate gym   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

14 min
Feb 16, 2025Episode 295
A sale is NOT a sale until… (how to close)

Sales are the lifeblood of your business, essential for survival and enable you to HELP more people become fitter, stronger and healthier. If you struggle to get sales over the finish line, this episode is for you.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

57 min
Feb 9, 2025Episode 294
Get More Gym Sales & Revenue, with Cam Clayon of Sales Hero

We welcome Cam Clayton, who is an expert in fitness sales and head of Sales Hero. We discuss mindset, getting more leads, how to talk to potential clients and much more! If you need more sales in your gym (and who doesn't?!) this one is for you.   GUEST RESOURCES Cam Clayton on LinkedIn Sales Hero   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

17 min
Feb 2, 2025Episode 293
Ten tips for effective one-to-ones with coaches and fitness managers

You cannot build a strong culture of success without effective one to one time with your team. Have every manager in your company listen to, and implement, these ten tips in their one to ones and appraisals with coaches, fitness managers and other gym staff.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

14 min
Jan 26, 2025Episode 292
The biggest pricing mistakes gyms and trainers make (and how to avoid them)

Get your pricing wrong, and your career in fitness will be an uphill battle. Get it right, and you have every chance of building a strong and fruitful career in the fitness industry. Whether you're a trainer, a fitness manager or a gym owner, this episode will help get your pricing right.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

16 min
Jan 19, 2025Episode 291
Ten tips for doing business in Asia (from a 20 year expat)

Host Jack Thomas draws on 20 years of business experience in Asia to offer 10 essential tips to being successful in business (and life!) in the region.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

51 min
Jan 12, 2025Episode 290
Business essentials for coaches and fitness managers, with Kathleen Ferguson of Coach360 (USA)

We welcome Kathleen Ferguson of Coach360 to discuss the business skills coaches need for success in 2025. This is perfect for coaches, or managers of coaches to help recruit more clients, make more money and have more impact!   Interview Correction: Femtech is on track to hit 50 billion by 2025.   GUEST RESOURCES Kathleen Ferguson on LinkedIn Coach360 Coach360 Marketplace   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

51 min
Jan 5, 2025Episode 289
Thailand Fitness Industry Review with Jack Thomas and Ross Campbell of Beyond Activ

Ross Campbell and Jack Thomas review the current state of Thailand's fitness industry, looking back at a tough few years but with heavy optimism for the future. View Video Interview On LinkedIn   GUEST RESOURCES Ross Campbell on LinkedIn Beyond Activ   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

1 hr 3 min
Dec 29, 2024Episode 288
Fitness Industry Year in Review 2024 with Ross Campbell of Beyond Activ and Jack Thomas

Ross Campbell of Beyond Activ and host Jack Thomas discuss Asia's fitness industry in 2024, with deeper worldwide insights and a look ahead at what to expect in 2025. View Video Interview On LinkedIn   GUEST RESOURCES Ross Campbell on LinkedIn Beyond Activ   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

16 min
Dec 22, 2024Episode 287
Eight big mistakes I've made running gyms (so you don't have to)

Being a gym owner is tough! Host Jack Thomas talks about eight big mistakes that have cost him over his 13 years in the fitness industry - so you don't have to make the same costly moves.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

56 min
Dec 15, 2024Episode 286
Mohammed Iqbal: The Most Exciting Fitness Tech Innovations in 2024 & 2025

We welcome back Mohammed Iqbal - CEO of Sweatworks and co-host of LIFTs podcast - to discuss what's happened in fitness technology this year, and what he expects to see in 2025. We discuss the ups and downs of Web3, blockchain, AI, virtual reality and the metaverse, as well as companies doing big and exciting things.   GUEST RESOURCES Mohammed Iqbal on LinkedIn Sweatworks LIFTs Podcast   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

15 min
Dec 8, 2024Episode 285
Boutique fitness has a selling problem - here's how to fix it!

Our data at The Fit Guide shows that boutique fitness needs to seriously work on sales. Your business can't survive without sales, so if this is a problem that you need to work on, don't miss this solo episode with Jack Thomas.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

42 min
Dec 1, 2024Episode 284
Natalie Dau: How I ran 1000km from Thailand to Singapore and set a new world record

We welcome Natalie Dau back to the show to talk about Project 1000 - an incredible 12 day run through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore which set a new world record and was featured as a homepage story on the BBC. We talk about the ups and downs of her incredible journey, how she prepared, what she's learned and how her story is impacting people across the region.   GUEST RESOURCES Natalie Dau on Instagram Natalie Dau Website Project 1000 Natalie Dau on LinkedIn   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

15 min
Nov 24, 2024Episode 283
Invest In Trends, Not Fads (and how to spot the difference)

For long term success and profit, invest in trends, not fads. In this episode, Jack Thomas explains why this is important, and how to spot the difference. He also looks at famous case studies in the industry such as Pilates, Crossfit and SoulCycle and gives his verdict - trend or fad?   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

57 min
Nov 17, 2024Episode 282
Tom Dowd, CEO of F45 Training - Engineering The Comeback & Plans For Asia

Tom Dowd is the president and CEO of F45 Training. We discuss the work Tom has have been doing to help F45 bounce back from a difficult start to 2023 and their plans for the future, as well as what to expect in Asia.   GUEST RESOURCES Tom Dowd on LinkedIn F45 Training   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

11 min
Nov 10, 2024Episode 281
Get this right before trying ANYTHING else

After listening to a recent LIFTs podcast with Dr Paul Bedford, he outlined two essential rules for providing great sales and service. It resonated so deeply with our host Jack Thomas, he did a deep dive on today's episode into what these crucial rules are, and how to win at them.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

1 hr 12 min
Nov 3, 2024Episode 280
The business of strength training - 25 years of industry evolution

We welcome returning guest Matthew Januszek to the show - founder and CEO of leading fitness equipment brand Escape and host of the Escape Your Limits podcast - to talk all things strength training in the fitness industry and how the space has developed from a business perspective since Escape was founded in 1998.   GUEST RESOURCES Matthew Januszek on LinkedIn Escape Fitness Escape Your Limits Podcast   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

18 min
Oct 27, 2024Episode 279
How and why you MUST increase your prices in 2025

Gym owners and personal trainers aren't good at increasing prices. They either don't do it at all or often enough, or they communicate poorly. It needn't be that way - this episode will talk you through how best to do it and why it's so important to do it, and do it right.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

53 min
Oct 20, 2024Episode 278
From Rock Bottom and Addicted to building a $100 million company: Dan Uyemura, founder and CEO of PushPress

We welcome Dan Uyemura who shares his incredible story of being at rock bottom and facing jail to building one of the fitness industry's most exciting and fast-growing gym software companies.   GUEST RESOURCES Dan Uyemura on LinkedIn PushPress   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn

12 min
Oct 13, 2024Episode 277
How to end 2024 profitable and strong (act now)

Many gym owners write off December as a lost month. Here's how you can make December strong and profitable, and set yourself up for a great 2025!   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

42 min
Oct 6, 2024Episode 276
Bringing the New York fitness franchise Physique 57 to Bangkok, Thailand

Jack Thomas welcomes good friend Khemika 'Lynn' Chivapornthip to the show to discuss bringing a US fitness franchise successfully to Bangkok. Lynn operates multiple locations and has been in business for over 10 years, with other health and wellness businesses in the city.6   GUEST RESOURCES Lynn Chivapronthip on LinkedIn Physique 57 Bangkok   THE FIT GUIDE Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide helps fitness lovers find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps fitness clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter The Fit Guide on LinkedIn   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

13 min
Sep 29, 2024Episode 275
The most impactful 'quick fix' to improve your club's experience

Host Jack Thomas was recently asked what was the quickest fix or first thing a club should look at to improve their experience. This service and hospitality essential was his answer - with six tips today to get it right in your club.   THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram The Fit Guide Newsletter   SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

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