The Training Table

Summary

Nick and Chris discuss the different types of competitions they run at their gyms and the reasons behind them. They talk about the importance of having something to train for and how it keeps members motivated. They also highlight the benefits of testing oneself and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. Additionally, they discuss the community-building aspect of competitions and the shared experiences that create lasting memories. Competitions can create a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences among participants. They can also help raise awareness and market a gym to potential new members. However, it's important to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere, rather than focusing solely on intense competition. Niche and themed competitions can attract a specific audience and generate more participation. Running a competition can be costly, especially if renting a venue or hiring professional services. It's crucial to consider the financial implications and unpaid man hours involved. Decentralizing competitions and partnering with other companies can be a smart strategy to reduce costs and leverage existing resources.

Keywords

competitions, training, motivation, testing, accomplishment, community, competitions, camaraderie, shared experiences, awareness, marketing, fun, inclusive, niche, themed, participation, costs, financial implications, unpaid man hours, decentralization, partnerships

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Types of Competitions

03:41 Motivation and Engagement

07:25 Testing Limits and Achieving the Impossible

11:19 Building Community through Shared Experiences

15:34 The Logistics and Benefits of Running Competitions

23:08 Creating Awareness and Marketing

25:53 Fun and Inclusive Competition Atmosphere

29:39 Financial Implications of Running a Competition

36:43 Decentralizing Competitions and Partnerships

Summary

Storm Strout shares his journey of opening a CrossFit gym at the age of 19 and the challenges he faced along the way. He talks about his early experiences as a member of various gyms and how that influenced his decision to open his own. Storm discusses the process of finding a location, rehabbing the building, and opening the gym with no money and no plan. He also shares the unconventional methods he used to attract members and set his prices. Despite the challenges, Storm's passion for fitness and determination to succeed shines through in his story. Storm Strout shares his experience of starting and running CrossFit Veneration with his wife, Courtney. They discuss the challenges they faced in the early days, such as limited equipment and resources, and how they managed to make it work. They also talk about the importance of finding complementary roles within the business and setting boundaries between work and personal life. Storm emphasizes the joy and fulfillment they find in running the gym and their commitment to its long-term success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Storm's Background

07:16 Unusual Circumstances and Challenges

16:25 Setting Prices and Attracting Members

37:21 The Joy and Fulfillment of Running a Gym

Summary

Dr. Brian Strump, the owner of CrossFit Steel Creek and a chiropractor, shares his journey of balancing his chiropractic practice and gym ownership. He discusses the challenges and risks of buying a building for his gym and acquiring another gym. Dr. Strump also talks about the importance of building reps and taking calculated risks in business. In this conversation, Brian shares his experience of buying a gym and the process he went through. He discusses how he initiated the conversation with the gym owners and explored different options. Brian talks about negotiating the price and revisiting the idea after considering the cost of starting on their own. He also explains the importance of adding a partner and closing the deal. Brian shares his role in mentoring the group and transitioning responsibilities. He discusses the challenges of managing staff dynamics and implementing changes. Brian also talks about the retention clause and the importance of retaining members during the transition. He emphasizes the value of evaluating performance and adjusting the deal accordingly. Finally, Brian shares his plans for settling and growing the gym and provides his contact information.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:08 Expressing Views and Opinions

06:13 Balancing Chiropractic Practice and Gym Ownership

08:04 Starting CrossFit Steel Creek

09:37 Transitioning from Chiropractic Practice to Gym Ownership

13:12 Buying the Building and Acquiring Another Gym

27:47 Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals

32:26 Building Reps and Taking Risks

33:01 Buying Another Gym

35:10 Initiating the Conversation and Exploring Options

36:16 Negotiating and Revisiting the Idea

37:10 Considering the Cost of Starting on Their Own

38:13 Adding a Partner and Closing the Deal

40:04 Transitioning Roles and Mentoring the Group

41:03 Managing Expectations and Staff Dynamics

43:10 Implementing Changes and Retention Clause

45:11 Initiating Conversation and Gathering Information

46:14 Considering the Cost of Starting Fresh

47:41 Assessing the Upside and Negotiating the Price

49:03 Delegating Responsibilities and Ensuring Fair Compensation

50:17 Managing Relationships and Setting Boundaries

51:39 Retaining Members and Ensuring Smooth Transition

53:53 Evaluating Performance and Adjusting the Deal

57:48 Considering the Value and Potential of the Gym

59:23 Focusing on Settling and Growing the Gym

01:03:07 Future Projects and Contact Information

Summary

Derek Batman, a gym owner and marketing agency owner, shares his journey and insights in the fitness industry. He started as a step class instructor and personal trainer before opening his own gym. Derek realized the importance of business acumen and sought help to improve his skills. He emphasized the need to measure and track metrics for business growth. Derek also discussed the transition to a semi-private training model and the benefits it offers for both clients and coaches. In this conversation, Derek discusses the benefits of small group training and the financial incentives it provides for both clients and coaches. He emphasizes the importance of professionalizing fitness coaches and creating opportunities for them to make a living. Derek also shares his experience with starting Lucid Branding Solutions and the need to relinquish control and trust his team. He highlights the value of mastermind groups in personal and professional growth and encourages taking action and pursuing passions.

www.instagram.com/hardbat_athletics

www.instagram.com/lucidbrandingsolutions

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:08 Starting the Gym

05:00 Transition to CrossFit

08:06 Opening the Gym

09:33 Longevity of Gym Businesses

11:31 Evolution of Business Acumen

13:10 Leveling Up and Seeking Help

15:08 Importance of Metrics

19:16 Transition to Full-Time and Full-Focus

22:30 Semi-Private Training Model

24:07 Small Group Training Benefits

25:06 Financial Incentives for Coaches

26:01 Coaches' Financial Stability

28:02 Professionalizing Fitness Coaches

29:46 Creating a Career in Fitness

31:32 Opportunities for Coaches to Make a Living

32:33 Lucid Branding Solutions

36:37 Relinquishing Control and Trusting Staff

42:18 The Value of Mastermind Groups

49:47 Taking Action and Pursuing Passions

Summary

In this conversation, Nick and Chris discuss their experiences with speaking engagements and the topic of non-slimy sales. Nick shares his experience speaking at a coaches congress in Sweden and highlights the importance of tailoring his speech to the local audience. He emphasizes the need for sales meetings in the gym industry and the importance of approaching sales from a place of help rather than just making a sale. The audience's biggest takeaways include the understanding that sales can be done without being slimy and the importance of building relationships with clients. They also discuss the negative impact of pushy sales tactics and the importance of trust in the sales process. In this conversation, Nick and Chris discuss sales tactics, speaking engagements, and the importance of providing an exceptional experience for gym members. They emphasize the need for authenticity and avoiding skeezy sales tactics. They also highlight the upcoming Two-Brain Summit and the topics they will be speaking about. Chris focuses on the concept of unreasonable hospitality in the microgym industry, while Nick discusses the importance of building relationships with members. They both stress the value of recognizing strengths and weaknesses and getting help from others to provide the best possible experience for clients.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Birthday Wishes

01:07 Speaking Engagements: Sweden and Two-Brain Business Summit

04:11 Nick's Public Speaking Experience

07:18 Nick's Topic: Non-Slimy Sales

09:01 Audience Takeaways from Nick's Speech

10:35 Approaching Sales in the Gym Industry

13:57 Sales as the Beginning of a Relationship

15:24 Helping People and Referring Them Elsewhere

21:31 Skeezy Sales Tactics

22:28 Sales at the Two Brain Summit

23:14 Speaking Engagements

24:11 Unreasonable Hospitality in the Microgym Industry

25:14 Creating Powerful Moments

26:10 Building Relationships with Members

29:32 The Third Place

31:01 Providing an Experience

32:54 Recognizing Strengths and Weaknesses

36:02 Continuation of the Relationship

38:03 Getting Help from Others

41:32 The Importance of Providing Experiences

42:53 Upcoming Speaking Engagements

43:27 Two-Brain Summit

44:01 Conclusion

Summary

Tommy Alfinito shares his journey from opening a gym to selling it and starting a distillery (Wildfether Distilling). He discusses the challenges of managing multiple gym locations and the decision to consolidate. Tommy also provides insights into the process of selling a gym and the economics involved. He then talks about the transition from being a gym owner to not owning the business anymore. Finally, Tommy shares his experience setting up a distillery and the funding options available for starting a new venture.

Tommy discusses his career progression and the importance of taking small leaps to achieve bigger goals. He also shares his experience balancing work and family, highlighting the need to prioritize what's important. Tommy emphasizes the different seasons of life and the importance of being realistic about one's priorities. He concludes by discussing his plans to expand the distillery and meet the growing demand for their products.

https://www.instagram.com/wildfether_distilling

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:57 Expanding the Gym Business

07:48 Challenges of Managing Multiple Locations

12:48 Selling the Gym

22:55 Setting up a Distillery

28:14 Funding a New Venture

33:46 Career Progression and Leaps

35:10 Balancing Work and Family

44:18 Prioritizing What's Important

48:07 Different Seasons of Life

52:29 Expanding the Distillery

56:46 Conclusion

Summary

In this episode, Nick and Chris discuss the challenges of leaving the business as a gym owner and the importance of building systems and processes to ensure a smooth operation in your absence. They emphasize the need to trust your team and delegate tasks, as well as the value of clearly communicating your core values and mission statement. They also share practical tips for taking time away from the business and highlight the benefits of attracting the right people to your team.

Takeaways

Build systems and processes to ensure a smooth operation in your absence

Trust your team and delegate tasks to them

Clearly communicate your core values and mission statement

Take small steps towards taking time away from the business

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Choking Incident

01:03 Chris's Trip to Costa Rica

06:08 The Unique Nature of Gym Businesses

08:02 Preparing for Time Away

11:19 The Importance of Delegation and Trusting Your Team

13:14 Building Systems and Processes

16:37 Letting Your Team Figure Things Out

23:36 Consistently Communicating Your Vision

26:18 The Importance of Attracting the Right People

28:26 Taking Small Steps Towards Time Away

32:13 The Benefits of Delegation and Trust

35:31 Final Thoughts

Summary

In this episode, Nick interviews Tres Kennedy about his transformation journey and the process of starting and building a gym. Tres shares how he lost over 80 pounds and became passionate about fitness. He discusses the decision to open a gym with his wife and the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tres emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and welcoming gym culture and constantly nurturing it. This conversation explores the importance of building community in gyms and creating a fun and engaging environment for members. It also discusses the tendency for some individuals to take fitness too seriously and the need to balance fitness with other aspects of life. The conversation emphasizes the idea that fitness doesn't have to be unpleasant and highlights the role of fun in workouts.

https://www.instagram.com/treskennedy/

Takeaways

Transformation journeys can be life-changing and inspire others.

Starting a gym requires careful planning and seizing opportunities.

Building a gym community involves creating a fun and welcoming culture.

Nurturing gym culture is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and care. Building a sense of community in gyms is crucial for creating a positive and supportive environment.

Taking fitness too seriously can lead to unhealthy obsessions and a negative mindset.

It is important to find a balance between fitness and other aspects of life to maintain overall well-being.

Creating fun and engaging events in the gym can enhance the member experience and foster a sense of camaraderie.

Fitness doesn't have to be unpleasant; incorporating fun elements into workouts can make them more enjoyable and sustainable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:36 Transformation Journey

15:08 Starting a Gym

22:38 Building a Gym Community

33:35 Keeping Fitness Fun

36:37 Nurturing Gym Culture

37:40 Building Community in Gyms

38:49 Taking Fitness Too Seriously

39:42 Balancing Fitness and Life

40:11 Creating Fun and Engaging Gym Events

41:25 Fitness Doesn't Have to Suck

42:59 The Importance of Fun in Workouts

43:37 Wrapping Up the Conversation

Summary

Karen Hazelton, owner of Telos Strength and Conditioning, shares her journey from being a math teacher to a business owner and mentor. She discusses the challenges of leaving the traditional career path and the importance of having a supportive network. Karen emphasizes the value of complementary partnerships and the need for clear goals and accountability. She also highlights the power of peer networks and the evolution of mentoring skills. Karen's story showcases the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in the fitness industry.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:20 Transition from Math Teacher to Business Owner

04:03 Leaving the Traditional Career Path

05:48 Working with a Spouse

06:00 Defined Roles in the Business

07:41 The Value of Different Skill Sets

09:25 The Importance of Mentorship and Support

10:20 Learning New Skills as a Gym Owner

11:09 The Challenges of Learning New Skills

12:08 The Value of Accountability

13:29 The Power of Peer Networks

14:47 Long-Term Memberships in Gyms

17:00 The Importance of Complementary Partnerships

19:26 The Evolution of Mentoring Skills

20:25 The Value of Direct Communication

24:04 Expanding into Coaching and Nutrition

26:30 Becoming a Two-Brain Mentor

28:31 Lessons Learned as a Mentor

30:38 The Importance of Holding People Accountable

32:01 Personal Growth as a Mentor

34:12 Conclusion

Our conversation with Clark Hibbs (www.instagram.com/clarkhibbs) explores the evolution of CrossFit and the shift towards a more holistic approach to fitness. We discuss their experiences as gym owners and the changing goals of their members. We also emphasize the importance of individualized coaching and the need to adapt to the changing needs and priorities of clients. The conversation also touches on the role of bio trackers and health metrics, as well as the gamification of fitness. Overall, the guests highlight the significance of setting a clear mission and vision for a gym and creating a positive and inclusive culture. The conversation explores the balance between competitive fitness and health in the context of CrossFit. It emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for gym members and avoiding making them feel like failures. The evolution of CrossFit is discussed, recognizing the need for progressions and a shift in focus from the early adopters to the general population. The concept of fitness as a spectrum is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of meeting individuals where they are and helping them find their own level of fitness.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:26 The Evolution of CrossFit

03:15 The Shift Towards Health and Wellness

06:41 The Evolution of Gym Culture

10:14 The Changing Goals of Gym Members

13:32 The Role of Bio Trackers and Health Metrics

15:16 The Gamification of Fitness

19:39 The Importance of Coaching

22:23 The Role of Gym Owners in Shaping Culture

26:23 Setting the Mission and Vision

30:36 The Impact of Coaching on Gym Success

32:04 Creating a Supportive Environment

34:01 Recognizing the Evolution of CrossFit

36:38 Balancing Competitive Fitness and Health

37:57 Fitness as a Spectrum