The PushPress Podcast

Yes, people join your gym for fitness, but why they stay members goes far beyond workouts. Gyms today offer more than a place to sweat: they provide community, connection, self-discovery, and even an escape from the daily grind.

Join Dan and Nick as they chat about the motivations behind why people choose and stick with certain gyms. From fostering a sense of belonging to offering accountability and education, they explore what truly keeps gym members engaged.

By reframing your gym's messaging and offerings to emphasize these elements, you can grow and retain your membership base.

Want to further connect with us? Share your strategy for emphasizing your offerings beyond the workout mat at [email protected].

Timestamps:

[01:50] - Gyms can fulfill the need for human connection

[4:58] - Fitness fuels self esteem

[6:38] - Provide a mental escape from daily life

[8:48] - Learning and growth are unexpected retention drivers

[10:41] - Workout accountability doesn't happen at home

[14:37] - What gyms actually sell

Data has become the gold standard for decision-making — and we've covered the 5 data points that actually matter — with businesses relying heavily on metrics and KPIs to guide their revenue strategies. But is data the ultimate answer, or is there more to successful business operations?

This week, join Dan and Nick as they challenge the notion that more data always equals better decisions. Sharing insights from their experiences at PushPress and as gym owners, they discuss why over-reliance on data can lead to stagnation and why instinct, reflection, and real-world experience need to play a role alongside the hard numbers.

Are you over-relying on numbers or ignoring them completely? Hit play and discover how to find the perfect balance between data-driven and intuitive leadership.

Want to share your own experience of making gut-based decisions that paid off big? Reach out to us at [email protected].

Timestamps:

[00:23] Data vs. Action: When over-reliance creates stagnation

[02:06] Trusting your gut in the absence (or conflict) of data

[06:15] Errors in data measurement and definitions

[11:12] Why focusing too much on data could get you lapped by competition

When Dan first opened his gym — years before founding PushPress — he brought plenty of passion and energy, but lacked formal business training. Since starting PushPress, he gained both and discovered an important truth: running a gym and managing a SaaS platform aren’t as different as they might seem.

Along with Nick, the podcast hosts break down what they've learned separates thriving gyms from those that are just getting by: understanding and optimizing key business metrics.

Learn why member count isn’t as important as you think and how focusing on MRR (monthly recurring revenue), ARPM (average revenue per members), churn rate, and LTV (lifetime value) can transform your operations.

Nick and Dan also share insights on improving these metrics through better customer retention, smart pricing strategies, and how to create value that keeps members engaged long-term.

Plus, they'll reveal the “magic ceiling” formula to calculate your gym's true growth potential.

After you listen, let us know: did they miss a metric you think is the most important in your gym? Or is data still completely overwhelming to you? Email us at podcast@pushpress. com.

Timestamps:

[02:22] Why gym owners should use SaaS metrics

[03:20] Why Monthly Recurring Revenue is your baseline metric

[04:10] Tracking MRR growth as an indicator of health

[06:55] How ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) drives growth

[9:43] Reducing churn and creating long-term value

[13:00] Calculating LTV (Lifetime Value) and its impact

[14:21] Why gyms get stuck at certain member counts

[16:30] Bonus metrics for serious gym owners

CrossFit faces a unique challenge. Who exactly is their customer? Is it the affiliate owner? The coach? The athletes competing at the Games? Or the gym members grinding out WODs across the globe?

As the brand goes up for sale, Dan Uyemura and Nick Reyes take a deep look at the state of CrossFit and what they’d do differently if they were in charge. From bolstering affiliate support to doubling down on storytelling across the ecosystem, this episode dives into the obstacles, opportunities, and strategic choices CrossFit HQ faces.

You’ll hear why creating both content and education are essential to CrossFit's success and how leaning into authentic stories — from elite athletes to everyday gym members — is the secret to driving growth and building community. Dan and Nick also discuss why sport should remain a key part of CrossFit’s identity and how it can drive participation in gyms everywhere.

This episode is not about throwing stones, but offering insights into how CrossFit can thrive while supporting the people who matter most.

Love CrossFit? Own an affiliate? Think the Games need a revamp? Email us with your thoughts at [email protected].

Timestamps:

[01:30] The current state of CrossFit HQ

[03:10] Who is CrossFit's real customer?

[05:24] Pick a lane: Education vs. Sport

[07:31] Why the CrossFit Games matter for brand visibility

[09:54] Storytelling is CrossFit’s biggest opportunity

[11:07] Lessons from F1, UFC, and other industries

[13:30] What CrossFit’s media strategy needs to focus on- [14:34] Supporting affiliates with media and business tools

Are your coaches posting on social media? If not, you're missing a massive growth opportunity.

In this episode, Dan and Nick discuss why creating a culture of social media engagement among coaches is essential for your gym’s success. From enhancing personal brands to building trust, your staff’s online activity can generate exponential impact for your business.

They cover everything from overcoming common concerns (what if a coach leaves and takes members?) to leveraging the power of authentic storytelling to connect with your audience. You’ll also learn actionable tips to empower your team to share content that grows your gym and deepens your community’s bond.

If you’ve been struggling to leverage social media as a free, powerful marketing tool, this episode is for you.

Have a coach who’s already killing it with content? Send their profile to [email protected] — we’d love to feature them in a future episode!

Timestamps:

[01:34] The cons you're probably already thinking about

[02:45] Create a culture of storytelling in your gym

[03:02] Personal brands are winning

[04:54] Leverage social media to scale

[07:23] Personal stories are relatable

[13:04] Gyms using social media effectively

[15:05] Authenticity drives brand trust

Are you still offering "lifetime" rates from when you first opened your gym? Dan and Nick are here to tell you why that might be hurting your business more than you think.

In this episode, they break down the hidden dangers of grandfathered rates — from undervaluing your services to creating unfair community dynamics — and explain why it’s never too late to make a change. They also share actionable strategies to shift away from outdated pricing models, create sustainable growth, and ensure your gym is set up for long-term success.

If you're struggling with grandfathered rates or need help transitioning to a sustainable pricing model, email us at [email protected].

Timestamps:

[00:47] What are grandfathered rates?

[02:23] You’re undervaluing your growth and services

[04:06] Use a pricing structure that pushes you to get better

[4:56] Creating unfair dynamics within your community

[06:40] You’re hurting your bottom line

[09:44] You’re signaling weakness

[11:32] Inflation makes grandfather rates unsustainable

Can boutique gyms learn a thing or two from big-box fitness chains? Absolutely.

In this episode, Nick and Dan break down the five most powerful business strategies they've observed at Life Time Fitness — strategies that boutique and independent gym owners can adopt to boost their own operations.

From creating a sense of scarcity with waitlists to the genius profit-boosting tactic of offering a $45 coffee tumbler (yes, we're serious), they discuss how Life Time Fitness is more than just a gym — it's an extremely well-thought-out revenue machine. Nick and Dan also examine the importance of identifying your ideal customer profile (ICP), instilling scalable growth mindsets in your team, and diversifying revenue streams.

Got your own insights about Life Time Fitness — or another big name fitness studio? Email us at [email protected]. We'd love to continue the conversation and help our community of CrossFit boxes, boutique yoga studios, and martial art spaces continue to build more resilient and profitable businesses.

Timestamps:

[1:30] - Dan's Life Time membership experience

[2:59] - Waitlists and scarcity marketing

[6:29] - Having a clear ICP matters

[10:25] - Churn prevention strategies

[13:30] - A professional Sales teams in a gym? Yes.

[15:20] - Maximizing your revenue streams

[18:50] - The good and the bad of a big-picture business model

Having a business coach — someone who offers expertise you don’t have and help you navigate challenges and goals — is crucial. Having a so-called ‘guru’? Not so much.

Throughout their careers as gym owners and tech leaders, Nick and Dan collectively have had 10 business coaches — and they know it’s impossible to see the ROI of a coach until you’ve worked with the right one.

In this week’s episode, they explore what makes a great mentor, the warning signs of bad advice, and how to find the right fit for your business needs. From student-coach ratios to gut instincts, they share actionable tips and personal insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and thrive under expert guidance.

Want a checklist of for interviewing a potential coach? Or want some guidance on whether you’re making the right decision? Shoot Dan and Nick an email: [email protected]

Timestamps:

[:18] Why are business coaches important?

[1:31] Dan and Nick’s personal experiences with business coaches

[3:44] Canned advice is worthless

[5:20] You need to get value quickly

[6:09] Talk to critics of your potential coach

[7:58] Student-to-coach ratios matter

[9:36] Get the right coach for your current needs

[11:30] Match coaching style to your needs

[12:59] Don’t focus on vanity metrics

[14:03] Ask about their failures

[16:24] Check the coach’s pedigree

[17:48] Trust your gut

Building a successful gym is not just about getting people through the door — or even the effectiveness of your workouts and coaches.

In this episode, Nick and Dan deep-dive into why onboarding is the most critical stage of your members’ journey. From tours to rituals, they break down six key elements every gym needs to include for a seamless onboarding process. As always, they also share actionable strategies to help drop-ins and new members feel confident, connected, and ready to commit long-term.

Have you ever signed up for a service and felt like you were thrown to the wolves? Let us know: [email protected].

Timestamps:

[:20] The myth of leads

[1:10] What actually is onboarding?

[3:58] Give a tour of the physical space

[5:39] Set clear rules

[6:46] Share your gym’s culture

[8:58] Showcase rituals

[9:52] Set realistic expectations

[11:32] Immerse members into your community

Are cliques the enemy of gym culture, or could they unlock deeper community connections?

Nick Reyes argues that cliques aren’t inherently bad — in fact, they might be the key to fostering loyalty, camaraderie, and engagement in your gym. Alongside Dan Uyemura, they explore the fine line between healthy relationships and toxic exclusivity. The duo also shares their advice on how gym owners can steer social dynamics to create a thriving environment for all members.

If your gym has a clique that's done something great for the community, like forming around a charity, let us know the full story: [email protected].

Timestamps:

00:23 What is a clique anyway?

01:17 How cliques function in the fitness Business

02:33 Group size expectations

05:42 Toxicity in cliques

08:04 How to create Inclusive groups

10:30 Real-life examples and strategies for gym owners