The Business of Boutique Fitness

Just because your first studio is crushing it doesn't mean it's time to open a second studio. Successful growth only happens when your foundation is truly ready. Industry veterans Alina Cooper and Lisa Taylor outline exactly what you need to assess before making a move in Episode 728: When to Open a Second Fitness Studio Location. Profit first: your baseline is 12–18 months of strong margins and steady cash flow Operational independence: the business runs and grows without you micromanaging Leadership depth: a strong, trained team can sustain Studio #1 while you build #2 Culture you can copy: your brand experience must be documented & replicable Systems that scale: tech, SOPs and automations are capable of greater capacity Launching a second studio may seem like the natural next move—but timing it wrong can stall (or sink) what you've built already. Avoid costly mistakes and get expert insights in Episode 728. Catch you there, Lise

Running a standout studio today is about building something people can't live without. The brands winning now thoughtfully integrate discipline, member experience and life change. Get an invaluable lesson in intentional excellence in Episode 727: Live from The HFA Show 2026: Lise Kuecker and Anne Smith, Chief Commercial Officer at [solidcore]. Experience-first growth: hospitality-level client journeys drive retention and referrals Coaches as the product: rigorous training and standards compel participation Commitment culture: memberships beat drop-ins when results are the goal Disciplined expansion: slow, strategic growth protects brand equity and unit economics Fitness fandom: community, identity and earned loyalty fuel long-term success Y'all, as boutique fitness matures and expands, the opportunity is massive. But growth starts with commitment, focus and exceptional execution. Grab your inside look in Episode 727. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!

Your studio may not have a revenue problem—but a leakage issue. Small inefficiencies, missing nonprocesses, minimal oversight and "nice-to-have" decisions can drain profit and stifle growth. In Episode 726: 5 Profit Leaks Killing Your Fitness Studio, Matt Hanton and Heather Garrick identify the most common ways studio owners lose money—and how to plug the gaps fast. Pricing patchwork: legacy rates, special favors and constant promos cap revenue Dead weight: underutilized classes and a weak schedule bleed profitability over time Payroll holes: staffing that doesn't maximize productivity and outcomes is a drain Non-existent nurture: lack of formal retention systems leads to unchecked attrition Conversion gap: leads and trials slip through the cracks without a formal sales process One leak can impact your business—but several can be the difference between a studio that's busy and one that's actually profitable. Reclaim your revenue with Episode 726. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Although running your studio may feel all-consuming (I get it!), don't neglect to keep an eye on how the fast-evolving fitness industry landscape ultimately can impact your day-to-day. Get food for thought on the global trends reshaping the sector in Episode 725: Live from The HFA Show 2026: Lise Kuecker and Emma Barry, CEO & Founder of Trouble Global. Influencer power: online personalities and audiences driving opportunities Merging models: boutiques, big box and digital morphing into a new ecosystem Price pressure: budget-friendly concepts resulting in more sustainable economics Mastery matters: declining coaching quality means certifications/training must level up Competition challenges: differentiation and owning your experience are critical From AI to GLP-1s to market saturation, we're witnessing massive acceleration. Understand the shifts, the results and how to adapt in Episode 725. Follow Emma Barry on Instagram. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

You didn't open your studio to feel trapped. But are you driving yourself into the ground anyway? If everything depends entirely on you, all the time, your studio can't scale—or even survive. Burnout shouldn't be a given. Get a better plan from Caroline Plambeck and Connor McGarry in Episode 724: How to Grow Your Boutique Fitness Studio Without Burning Out. Plug your energy leaks: pinpoint tasks you dread and reassign them Let go: delegate true ownership with clarity to quash learned helplessness Plan the playbook: build SOPs that provide direction and answer questions Trade perfection for progress: accept 80% execution to get free from doing it all Think bigger: block non-negotiable hours to work on the business, not just in it Believe it or not, by releasing some control and redefining your role, you can stop endless grinding and start sustainably growing. Take your first steps with Episode 724. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Y'all may not realize it, but decisions made in Washington D.C. and state capitals shape your studio's operations, contracts and long-term viability—and typically feel out of your control. Learn about the value of advocacy and how you have a stake (and more influence than you think) in Episode 723: Live from The HFA Show 2026: Lise Kuecker and Mike Goscinski, the Chief of Staff at the Health and Fitness Association. Politics matter: legislation impacts your business whether you engage or not Shifting perceptions: gaining credibility and positioning as part of preventive healthcare Promising opportunities: GLP-1 research, Medicare fitness benefits and more Your voice counts: small businesses make policy real and tangible for lawmakers Allies are everything: supporting HFA can unlock major wins for your business Whether it's click-to-cancel, cold spa regulation or using HSA funds for fitness memberships, laws can make or break our industry. Uncover what you need to know in Episode 723. The Health & Fitness Association is the only global trade association dedicated to protecting, promoting, and growing the health and fitness industry. We support active, healthy living by advocating for health and fitness businesses, delivering industry research and providing education that drives professional growth. Connect with HFA: YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Health & Fitness Business magazine Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Many studio managers stay stuck in the weeds—solving problems, teaching classes and doing all the things. But to grow, you need to move from manager to leader, and ultimately to investor. Beyond delegating tasks, you take on a new role. Alina Cooper walks you through it in Episode 722: From Manager to Leader: The Mindset Shift that Transforms Your Studio Team. Get candid: identify if you're in manager mode and commit to change Set them up: build SOPs and empower staff to own tasks and make decisions Invest intentionally: develop your team, provide opportunities and feedback Step back: hire a studio manager and remove yourself from the day-to-day Zoom out: focus on the big picture: culture, client experience & growth strategies If you stay in manager mode, your studio's growth will eventually plateau because you become the ceiling of your business. Level up to become a leader with Episode 722. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Studios don't lose members suddenly—it happens slowly, quietly, and often without you ever knowing why. Given how hard you worked to earn your clients, be proactive to keep them. Understand the reasons clients leave—and how you can prevent it or save them instead—with Matt Hanton and Lisa Taylor in Episode 721: Why Clients Quit Your Fitness Studio. Mine CRM signals: track attendance dips, unused packages and behavior changes Lose operational friction: fix booking issues, waitlists and clunky processes Nurture the vibe: maintain cleanliness, order and a pleasing aesthetic Cultivate community: connect individually, deliver consistency and beat expectations Own the follow-up: reach out early and personally when engagement slips Client churn isn't random—it's death by a thousand cuts. But it's also fixable when you know what to do. Be intentional about catching it early to save at-risk members with Episode 721. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Most boutique fitness owners want a team that's empowered to act like an owner. But they unintentionally create a business where everything depends on them—and end up frustrated. With an ownership culture, your studio runs well even without you. Make it happen with Alina Cooper in Episode 720: Building a Culture of Ownership (Without Micromanaging). Model the standard: consistently show what excellence looks like from day 1 Document the playbook: build clear SOPs to equip staff to act confidently Back off: delegate outcomes, authority, creativity and accountability Set structure and clarity: share KPIs and feedback—and celebrate wins! Work above the line: train staff to see problems, own solutions and take action Letting go of control can be difficult. But it leads to a stronger team, smoother operations and the freedom to step into the CEO role. Ditch micromanaging for good with Episode 720. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Boutique fitness studio owners instinctively know how to tackle Q1's typical surge with master multitasking and endless adrenaline. But then comes April. Now what? This month doesn't have to mean an inevitable slowdown. Seize the opportunities with Lisa Taylor and me in Episode 719: What to Do in Your Boutique Fitness Studio in April. Level set at your new normal: treat April as your benchmark for the rest of the year Conduct a postmortem: analyze Q1 marketing and sales to identify what worked best Move your merch: update retail offerings & order your customized summer drop Cultivate good karma: host Member Appreciation Week or Friends & Family Week Pause purposefully: reflect and plan with a half-day or full-day leadership retreat April shouldn't just be a cooldown or same old, same old. Smart boutique owners use it to look back, look around, look ahead and look inward. See how it's done well in Episode 719. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

We get it. Most of us don't open our boutique fitness studio to analyze spreadsheets. But if you're not checking your numbers regularly, you're actually jeopardizing your business. Get a brief overview of what's essential to keep an eye on (and why) with Matt Hanton and Conor McGarry in Episode 718: The 5 Must-Know Metrics Driving Studio Success. Fill the room: aim for 70-80% capacity utilization to meet real demand Stabilize cash flow: build memberships to about 70% of monthly recurring revenue Compel the curious: convert more leads to intros and intros to memberships. Extend the stay: maximize retention as a marketing strategy & profit multiplier Evaluate expenses: keep instructor payroll at 30-40% of your total revenue Together, these numbers tell the true story of your studio's health—and where to focus if you're struggling to achieve profitability or sustainable growth. Do yourself a favor with Episode 718. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Raising your prices may feel risky, but if you don't, you're eroding your margins and killing profitability over time. So reframe your mindset and adopt this healthy business practice. Protect your business, preserve memberships—and ditch the anxiety—with Matt Hanton and Conor McGarry in Episode 717: How to Raise Your Prices Without Losing Clients. Set expectations: normalize annual price increases to keep up with inflation Run the numbers: calculate your unit economics and break-even rate Reward loyalty: offer existing members bumps below market rate with levers Command buy-in: lay out the rationale clearly and ensure confidence in your team Be transparent: give advance notice and break down where the dollars go Price increases shouldn't trigger guilt or shame—they should be SOPs. Planning, communication and commitment are your critical success factors. Unpack them in Episode 717. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Even though boutique studio clients are creatures of habit, stagnant class schedules can breed boredom over time. Done right, adding new formats sparks excitement and attendance. It's a smart balance of discipline and evolution. Get guidance on trying new class formats strategically in Episode 715: How to Test New Class Formats Without Losing Money. Lead with the ledger: tie new formats to a revenue goal or retention gap Guard the brand: ensure new formats align with your positioning and don't muddy it Pilot, not plunge: launch a minimum viable schedule with a defined trial window Protect payroll: incorporate into the existing schedule to avoid adding new expenses Define success early: set utilization benchmarks and a clear exit plan upfront Testing new formats should boost enthusiasm and revenue with low risk. Lead with a business mind, not just emotions. Make your next schedule update a calculated win with Episode 715. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

In today's competitive boutique fitness market, "good" simply isn't enough. If your brand isn't current and clearly differentiated, you may be invisible—or worse, interchangeable. Explore how to audit and refresh your brand to resonate today with Alina Cooper and Lisa Taylor in Episode 714: Is Your Brand Outdated? Proven Ways to Stay Relevant in 2026. Audit the gap: compare your brand intent to actual client perception Clarify your promise: sell the transformation and experience—then deliver Cultivate vibrancy: refresh your visuals, messaging, offers & tech stacks, Train touchpoints: ensure your team reinforces your promise & evolution Form a habit: embrace relevance as a mindset—not a one-time project Brand drift is subtle over time—but eventually costly. As your clients evolve, your business must adapt as well—without losing your foundation. Recalibrate strategically with Episode 714. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Y'all, if you take your foot off the gas in March, your studio's likely to have a long, quiet summer. While you're still in the busiest quarter of the year, this should be a leverage month. Focus on intentionality, exploration and creativity now. Join Lisa Taylor and me for your must-do list in Episode 713: What to Do in Your Boutique Studio Business in March. Prep your pipeline: plan your 90-day marketing plan and start selling now Audit your schedule: trim excess volume, protect variety and check summer staffing Reset retail: clear winter inventory and drive demand with open houses or upsells Refresh & reward: treat your team to something special after intense demands Tackle taxes: meet with your accountant for strategic tax and filing decisions March is about front-loading traffic and revenue, tightening operations and taking care of your team while you still have strong momentum. Get your game plan in Episode 713. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Building a sustainable brand is about creating something strong enough to outlast trends and survive copycats. It's doing the hard work, staying passionate and embracing who you are. Get an inside look at what it really takes to create thriving global platforms, certifications and methods in Episode 712: The Pilates Journal Expo with Lise Kuecker and Tracey Mallett.* Invest in protection: trademark and defend your brand and messaging Lose your ego: ask for help and develop confidence through experience Simplify to scale: create frameworks and roadmaps to maintain quality Pay it forward: mentor others to close the gap between certification and skills Separate yourself: ensure your business doesn't rely on your name so you can exit Decades into this, Tracey emphasizes leaning into your unique personality, power and grit to impact and empower others. Learn lessons from a legacy in Episode 712. Follow Tracey on Instagram at @traceymallett. *Recorded live at The Pilates Journal Expo. The Pilates Journal is the leading voice of the global Pilates industry. Subscribe free at www.pilatesjournal.com/subscribe. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

What if the real competitive edge in boutique fitness isn't programming—it's positioning? In a crowded Pilates market, clarity of brand and conviction in your model may matter most. See how Sean Bergara, founder of Sean Bergara Pilates, paved a distinct lane grounded in principles in Episode 711: The Pilates Journal Expo with Lise Kuecker and Sean Bergara.* Emphasize inclusivity: design programming and messaging for everybody Keep it simple: translate Pilates terminology into language gym-goers understand Move first: let clients experience the movements, then layer in the why & methodology Honor the foundation: stay rooted to the true Pilates method as you evolve Build from authenticity: design a model that reflects your background and beliefs It's about disruption and differentiation with discipline—and despite all the noise and criticism. Episode 711 shows what's possible when you look at things differently. Follow Sean on Instagram at @seanbergarapilates. *Recorded live at The Pilates Journal Expo. The Pilates Journal is the leading voice of the global Pilates industry. Subscribe free at www.pilatesjournal.com/subscribe. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

What happens when you take something wildly popular—Pilates—and intentionally redesign it to attract even more people? Rapid growth, big revenue—and an entirely new format. Grab real-life insights and inspo with Michael Ramsey, the co-founder and CEO of STRONG Pilates, in Episode 710: The Pilates Journal Expo with Lise Kuecker and Michael Ramsey.* Break the mold: fuse Pilates, strength and cardio for novelty and interest Broaden the appeal: market to men and athletes seeking performance Take on tech: use screens, feedback and AI to increase customer lifetime value Always be striving: recast issues as opportunities; commit to continual improvement Choose wisely: carefully select sales-minded operators and passionate instructors STRONG Pilates is a case study on impressively scaling a modern brand without losing clarity, quality or control. Episode 710 is a must-listen for ambitious studio owners. Follow Michael on Instagram at @ramslegit. *Recorded live at The Pilates Journal Expo. The Pilates Journal is the leading voice of the global Pilates industry. Subscribe free at www.pilatesjournal.com/subscribe. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Prosperous Pilates studios don't chase shortcuts or trends—they commit to excellence, education and evolution. Lasting success is built on depth, discipline and discernment. Explore what it takes to build a resilient business with Maria Leone, longtime owner of Bodyline Pilates, in Episode 709: The Pilates Journal Expo with Lise Kuecker and Maria Leone.* Cultivate the craft: emphasize strong foundations and continual learning Raise the bar: demand excellence and encourage creativity Filter the noise: use social media as inspiration—not as your training manual Lead with community: be true to yourself and build relationships Reinvest in yourself: stay fresh and maintain your passion to prevent burnout Future-proof your studio by tapping into valuable wisdom from decades of experience in this behind-the-scenes, straight-shooting conversation in Episode 709. Follow Marie on Instagram at @bodylinela. *Recorded live at The Pilates Journal Expo. The Pilates Journal is the leading voice of the global Pilates industry. Subscribe free at www.pilatesjournal.com/subscribe. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

As studios invest heavily in creating beautiful sanctuaries and upscale environments, what ultimately matters to flourish is clear purpose, real community and smart leadership. Get a candid look at how that plays out with Khetanya Henderson, founder of KKRU, in Episode 708: The Pilates Journal Expo with Lise Kuecker and Khetanya Henderson.* Make a difference: build where you're needed most and can give back Get creative with capital: tell everyone, leverage community and pop-ups Design for experience: prioritize how clients feel over aesthetics every time Nurture relationships: support vulnerability, check in often, personalize outreach Win with mindset: keep reaching up, embody strength + joy, grow thoughtfully With creativity, energy and thinking outside the box, anything is possible. Dig deep, reframe obstacles as opportunities and look at the big picture. Inspiration awaits in Episode 708. Follow Khetanya on Instagram at @khetanya. *Recorded live at The Pilates Journal Expo. The Pilates Journal is the leading voice of the global Pilates industry. Subscribe free at www.pilatesjournal.com/subscribe. Catch you there, Lise PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/