Vigor Life Podcast

I started business consulting in 2011 after having many coaches ask me how I was building Vigor Ground and its success at that time. For a long time I didn’t feel “comfortable” doing business coaching, but eventually pulled the trigger because I could see how I could help people build better gyms. A year later as I built a relationship with Steve Krebs, who at the time was also running a successful gym in upstate New York, we decided to start The Pack Fitness Business, a business consulting company focused on helping fitness business owners grow their business. We had success with it and helped hundreds of fit pro’s, spoke on many stages, developed a mens personal development retreat called, Resurrection and created our own live event called, Changing The Game.

We went our separate ways less than two years ago and now Steve has a marketing company STA, a program for young entrepreneurs called Young Bucks Academy, he also coaches high level performers. I say this to shine a light on the fact that we have done many things in the last 10+ years and with that has come its fair share of struggles, stress, anxiety, failure, arguments, blood, sweat and tears. In this episode we share some of the things most don’t talk about when it comes to overcoming the hard parts of life and business. We also dive into what it takes to achieve success, along with the perspectives, strategies and stories that will help you on your journey of life and business.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

* How men are taught to stuff their feelings and not be vulnerable and why it creates chaos personally and professionally.* The “handbook” we wish we had going into business. * What it truly take to overcome stress and anxiety on a life and situational basis.* The things Steve would “whisper in his ear” when he was 27.* Why I believe you must hustle when you’re younger so that you can build some very important virtues; which I outline for you.* Why studies show that for “corporate athletes” physical fitness is the building block to success in life and work.* What causes us self-sabotage and how you can get out of the cycle of non-achievement. * Why we never compare down, we only compare up, and how this creates a daily problem in our lives.* The skillsets that are a must for entrepreneurs. * How business can corrupt you and why value-based decision making is the method to prevent it. * Why you need to stop trying to change the game and looking for the cheat code when you're playing the game of life. 

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Young Bucks 30 Day Sprint:  www.YBSuccess.com

Steve Krebs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevekrebsi/

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance:  www.VigorGroundFitness.com

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2 

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

I started business consulting in 2011 after having many coaches ask me how I was building Vigor Ground and its success at that time. For a long time I didn’t feel “comfortable” doing business coaching, but eventually pulled the trigger because I could see how I could help people build better gyms. A year later as I built a relationship with Steve Krebs, who at the time was also running a successful gym in upstate New York, we decided to start, The Pack Fitness Business, a business consulting company focused on helping fitness business owners grow their business. We had success with it and helped hundreds of fit pro’s, spoke on many stages, developed a mens personal development retreat called, Resurrection and created our own live event called, Changing The Game.

We went our separate ways less than two years ago and now Steve has a marketing company STA, a program for young entrepreneurs called, Young Bucks Academy, he also coaches high level performers. I say this to shine a light on the fact that we have done many things in the last 10+ years and with that has come its fair share of struggles, stress, anxiety, failure, arguments, blood, sweat and tears. In this episode we share some of the things most don’t talk about when it comes to overcoming the hard parts of life and business. We also dive into what it takes to achieve success, along with the perspectives, strategies and stories that will help you on your journey of life and business.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

1. How men are taught to stuff their feelings and not be vulnerable and why it creates chaos personally and professionally.

2. The “handbook” we wish we had going into business.

3. What it truly take to overcome stress and anxiety on a life and situational basis.

4. The things Steve would “whisper in his ear” when he was 27.

5. Why I believe you must hustle when you’re younger so that you can build some very important virtues; which I outline for you.

6. Why studies show that for “corporate athletes” physical fitness is the building block to success in life and work.

7. What causes us self-sabotage and how you can get out of the cycle of non-achievement.

8. Why we never compare down, we only compare up, and how this creates a daily problem in our lives.

9. The skillsets that are a must for entrepreneurs.

10. How business can corrupt you and why value-based decision making is the method to prevent it.

11. Why you need to stop trying to change the game and looking for the cheat code when you're playing the game of life.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Young Bucks 30 Day Sprint: http://www.ybsuccess.com/

Steve Krebs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevekrebsi/

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance: http://www.vigorgroundfitness.com/

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

When it comes to giving advice on anything, I am a proponent of a principle Ray Dahlio calls “believability”; which essentially boils down to listening to someone who has been there, done that, gone through/overcome the struggles, and is still doing it successfully. When it comes to fitness business and coaching Q & A’s I answer from a place of knowledge. I draw from all of the things that I’ve studied and experienced over my 13 years owning gyms (on two different continents) and helping hundreds of fitness professionals directly grow their gym’s and coaching businesses.

The answers I give in this podcast are drawn from my experience and based on Ray's "believability" concept. Enjoy!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

1. When it is the right time to stop coaching and grow your gym. I address the question: is there ever a right time to do that?

2. How to know if you should do what people tell you to do vs. what you want to do and how to avoid being confused by this

3. Why you shouldn't work to sell your business

4. What it really takes to build systems for sales, marketing, fulfillment, team communication and customer experience

5. Investing in yourself, your team, the client experiences, equipment and innovation; I tell you which one should you do first and how much you should invest

6. The power of moments, giving back and connecting your tribe

7. The concept of “whitespace” in your gym and why it's important to have an area where you can differentiate yourself

8. What the Vigor Dream Scholarship is and how we’re changing the way gyms do charity work

9. What to do when you run out of ideas for content creation and ways to build content that will do well while setting you apart from everyone else

10. One of the ways I learn and create at the same time and how that can help make you a better coach

11. The curse of knowledge and how it can affect your ability to connect with your clients and the marketplace

12. When should you invest in paid advertising

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance: http://www.vigorgroundfitness.com/

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

Podcast: The Coaching Habit Episode: http://vigorgroundfitness.com/ep059-say-less-ask-more-and-change-the-way-you-coach-and-lead/

Book: The Power of Moments - Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact (Chip and Dan Heath): https://goo.gl/92iqFc

Everyday I get asked hundreds of questions – whether from clients at Vigor Ground, podcast listeners or the gym owners I coach/mentor. Today I thought I'd open up the floor as a sort of Q & A to share some of these questions and the experiences that have inspired my answers to them.

I start the episode with what I believe is the secret to success—and a foundation for achieving any big goal in your life. Topics cover insights on whether you should make the move of being a gym owner, how to supercharge your coaching, exposure to events, to getting answers about your next step. I also go over some financial resources.

If you're a coach or gym owner this episode is a must listen.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

1. What makes people successful and one of the most important values that drives success

2. How I approach learning and how to get ahead faster when it comes to knowledge you don’t have

3. A test that will help you find out if you are tired or uninspired

4. A key indicator that will let you know if going into your chosen industry is the right move for you

5. How to know if you should open a gym as coach and some alternative options (that you may not be aware of) that will allow you to become successful, make money and make an impact in the fitness industry

6. The biggest mistakes coaches make with their clients and how to overcome them and become a great coach

7. Strategies to make you a more focused coach so that your clients get better results and you get ahead in your career

8. Two MUST financial resources to build a great foundation as an individual and a business owner—and the philosophy of the richest man in Babylon

9. How to build self-confidence and the bank account analogy that will change your perspective on building self-esteem

10. A strategy that will help you make those changes in your life that you’ve been struggling to make for years

11. How to leverage your relationships to sharpen your behaviors and mold them towards who you want to become

12. Why working for a big box gym is a great opportunity for a coach

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance: http://www.vigorgroundfitness.com

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

Podcast: The Coaching Habit Episode: http://vigorgroundfitness.com/ep059-say-less-ask-more-and-change-the-way-you-coach-and-lead/

Book: I Will Teach You To Be Rich (Ramit Sethi): https://www.amazon.com/Will-Teach-You-Be-Rich-ebook/dp/B004WL4BW6

Book: Profit First - Transform Your Business From a Cash Eating Monster To a Money Making Machine (Mike Michalowicz): https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making/dp/073521414X/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1541113476&sr=8-1&keywords=profit+first+book

Podcast: Top 10 Lessons From Owning A Gym For A Decade w/ Mike Robertson: http://vigorgroundfitness.com/e065-top-10-lessons-from-a-decade-owning-a-gym-and-growing-in-the-fitness-industry-with-mike-robertson/

Leadership Traits article (with Luka Hocevar and Dr. John Rusin): https://drjohnrusin.com/how-to-be-a-leader-in-todays-fitness-industry/

A need to feel connected and a valued part of a team / group is part of our DNA. It recently occurred to me that deep down we all know that we can't do it alone. We know that NBA championships are not won by individuals. They are won by a collection of individuals who make that team great. It's the same with work and life. We are better together when we are surrounded by great team members. In this spirit I want to share nine ways to be a great team member.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

=> Why I'm so drawn to teams and why I have a tough time doing things solo (it’s not what you’d think)

=> Why "well done" is better than "well said" when it comes to a team

=> A strategy that will positively benefit you and the teams you are part of

=> What “Contagiosm” is and how it can make or break your team

=> One of my favourite team quotes and why it's a slogan for myself and Vigor Ground

=> The most important virtue you must posses within a team

=> What accountability really is and how you can make it work for you

=> Why Camron’s rhyme, “GD man, I’m hungry and I just ate…” plays into the success of both your team and you

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance: http://www.vigorgroundfitness.com/

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

5 Leadership Traits article (w/ Luka Hocevar & Dr. John Rusin): https://drjohnrusin.com/how-to-be-a-leader-in-todays-fitness-industry/

It’s easy to go through your day, week, and even life saying that certain things matter to you—that you stand for or against them and that they’re part of your values. But how often do you live up to these values? What guides you to stay on the path of living in integrity with your own personal life, business and career?

The key is being honest with yourself.

A super effective way to make sure that you're living true to your values is to ask yourself questions. I do this daily and have found it to be a powerful way to bring my key values to the forefront. This simple act helps me—and will help you—focus yourself so that you are able make decisions—and actions—that align with the goals you are striving towards, and the values you believe in.

In this episode of the podcast I tackle the ways you can embody courage, empowerment, growth, class and self-respect in your life. And ultimately, help you practice what you preach and lead a more successful and fulfilling life.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

=> The lessons that death has taught me and how they have lit a fire under me

=> Why actively seeking rejection will help you embody courage

=> What it means to be a “friendtor” and how it will help you take your relationships to the next level

=> Why growth is a commitment to expanding your capacity to add value to your life and how to do it every day

=> The “edge of the bed” question and why everyone should write out what they want to teach their kids

=> The difference between elevating and escalating

=> One thing that will help you be seen as a leader in the eyes others  as soon as it's applied

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance: http://www.vigorgroundfitness.com/

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel (Subscribe): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram (Follow): https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

Leadership Traits Article (with Luka Hocevar and Dr. John Rusin): https://drjohnrusin.com/how-to-be-a-leader-in-todays-fitness-industry/

I tend to be careful not to take advice from anyone who hasn’t been in business for at least 5 years. This rule is not set in stone, but I like to get wisdom from people who have been there done, that and are still doing it. The people who have withstood the test of time, change and innovation. Mike Robertson is one of those people.

Mike has been a friend of mine for a decade. He owns one of the top 10 Gyms in America voted by Mens Health, has influenced and improved the industry with the way they approach training at IFAST, and recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his gym; which just happened to be around the same time as we celebrated our 10-year at Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance.

In this episode we talk about the 10 biggest lessons learned from owning a gym for a decade, as well as success in the fitness industry. This is a MUST listen for anyone in fitness or that owns a small business.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

* How we got started with only thousands of dollars and why it was a competitive advantage

* The cliché piece of advice that you MUST take seriously or it will hurt you down the line... and could ultimately shut down your business

* The two ways you can market your business – one of which can feel very scary in your first years of business

* Why you should study anatomy, biomechanics, program design and structure, and why not doing this will cause you to be a mediocre coach / business owner

* How me doing ninja kicks in an orientation session helped me attract new clients, and how to apply the strategy behind the move to your business

* How to tell if you are consistently getting better or just staying where you are and why knowing this is the key to success in gym ownership

* How to hire and the three mistakes both Mike and myself made in the last decade, and what we do different now

* The seven questions that create a coaching habit and how to improve your team leadership

* Why every fitness professional should aspire to “leave the jersey better than when they got it” and what that means for you

* One of the biggest mistakes gym owners make and the perspective shift you must make to be successful

* And much, much more.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance: https://vigorgroundfitness.com/

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel (Subscribe): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram (Follow): https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

Robertson Training Systems: http://robertsontrainingsystems.com/

Physical Preparation Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/physical-preparation-podcast-robertson-training-systems/id1011924486?mt=2

Physical Preparation 101: http://physicalpreparation101.com/

Mike Robertson Instagram (Follow): https://www.instagram.com/robtrainsystems/

Thanks so much for joining me this week. Have some feedback that you’d like to share? Leave me a review on 

I tend to be careful not to take advice from anyone who hasn’t been in business for at least 5 years. This rule is not set in stone, but I like to get wisdom from people who have been there done, that and are still doing it. The people who have withstood the test of time, change and innovation. Mike Robertson is one of those people.

Mike has been a friend of mine for a decade. He owns one of the top 10 Gyms in America voted by Mens Health, has influenced and improved the industry with the way they approach training at IFAST, and recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his gym; which just happened to be around the same time as we celebrated our 10-year at Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance.

In this episode we talk about the 10 biggest lessons learned from owning a gym for a decade, as well as success in the fitness industry. This is a MUST listen for anyone in fitness or that owns a small business.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

=> How we got started with only thousands of dollars and why it was a competitive advantage

=> The cliché piece of advice that you MUST take seriously or it will hurt you down the line... and could ultimately shut down your business

=> The two ways you can market your business – one of which can feel very scary in your first years of business

=> Why you should study anatomy, biomechanics, program design and structure, and why not doing this will cause you to be a mediocre coach / business owner

=> How me doing ninja kicks in an orientation session helped me attract new clients, and how to apply the strategy behind the move to your business

=> How to tell if you are consistently getting better or just staying where you are and why knowing this is the key to success in gym ownership

=> How to hire and the three mistakes both Mike and myself made in the last decade, and what we do different now

=> The seven questions that create a coaching habit and how to improve your team leadership

=> Why every fitness professional should aspire to “leave the jersey better than when they got it” and what that means for you

=> One of the biggest mistakes gym owners make and the perspective shift you must make to be successful

=> And much, much more.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance: http://www.vigorgroundfitness.com/

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel (Subscribe): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram (Follow): https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

Robertson Training Systems: http://robertsontrainingsystems.com/

Physical Preparation Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/physical-preparation-podcast-robertson-training-systems/id1011924486?mt=2

Physical Preparation 101: http://physicalpreparation101.com/

Mike Robertson Instagram (Follow): https://www.instagram.com/robtrainsystems/

Ideas, effectively packaged and delivered, can change the world. So, wouldn’t it be amazing to identify the *exact* techniques shared by the world’s greatest communicators, then apply their secrets to wow your audiences?

One of the most valuable skillsets that I have built in the last two decades is the skillset of communication. Whether it’s with my clients, on stages where I get to present, or through the podcast, pitching ideas to investors, or communicating with friends and family; it’s a skill you MUST develop if you want to improve your coaching, marketing, connecting with people, and effectively sharing ideas with the world.

More specifically, good communication skills are important for three key reasons:

* You have ideas. Great ideas even. Unfortunately, unless you can engage an audience in your delivery of those ideas, they’ll never leave your head.

* You’re going to have to speak publicly at some point: work presentations, seeking startup capital, on a panel, or for fun if you choose.

* Ability to communicate effectively has become one the—if not THE—most sought-after skills in job applicants and candidates.

I share 10 big ideas on how to communicate and present like the world's best.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

* How my speaking journey started, why I was terrified of public speaking, how I got over it and how you can too

* The “secret weapon” Tony Robbins used to develop his speaking skills and how to apply it to your life

* Why ideas are the most valuable resource and how to present your ideas in the age of instant communication, rapid cultural growth, and technological supremacy

* The number one building block of your presentations authenticity and energy and why without it you have no chance

* Why you should study and learn storytelling like your life depended on it

* How to engage an audience with more than just their eyes and ears and it will keep them engaged and encourage them to remember your presentation. I give you three strategies you can apply tomorrow

* Why sticking to the "rule of three" will improve the message in your presentation

* Practice makes perfect. This is especially true of public speaking. I'll give you two strategies you can use (right now) to become so comfortable with your content and material that your presentation comes off like a conversation

* Why you don’t want to be someone else when you're presenting. I discuss why no matter how much you study and emulate great speakers, the only way to leave a lasting impression on a large audience is to embrace your own unique style

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance: https://vigorgroundfitness.com/

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel (Subscribe): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram (Follow): https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

Book: Talk Like TED - The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of The Worlds Top Minds (Carmin Gallo): https://goo.gl/UQD8a2

Book: The Storytellers Secret - From TED Speakers to Business Legends, Why Some Ideas Catch On And Others Don’t (Carmin Gallo): https://goo.gl/kGXjj1

Thanks so much for joining me this week. Have some feedback that you’d like to share? Leave me a review on iTunes.

Ideas, effectively packaged and delivered, can change the world. So, wouldn’t it be amazing to identify the *exact* techniques shared by the world’s greatest communicators, then apply their secrets to wow your audiences?

One of the most valuable skillsets that I have built in the last two decades is the skillset of communication. Whether it’s with my clients, on stages where I get to present, or through the podcast, pitching ideas to investors, or communicating with friends and family; it’s a skill you MUST develop if you want to improve your coaching, marketing, connecting with people, and effectively sharing ideas with the world.

More specifically, good communication skills are important for three key reasons:

You have ideas. Great ideas even. Unfortunately, unless you can engage an audience in your delivery of those ideas, they’ll never leave your head.

You’re going to have to speak publicly at some point: work presentations, seeking startup capital, on a panel, or for fun if you choose.

Ability to communicate effectively has become one the—if not THE—most sought-after skills in job applicants and candidates.

I share 10 big ideas on how to communicate and present like the world's best.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

=> How my speaking journey started, why I was terrified of public speaking, how I got over it and how you can too

=> The “secret weapon” Tony Robbins used to develop his speaking skills and how to apply it to your life

=> Why ideas are the most valuable resource and how to present your ideas in the age of instant communication, rapid cultural growth, and technological supremacy

=> The number one building block of your presentations authenticity and energy and why without it you have no chance

=> Why you should study and learn storytelling like your life depended on it

=> How to engage an audience with more than just their eyes and ears and it will keep them engaged and encourage them to remember your presentation. I give you three strategies you can apply tomorrow

=> Why sticking to the "rule of three" will improve the message in your presentation

=> Practice makes perfect. This is especially true of public speaking. I'll give you two strategies you can use (right now) to become so comfortable with your content and material that your presentation comes off like a conversation

=> Why you don’t want to be someone else when you're presenting. I discuss why no matter how much you study and emulate great speakers, the only way to leave a lasting impression on a large audience is to embrace your own unique style

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance: http://www.vigorgroundfitness.com/

Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/vigor-life-podcast/id1180256583?mt=2

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel (Subscribe): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Luka Hocevar Instagram (Follow): https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

Book: Talk Like TED - The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of The Worlds Top Minds (Carmin Gallo): https://goo.gl/UQD8a2

Book: The Storytellers Secret - From TED Speakers to Business Legends, Why Some Ideas Catch On And Others Don’t (Carmin Gallo): https://goo.gl/kGXjj1