Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit Podcast By Justin Tamsett | Fitness Business Leader cover art

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit

By: Justin Tamsett | Fitness Business Leader
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Are you a gym owner or manager looking to improve conversions from prospects to members, member satisfaction, employee retention, innovation and profitability? Many fitness podcasts focus solely on lead generation, but we believe the real key to long-term success lies in effective leadership and reducing churn of both staff and members. Host Justin "JT" Tamsett, a leader in the global fitness and wellness culture, brings you actionable advice from multiple industry experts in each episode. With over 1 million downloads, this podcast offers brilliant strategies to overcome challenges in the fitness industry today. Whether you run a big-box gym or boutique studio, this podcast is your lifeline to hands-on experience. Educate yourself today on how to hit record sales numbers, boost member retention, build a high-performing team, and skyrocket your revenue through strong leadership. Listen and subscribe now! Q: Is this podcast right for me? A: The podcast is for independent, chain and franchise owners, managers and department managers ready to be the best: Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, Equinox, Anytime Fitness, PureGym, David Lloyd Leisure, Virgin Active, Snap Fitness, Crunch Fitness, F45, Pure Barre, Barry's Bootcamp, SoulCycle, Psycle, The Movement Nation, and much more. Q: How often are new episodes released? A: New episodes drop twice a month, delivering valuable education to help you grow your fitness business. Q: What can I expect to learn from the show this season? A: Expect to learn about building strong communities, boosting member retention, creating a better employee experience, and navigating the future of fitness. Q: Who are your sponsors? A: This show is supported by REX Roundtables and Active Management About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often. JT's hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don't have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs. Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT's commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations.868329 © Active Management 2024 Economics Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • The Untold Story Behind the Fitness Business Podcast | JT on Imposter Syndrome, Leadership & Purpose | Episode 557

    The Untold Story Behind the Fitness Business Podcast | JT on Imposter Syndrome, Leadership & Purpose | Episode 557
    Mar 19 2026
    Stories do what facts alone cannot. They make people feel, remember, trust, and act. In this special season finale takeover, master storyteller Danielle Krischik (podcast host and author of The Story Effect) flips the mic and interviews JT so you can hear the real reason behind the Fitness Business Podcast, REX Roundtables, and JT's mission to get more people moving in quality facilities with qualified professionals. Key highlights from the episode: Why storytelling shifts your brand from what you sell to why you exist How JT's early life, sport, and career pivot shaped his leadership style The role fitness facilities play in changing (and sometimes saving) lives Host takeover! Curious about the guest host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter. Giveaway! Win a Copy of The Story Effect: Zoe (Guest Host!) is giving away two copies of The Story Effect. To enter: Go to fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail Click Start Recording Leave a short voice testimonial (under 60 seconds) Include your name and email Your voice may also be featured on a future episode! Take the Next Step: - Become an FBP Insider (7 days FREE): https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast - Join our FREE live online events for fitness leaders: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents - Leave us a voicemail: fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail - Join our LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ - Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ Quotes: "I have suffered and still do suffer imposter syndrome. I can be filled with self-doubt that I can actually help people or that I give value to people…" - JT "I really think the perception of our industry is what we get wrong… we're the most natural, healthy way to reduce the healthcare costs in every country, and yet governments still don't want to talk to us." - JT "If I can help save someone's life, if I can help save a marriage, if I can help someone get off medication because they're feeling better and more confident about themself through movement, then I'm happy." - JT Key Topics & Timestamps (00:00) Why stories beat data for trust and action (01:23) Join the FBP Insider on Patreon and the Story Effect giveaway (02:38) Danielle takes over the mic and explains why JT's story matters (03:48) JT's "shockers": imposter syndrome, saying yes too often, and staying in fitness (06:37) JT's childhood in Sydney and how sport shaped his resilience (08:55) The choice: friends, sport, or being smart (and what JT picked) (11:11) Teaching in tough schools, the chair incident, and choosing fitness instead (15:53) Fiona's story and the moment JT understood fitness changes lives (23:02) What the fitness industry gets wrong: perception and participation (29:19) JT's hardest season: ulcerative colitis, optimism, and the "whole movie" takeaway Our Guest Interviewer: Danielle Krischik, Partner, Chief Strategy Officer of The Knight Agency, and Author & Podcast Host of The Story Effect - Podcast and Book: https://thestoryeffect.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast - Knight Agency - https://knightagency.com/ Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com A heartfelt thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: Solution One Partners: Provides marketing, loyalty, and CRM solutions for the fitness industry. https://solutiononepartners.com/ Arsenal Strength: Manufactures professional strength gym equipment and offers custom gym design. https://www.myarsenalstrength.com/ Power Systems: Sells a wide range of fitness, strength, and conditioning equipment. https://www.power-systems.com/ BlkBox Fitness: Designs and manufactures gym equipment and creates bespoke training facilities. https://www.blkboxfitness.com Replify: Replify provides AI-driven receptionist and sales automation for fitness businesses. https://www.replify.ai/ "What we leave behind is not set in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!
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    41 mins
  • Burnout in the Fitness Industry: How to Protect Your Health, Team, and Career Longevity with Emahlea Wilcher | Episode 556

    Burnout in the Fitness Industry: How to Protect Your Health, Team, and Career Longevity with Emahlea Wilcher | Episode 556
    Mar 5 2026
    Burnout is not a badge of honor. For years, working 22-hour days and never taking holidays was worn as proof of resilience. But the reality is different. A 2025 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine estimates burnout costs employers between $4,000 and $21,000 per employee per year in lost productivity, disengagement, and turnover. In this Wise Words episode, Justin Tamsett sits down with clinician, scientist, and founder of New Approach Health, Emahlea Wilcher, to unpack what burnout really is, how it impacts your body and brain, and what you can do right now to protect yourself and your team. If you are a coach, club owner, fitness entrepreneur, or leader who feels constantly tired, irritable, foggy, or disconnected, this conversation is essential listening. Key highlights from the episode: What burnout actually is and how to recognize the early warning signs before you crash How burnout impacts your body, brain, relationships, and income Practical strategies to prevent burnout for yourself and your team Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter! Take the Next Step: ✔ Become an FBP Insider (7 days FREE): https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast ✔ Join our FREE live online events for fitness leaders: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents ✔ Leave us a voicemail: fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail ✔ Join our LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ ✔ Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ Quotes: "I think of burnout as the point where your brain and your body hit the emergency brake after too much stress for too long." "You have to lower the floor instead of trying to raise the ceiling." "Burnout doesn't turn around because of a big dramatic change. It's the little shifts that make the difference." Key Topics & Timestamps (00:00) Why Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honor (04:00) The WHO Definition and Signs of Burnout (10:30) Physical and Mental Effects of Chronic Stress (18:00) Why Hustle Culture Keeps Leaders in Denial (25:00) The Minimum Viable Week Framework (32:00) Nervous System Resets and Daily Recovery (40:00) Preventing Burnout Across Your Team (48:00) Scrolling, Stress, and Habit Formation (57:00) One Boundary + One Nourishing Habit Challenge Our Guest: Emahlea Wilcher, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Approach Health ✔ Website: https://www.newapproach.health ✔ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emahlea/ ✔ Instagram: instagram.com/newapproach.health ✔ Costa Rica Burnout Recovery Retreat August 2026: https://www.newapproach.health/retreat Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com A heartfelt thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: ABC Fitness Solutions: Simplifies operations, amplifies marketing and sales efforts, and enables a dynamic member experience. https://abcfitness.com/ Lionel University: Provides online degree and certificate programs in Exercise Science and fitness education. https://www.lionel.edu/ Atlantis Strength: Designs and manufactures professional strength equipment for gyms and athletes.https://atlantisstrength.com/ HireBob AI: Provides AI employees for fitness businesses for sales, support, and retention. https://hirebob.ai/ About Our Guest: Emahlea Wilcher, MPH, RD, LD, is a clinician, scientist, and founder of New Approach Health, a trauma-informed nutrition and burnout recovery practice. She helps high-achieving, stressed-out humans stop burning down their bodies to build their careers, using nervous-system–aware nutrition therapy and mind–body reconnection work. With dual master's degrees in public health nutrition and epidemiology (and her own history of burnout) Emahlea blends data, depth, and real-world compassion to help people feel safe, powerful, and at home in their bodies again. About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!
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    29 mins
  • How to Motivate Your Fitness Staff with Gamification and Recognition with Alex Grande | Episode 555

    How to Motivate Your Fitness Staff with Gamification and Recognition with Alex Grande | Episode 555
    Feb 19 2026
    Staff turnover remains one of the biggest challenges in the fitness industry, especially with part time and casual teams. In this episode, Justin Tamsett is joined by Alex Grande, psychologist and workplace recognition expert, to unpack how gamification, rewards, and genuine recognition can dramatically improve engagement, performance, and retention in fitness businesses. Alex explains the science behind motivation, the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic drivers, and why simple, low cost recognition programs often outperform expensive incentive schemes. Together, they explore practical examples fitness business owners can implement immediately, from peer to peer shoutouts and leaderboards to automation using everyday tools like Microsoft Teams and Excel. If you want a more motivated team without burning yourself out as a leader, this episode is a must listen. Key highlights from the episode: Why recognition from managers is often more powerful than praise from executives How gamification increases engagement without relying only on cash rewards The SAPs framework and how to use status, access, power, and rewards with staff How peer to peer recognition strengthens culture and retention Practical, low cost gamification ideas for fitness businesses How automation tools can make recognition consistent and easy Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter! Got value from today's episode? ✔ Leave us a review on your favorite podcast app ✔ Send us a voicemail at fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail ✔ Share this episode with a colleague who wants to build a stronger team Ready for more: ✔ Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast ✔ Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents ✔ Call in and let JT know if you think this has been the best season: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/ ✔ Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ Quotes: "We underestimate how meaningful it is to stop and say thanks, and the impact it can create." - Alex Grande "Recognition from a manager is more meaningful than from an executive, oftentimes because the manager knows more about that person." - Alex Grande "People want to be appreciated and people want to be heard." - Alex Grande Jump Ahead: (00:03:00) What Reward and Recognition Really Mean in Fitness Businesses (00:05:00) Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation and the SAPs Framework (00:06:00) The Psychology of Recognition and Why It Works (00:07:00) Why Manager Feedback Matters More Than Executive Praise (00:09:00) What Gamification Looks Like in a Real World Workplace (00:11:30) Using Status, Access, Power, and Rewards to Motivate Staff (00:14:30) Peer to Peer Recognition and Building Stronger Team Culture (00:18:00) Automating Recognition with Microsoft Teams and Power Automate (00:22:00) Engaging Part Time and Casual Staff Through Recognition (00:26:30) How to Start a Recognition Program Without Overthinking It Resources: ✔ Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast ✔ Fitness Business Podcast's LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/ ✔ Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ Recommended Books: ✔ Drive by Daniel Pink✔ Influence: The Art of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini Resources Mentioned: ✔ Microsoft 365 Tools ✔ Zapier ✔ Notion Our Guest: Alex Grande, Founder & CEO of Recognize ✔ Website: https://recognizeapp.com/ ✔ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgrande/ Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/ REX Roundtables: Website: www.REXRoundtables.comEmail: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com A heartfelt thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: Les Mills USA: Creates pre-choreographed group fitness classes and offers home workouts. https://www.lesmills.com/us/Referrizer: Provides automated marketing, referral, lead, and reputation management for local businesses. https://referrizer.com/Energy Lounger: Sells the EnergyLounger, a full-body red and near-infrared light therapy device. http://www.energylounger.com/Real Leader Fitness: Manufactures and sells commercial fitness and gym equipment. https://www.realleaderfitness.com/ The Covery: Offers wellness, hormone replacement, weight loss, and aesthetic treatments. https://www.thecovery.com/ "What we leave behind is not set in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." About Our Guest: Alex Grande is an entrepreneur and workplace innovation expert who combines gamification with HR technology to help ...
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    33 mins
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