Fitness Premier's Beyond The Club

Fitness Premier
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Hosted by Jason Markowicz & Mike Orwig Step inside the heartbeat of Fitness Premier with Beyond The Club, the podcast that goes far past the gym floor. Join co-hosts Jason Markowicz and Mike Orwig as they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build thriving fitness communities that transform lives—one rep, one relationship, one club at a time. Every episode features raw, unfiltered conversations with the people who make Fitness Premier pulse:  Elite trainers sharing cutting-edge programming, client breakthroughs, and the science of sustainable results Club operators breaking down the nuts-and-bolts of running a 24/7 fitness powerhouse—from retention hacks to culture-building Franchisees revealing their journeys from dream to grand opening, the wins, the grind, and the moment a member says “This changed everything”Whether you’re a fitness professional hungry for growth, a club owner scaling your vision, or someone inspired to make health a forever habit—this is your backstage pass to the strategies, stories, and soul of Fitness Premier. New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe now and let’s change lives—together.

Episodes

  1. May 1

    Inside the Mind of Fitness Leaders: Innovation and Community Focus w/ Eb Gideon & Keegan Mraz

    This episode features industry leaders Eb Gideon and Keegan Mraz discussing innovative strategies in fitness, member retention, recovery modalities, and future growth plans. Gain insights into how they are transforming the fitness experience and building a community-focused brand. https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    16 min

  2. Apr 1

    Building Community and Leadership in Fitness w/ Joey Kazda

    Join us as Joey Kazda shares his inspiring journey from gym member to general manager at Fitness Premier Minooka. Discover insights on leadership, community building, and the evolution of a fitness facility, along with tips on personal growth and industry success. https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    20 min

  3. Mar 1

    Episode 7: From Member to Multi-Unit Franchisee | Brent Bergeson

    Most entrepreneurs believe success comes from working harder — but Brent Bergenson's journey proves relentless effort isn't enough without strategic growth. In this episode, Brent shares how he transformed from a single trainer to a multi-club owner, revealing the behind-the-scenes decisions that fueled his rapid expansion and the secret sauce of building a team that scales with him.You'll discover the importance of mastering both hard and soft skills — like mastering P&L analysis and hiring slow to fire fast — and how these fundamentals drive sustainable growth. Brent breaks down the pivotal role amenities like recovery rooms and Salt Chambers play in member retention, boosting revenue while creating a cutting-edge experience. His innovative approach to leveraging wellness amenities to increase membership fees offers a blueprint for operators looking to stand out in a crowded market.We get into the future of small group training through the FitWave program, which is transforming traditional classes into community-driven, confidence-building experiences. Brent shares how these programs foster loyalty, motivate members, and turn fitness into a lifestyle — not just a workout.With insights on navigating challenges, building a resilient team, and embracing new industry trends, this episode is essential listening for anyone serious about scaling their fitness business smartly. Whether you're an aspiring gym owner or an experienced operator, Brent's story proves that strategic systems combined with authentic community can unlock exponential growth.If you're ready to rethink growth, harness the power of innovative amenities, and learn from a franchisee who’s done it all — this episode is your playbook for best-in-the-world success. https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    23 min

  4. Feb 1

    The Journey of a Fitness Mom | Amanda Ducharme

    In this episode, Jason, Amanda, and Mike discuss the challenges and triumphs of balancing fitness, motherhood, and work life. Amanda shares her journey into the fitness industry, the importance of prioritizing health for moms, and her involvement in the Adaptive PE program that supports children with special needs. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, personal growth, and the need for grace in the hectic lives of mothers. https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    14 min

  5. Jan 1

    Episode 5: The Powerhouse of Plainfield | Chrissy Graf

    In this episode of the Fitness Mirror Beyond the Club podcast, host Jason Markowicz interviews Chrissy Graf, the operating partner of the Fitness Premier Plainfield location. Chrissy shares her inspiring fitness journey, the importance of community in the fitness industry, and the recent innovations at her gym, including the Relax and Restore suite. They discuss overcoming fears in business, balancing work and personal life, and the significance of relationships in creating a successful fitness environment. The conversation concludes with fun facts and personal insights from Chrissy, highlighting her passion for fitness and community. https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    26 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    Episode 4: Ricky Panfil

    Join host Jason Markowicz (CEO of Fitness Premier) and co-host Mike Orwig (Multi-Unit Franchisee) as they sit down with one of the youngest rockstars in the Fitness Premier system – Ricky Panfil. Ricky is already a full-time personal trainer, group training leader, and rising leader inside his club. In this high-energy episode, Ricky opens up about: How he went from being a skinny high school kid to obsessing over fitness.How he got into Fitness Premier and tips on getting started.The moment he realized training people wasn’t just a job – it was his calling The client transformations that still give him chills (and sometimes make him tear up) His unapologetic mission to prove that age is just a number when you show up, work hard, and genuinely care Big goals for the future: from becoming a club manager to one day owning his own Fitness Premier locationsIf you’re a young trainer wondering if you’re “too young” to make an impact, or if you just love stories of hungry, heart-driven people going all-in on what they love – this episode will fire you up. Ricky Panfil is living proof that when passion meets work ethic, age doesn’t matter – results do. Subscribe to Beyond The Club wherever you get your podcasts and join the fastest-growing fitness franchise family in the Midwest! https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    23 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Episode 3: Keegan Mraz

    In this inspiring episode of Beyond The Club, host Jason Markowicz (CEO of Fitness Premier) and co-host Mike Orwig (Multi-Unit Franchisee) sit down with Keegan Mraz, one of Fitness Premier’s standout franchise owners, club managers, and longtime fitness professional. Keegan takes us back to where it all began: walking into a Fitness Premier club as a member years ago, falling in love with the community, the coaching, and the results-driven atmosphere. He shares the pivotal moments that turned a passionate member into a dedicated personal trainer, then club manager, and ultimately a franchise owner himself. We dive deep into: Why training people lights him up more than anything else The mindset shift from "working a job" to building a business that changes lives The real-day-to-day rewards (and challenges) of owning and operating a Fitness Premier location How helping members hit their goals keeps him energized, even on the toughest days Advice to clients, members, and others looking to change their lives with fitness.If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to turn your passion for fitness into a career and a business, this episode is for you. Keegan’s story is proof that the opportunities inside Fitness Premier go way beyond the club floor. Subscribe to Beyond The Club wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode featuring the people who make Fitness Premier the fastest-growing fitness franchise in the Midwest! https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    21 min

  8. 11/25/2025 ·  Bonus

    Keegan: Member & Team Shout-Outs

    Keegan, Mike, and Jason's shout-outs to members and staff for the month of November!  https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    2 min

  9. 11/17/2025

    Episode 2: The Fitness Industry

    Join Mike and Jason, fitness industry veterans, as they break down the secrets to thriving as a personal trainer and franchisee. From navigating gym culture to building a successful fitness business, this podcast delivers actionable insights, expert tips, and real-world strategies to dominate the fitness world.  Tune in for motivation, growth, and insider knowledge! https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    13 min

  10. 11/10/2025

    Episode 1: From Classroom to Multi-Unit Franchisee

    Kick off Beyond The Club with the episode that started it all. Hosts Jason Markowicz and Mike Orwig sit down—no guests, no filter—to unpack the raw blueprint of running a Fitness Premier location, the high-stakes leap into franchising, and the unlikely path that turned a school principal into a multi-unit fitness empire builder. In this premiere episode, you’ll hear: The daily grind of a 24/7 club: Jason breaks down the systems that keep members coming back at 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.—from staff scheduling to the “wow” moments that turn visitors into lifers. Franchisee launch playbook: Step-by-step on site selection, build-out nightmares, grand-opening chaos, and the one metric that predicts long-term success. Mike’s pivot story: From ringing school bells to spotting benches—how a principal traded lesson plans for workout plans, became a top trainer, and scaled to multiple thriving clubs without losing the “why” that drives every rep.This isn’t theory. It’s battle-tested truth from two leaders who’ve lived every role in the Fitness Premier ecosystem. Whether you’re eyeing your first franchise, optimizing an existing club, or just love a comeback story—Episode 1 is your foundation. Available now. Hit play and let’s build something unstoppable. https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    17 min

  11. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Beyond The Club: Episode 1 Teaser

    https://www.instagram.com/fitnesspremier/ https://www.facebook.com/fitnesspremier

    1 min

Trailer

About

Hosted by Jason Markowicz & Mike Orwig Step inside the heartbeat of Fitness Premier with Beyond The Club, the podcast that goes far past the gym floor. Join co-hosts Jason Markowicz and Mike Orwig as they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build thriving fitness communities that transform lives—one rep, one relationship, one club at a time. Every episode features raw, unfiltered conversations with the people who make Fitness Premier pulse:  Elite trainers sharing cutting-edge programming, client breakthroughs, and the science of sustainable results Club operators breaking down the nuts-and-bolts of running a 24/7 fitness powerhouse—from retention hacks to culture-building Franchisees revealing their journeys from dream to grand opening, the wins, the grind, and the moment a member says “This changed everything”Whether you’re a fitness professional hungry for growth, a club owner scaling your vision, or someone inspired to make health a forever habit—this is your backstage pass to the strategies, stories, and soul of Fitness Premier. New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe now and let’s change lives—together.

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