The Gym Owners Forum Podcast

The Gym Owners Forum
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The Gym Owners Forum is a podcast created by gym owners, for gym owners! Our community provides a free space for independent health club owners and fitness business owners to get invaluable advice and support to grow their clubs and thrive. Led by data and experiences compiled from hundreds of clubs throughout the UK and Europe, you can get the latest news and guidance, all brought together from the best our industry has to offer.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode #29 - Beyond the Kit: What Does It Really Take to Build a Super Gym?

    We sat down with Luke Willmott, owner of Castle Gym Nottingham, to hear the story behind building the new Castle Gym, from the vision and attention to detail to the setbacks, costly lessons and realities of running an independent gym.Luke is refreshingly honest about the hardships he faced along the way, sharing what it really takes to build a gym, create an incredible member experience and put the community first.Whether you’re opening your first gym or running your fourth, this episode is packed with insights for gym owners, independent fitness businesses and anyone looking to grow and succeed in the fitness industry.If you’re a gym owner, make sure you watch the full episode, subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss our next conversation.

  2. Sep 22

    Ep #28 - How Can Independent Gym Owners Unlock New Growth Opportunities? With D&G Consulting

    With experience spanning the military, corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, Dave shares valuable insights into growing an independent gym business, building loyal member communities and creating new opportunities for success in the fitness industry.In this episode, we explore how gym owners can think beyond traditional fitness services to deliver greater value, strengthen member relationships and build a thriving, sustainable business.From developing strategic partnerships with local high street businesses to improving in-gym marketing, increasing retail sales and introducing additional member services, Dave shares practical ideas that can help gym owners enhance the member experience, improve retention and unlock new revenue opportunities.A successful gym is about more than just equipment. It’s about delivering results, creating an exceptional member experience, building a strong community and offering meaningful value throughout the entire member journey.Whether you're an independent gym owner, personal trainer, fitness professional or entrepreneur, this conversation with D&G Consultation** provides actionable insights into gym business growth, member retention, fitness marketing and creating new ways to support and engage your members.🎙️ Watch the full conversation with D&G Consultation and discover how you can take your fitness business to the next level.💬 Join the conversation in the comments:What is one thing you could introduce into your gym to add more value for your members?👍 Enjoyed the episode? Don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on notifications for more engaging conversations, expert insights and practical strategies from across the fitness industry.#GymBusiness #FitnessBusiness #IndependentGyms #GymGrowth #FitnessIndustry #MemberRetention #gymmarketing

  3. Sep 11

    Episode #27 - Using AI to Run a Smarter Gym

    AI is moving quickly  but what does it actually mean for gym operators? In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Webster, Co-Founder of Twin Labs AI, to explore how AI can be used in the day-to-day running of a gym. We talk about where AI can genuinely add value, from saving time and improving operations to supporting teams and creating better member experiences. The question isn’t whether AI is coming to the fitness industry, it’s how you choose to use it.

  4. Aug 17

    Episode #26 - The Future of Recovery Facilities in Gyms

    Recovery is becoming an increasingly important part of the modern gym experience but creating a successful recovery facility is about more than simply adding new technology. Juha Suoniemi, CEO of Neurosonic, discusses the growing role of recovery spaces in gyms, the importance of staff training, and how education can directly impact member awareness, engagement, and usage. From recovery technology to wellness solutions, gyms have an opportunity to create a more complete member experience while opening new opportunities for engagement and retention.As the fitness industry continues to evolve, recovery facilities are set to become an increasingly important part of the gym of the future. Follow for more conversations with industry experts, practical advice, and actionable insights to help independent gym owners build stronger, more successful businesses. 💬 What’s one upgrade or investment you’ve made in your gym that has had the biggest impact on your members’ experience?

  5. Aug 3

    Episode #25 - Could Your Gym's AV Be Hurting the Member Experience?

    Is your gym's AV system doing more than just playing music? For many independent gym owners, audio-visual technology is something that's only thought about during a refurbishment or equipment upgrade. But from member motivation and class energy to first impressions and retention, your AV setup could be having a much bigger impact than you realise. In this episode, we're joined by Ashley Bond, Managing Director of MADEAV to discuss why AV should be part of every gym owner's growth strategy, not just another box to tick. We cover some of the most important aspects of audio and visual such as - How sound, screens and lighting influence the member experience - Practical upgrades that can improve member satisfaction - Advice for gym owners planning a refurbishment or new facility No matter the size of your gym, understanding how your environment shapes the member experience could change the way you think about your facility. Subscribe for more conversations with industry experts, practical advice and insights designed to help independent gym owners grow better businesses.

  6. Jul 23

    Episode #24 - Can Independent Gyms Survive UK Business Rates?

    Independent gym owner Nicolas Denby reveals the reality behind the UK's business rates crisis and why many independent gyms are struggling to survive.After seeing his annual business rates increase from £16,000 to £42,000, Nick explains how rising costs, VAT, National Insurance, and government policy are making it harder than ever for small gym owners to grow, employ staff, and serve their communities.In this episode of the Gym Owners Forum Podcast, we discuss:- Why independent gyms are closing across the UK- The 145% increase in business rates- Why gym owners are campaigning for change- The Fair Rates for Fitness campaign- Why gyms are about far more than fitness—they create community, careers, and healthier lives- The future of independent fitness businessesWhether you're a gym owner, personal trainer, fitness professional, or simply interested in small business and UK politics, this conversation provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run an independent gym.

  7. Jun 1

    Episode #23 - Optimising Your Business Through Convenience

    The best business ideas usually start with a personal frustration. This one started with a protein shake that never got made.In this episode, Tom sits down with Orla, co-founder of Fuel Ignite Triumph, a brand new Irish company bringing automated protein and nutrition machines to gyms, events, and anywhere people need convenient, healthy fuel on the go. Recorded live at the Gym Owners Forum Stage at PerformX, this is Orla's first expo and the company's first time exhibiting anywhere.Orla shares the story behind the brand, how she and her co-founder Shirley, two working mothers juggling seven children between them, spotted a gap that no one in Ireland had filled. Coffee machines are everywhere. Proper protein machines are not. That simple observation became a business.The conversation covers how the brand is positioning itself to work for gyms of all types, the thinking behind the Fuel Ignite Triumph name and product range, and the very real challenge of building something from scratch while holding down a nine to five and raising a family. Orla is honest about what has been harder than expected, the paperwork, the time, the constant sacrifice of downtime, and equally honest about why none of that has made her want to stop.There is also a sharp bit of business thinking buried in here. When asked how she would respond to a competitor launching at half the price, her instinct is to go and learn from them, not fight them. That kind of mindset from a founder still in the early stages of building says a lot.If you run an independent gym and you have been thinking about additional revenue streams or ways to improve the member experience without adding to your team's workload, this is worth a listen.FOLLOW FOR MORE HELP AND SUPPORTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gym_owners_forum/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1941055312704468Website: https://gymownersforum.com/Email: info@gymownersforum.com

  8. May 25

    Episode #22 - Creating A Space That Makes Profit

    Equipment, Standards and Taking the Leap - Shannon White on Building MFG from the Ground Up Most gym owners know what bad equipment feels like. Few know what it takes to build something better. In this episode, Tom sits down with Shannon White, competitive bodybuilder, qualified personal trainer, and co-founder of MFG, recorded live at the Gym Owners Forum Stage at PerformX. Shannon founded MFG alongside Jordan Peters with a clear goal: to create gym equipment built for everyone, from a first-time gym-goer who does not want to look lost on the floor, all the way up to IFBB pro athletes and Team GB competitors. Shannon shares the thinking behind MFG's two-product lines, the core range and the performance range, and why that distinction matters for gym owners trying to serve a broad membership base without alienating anyone. The conversation also covers how gym owners can get clearer on who they are actually trying to attract, and how that decision should shape everything from kit selection to marketing and branding. Beyond the equipment, this is a genuinely honest conversation about what it takes to run a business. Shannon talks about the mistakes she sees gym owners make repeatedly, getting pulled into the day-to-day when they should be working on the bigger picture, and why putting proper systems in place early is the difference between a gym that scales and one that grinds the owner into the ground. She also speaks candidly about her own experience starting MFG, the learning curve of handing things over, trusting people to meet your standards, and why fear of failure is the one thing most likely to hold a gym owner back from the decision they already know they need to make. If you are thinking about making a big move in your business or you are early in the journey and trying to figure out where to focus, this episode is worth your time. FOLLOW FOR MORE HELP AND SUPPORT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gym_owners_forum/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1941055312704468 Website: https://gymownersforum.com/ Email: info@gymownersforum.com

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About

The Gym Owners Forum is a podcast created by gym owners, for gym owners! Our community provides a free space for independent health club owners and fitness business owners to get invaluable advice and support to grow their clubs and thrive. Led by data and experiences compiled from hundreds of clubs throughout the UK and Europe, you can get the latest news and guidance, all brought together from the best our industry has to offer.

Information

  • Creator
    The Gym Owners Forum
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Gym Owners Forum
  • Show Website
    The Gym Owners Forum Podcast