Studio Launch Diaries

We’re back after a short break, and today we’re diving into everything we’ve learned from running an open gym. It’s been nearly six years since we bought ours, and along the way, we’ve seen just about everything—good, bad, and downright ridiculous.

We’re sharing what’s worked, what’s gone wrong, and what you need to know if you’re thinking about opening your own gym. From designing the space to avoiding expensive mistakes, we break down the biggest lessons we’ve learned. We also talk about the unexpected challenges, like why gym equipment breaks more often than you think, how to handle failed payments without losing your mind, and why serving the right people (not just hardcore lifters) is the key to success.

If you’re a gym owner—or thinking about becoming one—this episode will help you avoid some major headaches.

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And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00 – The biggest mistake small studios make

2:30 – Adjusting to life with two kids

5:55 – The journey of buying and growing an open gym

7:40 – Why gym layout matters more than you think

11:30 – The hidden costs of running an open gym

15:00 – Setting and enforcing gym rules (without exceptions)

19:10 – Why you need to keep gym marketing fresh

22:15 – The problem with serving only hardcore lifters

25:40 – How we handle failed payments (without chasing people)

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

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Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

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We’ve been diving deep into a new sales process that’s already showing some incredible results. In this episode, we break down how switching to online consultations has helped us hit a 100% show rate and an 89% close rate — all on Zoom. We talk about why we’re testing this process, what’s working, and where the cracks are starting to show. Plus, we get into how this new setup could make scaling future locations far smoother without losing that personal touch.

We also chat about sales funnels, booking strategies, and how we’re centralising our sales process so we can focus more on growth and less on juggling schedules. And yes, there’s some love language talk in here too — because apparently, that matters more than we thought.

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And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00 – Early results from online consultations: 100% show rate & 89% close rate

0:39 – A deep dive into love languages (yep, really)

2:00 – Why we’re experimenting with online consults and what it means for scaling

3:47 – The problem with traditional sales consults at multiple locations

5:00 – Centralising sales to future-proof growth

6:14 – The pros and cons of online vs. in-person consultations

9:17 – Breaking down the new online sales funnel

12:00 – How we’re building trust during virtual sales consults

16:00 – Optimising the process: what’s working and what’s not

20:00 – The handover: from sales to studio manager

23:08 – Our AI-powered appointment setter (and why it’s a game-changer)

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

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Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re diving into the power of client surveys and how they’ve shaped our business. We share what we learned from surveying our members, the surprising insights we gained, and how we’re using this feedback to improve everything from our services to our marketing. We’ll also talk about how we structured our survey, tips for getting more responses, and how we turned raw data into actionable steps that have already made a big impact. Plus, we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we visualised the data and made it super useful.

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LINKS MENTIONED

• How We Used a Simple Survey to Transform Our Gym Business
• Turning the data into charts using Canva

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And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00 – Survey results overview and why we started surveying clients.

1:16 – Why feedback is scary but essential.

4:39 – Our survey objectives and how we crafted the right questions.

8:41 – The surprising insights we discovered from client feedback.

10:06 – Strategies to boost survey completion rates.

14:07 – How to use survey data to inform marketing and retention strategies.

17:46 – Improvements we’re making based on feedback.

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

Instagram: instagram.com/thecardybrothers

Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about opening a fitness studio in 2025. Drawing from our experience launching two studios in one year, we walk through every step, from finding the perfect location to building a thriving community. We talk about why now is the best time for fitness professionals to transition from renting space to owning their own studio and share the systems we’ve used to hit capacity before opening our doors.

You’ll hear why in-person fitness is on the rise, how to secure favourable lease terms, and the strategies we’ve used to pre-sell memberships. We also share tips for building a strong team, nailing sales consultations, and turning one-time clients into long-term members. Plus, we shout out some of the incredible success stories from our clients who’ve launched studios of their own.

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

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JOIN THE WAITING LIST FOR LAUNCH KIT

Open and fill your gym/studio to capacity before you open your doors. It’s the exact process we’ve used to launch and fill both of our own studios—and now, we’re sharing it with a small group of clients.

Click here to join the waiting list

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Why in-person fitness is trending in 2025

2:15 - The benefits of owning your own studio

4:10 - Finding the right location and model

8:01 - Negotiating leases and financial planning

13:45 - Building anticipation with a waiting list

15:22 - Hiring and managing coaches effectively

19:48 - Facebook and Instagram ad strategies

22:08 - Converting clients with sales consultations

24:48 - Creating an onboarding process that works

26:10 - Building a strong member community

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

Instagram: instagram.com/thecardybrothers

Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re rolling up our sleeves and planning out an entire year for our fitness studios. With colourful pens, a giant calendar, and a lot of brainstorming, we’re mapping out 2025. We cover everything from member events to team meetings, creative sessions, and campaign timelines—sharing how we organise for not one, but two studio locations. Along the way, we reflect on lessons from 2024, the feedback we’ve received, and how we’re adjusting to make next year smoother and more exciting for everyone. If you’re a fitness studio owner or aspiring one, you’ll find loads of practical takeaways for structuring your year.

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00 – Intro to our planning process

1:00 – Annual planning: member events, meetings, and key dates

7:00 – Why feedback shapes our planning for the new year

12:00 – The role of creative meetings and programme updates

18:00 – Reflecting on 2024 and setting the stage for 2025

21:00 – Wrapping up the year and a thank you to our listeners

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

Instagram: instagram.com/thecardybrothers

Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re talking all about our Christmas party—what went right, what we learned, and how we plan to make the next one even better. From five straight hours of dancing (and the sore feet to prove it) to hilarious moments on the dance floor, we had an absolute blast celebrating with our team and members.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. We also share some honest reflections about running a business during busy (and sometimes unpredictable) times. Plus, we dive into the small wins that remind us why we do what we do and how long-term thinking is key in building something truly special.

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

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SHOW NOTES:

0:28 - Highlights from the Christmas party

2:09 - Funny moments on the dance floor

2:58 - The awards ceremony and reflections on growth

4:34 - What we could improve for next year

7:03 - The highs and lows of the week as business owners

11:00 - Lessons learned from membership recommitment challenges

14:21 - Why patience and long-term thinking matter in building a gym

19:07 - Positive updates and future plans

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

Instagram: instagram.com/thecardybrothers

Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re diving into the 10 traits that separate successful gym owners from the rest. After years of working with studio owners and running our own, we’ve noticed patterns that define thriving gyms and their leaders. From putting clients first to staying accountable, we’re sharing practical insights and real stories to help you level up your business. Expect honest advice, a few rants, and actionable takeaways for any gym or studio owner looking to grow their community, improve their service, and stay ahead in the game.

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

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SHOW NOTES:

0:19 - Why asking for feedback can feel scary (and why you should do it anyway)

2:00 - Trait #1: Putting clients first (and what we’re changing in our gym)

5:00 - Trait #2: Why it’s not just about your wallet

7:58 - Trait #3: No cutting corners (and investing in what matters most)

9:51 - Trait #4: Accountability is key

12:00 - Trait #5: Delegating with confidence and structure

14:01 - Trait #6: Focusing on big outcomes instead of minor details

16:01 - Trait #7: Embracing informed feedback

18:06 - Trait #8: Investing in education for long-term growth

19:35 - Trait #9: Why you should “Google it” first

21:27 - Trait #10: The importance of tracking numbers

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

Instagram: instagram.com/thecardybrothers

Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we unpack why our upcoming Christmas party is wildly over budget but totally worth it. From building community through events to Jack’s transformation into a seasonal dresser, we cover the wins, the laughs, and even the small fixes that make a big difference.

We also dive into business insights: experimenting with new memberships, retention data, and why we believe gyms are about more than just fitness—they’re about unforgettable experiences.

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

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SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Why our upcoming Christmas party is over budget but worth every penny.

2:10 - How Jack became a seasonal dresser!?

7:00 - How events build stronger communities in fitness studios.

10:15 - Why the gym industry is about creating experiences, not just fitness.

14:10 - How introducing a two-session membership is impacting retention and revenue.

18:40 - A simple system we built to fix our ongoing T-shirt stock issue.

22:10 - Updates on our 21-day challenge and growth at our second location.

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

Instagram: instagram.com/thecardybrothers

Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by our new creative lead, Henry. We chat about the journey of building a content strategy for Revamp and how Henry’s role has shifted from capturing moments to creating a more structured social media approach. We go over our weekly content cycle, share how we’re using Notion to stay organised, and discuss why working with a team that’s open to new ideas and collaboration is key to a strong content game. Plus, we dive into the challenges and lessons that come with managing content for a fitness community and reflect on our mutual passion for storytelling and creativity.

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

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SHOW NOTES:

0:19 - How Henry has stepped into his new role as creative lead

1:48 - The importance of taking breaks for better focus

2:24 - About Henry’s journey and growing role at Revamp

5:02 - Our goal for social media: filling the pipeline

8:58 - How we use the “REPS” strategy: results, exposure, practice, summary

11:14 - Why staying flexible with content still benefits from having a plan

12:45 - The importance of team involvement in social media content

14:43 - How our Notion workflow streamlines content creation

16:59 - Why building a strong backend for operations is essential

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

Instagram: instagram.com/thecardybrothers

Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, I’m (Jack) running solo to answer 10 sales questions without much prep, so you’ll get my genuine take on each one. I dive into different ways we handle objections, like how to approach the “spouse objection” or the balance of getting support versus asking for permission. I share stories from my own sales journey—from negotiating in everyday settings to building rapport in gym consults—and break down the emotional and practical sides of handling sales calls. I also cover the importance of understanding client mindset, using urgency in sales without being pushy, and refining our sales tactics to connect better with our audience.

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER

And learn how to build, grow and scale your fitness studio.

Join 3,500+: gym owners here: https://www.thefitpreneur.com

*************************

SHOW NOTES:

0:45 - How to handle objections, especially the “spouse objection”

4:35 - Lessons from my first sales experience and negotiation

6:30 - The impact of qualifying questions in sales

8:45 - How to connect emotionally with clients on their goals

12:15 - Effective follow-up strategies and why they matter

15:00 - Why pricing needs context for better understanding

19:00 - Using social proof in consultations

20:10 - Creating urgency without pressuring clients

23:00 - How investing in skills speeds up growth

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FIND US ELSEWHERE:

Instagram: instagram.com/thecardybrothers

Facebook Page: facebook.com/cardybrothers

Twitter: x.com/cardybrothers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.