When gym owners first step into entrepreneurship, signing a lease, putting down guarantees, and starting a business, it feels monumental. It’s the ultimate risk – leaving the comfort of certainty for the chance at something greater.

But somewhere along the way, many stop taking those risks. They start playing it safe, treating essential investments in marketing, coaching, or systems as expenses instead of opportunities for growth.

Tim and Randy break down why this happens: fear of failure, uncertainty, or simply not knowing the numbers that make confident decisions possible. 

Gym owners often default to spending on equipment or certifications because it’s familiar, but those aren’t the moves that build a scalable business.

The game changes when risk becomes calculated. By knowing key metrics – like ROI, cost per acquisition, and client value – you remove the emotion from decision-making and focus on logical, measurable actions that drive real results.

Running a gym is already a risk – you’ve taken the leap, signed the contracts, and bet on yourself. So why stop now? If you want to scale, you need to face the weak spots in your business, take smart risks, and stop playing small.

In this episode, Tim and Randy show you how data-driven decisions can turn hesitation into progress and push your gym to the next level.

Let’s get into it!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• The initial risk of entrepreneurship (00:46)
• Short-term discomfort for long-term gain (02:49)
• Data-driven decision-making reduces risk fear (06:12)
• The paradox of client success (14:57)
• Investing in areas of weakness (17:39)
• Your ROI as a gym owner (20:50)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Legal issues can be one of the costliest mistakes gym owners make – and it often comes down to not being prepared. Whether it’s liability waivers, insurance policies, or state-specific health club regulations, waiting too long to address these essentials can create serious problems. 

A single oversight – like missing a compliance deadline or having an incomplete membership agreement – can lead to lawsuits, chargebacks, or financial troubles.

In this episode, Tim and Randy sit down with Mathew Becker, founder of Gym Lawyers, to discuss how proactive legal preparation can save gym owners from these all-too-common disasters. 

Mathew breaks down how a solid waiver not only protects you in court but can also stop lawsuits before they start. He also shares tips for avoiding chargebacks and navigating state compliance requirements.

If you think, “That’ll never happen to me,” Mathew’s real-life stories might change your mind. Tune in for this episode and let Mathew help you avoid costly mistakes and safeguard your business for the long term. 

Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Mathew Becker – from litigator to gym owner (01:00)
• Importance of liability waivers (04:20)
• Ordinary vs. Gross negligence (10:00)
• Understanding compliance and bonds (19:00)
• Using “installments” to win disputes (31:00)
• Non-solicitation agreements and confidentiality (45:00)
• Legal compliance when selling your gym (57:00)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Buffet gyms promise it all – classes, recovery lounges, personal training, and more. 

But offering everything to everyone often means excelling at nothing. It’s a recipe for a business bogged down by overhead and mediocrity, attracting clients who treat your gym like an all-you-can-eat deal instead of valuing quality.

Tim and Randy make the case for a better approach: running your gym like a fine-dining restaurant. 

By focusing on fewer high-quality services and creating an intentional experience, you can attract premium clients who are willing to pay for the best. Just like a Michelin-starred restaurant perfects every detail of its menu, a specialized gym can outshine the competition in both results and reputation.

In this episode, Tim and Randy explain why specialization is the key to long-term success. They highlight how leveraging data helps you find your ideal clients and how consistent team standards create a seamless, high-value experience. 

Tune in to discover how leaving the buffet model behind and focusing on the right details can transform your gym from just scraping by to truly thriving.

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• A story of an overambitious new gym (00:38)
• Simplifying services to boost profitability (02:27)
• Understanding the main demographics of gym clients (07:02)
• Buffet vs. fine dining gym models explained (09:51)
• Attention to detail improves the client experience (14:13)
• The importance of consistent coaching standards (18:13)
• Fixing problems early to avoid bigger issues (22:30)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Imagine this: your gym’s bills are paid before the month even starts. No last-minute sales pushes, no desperate offers – just steady, predictable income that keeps growing. That’s the power of recurring revenue.

Here’s the thing. Too many gym owners are chasing short-term wins with paid-in-full deals or flashy challenges. Sure, a big upfront payment feels great, but what happens when those clients vanish after a few months? 

Walmart didn’t build Walmart Plus memberships for one-time shoppers, and your gym can’t build a future on them either.

When you focus on recurring memberships, you’re building a foundation that grows month after month. Each new client strengthens that base, and over time, you’ll have a gym that runs on stability – not constant hustle. 

These long-term memberships also attract the right clients: people who see fitness as a lifestyle, not a quick fix. They stick around because they value what you deliver, year after year.

So, if you’re tired of the rollercoaster of unpredictable income and endless promotions, it’s time to make recurring revenue your priority. Join Tim and Randy as they break down how to build a gym that thrives for the long haul.

You don’t want to miss this one! 

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Recurring revenue advantages (02:00)
• Shortcomings of fitness challenges (06:45)
• Semi-private training as the superior model (08:50)
• Retention over front-end marketing (12:15)
• Long-term membership benefits (15:00)
• Building systems for business stability (18:00)
• Recap (19:40)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

For gym owners, hiring the right people isn’t just a challenge – it’s often a crisis. 

Without a plan, losing a coach means you’re back on the training floor, juggling sessions and managing clients. It puts business growth on pause, leaving you stuck in a constant state of firefighting and unable to focus on the bigger picture. 

Sound familiar?

But the good news is that there’s a way to free yourself from the daily grind and keep your gym running smoothly, even when one of your coaches suddenly leaves. It’s by having a structured hiring and onboarding system. 

And in this episode, Randy and Zach explain how to set up a well-oiled hiring system that will not only save you time but also protect your business and ensure it runs smoothly no matter what.

Tune in and learn:

• Why relying on “unicorn” hires is risky
• How to onboard new coaches in weeks, not months, without sacrificing quality
• How to build systems that keep you out of fulfillment roles and focused on growth

Let’s dive in! 

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• The challenges of hiring in gyms (01:22)
• Having strong systems keeps operations running smoothly (07:08)
• The "stop gap" role in your business (11:02)
• Onboarding new hires effectively (18:06)
• The difference between training and coaching in gym operations (21:34)
• What metrics to focus on when evaluating new coaches (24:17)
• Recap (25:03)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Nothing grabs attention like being recognized as the expert in your local community. Whether it’s within a five-mile radius or across your entire city, the right approach can transform your business from just another gym into a trusted authority on health and fitness.

One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by launching a podcast. A podcast not only expands your reach and showcases your expertise but also strengthens team dynamics and provides ongoing value for your clients. 

In this episode, Randy and Zach break down how a simple podcast can elevate your brand, prevent coach burnout, and foster deeper connections with both clients and staff. By offering a platform for education and engagement, podcasts give your team a creative outlet while positioning your gym as the go-to fitness authority.

If you're ready to stand out, engage your community, and repurpose content across multiple channels, this episode shows you exactly how to make it happen. 

Let’s dive in! 

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Benefits of having a local podcast (00:36)
• "Five-mile famous" concept explained (02:57)
• Internal team benefits of podcasting (07:18)
• Continuing education for coaches through podcast prep (10:32)
• Building team culture through collaboration (16:08)
• Engaging clients through "client of the week" (22:13)
• Recap (23:47)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Gym owners are often frustrated by a constant flow of members coming and going. They usually try new marketing strategies, flashy promotions, and revamping their offerings, yet retention rates remain stuck.

That’s because retention isn’t just about attracting people - it’s about what happens after they walk through the door.

At some point, you have to stop focusing on how to get members in and start thinking about why they leave. In many cases, it comes down to one word: consistency. If your gym experience changes day to day – different music, inconsistent coaching, or unclear programming – members lose trust and move on.

In this episode, Tim and Randy talk about member retention - one of the toughest challenges gym owners face. They explore why consistency is key and reveal other essential factors that can make or break your business.

If you’re tired of watching members leave despite your hard work, this episode offers a simple plan for taking control of your gym’s operations and delivering a consistent, great experience every time.

Let’s dive in! 

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• The retention problem starts with the product (00:39)
• Consistency matters more than quality (03:01)
• Importance of clear brand promises (07:41)
• Details in the client experience count (12:53)
• SOPs reduce risks (18:26)
• Analyzing retention metrics (23:30)
• AI-powered SOPs improve standardization (24:50)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

For months leading up to the election, gym owners across the country were struggling. Facebook ad costs had skyrocketed, leads disappeared, and consumer spending froze. No matter how much they tested or tweaked their strategies, the results just weren’t there.

Then, something remarkable happened. The day after the election, everything changed. Ad performance improved, leads started pouring in, and the optimism in the air was almost tangible. For many businesses, it felt like a light switch had been flipped.

This wasn’t just a coincidence – it’s what Tim and Randy are calling "The Trump Effect." Political events, especially elections, don’t just impact governments – they ripple through the economy, shaping consumer confidence, business performance, and marketing outcomes.

In this episode, Tim and Randy break down why understanding these macro trends is critical for small business success. They reveal how to use data to adapt to external shifts, why political certainty drives consumer behavior, and how to position your business for growth during economic rebounds.

Learn to navigate times when your business feels at the mercy of external forces, leverage economic shifts, and ride waves of optimism to fuel your growth.

Tune in now! 

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• The "Trump effect" on marketing and business (01:19)
• Post-election turnaround in consumer behavior (06:35)
• The power of economic optimism for business growth (09:26)
• Importance of data-driven decision-making (11:47)
• Impact of external market conditions on strategy (13:33)
• Encouraging small businesses to prepare for growth (17:11)
• Recap (18:48)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Coach turnover is the gym owner’s worst nightmare. A coach leaves, and suddenly, clients are walking out, too. It’s a disruption that hits both your bottom line and your gym’s morale.

Most gym owners try to “fix” the problem by hiring experienced candidates. However, it often becomes frustrating because the candidate pool is so limited.

As a result, gym owners usually lower their standards and hire people who either lack the right skills or aren’t a good cultural fit, just to fill the gap. This can lead to poor performance or even toxic dynamics within the team. Sound familiar?

But what if you could hire based on soft skills and turn an inexperienced candidate into a great coach in just 90 days?

This episode explores exactly that. Tim and Zach break down the systems they’ve implemented to onboard new coaches quickly and effectively, including the game-changing Semi-Private Pro app. These tools allow them to teach anyone – regardless of experience – the mechanics of coaching, the importance of standardized systems, and how to deliver an exceptional client experience.

If you’ve struggled with staff turnover or finding the “perfect” coach, tune in to learn how to rethink your hiring process and protect your gym from chaos.

Let’s dive in! 

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Coach turnover impacts client retention (01:28)
• Building rapport through consistent coach-client interactions (06:17)
• Soft skills as the foundation of great coaching (09:30)
• Step-by-step onboarding system for new hires (17:11)
• Preventing rogue behavior among coaches (19:42)
• Standardized systems ensure smooth transitions (22:09)
• Streamlining operations for scalability (26:44)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Many gym owners are struggling to enforce their policies without losing trust. They’ve followed the usual playbook – written clear contracts, outlined cancellation terms, and even added flexibility – yet they still find themselves dealing with upset clients.

When clients face policies they don’t agree with, they often take it personally, seeing enforcement as a breach of trust rather than a standard business practice. Instead of discussing their concerns, they may react emotionally – canceling credit cards, threatening legal action, or leaving negative reviews – undoing years of goodwill in a matter of moments.

The truth is, enforcing policies isn’t just about the rules.

At some point, you have to stop thinking like a business owner and start thinking like your clients. Instead of focusing solely on protecting your gym, it’s time to create policies that preserve relationships without compromising your bottom line.

Because, in most cases, it’s not about stricter rules – it’s about clearer communication.

In this episode, Tim and Zach break down why clients often see gym memberships as relationships, not transactions, and how this emotional mindset drives conflict over policies. They share strategies for crafting "relationship-proof" policies that feel fair and maintain trust, even when clients need to cancel or reschedule.

If you’re tired of being the “bad guy” every time you enforce a policy, tune in to this episode to learn how to turn friction into loyalty while protecting your business and keeping clients happy.

Let’s dive in! 

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Relationship-proofing policies (01:12)
• Why policy enforcement alienates clients (02:48)
• Emotional vs. transactional client mindset (04:08)
• Reevaluating cancellation policies (08:35)
• Proactive client education on policies (13:43)
• Making strategic exceptions for trust (16:57)
• Why clients expect refunds for missed services (24:58)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

"My clients don’t want this."

How many times have you heard – or told yourself – this excuse? It’s one of the most common fears gym owners have when considering a shift to semi-private training.

In this episode, Tim and Randy tackle the resistance head-on, breaking down why so many gym owners fail to transition successfully and how to avoid their mistakes.

They explain the critical role of communication in helping clients see the value of semi-private training. It’s not enough to quietly add it to the price sheet or mention it in passing – you need a strategy, a launch plan, and a clear message that frames this shift as a win for your members.

The truth is, it’s not that your clients won’t buy into semi-private training – it’s that they don’t understand it yet. And when you fail to explain its benefits, you set yourself up for failure before you even start.

If you’re ready to stop letting fear hold you back and start making the shift that can double your revenue and improve your clients’ results, this episode is your guide.

Tune in to learn the step-by-step process that Tim and Randy have used to help gym owners make the leap to semi-private training – and thrive.

Don’t let fear keep you stuck. Listen now and start building the gym of the future! 

Key Takeaways:

• Intro (00:00)
• Gym training models (00:27)
• Why semi-private training is profitable (01:15)
• Common pitfalls in model transitions (02:30)
• Importance of clear communication (05:53)
• Using Semi-Private Pro as your secret weapon (10:41)
• Gym owners’ fear of change (16:53)
• Industry trends and client expectations (19:02)
• Final thoughts (22:43)

Additional Resources:

- Get 30 days of Semi-Private Pro on us! 

- Get your early bird ticket for the 2025 Growth Summit in Nashville 

- Get access to the 2024 Growth Summit recordings

- Tim's new book - Built to Win by Tim Lyons 

- ProFit Accelerator: Helping Training Gyms Grow to 30K/month and Beyond Facebook group

- A tool for deciding on new gym services – 5-Question Matrix 

- SOP in a Day Workshop 

- Check out our Switch to Semi-Private course 

- Business Accelerator Program  

- Learn more about The Iron Circle  

---

If you haven't already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!