Club Solutions Magazine

Chris Smith, the CEO and president of Fitness World, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss current global fitness industry trends.

Smith highlights the industry's resilience during economic uncertainty, the potential for expansion across different market segments and the need to serve diverse demographics, including seniors and youth. He also shares insights on political advocacy, the potential role of GLP-1s and the significance of creating meaningful community connections in fitness centers.

If you want to better understand what’s really happening on a global scale — this is the conversation for you, as Smith is a board member at IHRSA and the Fitness Industry Council of Canada.

Listen to the full discussion here.

A growing demand in the fitness industry from younger generations is access to environmentally responsible fitness solutions. To meet this trend, the energy-generating equipment at SportsArt can help clubs become carbon neutral through the company’s innovative technology.

Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Rueben Mejia, the executive vice president of SportsArt, to talk all things sustainable fitness. Mejia shares how the company helps clubs meet their sustainability goals while enhancing the member experience. Whether your club operator or just curious about the future of green fitness, this is a can’t-miss conversation.

Listen to the conversation here.

Derek Riley, the COO and president of Zoo Health Club, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the unique franchise model of Zoo Health Club that emphasizes customization and community-focused fitness centers.

Riley also highlights the trend of integrating holistic wellness services like hormone replacement therapy and IV therapy into gym operations, moving beyond traditional workout experiences. He also emphasizes the importance of consistency, building solid systems and tailoring gym offerings to specific local communities, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you’re interested in how to differentiate your club from others by providing franchisees with flexibility, comprehensive support and the ability to create gyms that serve local markets,

then this is an ideal conversation for you.

Listen to the full discussion here.

Alyssa D’Aquino, the vice president of fitness at CR Fitness Holdings, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss hot Pilates, strength training trends, what people are really looking for in group fitness and much more.

If you’re interested in how to best capitalize on a few of the biggest current trends in the industry, then this is an ideal conversation for you to hear.

Listen to the full discussion here.

A hot topic in the fitness industry is how can traditional health clubs bring the boutique experience into their own four walls? With boutique concepts like Pilates, recovery and strength training shaping consumer expectations, operators are looking for ways to integrate these high-value experiences while maintaining accessibility and affordability.

Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Justin Fouse, the president of Elevate Fitness Coaching, to talk all things boutique fitness. They also touch on the role technology plays in making these offerings successful, including how platforms like ClubReady can help clubs streamline operations, enhance the member experience and maximize revenue.

Listen to the conversation here.

In today’s fast-paced fitness industry, providing quality education and training for club operators and staff is crucial to long-term success.

Ralph Rajs, the vice president of education for Club Solutions Institute, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the launch of the Club Solutions Institute, a new online education platform designed to bridge the knowledge gap in the industry. The platform will allow health club operators to provide certification and ongoing continuing education opportunities to club staff.

This is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their club’s training programs, develop future leaders and keep their team engaged with cost-effective education solutions. Having a structured learning system in place can elevate your club’s operations and help retain top talent.

Listen to the conversation here.

Ensuring your club is prepared to face a range of emergencies and situations is crucial in providing an environment where members can feel truly safe. That’s where Focus Health, a national leader in providing emergency preparedness products and solutions, can step in.

In this edition of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, Bryan Wiedenheft, the CEO and co-founder of Focus Health sat down with Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, to discuss how Focus Health helps fitness facilities certify staff and creates community programs that drive engagement and revenue.

This episode is ideal for any health and fitness professional looking to enhance safety, build trust and add value to your club.

Listen to the conversation here.

In today’s online-crazed culture, promoting your club and getting your name in front of as many potential members as possible is essential to the livelihood of your business.

Allison Rand, the vice president of marketing at YouFit Gyms, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the recent limitations on TikTok, the possibility of AI cannibalizing search optimization and more.

This is a great conversation for anyone interested in the biggest marketing trends of 2025 and how they can grow their club’s reach in their area.

Listen to the conversation here.

For the last few years, pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in the U.S., and there are no signs of it slowing down. The activity not only serves as an easy point of entry for those wanting a fun way to exercise and compete with friends, but also as a possible avenue for club operators to grow their businesses.

Eric O’Connor, the vice president of franchise development at PickleRage, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the booming pickleball industry and the rise in pickleball franchising. The two also discuss the ripple effects this trend can have on the health club space and why gym owners should be paying attention.

Listen to the conversation here.

One common issue for club leaders is they sometimes struggle to identify the correct problems to solve in the industry. Luckily, one resource helping to solve this is Fitness Revolution, a business coaching firm providing business coaching programs and curriculum for club owners.

Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Justin Hanover, the president of Fitness Revolution. Hanover and Gabhart dive into the biggest pain points and challenges are for fitness business owners, actionable steps to navigate those problems, and how to best serve your team and members.

Listen to the conversation here.