HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

In this episode, we're excited to once again chat with fellow B2B HALO sector podcaster and industry veteran, Eric Malzone. Eric--known for his work in the Future Fitness and the Podcast Collective-- has conducted over 800 interviews and dives deep into the evolving landscape of the HALO space with host, Pete Moore. He shares his journey from selling his gyms to slowly becoming a leading voice in fitness podcasts, emphasizing the impact, reach, and direct feedback podcasts provide. Eric journey as a podcaster began with a simple realization: If he was going to create content, he might as well share it with others. This led him to start recording his discussions and sharing them with a broader audience. The impact of (any podcaster's!) work can be measured in two significant ways: The tangible metrics such as audience numbers, LinkedIn impressions, and social media interactions. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, is the direct feedback you receives from listeners about specific episodes or topics, which truly underscores the value and influence of what you're putting out in the world. Pete and Eric dive further into key trends capturing the industry’s attention, such as GLP-1, longevity, and women’s health and fitness. Eric also discusses his other ambitious projects, like an NASM podcast course and his interest in leveraging AI for playbooks and operational manuals. With a focus on the future of fitness, Eric and Pete delve into how podcasts can serve as a powerful tool for continuing education and business development. They also touch on the potential of AI in transforming business processes and content creation. Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Podcasts as Educational Tools: Eric brings up the often significant impact podcasts can have on the fitness industry by serving not just as a medium for information dissemination, but also as tools for ongoing education for executives in the space. 2. Emerging Topics in Fitness: The episode also touches on several emerging topics in the space, such as GLP 1, longevity, and women's health and fitness. Malzone and Moore emphasize the importance of staying current with these trends to cater to evolving audience interests. 3. The Role of AI in Content Creation: Eric also chats about the potential of AI in revolutionizing business operations, especially for creating playbooks and manuals. Malzone discusses an ongoing project to develop a course on using ChatGPT for podcasters, illustrating how AI might soon change traditional methods of content and course creation. 4. Future of Fitness and Podcasting: A hockey analogy is brought up to emphasize the importance of anticipating future industry changes rather than just focusing on what's current. There's a critical need--especially in this space--for businesses to be forward-thinking, and to stay prepared for new trends and technological advancements that can shape the future of the HALO sector going forward. Click here to download transcript. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-malzone-8b452a3/https://www.podcastcollective.iohttps://futureoffitness.co/ https://futureoffitness.co/episode/pete-moore-halo-trends-2024-glp-1-hsafsa-recovery-morehttp://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

In this first-ever "HALO Talks Live" episode held at Sid's Gym in NYC on October 17 2024 to a packed house, we dove deep into everything from fitness innovation, building a brand from the ground up, deciding to 'break the mold' of the fitness space, guerilla marketing, and a ton more with legendary Crunch Fitness founder Doug Levine. Host Pete Moore and Doug explored Crunch's creative, unorthodox beginnings, from viral marketing campaigns to avant-garde classes like aerial yoga and others. Sue Hitzmann, visionary creator of the world famous MELT Method (and also a Crunch veteran from the early days & HALO Talks alum!) started us off and discussed the importance of fascia health for true body wellness, emphasizing proactive self-care, how 'recovery' has changed over the years, the importance of proper trainer education, why facilities should strongly consider getting their instructors up to speed on the methodology, and more. Levine was the driving force behind Crunch Fitness, and he transformed the fitness industry by fostering a unique sense of community. Under his leadership and working side by side with Roger Harvey--Crunch's first COO of 12 years--Crunch defied the stereotype of a massive, impersonal corporation. Instead, it became a closely-knit environment where instructors bonded, attended each other's classes, and learned collectively. Doug ensured that the instructors felt valued and well-compensated, emphasizing personal investment in their growth. His vision extended beyond group exercise to personal training, establishing a comprehensive, supportive, and thriving fitness community. Doug not only built a successful brand but literally revolutionized the health club experience. On the early days of advertising Levine recalls, "So nobody knows this, but . . . Time Warner didn't like running people's local ads. Local ads, when they introduced it into New York, were largely Midas muffler shops, Jiffy Lubes, etc. They were franchises that had ads produced by corporate and they could afford. But our deal with Time Warner was that--because they loved the creativity of Crunch's ads--we would get almost all of their unsold inventory. So basically, we would spend $10,000 a month and get a half a million worth of ads, or or whatever their unsold inventory was for many, many years!" We also want to acknowledge Sid Raman (another HALO Talks alum!) from Xpriential on his patented treadmill, which blends cutting-edge technology with incredible, immersive exercise experiences. These treadmills are game-changing and do not exist anywhere else in the world (yet!) Whether it's franchising insights, AI's role in fitness, branding, risk-taking, the evolution of wellness trends and more. . . this one runs the gamut! Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Innovation and Creativity in Fitness: Doug emphasized the importance of unique and creative fitness programs, such as Crunch's iconic drag queen and aerial yoga classes, which helped set the brand apart and establish new trends in the industry. The organization's ability to leverage creativity instead of relying solely on traditional KPI's was crucial to its early success. 2. Embracing New Advertising Methods: Doug shared an inspiring story about utilizing creative local TV advertising to market Crunch, leveraging free resources from advertising professionals who were members and huge fans of the brand. This strategy was a part of Crunch’s PR-driven marketing approach that insisted on standing out without high costs, demonstrating the power of ingenuity in growing a brand from scratch. 3. Importance of Fascia Health: Sue Hitzmann discussed how fascia health impacts overall bodily function, joint stability, and mobility—highlighting that repetitive movements can lead to problems in the fascia, causing joint issues and inflammation. She argued against merely masking symptoms with medication, stressing the need for proper self-care to address the root causes of pain. 4....

Arman Eckelbarger began his career in consulting, experiencing initial success before pausing to prioritize family life. As his family grew, he eventually moved to a more stable 9-to-5 job in insurance and investments, a field he dedicated eight years to. That really do it for him, so he returned to consulting, embracing the always-evolving HALO space. Today, he focuses on enhancing health, muscle span, and lifespan, guiding individuals to enjoy the rewards of their financial success while maintaining overall well-being. His journey reflects adaptability and a commitment to both personal and professional growth. Arman dives deep into his systematic approach to health optimization including extensive lab work, customized nutrition and exercise plans, and the integration of DNA methylation tests. He discusses the importance of belief alignment with clients and the critical role of insulin in managing health. Listen now to hear Arman's insightful perspectives on achieving better health, and learn about the cutting-edge methodologies and science-based protocols that are changing lives. As far as decreasing injuries Arman states, "Strength training is going to keep the ligaments and tendons where they need to stay and help keep the muscles strong around them, so you're less likely to have those strains or tears. But you also have to listen to your body. If you have an abnormal feeling in the knee from pickleball or something as an example . . . you need to learn to give it a break and then rehab that as quickly as possible." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Comprehensive Health Evaluation: Arman emphasizes the importance of comprehensive health evaluations, including extensive lab work that goes beyond standard medical tests. His approach involves checking for hormones, metabolic panels, inflammation markers, and DNA tests, providing a detailed understanding of a person’s health status. 2. Customized Health Plans: Each health plan Arman creates is highly personalized based on individual needs and health conditions. Clients go through a detailed questionnaire and lab work which help tailor the plan to address their specific health goals and challenges, ensuring a high level of customization. 3. Importance of Belief Alignment: Arman talks about the necessity of aligning beliefs with clients, especially regarding nutrition and exercise. He emphasizes that it's crucial for clients to be open to potential changes in their lifestyle and beliefs for the programs to be effective. 4. Role of Insulin in Metabolic Health: Arman provides insights on the role of insulin and how its management is critical to metabolic health. He explains that excessive carbohydrates and sugars can lead to elevated insulin levels, contributing to fat storage and various health issues, including diabetes. 5. Leveraging Modern Technology and Resources: Arman uses various modern technologies and resources such as specialized apps for nutrition and training, and partnerships with medical teams for evaluating lab results. He also mentions that his programs can be funded through HSA or FSA accounts, making them accessible for more people looking to invest in their health. Click here to download transcript. Resources: https://www.armaneckelbarger.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-eckelbarger-75664823http://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

In this episode we welcome Meghann Butcher from RepSpark, a B2B e-commerce platform that's revolutionizing retail for boutique gyms, golf shops, and pro shops. Meghann shares her expertise on the challenges faced by studio operators in managing retail and how RepSpark can seamlessly bridge the gap, helping businesses maximize their retail potential. Butcher is a seasoned expert dedicated to simplifying operations for business owners and operators. She clearly understands that many of these professionals aren't trained buyers or merchandisers, despite their unique opportunity to serve a guaranteed daily clientele. Meghann focuses on making the entire processes easy and seamless, empowering owners to maximize potential profits without the hassle of managing a complex back end. Megan goes into depth about not only optimizing retail spaces, but also making them a profitable extension of your fitness studio. Whether you're running a small boutique gym or a larger operation, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help turn your retail from a cost center into a robust profit center. Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Retail Strategy for Studios: Meghann discussed the importance of having a retail strategy for boutique gyms and studios. She emphasized that retail sales should be part of the overall revenue strategy and needs to be intentional. Understanding member preferences and curating products that align with their needs can boost sales. 2. Ease of Ordering and Inventory Management: She highlighted how RepSpark's platform makes it easy for studio operators to manage their retail offerings. The platform allows for seamless ordering, inventory management, and reordering of products in different sizes and colors. It eliminates the need for direct interaction with sales representatives, saving time for studio operators. 3. Customization and Co-Branding: RepSpark supports customization, offering an opportunity for studios to brand products like towels, bags, and apparel with their logos. This not only serves as a marketing tool but also enhances member loyalty, as members like to showcase their association with the studio. 4. Revenue Potential from Retail: Pete and Meghann discussed the revenue potential of the retail space in studios. Comparing it with golf pro shops, there is a significant opportunity for studios to generate substantial revenue through well-curated retail offerings. She mentions that consumables, basic apparel, and accessories like socks and candles move quickly and can be profitable. 5. Microsites and Pop-Up Shops: Meghann introduced the concept of microsites and pop-up shops, which allow studios to offer products without holding inventory. These can be used for special events, challenges, or seasonal promotions. Members can shop directly from these microsites, and the products can be customized, offering additional value without the need for significant upfront investment. Click here to download transcript. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghannbutcher/http://www.repspark.comhttp://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Curtis Christopherson has been a pioneering force in the personal training industry in Canada for the past 25 years. At a time when personal training was predominantly reserved for the affluent, athletes, and celebrities, he launched Innovative Fitness with a single location. He successfully navigated the company through significant challenges such as the dot-com bubble, the financial crisis, and the pandemic. Today, Innovative Fitness is renowned for its high-end boutique model, specializing in one-on-one and one-on-two personalized fitness and training sessions within their 4,000 to 5,000 square foot facilities. His commitment to quality and innovation has firmly established the brand as a leader in the field. Curtis details the operational and strategic initiatives that have fueled their continued growth as well as discuss the importance of standardizing personal services in their franchise model, the benefits of brand partnerships, and the holistic approach to wellness that includes everything from movement to metabolic health. He also provides insights into overcoming challenges like noncompete clauses, the critical role of training for new franchisees, and their use of technology to enhance customer experiences and trainer capabilities. On building out the brand Christopherson states, "We have a pipeline of eager and hungry people that want to help us expand, many of which were our employees and the people that work for us. . . We also had a client base that were affluent enough and loved what they experienced from a service perspective." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Operationalizing and Standardizing Personal Services: Curtis emphasizes the necessity of detailed documentation and providing franchisees with tools for hiring and scaling. This ensures consistency and helps franchisees deliver on brand promises. 2. Strategic Partnerships and Support Systems: He underscores the value of brand partnerships that add significant benefits for franchisees, such as connections with insurance and equipment providers. Their collaboration with ABC Trainerize and Glofox for membership management systems illustrates a strategic approach to operational efficiency. 3. Trainer-Centric Business Model: The Innovative Fitness model prioritizes employing full-time trainers working exclusively for the company. This ensures a balanced supply and demand for the clientele, while also maintaining their high quality of personal training services. 4. Holistic Fitness and Wellness Trends: Curtis discusses the industry’s evolution towards integrating movement, nutrition, sleep, hormone, and metabolic health into fitness offerings. Their platform supports wellness professionals in prescribing products and services, portraying a comprehensive approach to fitness and wellbeing. 5. Expansion and Franchise Support: With plans to expand from Vancouver to Toronto and into the US market, Curtis outlines their methodical planning process for growth. Click here to download transcript. Resources: https://curtischristopherson.com/https://www.innovativefitness.com/http://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Steven Webster has carved out a rather unique career path combining sports, technology, and coaching. Originally from the UK and now in California, Steven boasts an impressive martial arts background. His expertise extends beyond the dojo, selling his first company to Adobe and working with customers including NASA, Nike, and the NFL. Also a Microsoft alumnus, he's made significant contributions to athletic coaching, leading British University sports teams to ten national championships. His multifaceted knowledge spans movement recognition, coaching intelligence, artificial intelligence, and athletic intelligence. Webster and host Pete Moore explore his early passion for computers sparked initially by his Dad (an electrical engineer) to eventually founding ASENSEI, a company specializing in movement recognition technology for fitness and healthcare. We uncover Steve's insights on enhancing consumer engagement, solving real-world problems through AI, and the future of interactive training technology. This is a deep-dive into the convergence of fitness, technology, and business innovation. Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Holistic View of Digital Transformation: Webster emphasizes the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in the HALO space. Drawing parallels with successful digital shifts in ecommerce and financial services, he underscores the necessity for both legacy and pioneer brands to integrate advanced technologies to stay competitive. 2. Martial Arts Influence: Webster shares how his background in martial arts strongly influences his approach to coaching and technology. Martial arts not only offer physical benefits but also emotional and behavioral improvements. This translates into his work with ASENSEI, where movement recognition technology enhances fitness and health applications. 3. Asensi's Technology Implementation: The episode focuses a lot on ASENSEI's movement recognition technology and its practical applications in fitness and health. Initially applied to indoor rowing, the tech has expanded to meet the demands of home workouts. Examples include using cameras for analyzing exercises to prevent injuries and using AI to interpret and improve physical activities. 4. AI and Coaching Synergy: Webster clarifies that their technology is designed to complement, not replace, human coaches. The AI serves as a "copilot," capturing user movements and providing real-time feedback based on expert coaching insights. This ensures the technology enhances the coaching experience rather than detracting from the human element. 5. Legacy Brands and Market Evolution: The discussion around how legacy fitness brands are leveraging digital technologies to enhance customer experiences is especially noteable. Click here to download transcript. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwebsterhttps://www.asensei.aihttp://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

IIn today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Jeff Miller, the Chief Marketing Officer of RowHouse, a leading brand under the Xponential umbrella. Jeff's career is a journey through several industries and roles, reflecting his adaptability and passion for marketing and technology. He began in the education sector, creating websites for tech products before transitioning to the burgeoning world of e-commerce during the early days of the internet. His first significant marketing role was in the surf industry with Body Glove, where he helped launch their first direct-to-consumer website and pioneered their digital marketing efforts. He delves deep into the unique positioning of RowHouse, discussing how the brand aims to demystify rowing and make it appealing to a broader audience, including non-rowers. Jeff also touches on the importance of pre-sales, the evolving focus on strength training, community building, and marketing strategies to maximize the boutique fitness experience. Listen now to learn more about fitness marketing, the impact of cultural trends, and innovative ways to keep members engaged and motivated. On the revival around rowing, Jeff states, "There's definitely a renewed interest in rowing. We're looking at some of those Olympic athletes and some of these NIL deals with college rowing to cement that. That's still a pretty small niche, but it's a way to get in front and show that . . . there's these people who are in amazing shape, who live these healthy lives, and where rowing is a part of their core concept." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Jeff's diverse career path led him from education, through the surf industry with Body Glove, to a significant role at YogaWorks where he discovered his passion for marketing in the fitness industry. This background has equipped him with extensive experience in both digital and traditional marketing strategies. 2. RowHouse is approaching its 10-year anniversary and aims to position itself as the go-to option for a full-body, low-impact workout. Despite the niche nature of rowing in boutique fitness, RowHouse plans to capitalize on the comprehensive benefits of rowing, including strength, cardio, and flexibility, to attract a broader audience beyond hardcore rowers. 3. The company emphasizes its community. However, RowHouse goes a step further by promoting a "crew" mentality to distinguish itself from other boutique brands. This sense of unity and collective effort is a core element in their classes, adding value beyond the physical workout. 4. Drawing from his experience at Orange Theory Fitness, Miller highlights the importance of strong presales and opening strategies to build a robust membership base from the get-go. This involves well-thought-out marketing tactics and a competitive spirit to set high benchmarks for membership growth and studio performance. 5. RowHouse is considering the growing trends in the fitness industry, such as the focus on strength training and the potential implications of new health and wellness trends like GLP-1 weight loss drugs. The brand is also exploring new ways to optimize studio time and introduce classes that cater to different demographics, ensuring maximum utilization and appeal. Click here to download transcript. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmillernz/https://www.therowhouse.comhttp://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

Brian Chappon, CEO of CENTRED, is a self-described "recovering Wall Street guy." Along with CMO Sarah Gallo (also founder of The Five Foot Traveler and an OG in the travel space!) and the rest of the team, have been able to put together something literally nobody else has been able to do in the HALO sector previously--although many have tried! CENTRED can be described as a "global wellness-focused travel platform that re-writes the blueprint for travel, fitness, tele-health, and...

"We didn't set out to build a tech company, we were looking at our own frustrations of being stuck at home," states Sami Asikainen, CEO & Co-Founder. After a highly successful campaign on Indigogo which raised $314,239 (628% of their $50,000 goal) Carbon Trainer has some fantastic momentum. Sami chats about his thoughts on competing / co-existing with digital providers and brick and mortar stores, how to determine what to raise, his process behind development and scaling the business, and...

"Personal Training is a profession. It's not a hobby. It's not just waiting tables until your big break comes along. You're dealing with people's health, you're dealing with people's bodies, and you need to be educated about that," states Vincent Metzo, Dean of the Advanced Personal Training Program at the highly regarded Swedish Institute in NYC. Vince is a 20+ year veteran in the fitness education space and has seen it all. If you run a fitness club or in any way hire fitness pros, this...

Stacey started her own brand in 2003 surrounded by a ton of celebrity press. She quickly made back the initial investment of $30,000, scaled the company, and went on to create ElastaFuse Technology (EFT.) 9 patents later plus a secured partnership with the two largest elastic companies in the world, ElastaFuse is poised to be the next GORE-TEX™. Learn how she took her idea from patent, to working proof of concept and more!

Rick started as a trainer in 1992 and opened Alloy Personal Training in a small, hard-to-reach, Georgia city. A large Gold’s Gym owner saw the fantastic success his training systems generated and asked him to “wrap it up” and insert it into their PT Department. He did and has since expanded Alloy Personal Training Systems into 1,300 clubs nationwide! Listen now to learn how.

Diagnosed with depression and anxiety when he was younger, Adam Greenfeld has been his own ‘guinea pig’ for years. He’s remained incredibly driven to find, “One simple safe tool that would make you unstoppable at the office and at the gym.” He was involved with nootropics before there was even a name for it. Listen now to learn how he built The Go Life from the ground up.

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