Fitness Career Mastery Podcast

Whether you're new to conducting formal and informal evaluations or looking to refine your current process, this episode is packed with insights. We discuss performance reviews' important role in enhancing your business and team dynamics. Learn from common mistakes and adopt best practices for effective feedback. From improving instructor performance and engagement to aligning business goals and identifying training needs, we cover the spectrum of benefits this valuable practice provides for the health and success of your business. Stay tuned for a special resource: our Performance Excellence Blueprint, a comprehensive guide, and customizable review sheet for seamlessly integrating effective performance evaluations into your business operations right away. Key Talking Points: The Critical Role of Performance Reviews: Unpacking how regular feedback enhances performance and deeply engages your team, aligning individual goals with your business’s vision. Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Insightful anecdotes on some studio owners' missteps, from over-surveillance to inconsistent evaluation methods, and how these can adversely affect team morale and effectiveness. We’ll share real-world examples of how not to conduct reviews and the impact of infrequent, biased, or poorly structured feedback. Best Practices for Meaningful Feedback: A guide to conducting reviews that foster growth, including the importance of preparation, regularity, objectivity, and focusing on development. The Blueprint for Success: An introduction to our Performance Excellence Blueprint, a tool designed to streamline the review process for your business. This episode is designed to be an essential guide for any business owner looking to leverage performance reviews for team and business growth, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and open communication. DOWNLOAD YOUR PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE BLUEPRINT HERE: https://fitnesscareermastery.com/performance-excellence-blueprint

In this episode, we turn the traditional fitness marketing playbook on its head. If you're like most fitness professionals we speak to, you may not know exactly who your ideal client is or how to market to them in a way that communicates your value, or you have an idea of how you want to portray yourself to your people, but don't know for certain if that intention is felt and understood. The truth is that in order to clearly speak to your dream clients, communicate value and attract more of them in, there are a lot of beliefs about our industry and how we have historically marketed ourselves that need to shift dramatically. In this episode we share a recording of a recent brand strategy session that Barry had with a potential client where he took a deep dive with her into what that shift looks like. After listening, you're going to think about how you position your value completely differently, and hopefully be on the path to take the necessary steps to attracting new dream clients confidently like a supermagnet. What You'll Learn: The Pitfalls of Marketing Your Classes:Real Needs Over Physical Benefits: We promise this episode will shift your perspective on what it means to market group fitness classes in today's world, redefine your approach to marketing, and offering insights that could redefine the way you connect with the people who need you the most. GET THE EBOOK, AUDIOBOOK, & COURSE: https://fitnesscareermastery.com/avalanche BOOK A BRAND STRATEGY SESSION: https://signup.fitnesscareermastery.com/yourstrategysession/

Unlock the secrets to transforming your fitness classes into must-attend events with this enlightening podcast episode. We dive into innovative strategies that go beyond traditional fitness classes, focusing on creating a unique and immersive experience for participants. Discover how to captivate and retain a broader audience by incorporating creativity and passion into your offer. Here’s what you'll learn: Transforming Classes into Experiential Events: Discover how to make your fitness offerings compelling events that rival concerts or dining experiences, turning them into sought after destinations. Finding and Owning Your Niche: Learn how to identify and leverage your unique skills and passions to stand out in the crowded fitness market without relying on gimmicks. Building a Strong, Engaged Community: Find out how to create a loyal community around shared values and interests, enhancing retention and encouraging word-of-mouth referrals. Redefining the Purpose of Movement: Understand how to shift the focus of your classes from solely achieving a "fit body" to embracing movement for joy, wellness, and community building. Marketing the Holistic Benefits of Fitness: Gain insights on how to effectively communicate the mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of your classes, moving beyond just the physical results. Developing a Powerful Brand Strategy: Download the free ebook "Why You're Not Selling Out Your Classes... (& What To Do About It)": Access this in-depth guide complete with journal prompts to help you clarify the specific problem your fitness classes solves, and how to address it effectively: The eBook: https://fitnesscareermastery.com/avalanche The Audiobook: https://urlgeni.us/spotify/eW8z7 Whether you’re a seasoned fitness professional or a new entrepreneur, this episode provides actionable insights for making your classes not just a workout, but a sought-after experience that participants eagerly anticipate.

In this eye-opening episode, we delve into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of group fitness success: the power of standardized programming in fitness studios. Join us as we explore why allowing instructors to freestyle their classes is a misstep for boutique studio owners, and how implementing structured, templated programming can revolutionize your business, as well as help set up instructors for success. Listen as we share insights from our extensive experience, highlighting the pitfalls of inconsistency and the transformative benefits of a well-defined fitness program. Learn how standardized workouts not only enhance the client experience but also streamline instructor training and onboarding, ensuring a uniform, high-quality class every time. Some key takeaways from this episode include: Why Standardized Programming is Crucial: Learn about the need for structured, templated programming to maintain consistency and high-quality experiences in fitness classes. Risks of DIY Freestyle Classes: Discover the challenges posed by inconsistent class experiences, and the difficulty in setting and measuring success markers for instructors. Benefits for Studio Owners and Instructors: Understand how structured systems streamline training, attract talent, and increase client retention. Establishing Effective Program Structures: We discuss how to define workout goals, codify rules and strategies, and effectively use templates and guidelines. Balancing Structure with Creativity: Find out how to infuse unique brand elements into classes while maintaining a structured approach. Impact on Instructors: Learn how standardized programming reduces instructor workload and stress, and enhances class engagement. Whether you're a fitness studio owner eager to scale your business, an instructor looking to refine your craft, or an entrepreneur in the fitness world, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and actionable advice. Tune in to transform your approach to group fitness and steer your studio towards unparalleled success and client satisfaction.

Get ready to dive deep into the art and science of creating fitness experiences that keep clients coming back for more! In this episode, Shay, our seasoned experience designer, peels back the curtain on the number one challenge studio owners face - inconsistency in their classes. Discover the secret sauce of "Minimum Viable Certainty" (MVC) as Shay explains its profound impact on client engagement, performance, and addiction to your workouts. Drawing inspiration from Steven Kotler and The Flow Research Collective, Shay unveils how MVC is the key to achieving the coveted Flow State in fitness. 📱 Take the Plunge: If you're ready to transform your fitness studio into a haven of consistent, addictive workouts, Shay invites you to take the plunge. Book a FREE call to explore how you can implement MVC and elevate your fitness game: https://www.fitnesscareermastery.com/service-page/strategysession 🚀 What's in Store for You: 🔍 Unveiling MVC: Ever wondered why some fitness classes leave you hooked, while others feel like a gamble? Shay introduces MVC as the game-changer, the magic ingredient that turns a good class into an unforgettable experience. 💡 Consistency is Key: Shay breaks down the importance of consistency in fitness programming. Learn how it can elevate your brand, keep clients engaged, and ensure they get addicted to the joy of the workout. 🔄 Breaking the Cycle: Explore the pitfalls of relying solely on star instructors and the instability it creates. Shay shares practical steps to break the cycle, ensuring your business remains strong even when key instructors take a break. 🛠️ Tools of the Trade: Shay provides three actionable steps you can implement today to guarantee consistency without stifling creativity. From programming constraints to company language and an enhanced onboarding process, these tools set the stage for an ultimate fitness experience. 🌈 The Flow State Payoff: Discover the incredible benefits of implementing MVC. From improved team dynamics to a stronger brand and increased class numbers, Shay outlines how a consistent fitness experience becomes a magnet for success. 🔑 Take the Plunge: If you're ready to transform your fitness studio into a haven of consistent, addictive workouts, Shay invites you to take the plunge. Book a FREE call to explore how you can implement MVC and elevate your fitness game. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to creating fitness experiences that not only meet expectations but exceed them, leaving clients buzzing with joy and spreading the word about your studio!

Uncover the Game-Changing Secret to Skyrocket Your Fitness Career... Join Barry and Shay as they unveil exclusive insights from one of Barry's recent strategy sessions, exposing the ONE elusive factor holding back fitness professionals from achieving unparalleled success. Discover the 'why' behind this obstacle, unravel its mysteries, and gain actionable strategies to shatter it. Don't miss out on the career-altering revelations that can transform your journey in the fitness industry. This episode is your passport to breaking barriers and unlocking the true potential of your professional life! Download your copy of Why You're Not Selling Out Your Classes (& What To Do About It!): https://fitnesscareermastery.com/avalanche

This episode is the audiobook version of an ebook we wrote called 'Why You're Not Selling Out Your Classes (& What To Do About It!)' where we summarize what we feel is everything you need to know about what it takes to easily and confidently attract more of your dream clients. As you listen, you'll notice that at the end of each section are some journal prompts to help you take action and implement what you learned into your own business. To download a copy of the ebook for free, and also gain access to an in-depth mini-course called 'How To Attract An Avalanche of Your Dream Clients' (also 100% free), go to fitnesscareermastery.com/avalanche. In this ebook you'll learn: like clockwork.only 3% of the market.marketing your workout is holding you backperfect solutionwhat makes you unique.ditch throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY & GAIN ACCESS TO THE MINI-COURSE: fitnesscareermastery.com/avalanche

In his book Hero on a Mission, Donald Miller describes 4 main character "archetypes". The victim, villain, hero, and guide. In your fitness career, you play three of those four parts at some point, as you move through your different "Eras" This episode was inspired by Miller's book, and today you'll learn how recognizing what era you (or others in the industry) are in will help you with: • Understanding and owning your capabilities so you can avoid burning out, and know what to expect from yourself. • Ensuring you're showing up in a way that serves your clients the most (and keeps them around) • Finding mentorship and understanding who is the right person to take you where you want to go. Learn the '7 Steps to Sold Out Classes' ​ Over 7 days you'll get research-backed tools and time-tested techniques that help instructors create sold-out, waitlisted classes. If you get an email from us that doesn’t help you get more people addicted to your X-periences, and make a deeper impact, then we aren't doing our job: SIGN UP HERE: https://www.fitnesscareermastery.com/uxn

Unlock the secrets to marketing success in your fitness business. Join us as we delve into the crucial difference between marketing strategy and tactics. Barry breaks down the essence of each, helping you understand why they're both essential. Discover how your marketing strategy is your blueprint for success, setting you apart from the competition. It's your compelling story that resonates with your dream clients and guides your decisions. Learn why your marketing tactics, like social media posts and ads, should align with your strategy for maximum impact. Get inspired by real-life examples, including Patagonia's 'Don't Buy This Jacket' campaign.

The FCM Podcast is BACK and better than before! For 200 episodes spanning half a decade, we brought on experts from every corner of the industry to share what they know about what they do best. We interviewed everyone from marketing experts, legal, finance, studio design, vocal coaches, and professional class reviewers, you name it. But now that we're back, we're going to change things up a bit... Press play to learn how, and listen as Barry & Shay tell their stories for the first time ever on the show.

The FCM Podcast is BACK and better than before! For 200 episodes spanning half a decade, we brought on experts from every corner of the industry to share what they know about what they do best. We interviewed everyone from marketing experts, legal, finance, studio design, vocal coaches, and professional class reviewers, you name it. But now that we're back, we're going to change things up a bit... Press play to learn how, and listen as Barry & Shay tell their stories for the first time ever on the show.

This episode is going to cause you to question a lot about our industry, and how you’re offering the experience of exercise in your business. Because when it comes to inclusion, there is so much that we don’t think of that is causing a massive population of people to feel unwelcome and defeated by what you’re offering, rather than the way you hope they feel- inspired and excited to come back again. And I guarantee most of it is flying under your radar. Things like… how you program your workouts, how you coach your workouts… whether or not offering pre-choreographed classes are the right thing to offer. How you’ve positioned your equipment in the room, and what that equipment is in the first place. Even down to what we define as “fit” or “fitness” in the first place! You’ll learn about why each of those and more might be culprits by listening to this episode today. What’s so interesting to me is that the biggest concern that we hear fitness business owners talk about is their ability to attract new clients, or get clients to stay longer, and in this episode, you’ll learn that the answer to that may come from the realization that you’ve unconsciously and unintentionally been scaring away a huge potential clientele, simply from adopting too limited a view of what your business can be. SHOW NOTES: https://www.tashaedwards.com/ https://www.instagram.com/iamtashaedwards/

Our guest in this episode is a business operations consultant and attorney for fitness, wellness, and creative professionals. She’s passionate about providing her clients with her playbook and systems to teach them how to build the business they want and deserve, without the constant anxiety, overwhelm, exhaustion, or frustration. Through the conversation, we tackle a ton of valuable topics like: 1. Knowing the right way to grow by finding the right relationships with complimentary businesses. 2. Learning from what others do well, and what others don’t do well, and applying that to your business. 3. Setting boundaries... sdpecifically how legal policies and procedures/ client agreements/ terms of service are really just a way of of communicating our feelings in a legal document in a way that protects your energy and peace of mind which is directly linked to the success of your business. 4. Reframing the importance of legal agreements- no matter what size business you run. Why it's vitally important that you don't put your future and fate in the hands of a sketchy google doc. Take yourself seriously as a business owner. 5. We wrap up with our guests's take on the future of fitness SHOW NOTES: She Vs. World Podcast https://www.daniellesteadblanton.com/

If you’re a regular listener of the show, you know we talk a lot about leveraging your uniqueness to scale your business- whether that be your unique origin story, your core values, your beliefs, or your unique skills. The reason is because #1, there is no one else like you in the world, and you can immediately set yourself apart from competitors this way, and #2, your clients aren’t buying your workouts- they’re making a buying decision based on how you make them feel- and that comes from what you share about your beliefs and values, and how you believe your unique approach can change their life. The best way to communicate this is through utilizing the power of story, and in Episode 190, we dove deep into just how powerful storytelling is to scale your business and find success. But something we didn’t talk about is specifically how to do that. That’s why we invited back our guest today- so he can teach you how to find that leverage to #1- get more clients and make more money, #2, leverage how you do what you do by packaging or productizing your values and beliefs and the way you do what you do, and #3, how you can start to get others to reach out to you for opportunities. Of all the episodes we’ve done, I think that what we talk about today is one of the simplest and most effective ways to scale your business based solely on leveraging who you are and what you believe. On that note, please welcome back Jude Charles to the show. LINKS: https://athleticgreens.com/fcm Jude's Story Bank Journal Jude's Newsletter

We've partnered with ACE for a few recent episodes to bring you the best info on how to future-proof your business. In this truly heart-driven conversation our guest speaks about why turning a mirror on yourself and consistently self-assessing is the key to career longevity. This involves taking a hard look at your interests, your skills, the types of people you want to serve, and what superpowers you have (because your uniqueness is always going to be the thing that brings you the most success- if you lean into it). What comes next is a process of marrying this self-assessment, and what YOU want to give to your clients with what they actually NEED. Press play now to learn what that process looks like. LINKS: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyjwall_fit/ ACE Pro Compass to Provide Unprecedented Ongoing Career Support to ACE Certified Professionals (acefitness.org) ACE Continuing Education: Workshops and Specialist Programs (acefitness.org) Free Webinars | Fitness Webinars | ACE (acefitness.org)

The big question we unpack in this episode is... what does your community really want from you? And we’re not talking surface-level stuff like abs... What do they really want out of the time they’ve sold to you? Today’s episode features a marketing consultant for health & wellness entreprenuers, focused on helping wellness brands grow and learn how to effectively market their businesses. But this interview is different in that she’s not here to talk about granular tactics, tools and tricks that you would expect a marketing consultant to deliver. We dig deep and talk about the foundational aspects of your marketing strategy. hospitality, relationship building, community building and what that really takes. We talk about the pitfalls of marketing price and explore the benefits of marketing VALUE. After all, she calls herself your foundational marketing expert and guide. The work that she does is really where your marketing journey begins, and what all your future marketing decisions stand upon. LINKS: https://foreverfriday.co/ https://fitnesscareermastery.com/wellnessliving

Do you have an area of expertise in fitness? Have you ever considered writing continuing education content, or producing your own training program? Maybe you've mastered one skill that you want to share. If you're wondering what the steps are to producing something that could be accredited by an organization like ACE, then press play on this episode, where Shay continues her conversation with Chris Gagliardi, the Scientific Education Content Manager with ACE. LINKS: https://www.acefitness.org/ https://www.acefitness.org/about-ace/ace-mover-method/ https://athleticgreens.com/fcm

Being a good trainer is really about relationship building, but to built strong, meaningful, heartfelt, and impactful relationships (as we all should strive to!) it means we have to play a number of roles really well at the same time. We have to be a coach, an educator, a motivator, but also a DJ, an MC, and more! Aside from the difficulty of being able to do all of those things well, it can also be difficult to know WHEN to play each role by reading, watching, and listening to our clients. And that’s what this conversation is about in the first half of this epic two-episode conversation. Our guest today gives some amazing actionable tips to help you execute each role well, and also be able to tell when each is the most appropriate for what your client needs in that moment. LINKS: https://www.acefitness.org/ https://www.acefitness.org/about-ace/ace-mover-method/ https://athleticgreens.com/fcm

This episode is a continuation of the conversation Shay had with Staci Alden in our previous episode. If you haven't listened to it, they really break down what it means to be a group fitness manager, and demystify this very important role at any fitness facility. This week Staci talks about going beyond the numbers and the six things to look for when reviewing instructor performance that can't be found in data points, but are still trackable! Follow Staci: https://www.youtube.com/c/StaciAlden https://stacialden.com/ Get a year's supply of Vitamin D and 5 travel packs of AG1 when you get a subscription to Athletic Greens: https://athleticgreens.com/fcm

In this episode, we are diving into the role of the group fitness manager, which in almost 300 episodes is a topic that we haven’t really touched on before... and yet it was one of the most vital - albeit mysterious - roles of any club or studio. We know that if you are a studio owner, you may be performing this role yourself. OR if you’re looking to hire someone to fill this position, where do you even begin? As you’ll quickly learn in this episode, there is no roadmap or playbook for a group fitness manager and the job can be dense and intense. But it’s also really dynamic, exciting, and fulfilling and if you’re a fitpro listening to our podcast you might be thinking, what opportunities lie in my future when I don’t want to teach 10-15 classes a week anymore, where can my experience take my career in fitness. If you’ve ever had dreams of becoming a group fitness manager, as Shay once did, this episode is also for you. We break down what the role really entails, the qualities necessary to be successful, tips to stay organized, how to effectively communicate to stakeholders, and ultimately make a really complicated job, seem less complicated while avoiding burnout and feeling fulfilled in what can be an all-consuming role, Our guest, Staci Alden is committed to helping group fitness managers and club operators elevate their programs, instructors, and leadership. As an experienced consultant and strategic planner for both digital and in-person offerings, her clients range from large luxury health clubs and multi-family international companies to small studios. She has designed world-class studios on a tight budget, launched signature formats, and built turnkey solutions for enhancing systems, leaders, and talent. She is also an established presenter, writer, and YouTube influencer, regularly interviewing thought leaders and fitness professionals on her channel. https://www.youtube.com/c/StaciAlden https://stacialden.com/ Check Out Wellness Living using our link to receive 50% off the regular price of their professional membership for the lifetime of your subscription: https://fitnesscareermastery.com/wellnessliving