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Aaron De Jong has always been passionate about fitness. He pursued a degree in Physical Education and Exercise Physiology and worked at his school's athletic training center and therapy clinic. It was during this time that he noticed athletes struggling with basic core exercises and experiencing injuries as a result of improper training. Aaron has since made it his mission to educate athletes (and the general public!) on proper exercise techniques and the importance of incorporating foundational exercises into their routine.
Host Pete Moore and Aaron discuss his new venture Movr, an evidence-based movement health solution for health and wellness platforms that adds value to your technology and improves the lives of your people. De Jong suggests that club operators or insurance companies consider offering small monetary rewards for individuals taking quick tests to gather rudimentary information that can guide individuals towards proper healthcare and potentially life-changing results. He emphasizes the importance of addressing fixes and finding out what motivates people.
He states, "With clients it's like, 'AHA! I feel better. AHA! I'm moving better.' That's true magic, man. That's movement health, that's movement improvement . . . if you move better and feel better as fast as possible, that's when stickiness happens. Pair that with incentivization, and we've got a winning formula."
De Jong describes a fully automated program that categorizes people into six different types based on their movement capabilities. He believes that automation allows for greater scaling and improving population health, but also suggests that people with acute pain still need to see a physical therapist.
Some key moments:
[00:04:36] Assessing body movement for possible issues.
[00:07:12] Automated program identifies six types of individuals.
[00:18:49] Customized workout builder with MSK (musculoskeletal) recommendations.
[00:24:51] Surround yourself with mentors. Learn to say no.
A few key takeaways:
1. Assessments are crucial for identifying and improving movement health. De Jong emphasizes the importance of breaking down assessments into simpler components to identify any core problems and improve overall movement health.
2. Technology can help tailor workouts to individual needs. De Jong's company uses de-identified user data sets to create a balanced body capable of functional tasks, constantly evolving and adapting to the user's needs.
3. Addressing basic problems can make a significant difference. De Jong recommends finding out what motivates people, but also addressing the basics that need fixing, comparing it to simple back pain rather than complex neurosurgery.
4. Automation can enable greater scaling and improve population health. De Jong and his team have conducted 80,000 assessments over four years and 50,000 users, and with the app launch, doubled the amount of assessments and workout sessions completed in the first week.
If you're a club owner (or a SaaS company interested in integrating with Movr) be sure to reach out to Aaron today!
Click here to download transcript.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
Felipe Azenha is a former Peace Corps volunteer who discovered the benefits of using cinder blocks as fitness equipment during the pandemic lockdown. He and his friend started doing these (very unique!) workouts around their area and, with more people joining, they formed a crew and called their workouts "CinderFit." Word quickly got around and news spread. Today, Felipe continues to lead the CinderFit movement, helping people stay fit using unconventional means.
What initially started as a hobby turned into an early stage business after engaging industrial designers to create a cinderblock design that looks like furniture. "The cinder block will be in every home gym in the United States within the next 10 years and beyond," states Azenha confidently.
He believes the tool can replace dumbbells and kettlebells. They've certainly gained some market validation by solving personal frustrations during the pandemic when fitness equipment was incredibly difficult to come by. They've been successful in driving sales through word-of-mouth and community-building efforts in Miami, where they're based.
Some key moments:
[00:00:57] Positive COVID story on CinderFit business.
[00:04:03] Cinderblocks turned into "furniture" for working out.
[00:07:07] Investing in fitness patents, minimal marketing spend.
[00:13:06] Grassroots campaign focused on South Florida gyms.
[00:15:07] Sent blocks to influencers and saw solid results.
A few key takeaways:
Click here to download transcript.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
Just as Kenny Rosenzweig thought he had found the perfect formula for success with CLMBR's very aggressive launch and subsequent expansion, an unexpected twist forced him to shift gears in a way he never could have predicted. What happened next will leave you wondering what's next for this innovative entrepreneur . . . and for CLMBR, the fantastic company he's now overseeing as COO.
Kenny brings a wealth of experience from both the boutique fitness and equipment industries to the table. As a Co-Founder of Rowgatta, a (now closed due to COVID,) rowing-based fitness studio in New York City, Kenny saw firsthand the power of community and results-driven workouts. As part of the CLMBR team in Denver, he is helping to shape the future of connected fitness and bringing the benefits of vertical climbing to a wider audience. With its focus on providing a full-body, low-impact workout, Kenny is dedicated to making fitness accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from professional athletes to those just starting their fitness journey.
Kenny found himself drawn to CLMBR due to its similarities with his previous company. He saw an opportunity to expand their reach during the pandemic, as people quickly sought out alternative fitness options. He recognized that the company could not only serve the home fitness market, but also gyms and fitness studios, leading to a significant shift in the company's focus. As the world began to open up again, Kenny and his team worked on redesigning their machines for commercial purposes, increasing their durability and resistance capabilities.
"I think a big part of our job is just exposure. One much more cost-effective way of creating that exposure, is bringing the machine to where people are already going to work out!" he states.
In this episode, Pete and Kenny touch on:
CLMBR's pivot to the B2B market In the ever-changing fitness landscape, adaptability is crucial for businesses to thrive. CLMBR's pivot toward the B2B market to meet the needs of gyms and studios that were adapting to pandemic-related challenges is a great example. Initially focusing on the D2C market, the team identified an opportunity to expand their reach and increase exposure by partnering with commercial gyms and studios.
This move allowed the company to broaden their audience while still keeping community-building at the core of their business model. Kenny discusses how CLMBR reengineered and redesigned their machines to be commercial-grade, making them suitable for gym environments.
He also noted how gym operators appreciated that their goal was not to take customers away from their locations, but to provide a better workout solution for everyone as things started to open back up. Emulating their swift pivot and adaptation to market conditions is a reminder to other industry professionals to stay nimble, seize opportunities, and work hard to build strong communities around their offerings.
Facility owners should strongly consider adding CLMBR to their cardio lineup or using it for revenue-generating, small group training. Visit their site to learn more about their connected fitness equipment and content.
Click here to download transcript.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
From struggling to justify the expense of two gym memberships, to attempting to revolutionize the fitness industry, Borislava Baeva's unexpected twist on a traditional model is changing the game. But what surprises lie ahead for this innovator and her growing platform? Changing the way "things have always been done" is--putting it mildly--a challenge for any entrepreneur.
Baeva is a finance expert turned fitness entrepreneur and the creator of MyStrongCircle. As a former Director of Financial Planning at Life Fitness, Borislava knows the in's and out's of the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector. Her love for yoga and cycling, along with her frustration over juggling multiple memberships, inspired her to create MyStrongCircle – a platform that allows users to bundle their favorite fitness studio memberships for a more personalized experience. Borislava is passionate about making fitness and wellness accessible to everyone, and she's driven to expand MyStrongCircle into major markets across the US and beyond.
Like most (good!) business ideas, MyStrongCircle came from a place of solving a personal frustration. With a passion for yoga and an increasing interest in cycling, she struggled to justify the expense of maintaining two separate gym memberships. Drawing inspiration from the airline industry, Borislava developed a model that allowed individuals to bundle their favorite fitness studios into a single membership, promoting variety and accessibility.
Challenges for Studios Fitness studios often face challenges in attracting new members and retaining their existing ones. They may struggle to differentiate themselves in the (very!) competitive fitness landscape and address the ever-evolving preferences and expectations of their target audience.
Borislava highlighted some of the problems studios typically encounter. Many of them can be efficiently addressed by the MyStrongCircle bundling model, which facilitates direct relationships, offers unlimited classes, and enhances the overall fitness experience for members. This attracts loyal customers, aids in retention, and provides studios with a more targeted audience.
In this episode, Pete and Borislava discuss:
Check out MyStrongCircle for personalized bundles of fitness classes and studios to gain access to the workouts you love!
If you're a studio owner? Considering partnering with them to promote your brand and gain exposure to a much broader audience.
Click here to download transcript.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
If you own a boutique or big box fitness club in a mall, you're good to go, right? Everything will be perfect moving forward, right? Maybe not so much, according to Francine Miley, Founder of WELLthmanager, head of Partnerships & Business Developments for Honeycomb, and real estate veteran specific to the HALO sector.
In our latest episode, we'll explore the direction of retail, the advantages of incorporating wellness, the hurdles faced by landlords and tenants, the incredibly important power of partnerships, and more. Don't miss out on key insights from this industry leader that could transform your business!
"It is truly about curation. And I know that word is overutilized, but it really is! If you're curating a community and bringing different services, classes, modalities, you need to be weighing that out and ensuring that you're giving that whole holistic approach," states Miley.
Drawing from her experience in marketing, brand development, and strategy, Francine has worked closely with real estate investment trusts (REITs) to create innovative solutions for the sector. Her journey began when she was working with Westfield, focusing on the integration of wellness concepts into their properties.
Taking a holistic approach, Francine effectively curated a unique blend of fitness, wellness, and medical offerings for the malls, helping to create the "HALO Effect" that benefited everyone involved. As the pandemic hit, Francine saw an opportunity to take her expertise in curating communities and started her own consulting firm. Now, she helps brands maximize their potential in consumer-facing retail opportunities by promoting flexibility, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.
In this episode, Pete and Francine discuss:
Click here to download transcript.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
Our guest for this episode is Brendan Sullivan, co-founder of ZAMA Health, a sports psychology SaaS platform for the athletic community which provides access to digital tools and clinical support to help improve physical and mental health outcomes. Sullivan shares his passion for mental wellness and how ZAMA can help improve exercise adherence and member engagement outcomes. He also discusses the importance of addressing emotional and mental health issues to improve engagement and retention in the fitness industry.
He states, "Over 80% of the reason people actually work out now is their mental health . . . ranking above weight loss and physique. It's really becoming more about community and mental health than it is about just fitness. For most companies, it's very difficult to build a medical practice, and it's not their core business. It's highly regulated. And so rather than them trying to develop themselves, we see ourselves as this add-on to any of these organizations."
Pete and Brendan also bring up the critical need for personalized and thoughtful approaches to motivation and the stages of change model. They explore the idea that personal trainers (after proper training) could possibly be considered part of the care team for individuals interested in improving their health.
He continues, "At the end of the day we're really more working with mid to higher tiered gyms where members want to go to the gym and work out . . . We're trying to help solve engagement and retention issues that they're having. When you look at the data, whether you're a competitive collegiate athlete or a regular fitness goer, the majority of the reasons people have issues working out are very similar. It's body image issues, self-efficacy issues, eating disorders, anxiety, motivation. Our clinicians have been trained to meet and address the needs of that community, increase the likelihood of attaining their fitness goals, and also help with member retention."
Clearly there is a tremendous value (and need!) to incorporate clinical health services. Be sure to reach out to Brandon at ZAMA to learn more.
Some Key Moments:
Click here to download transcript.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
What if everything you thought you knew about happiness was wrong? Follow the journey of a former private equity professional who discovered the shocking truth behind proactive health and how to truly find meaning in life. But, as he navigates this new path, he's faced with difficult questions and challenges that leave him with no easy answers.
In this episode, Pete and Ted discuss:
Teddy Daiell helps CEOs and investors with buy-side deal sourcing, growth strategy, and strategic finance. After honing his strategy and private equity expertise at Bain, Charlesbank, and Wharton's MBA, Teddy has advised more than 40 Proactive Health companies like Precision Nutrition (Health Education), MDVIP (Preventive Primary Care), True Food Kitchen (Nutrition), Talkspace (Mental Health), and Wellbeats (Exercise).
Daiell is now on a mission to tackle the cultural and policy barriers to proactive health. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Teddy had a successful career, but he realized early on that he wasn't really fulfilled. His unique background and passion for promoting healthier lifestyles make him an insightful guest on this important topic.
Basic Nutrition Education One of the core components of promoting proactive health is basic nutrition education. By providing individuals with access to accurate and actionable information about the food they consume, they can make better-informed decisions about their well-being. This should be accessible to people of all demographics, as it can have a profound impact on the overall health of communities. Daiell highlights the value of basic nutrition education and how offering weekly sessions on nutrition and behavior change can have a significant impact on individuals and their families. By equipping people with the knowledge necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, they are more likely to make informed choices and prioritize their well-being in a sustainable manner.
Opportunities for Impactful Proactive Health Many opportunities exist for impacting proactive health, from mental health to sleep and relationship building. Addressing each of these areas through targeted interventions, incentives, and education can lead to a more comprehensive and effective approach to improving overall health and wellness. By focusing on these, healthcare professionals can devise strategies that cater to individual needs and foster sustainable change. Ted is bullish about the potential for impact in these areas of proactive health. He stresses the need for personalized wellness solutions in mental health, optimizing environmental factors for sleep, and adopting preventative relationship coaching. Daiell advocates for a more holistic approach to proactive health, where individuals, businesses, and healthcare systems work together to prevent illness, incentivize healthy behaviors, and promote a better quality of life for all.
Current Ecosystem of Healthcare Examining the existing healthcare ecosystem is vital when discussing proactive health. Understanding the numerous economic factors and stakeholders involved can help healthcare practitioners identify areas of potential improvement to further drive the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, challenges arise as the capitalistic nature of the system often rewards short-term gains over long-term health improvements, leading to a bias against proactive health measures. It is often difficult to create a business model around proactive health, especially since established players, like health insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry, have significant monetary incentives to maintain the status quo. Daiell and Moore suggest that finding ways to monetize the health benefits of proactive health could motivate customers to adopt a healthier lifestyle and reduce the need for costly medical interventions.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
From former NFL quarterback to business leader, Christian Ponder's journey took an unexpected turn when he realized the lack of community for athletes in their post-sport lives. With his new venture The Post, he's created a space where athletes can thrive once again. And--perhaps not coincidentally--he finds that the same soft skills that made them successful on the field are now driving their success in the business world. What led Christian to this idea (that's quickly picking up steam across all sectors of the business / recruiting world?) Listen to learn more.
Ponder joins host, Pete Moore, to share his insights on the correlation between athletic mentality and success in business. After playing in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers, Christian transitioned to the world of finance and now runs The Post, a leadership network exclusive to athletes with many cues learned from the highly respected YPO organization. He's passionate about helping fellow athletes leverage their unique qualities and experiences to achieve success in their post-sports careers. He emphasizes the importance of tapping into qualities that make someone a great athlete, such as discipline, determination, and work ethic, as these attributes can be directly translated to achieving success in the business world.
In this episode, Christian and Pete discuss:
Being an Athlete One of the main topics touched on is the notion of being an athlete and leveraging the qualities that make one successful on the field paralleling those that help excel in the business world. Ponder highlights how society often attaches a negative stigma to the term "athlete," leading many to underestimate their abilities outside the realm of sports. He believes that these unique individuals possess the grit, determination, and drive necessary to forge a successful career after hanging up their cleats, so long as they are given the right opportunities to do so.
Christian points out that athletes have a wealth of valuable skills that can be directly applied to the world of business, making them highly attractive prospects for potential employers. He mentions examples, such as Fortune 500 CEOs, C-suite women, and US Presidents, who often come from an athletic background, reinforcing the point that the qualities of a successful athlete are indeed transferable to other areas of life.
Click here to download transcript.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
Perhaps you've heard that The Little Gym is "only about sports and games," and that it does not foster social development, or that it does not promote cognitive development? Nancy Bigley will be here to bust these myths and share the truth about the franchisors comprehensive, holistic approach to development!
Nancy is a highly experienced, dedicated franchising expert who brings her passion for health and wellness to her current role as the CEO of The Little Gym. She has over 30 years of "in the trenches" experience in various franchise industries. Her love for fitness and wellness led her to join Unleashed Brands, the parent company of The Little Gym, where she now focuses on helping children develop physically, cognitively, and socially. Nancy aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of children from as young as four months old.
The Value of The Little Gym The Little Gym offers an affordable option for parents seeking a comprehensive growth experience for their children, with programs typically priced around $110 per month. Investing in programs that promote healthy and holistic development in children ultimately has a significant impact on their overall well-being, academic achievement, and personal growth. Bigley focuses on how their programs emphasize consistency, cultivate good habits, and instill a sense of discipline in children. "Our franchisees do an amazing job of embracing the families and handling things; we take care of the kids and make things happen," she states.
Building Confidence Confidence is a critical component of a child's development, as it shapes their ability to face challenges, problem-solve, and engage in healthy social interactions. Fostering confidence in kids helps them develop self-assuredness and a positive self-image, enabling them to cope with various situations and establish fulfilling relationships with others. Nancy spoke about the critical role confidence-building plays within The Little Gym's programs. She explained how their curriculum is designed to support children in developing confidence through movement-based activities, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for every child to succeed. Through this approach, The Little Gym encourages well-rounded development in children, not only in terms of physical ability, but also in cognitive and social aptitude.
In this wide ranging discussion, Nancy and Pete also touch on:
Download complete transcript here.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
At the height of her career in Manhattan advertising, Francesca Sipma began to feel burnt out and unfulfilled. She had no idea this restlessness would eventually end up being the catalyst for an unexpected journey: Her discovery of an immensely powerful practice, one that would lead her to leave her career and start her own business, Mastry. Through this groundbreaking modality, she now works with top companies like Deloitte and Google to help empower employees to reach their highest potential. What transformative effect does this practice have? And why is it so revolutionary?
Through her extensive study over the years, Sipma became a breathwork expert, which can be thought of as an experiential therapy that helps break psychological patterns and release subconscious blocks. Francesca has since trained over 80 breathwork coaches worldwide and founded Mastry, a company that focuses on self-mastery and mental clarity.
"Mastry allows you to tap into altered states of consciousness, expand different areas of your brain, and truly connect to your purpose," she states.
Breathwork and Mastery: Unlocking Mental Clarity and Creativity
Breathwork--as a general practice--is a powerful practice for unlocking mental clarity and creativity by enabling individuals to release their subconscious blocks and reprogram limiting beliefs. By engaging in breathwork sessions, people can achieve a heightened state of mental clarity, which allows them to explore new ideas, think more effectively, and enhance their decision-making skills.
This improved mental state is beneficial for professionals looking to boost productivity, collaboration, and empathy in the workplace. Mastry provides customized breathwork sessions that combine hypnosis and binaural beats to help individuals break psychological patterns and connect to their highest vision. Sipma's breathwork methods are designed to offer potent and tangible benefits in just one session, promoting an ongoing commitment to the practice for lasting positive change.
In this episode, Pete and Francesca discuss:
Click here to download transcript.
Connect With Us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.
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