Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit cover art

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

By: Justin Tamsett | Fitness Business Leader
Listen for free

About this listen

Are you a gym owner or manager looking to improve conversions from prospects to members, member satisfaction, employee retention, innovation and profitability? Many fitness podcasts focus solely on lead generation, but we believe the real key to long-term success lies in effective leadership and reducing churn of both staff and members. Host Justin "JT" Tamsett, a leader in the global fitness and wellness culture, brings you actionable advice from multiple industry experts in each episode. With over 1 million downloads, this podcast offers brilliant strategies to overcome challenges in the fitness industry today. Whether you run a big-box gym or boutique studio, this podcast is your lifeline to hands-on experience. Educate yourself today on how to hit record sales numbers, boost member retention, build a high-performing team, and skyrocket your revenue through strong leadership. Listen and subscribe now! Q: Is this podcast right for me? A: The podcast is for independent, chain and franchise owners, managers and department managers ready to be the best: Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, Equinox, Anytime Fitness, PureGym, David Lloyd Leisure, Virgin Active, Snap Fitness, Crunch Fitness, F45, Pure Barre, Barry's Bootcamp, SoulCycle, Psycle, The Movement Nation, and much more. Q: How often are new episodes released? A: New episodes drop twice a month, delivering valuable education to help you grow your fitness business. Q: What can I expect to learn from the show this season? A: Expect to learn about building strong communities, boosting member retention, creating a better employee experience, and navigating the future of fitness. Q: Who are your sponsors? A: This show is supported by REX Roundtables and Active Management About Your Host: Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often. JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs. Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations.868329 © Active Management 2024 Economics Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • Exercise as Medicine: Lisa Dougherty on Turning Gyms into Preventive Care Centers & Fighting Chronic Disease: Episode 547
    Sep 4 2025
    What if your gym could be the first line of defense against chronic disease? In this insightful episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin 'JT' Tamsett discusses the concept of 'Exercise is Medicine' with expert Lisa Dougherty, who has 27+ years of experience in the field. They explore the significant impact of physical inactivity on global health and the economy, emphasizing the crucial role of tailored exercise in combating chronic diseases. Lisa shares her journey and the evolution of specialized fitness training for various medical conditions. They also discuss best practices for gyms and trainers, the importance of advanced education, and how gyms can build respect within the healthcare continuum. The episode finishes with details on Lisa's upcoming virtual global medical fitness conference, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and expertise for fitness professionals worldwide. Key highlights from the episode: - A global health wake-up call: Why inactivity is projected to cost $314–$446 billion annually by 2050 and how gyms can position themselves as part of the healthcare solution. - Best practices for “exercise as medicine” programs: Education requirements, record-keeping, safety protocols, and emotional intelligence as core skills. - Business opportunities in medical fitness: How specializing in chronic condition populations can set you apart from competitors and create long-term client loyalty. Know the SECRET codeword? Submit it here for the chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!* https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword Ready for more: - Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast - Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents - Leave us a voicemail: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/ - Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ Quotes: “It is crucial for fitness and allied healthcare professionals working with the aging population to have this higher level of knowledge, skill, and expertise.” - Lisa Dougherty “I started the MFN to improve the quality of life of the many millions of people with chronic disease and medical conditions.” - Lisa Dougherty “The fitness industry still targets the’ nearly fit’. Which is, you know, 15% of the population, and those are the shark infested waters. And 85% of the rest of the population has obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cancer…it's a scroll of diseases.” - Lisa Dougherty Resources: - Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast - Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ - Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ Our Guest: Lisa Dougherty, Medical Fitness Expert Website: https://www.MedFitFoundation.Org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadougherty1/ Event: 2025 Virtual Global Medical Fitness Conference: https://www.fbasucceed.com/medfit Use the Code: FITBIZ to save 25% (case sensitive!) Sponsor’s Pitch: Clint Aragona Max Members AI Website: https://www.maxmembers.ai/Email:clint@maxmembers.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clinten-aragona-470123290/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxmembers Merch Sponsor: ROGUE - https://www.roguefitness.com/ Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com Free Online Live Events: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers: 1. Reinig Insurance: Ken Insurance Guy specializes in risk management and insurance for fitness businesses https://theinsuranceguy.com/ Power Plate: Whole-body vibration for fitness and wellness - https://powerplate.com/ ROR Partners: offering data-driven marketing strategies to enhance customer relationships. https://rorpartners.com/ HR Network: All your HR needs solved at the end of the phone. https://hrnetworkinc.com/ Referrizer: Automates marketing and referrals for your business https://business.referrizer.com/ About Our Guest: Lisa Dougherty has been in the medical fitness space for over 25 years. She founded the MedFit Network in 2013, which serves as both a professional membership organization and a free online resource directory. She established the MedFit Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization, in 2017 to elevate the quality and quantity of available education for fitness and allied healthcare through educational webinars, online courses, and virtual conferences. Lisa has been recognized as a fitness leader on multiple occasions, including by Personal ...
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Mastering Body Language & Communication in the Fitness Industry with Mentalist Christopher Carter | Building Trust & Human Connection: Episode 546
    Aug 21 2025
    In this engaging episode, communication expert and professional mentalist Christopher Carter joins host Justin “JT” Tamsett to uncover not just the science—but the art—behind effective communication in the fitness industry. With over 30 years of stage experience as a mentalist, Chris reveals how reading body language, mastering first impressions, and using humor can dramatically boost human connection, trust, and relationships. Listeners gain exclusive insights into practical skills used by mentalists to instantly build rapport and presence—skills any wellness enthusiast or fitness professional can use to strengthen client bonds and team dynamics. Whether you’re new to the show or a seasoned listener, this conversation is packed with entertaining stories and actionable strategies for leveling up your communication and listening skills. Key highlights from the episode: - Unique perspectives from Christopher Carter on applying mentalist techniques for interpreting body language and deepening human connection in your gym or studio. - Tips for making impactful first impressions and using humor to improve engagement with members and staff. - Step-by-step communication and training tips—like the “POPO” method (Proximity, Orientation, Pacifiers, Open body language)—for creating remarkable relationships with members and teams. Know the SECRET codeword? Submit it here for the chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!* https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword Ready for more: - Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast - Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents - Leave us a voicemail: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/ - Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ Quotes: "Trust is a result of presence." - Christopher Carter "No sale without trust." - Christopher Carter "Practice one step at a time." - Christopher Carter Resources: - Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast - Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ - Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ Our Guest: Christopher Carter, High-Impact Keynote Speaker and Mentalist Website: https://christophercarter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophercarterspeaker/ Sponsor’s Pitch: Magnus Nyberg Eleiko Sport Website: https://eleiko.com/ Email: magnus.nyberg@eleiko.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/magnus-nyberg-b5731872/ Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.com Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com Free On-line Live Events: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers: - Wellness Spaces: delivering innovative recovery and wellness experiences: https://wellnessspace.com/ - Solutions One: offering member engagement solutions for fitness businesses: https://solutiononepartners.com/ - The Abs Co: designs and sells innovative fitness equipment: https://theabscompany.com/ - Club Com: providing gyms digital entertainment, communication, and revenue solutions: https://www.clubcom.com/ - Smart Health Clubs: offering customizable fitness software solutions for health clubs: https://smarthealthclubs.com/ About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Mastering Gym Marketing & Management through Authentic Branding: Kim Gouch, Dan Young & Dr. Patrick Porter: Episode 545
    Jul 10 2025
    In this episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin ‘JT’ Tamsett engages with Kim Gouch, Chief Brand Officer at Retro Fitness, to dive into effective gym marketing and management by building an authentic brand. Kim emphasizes how understanding current fitness industry trends and fostering internal brand evangelists is crucial for a cohesive message, demonstrating how Retro Fitness uses its core mantra, "Get Real," across all communications—from social media marketing for gyms to broader gym advertising. While the episode champions a long-game approach to branding, it provides practical gym marketing ideas and strategies that can be implemented today, including the vital role of consistent messaging to drive campaigns, convert leads, and ensure team alignment. Dr. Patrick Porter also contributes 'Wise Words' on brain fitness, discussing essential health habits. Key highlights from the episode: - Discover how Retro Fitness builds an authentic brand message that informs all gym marketing strategies, emphasizing internal team alignment and brand evangelism. - Explore practical gym marketing ideas for maintaining a cohesive message across various platforms, including digital marketing for gyms and social media marketing for gyms. - Understand the long-term play of effective gym advertising and management within the fitness industry trends, ensuring your brand stays in its lane for sustained growth and impact. Ready for more: Become an FBP Insider! Learn more on Patreon. Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More! Leave us a voicemail! Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Quotes: “An authentic brand is committed to evoking an emotion.” - Kim Gouch “We want to build on the relationship that we have with the team that's going to work to build the brand. Those people eventually become your brand evangelists.” - Kim Gouch “Your culture really is actually the essence of your brand and the essence of your brand message.” - Kim Gouch Resources: Become an FBP Insider on Patreon Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn CommunityMystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website Our Guest: Kim Gouch, Chief Brand Officer Retro Fitness Website - https://retrofitness.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-gouch-a12818b/ Email - kim@retrofitness.com Wise Words: Dr Patrick Porter - Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram Dr Patrick Porter’s Book - Thrive in Overdrive Buy Your Headset Using our Link! Sponsor’s Pitch: Dan Young, Founder & CEO of Simple Again Website - https://www.simpleagain.com Email - dan@simpleagain.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-young-189842/ Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - Here REX Roundtables: Website - www.REXRoundtables.com Email - Eddie@REXRoundtables.com Leadership Academy – www.REXLeadershipAcademy.com Free On-line Live Events: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers: Atlantis Strength: made by and for those who are dedicated to shaping greatness. https://atlantisstrength.com/ ABC Fitness: provides gym management & software solutions. https://abcfitness.com/ Digital Revenue Systems: offering digital revenue opportunities for you https://www.digitalrevsystems.com/ Centr Hyrox: The official equipment provider for Hyrox. https://shop.centr.com.au/collections/hyrox Covery: Wellness recovery franchise offering cutting-edge restorative services. https://www.thecovery.com/franchise About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.