Elisa Edelstein - Coach360

Fitness Industry Intelligence The Career Network for Health, Fitness & Performance

Coach360 Celebrates Excellence at Inaugural Industry Impact Awards

The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay recently set the stage for Coach360’s first-ever Networking Social and Industry Impact Awards. This gathering brought together some of the brightest minds and most influential figures in the fitness industry to recognize exceptional contributions and foster meaningful connections and change. Twenty outstanding individuals received honors for their transformative impact on their communities and the broader fitness landscape.

The event created a unique opportunity for professionals to connect while celebrating those who drive positive change in the fitness community. With an impressive lineup of honorees representing various industry sectors—from boutique studios to major gym chains—the evening highlighted the diverse talents that make the fitness community thrive.

Honoring Industry Trailblazers

The Industry Impact Awards recognized twenty individuals whose work has significantly shaped the fitness landscape. Each honoree has demonstrated remarkable leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the industry.

Jeff Zwiefel from Life Time earned accolades for his strategic vision in longevity wellness. Kamille McCollum of BODYBAR received recognition for her pioneering work in the pilates space, while celebrity trainer Corey Calliet was honored for his transformative approach to fitness training. Burn Boot Camp founders Devan & Morgan Kline were celebrated for their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to empowering women through fitness.

Hal Hargrave of The Perfect Step was recognized for his groundbreaking work in adaptive fitness, while F45’s Brian Killingsworth earned honors for his contributions to the functional training movement. JETSET Pilates founder Tamara Galinsky received acknowledgment for revolutionizing the pilates experience, and Raphael Konforti of 24 Hour Fitness was celebrated for his leadership in business and operations.

Award Recipients and Their Contributions

Julie Cartwright of Pvolve earned recognition for advancing functional movement methodologies, while Jessica Martin from O2 Fitness was honored for her leadership excellence. Nesario Mejia received accolades for his impactful work Orangetheory Fitness Afterburn Coaching program.

Rebecca Garity Pinto was celebrated for her contributions to empowering women in fitness, and Todd Durkin of Impact-X Performance earned recognition for his influential coaching approaches. Khaled Elmasri received honors for his impressive work with Planet Fitness Excel Fitness, while Maria Gonzalez of Club Fitness Group was acknowledged for her community engagement initiatives.

Todd Scartozzi from Retro Fitness was recognized for his business development strategies, and E20’s Eloiza Tecson earned accolades for her innovative programming. Chuze Fitness executive Nichole Buchholz was honored for her member experience innovations, while Jon Baraglia of Fitness Formula received recognition for wellness excellence. Ariel Belgrave rounded out the honorees, celebrated for her digital fitness innovations and inclusive approach.

Event Partners and Support

Coach360 extends sincere gratitude to the remarkable co-hosts who made this celebration possible. Their commitment to advancing industry wellness and supporting the Impact Award winners demonstrated their dedication to recognizing excellence.

Special thanks to ACE, Everfit, FloWater, SoundHound AI, Squish, InBody, Struct Club, dotFIT, The Sales Arms, and NexgenMD360 for their partnership in creating this memorable evening. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in strengthening the fitness ecosystem through their unique expertise and ongoing support of professionals across the industry. Their participation helped create an atmosphere of recognition and appreciation that made the inaugural awards special.

Final Thoughts

The inaugural Industry Impact Awards established a powerful new tradition of recognition within the fitness community. Coach360 created a platform for celebrating innovation while fostering professional collaboration by spotlighting excellence across various industry segments.

Professional gatherings like this serve as critical catalysts for industry advancement. The entire fitness ecosystem benefits when leaders connect, share insights, and acknowledge excellence. The relationships formed and strengthened at such events often spark new collaborations and fresh approaches to ongoing challenges. As Coach360 continues to build this tradition of recognition and connection, the potential for positive industry evolution grows exponentially.

About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.

Insights On the Transformative Women Headlining the Health and Fitness Association Event

Las Vegas welcomed an extraordinary gathering of health and wellness professionals as the Health and Fitness Association event brought together 10,000 attendees from 90 countries from March 12-14. The conference highlighted a significant trend: the growing influence of women leaders reshaping the fitness industry. With women entrepreneurs and executives displaying innovative business models and groundbreaking approaches, the event showcased the powerful impact women are making across the industry.

According to Daxko’s Vice President of Talent, Concetta Lewis, despite women making up 70 percent of the fitness industry workforce, they occupy only 29 percent of leadership positions. This representation gap made the strong presence of women at the conference particularly meaningful, as women-owned businesses and women executives demonstrated their vision for a more inclusive fitness future.

The State of Women in Fitness

The statistics clearly show the gender disparity in the fitness industry. While women make up most of the workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership. During the Women’s Leadership Panel, Concetta Lewis shared that female personal trainers earn just 66 percent of what their male counterparts earn, despite equal qualifications and responsibilities. This wage gap mirrors broader societal patterns, with women generally earning 82 cents for every dollar men earn.

Women-centric business models are gaining traction as a response to these disparities. Burn Boot Camp exemplifies this approach, creating environments where women take center stage while focusing on building confidence, community, and safe spaces for women to excel physically — celebrated by the infamous Burn Boot Camp high five.

I was impressed by the innovative brands displayed throughout the expo hall, including Stakt, the first-of-its-kind stackable fitness mat led by Taylor Borenstein and Millie Blumka. They created a more versatile and comfortable workout experience with a mat that folds for extra support and adaptability for full-body workouts. It allows you to create a low platform to perform exercises that traditionally require more equipment, like dips or low step-ups.

And you can’t forget the Fuel Las Vegas Pickleball Tournament, led by Deborah Goldberg and Jessica Armstrong and their fantastic sponsors. With fierce competition, great good, and a built-in support for women and those who empower them, Chicken N Pickle had never seen such an enthusiastic, fun, and competitive group of leaders.

Notably, HFA is paving the path through Liz Clark’s leadership. Liz is the first woman president and CEO in HFA’s 40-year leadership history and gave an impressive President’s address & Keynote presentation alongside Shama Hyder from Zen Media on Zen and the Art of AI: Navigating the New Rules of Influence in a Tech-Driven World.

Women’s Voices Taking Center Stage

The Women’s Leadership Panel achieved record attendance this year, featuring its largest and youngest audience to date, with an overflow of attendees having to utilize standing room space, and with more male attendees than ever before. Concetta opened with compelling remarks and statistics on gender disparities in the fitness industry, setting center stage for a powerful conversation.

The panel included author and journalist, Anna Marie Chaker, Allison Flatley, Kathleen Tullie, and Adam Zeitsiff, who addresses critical issues facing women in wellness. Adam provided valuable perspective as a male ally committed to supporting women in the industry and beyond. The conversation highlighted how women’s sports receive only about five percent of media coverage, creating a visibility problem that affects youth participation. With 82 percent of children today failing to meet recommended daily activity levels, panelists emphasized the importance of exposing young girls to women’s sports as a crucial solution.

For women aspiring to advance in the industry, key takeaways focused on practical strategies: finding mentors, reaching out to potential connections, asking for support, and joining professional groups. These networks provide vital support systems where women uplift each other, rather than competing.

Beyond the Women’s Leadership Panel, we heard from strong and exhilarating women’s voices across several other panels. Jennifer Maanavi, CEO of Physique 57, shared her expertise on “Solving the Fitness Industry’s Hospitality Crisis” alongside colleagues Matt Lavender and Jack Thomas of The Fit Guide. CMO Maggie Lower contributed incredible insight with fellow ABC Fitness employees, Khal Rai, Lee Robinson, and Mohammed Iqbal during the “From Memberships to Meaningful Engagement: How Tech is Changing the Game” panel.

Cheryl Bartnett from Chuze Fitness discussed membership models alongside Coach360’s Kathleen Ferguson, Planet Fitness’s Khaled Elmasri, and Robert Louw from Wexer on their panel on Innovative Membership Models that are Breaking the Mold. These women represented just a fraction of the female talent sharing innovative ideas throughout the conference’s three-day run.

With a hugely successful HFA Show for 2025 behind us, we’re looking forward to joining everyone in San Diego from March 16-18, 2026, for the Annual International Convention & Trade Show of the Health & Fitness Association for more connection, innovation, and fun!

Final Thoughts on The Path Forward

The fitness industry’s future depends on acknowledging and elevating women’s voices. While approximately 70 percent of the workforce are women, women’s perspectives must shape business decisions and industry direction. Genuine representation — not token inclusion — creates the foundation for authentic growth and innovation.

Organizations benefit when they move beyond performative diversity efforts, such as simply adding women to panels, and instead empower women to lead meaningful discussions and initiatives. The most successful businesses recognize that supporting women’s leadership drives positive change throughout the health and wellness ecosystem.

The conversations at the Health and Fitness Association event revealed that progress happens when the industry accurately represents women, provides them with platforms to lead, and enables them to create lasting change. This approach benefits women and strengthens the industry by bringing diverse perspectives and fresh solutions to longstanding challenges.

Beyond the Gym: How Fitness Professionals Are Growing Their Business with Wellness Retreats

Travel and wellness naturally complement each other, creating powerful opportunities for fitness professionals to expand their impact. Coaches and trainers nationwide are discovering how retreats serve as community-building experiences and additional revenue streams. These immersive getaways allow clients to deepen their practice while forming lasting connections with like-minded clientele.

The demand for these in-person experiences has grown substantially, particularly as people increasingly seek meaningful face-to-face interactions. After years of digital communication and remote workouts, many clients crave authentic connections and shared experiences that extend beyond the walls of a traditional studio, gym, or wellness spa.

Wellness Retreats on the Rise

Wellness retreats create entirely new dimensions in coach-client relationships. By sharing travel experiences, both parties connect on deeper levels through shared memories and challenges. These moments—whether conquering a fear of experiencing a new food or experiencing them together—create bonds that standard classes cannot replicate.

These retreats also allow fitness professionals to showcase their expertise in new environments, demonstrating how wellness principles apply globally, and as a lifestyle. Clients experience firsthand how healthy habits integrate into various settings, reinforcing the value of consistent practice regardless of time and place. The change in scenery often sparks renewed commitment to wellness goals, as participants return home with fresh perspectives, motivation, and experiences.

Retreats open additional revenue streams for business-minded coaches without requiring more physical space or equipment investments. They capitalize on existing expertise while potentially attracting new clients who might discover the professional through their retreat offerings.

Simplifying Retreat Planning with Expert Partners

While the benefits of hosting retreats seem obvious, logistics can appear overwhelming. Planning international or domestic retreats involves countless hours negotiating with vendors, arranging accommodations, planning activities, managing dietary requests, and addressing safety concerns. These administrative tasks can quickly become burdensome for fitness professionals focused on client wellness.

This is where specialized partners like Fit4Travel make a tremendous difference. Founded by Erik Aiple, who blended his extensive experience in the travel industry with his passion for wellness (inspired by his mother, a 20-year wellness professional), Fit4Travel eliminates the major obstacles many professionals face when planning retreats.

Aiple recognized a critical gap in the industry after watching his mother struggle with the fragmented customer journey, financial risks, and opportunity costs associated with planning retreats. His company now handles all of the complex logistics, such as contracting with vendors and managing pre-trip communications, which allows wellness professionals to focus exclusively on what they do best: providing exceptional wellness experiences.

What distinguishes Fit4Travel from traditional travel agencies is its wholesale relationship with major international vendors. This relationship provides competitive pricing while eliminating upfront financial risk for trainers. The company manages the estimated 100+ hours of labor involved in planning each retreat, from procurement and contracting to marketing and dietary accommodations.

Retreat Ideas for Wellness Professionals

Health and wellness professionals have numerous options when designing retreats for their communities:

International Destination Retreat: Take clients to exotic locations like Mallorca, Sicily, or the Azores for specialized experiences focused on your expertise, such as yoga, strength training, or holistic wellness. These typically appeal to clients who are a bit older or have higher discretionary income.
Domestic Wellness Adventure: Organize retreats nationwide to reduce travel time and costs while providing immersive experiences. National parks, mountain resorts, and coastal destinations offer perfect settings for combining fitness and adventure activities.
Local “Staycation” Retreats: Create weekend wellness experiences in your own city or nearby locations. These accommodate clients who can’t travel far, but still want the retreat experience. You can book a hotel or rent a cool house, making wellness adventures accessible to broader audiences.
Specialized Group Retreats: Design experiences for certain demographics of people like couples, women-only groups, or active seniors. These targeted retreats address particular needs and interests, creating highly personalized experiences.

Final Thoughts

Fitness retreats create a ripple effect of positive change extending long after the trip itself. The client who conquered her fear carries that newfound confidence back to her everyday life, sharing her experience with friends and family. Such moments connect directly to the trainer who facilitated the experience, building client loyalty that traditional marketing cannot achieve.

Retreats provide powerful avenues worth exploring for fitness professionals looking to expand their impact and business. Whether working with specialized partners like Fit4Travel or starting with small local experiences, the potential for meaningful connection and growth makes retreats a valuable addition to any fitness professional’s offerings.

Wearable Health Monitors: Hussain Ahamed’s Journey from Luxury Tech to Health Technology

The space where technology meets health continues to develop, producing tools that change how we understand and interact with our bodies. Hussain Ahamed, the founder of HuTech Ventures, is a leader in this space and has an extensive tech innovation and partnerships background. His journey from launching the Gucci X Ōura Ring collaboration to his current role advising deep tech ventures highlights his commitment to advancing health tracking solutions.

Ahamed’s experience spans multiple facets of the tech industry, giving him unique insight into how wearable technology can fundamentally shift personal health management. Now, as founder of HuTech, he focuses on advising, sourcing, and nurturing ventures that bridge the gap between technical innovation and practical health applications. His latest interest? The Ultrahuman Ring is poised to reshape how we understand the body’s signals.

HuTech Ventures

Hussain Ahamed built HuTech Ventures around a clear mission: advancing precision health tracking through innovative technology. His background makes him ideally suited for this mission. Before founding HuTech, Ahamed headed the landmark Gucci x Ōura collaboration, which was Gucci’s first-ever tech product launch across 27 countries, and in over 250 retail stores. This project also marked Ōura’s first retail and lifetime membership launches, demonstrating Ahamed’s ability to bridge different worlds within the tech space.

At HuTech Ventures, Ahamed works with deep tech venture funds, startups, and corporations to develop new health tracking solutions. His focus spans speciality wearables, biowearables, and what he calls “otherables”, which is the point–of-care biosensing devices and multiomic kits that analyze blood, urine, sweat, saliva, and breath. By combining these technologies into comprehensive health tracking programs, Hussain creates solutions for remote care, athletic performance, and longevity initiatives.

Given his background in pioneering wearable tech partnerships, Hussain’s enthusiasm for Ultrahuman technology is no surprise. He recognized its potential to push the boundaries surrounding personal health monitoring.

Ultrahuman Ring

While many fitness trackers focus primarily on activity metrics like steps and calories, the Ultrahuman Ring digs deeper by monitoring metabolic health markers and recovery metrics. This focus addresses a crucial gap in many wearables, providing users with insights directly impacting their overall wellness.

What distinguished the Ultrahuman Ring is its emphasis on actionable data. The device measures sleep quality, recovery status, and metabolic efficiency through continuous monitoring. These metrics help users understand how specific behaviors affect their bodies, from identifying which foods cause blood sugar spikes to revealing how different exercise intensities impact recovery time. The ring’s non-intrusive design allows for 24/7 wear, creating an overall picture of the body’s responses throughout daily activities.

The technology employs advanced sensors to track heart rate variability, body temperature, and movement patterns. These measurements feed into Ultrahuman’s proprietary algorithms, translating raw data into practical recommendations. For users, this means moving beyond generic health advice to personalized guidance based on their unique physiological responses.

Final Thoughts

The convergence of precision technology and health monitoring creates a powerful framework for helping clients on their health journey. Devices like the Ultrahuman Ring, backed by visionaries such as Hussain Ahamed, establish new standards for what we expect from health technology, which has moved from simple tracking to comprehensive analysis and actionable insights.

As individuals gain access to their biometric information, they become active participants rather than passive recipients of their wellness. For health professionals, these technologies open a future that holds tremendous potential to deliver results that once seemed beyond reach, creating a new generation of evidence-based, personalized coaching that measures success in improved biomarkers as much as physical transformation.

From Lifeguard to ClubFitness CEO: Maria Gonzalez’s Path of Persistence

Maria Gonzalez arrived in the United States from Colombia at age 20 without speaking English. With a background in competitive swimming, water polo experience and accounting, she faced the intimidating challenge of building a life in a new country. Today, she stands as the CEO of ClubFitness Greensboro and serves on the Health & Fitness Association board, contributing her expertise internationally.

Her journey embodies determination, fearlessness, and refusal to accept limitations. While language barriers and cultural differences might have paralyzed many, Maria used her background in swimming as a foundation to communicate when words failed. This willingness to leverage her strengths became a pattern throughout her career, enabling her to convert challenges into personal and career growth opportunities.

Courage to Ask and Assert

Maria’s ascent from lifeguard to CEO wasn’t accidental—it was built on calculated courage and unwavering self-belief. She never hesitated to put herself forward when opportunities appeared, even when doubt crept in. “At times people may think that I’m just fearless and maybe I am,” she reflects, highlighting her daring approach to career advancement.

This fearlessness extends to professional networking. Maria does not wait for connections to happen, she creates them. “At conferences, I identify the people I want to connect with, introduce myself, and ask questions and I stay connected,” she explains. Her proactive approach to relationship-building opened doors that might have remained closed to someone less proactive.

Perhaps most remarkable is her resilience when facing rejection. She initially succumbed to disappointment after an unsuccessful first application to the prestigious Health & Fitness Association board. Yet something called her back, compelling her to try again, which ultimately secured her a position that has allowed her to represent the association in Latin America and speak at international fitness conferences in China, Mexico and Brazil.

From Poolside Observer to Industry Leader

Maria’s professional journey in NC began at a Greensboro country club and ClubFitness, where she worked as a lifeguard. Even then, her expertise was evident as she watched swimmers and thought, “I can fix that stroke. I can help you.” Her proactive work ethic quickly set her apart as she never waited to be told what to do; instead, she completed tasks, sought additional responsibilities, and always gave 110%.

A few years into her tenure, an opportunity arose to lead the aquatics program. Despite her apprehensions about directing people from a different culture in a language she was still mastering, Maria prepared thoroughly, creating a presentation with help from a colleague. This experience taught her a valuable lesson: there’s nothing that we accomplish by ourselves. Someone always comes in our path with a purpose to help us grow and change, whether we realize it at the time or not.

The trajectory continued as she joined the management team two years later and eventually became general manager while still running the aquatics department. This growth occurred despite moments of self-doubt. “At times it’s funny because I’m like, I have no clue. I’m like, are you sure?” she admits. Yet she accepted the challenge each time and figured out how to succeed.

Final Thoughts

The true power of Maria’s story lies in her approach to opportunity rather than her titles. She embraces a philosophy that opportunity doesn’t discriminate by position: “Never underestimate what level you’re at. You can be at the front desk, you can be a swimming instructor, you can be a trainer, you can be the cleaning person—whatever that is—just do it, do it well, and do it with heart.”

This perspective illuminates the often-overlooked truth that career foundations matter deeply. The excellence we bring to our early roles builds the character and reputation that create future opportunities. Maria didn’t start with dreams of board positions or international speaking engagements, she simply committed to excellence at every stage, allowing her journey to unfold organically through consistent quality and authentic passion.

Maximizing Fitness Studio Sales: The Sales Arms’ Virtual Sales Team Advantage

The high-pressure demands of running a boutique fitness business leave many owners and managers stretched thin, with valuable sales opportunities falling through the cracks. Studio owners are trapped in a cycle of handling daily operations while crucial lead follow-ups and conversion opportunities slip away.

The Sales Arms steps into this gap, offering specialized sales support that changes how fitness and wellness businesses capture and convert potential members. This functions as an extension of the business, handling lead nurturing, follow-up calls, and conversion strategies with professional expertise.

Your Dedicated Sales Team Without the Overhead

The reality of running a business is that most owners are spread thin as they extend themselves to their duties. Utilizing a platform like The Sales Arms, you employ a virtual yet deeply integrated sales department, allowing you to prioritize exceptional client experiences while the platform drives consistent revenue growth. The team draws from extensive industry experience as former studio owners, general managers, and wellness advisors who understand the specific challenges of fitness business growth. This firsthand knowledge translates into targeted strategy development that aligns with your brand voice and values.

The support extends beyond basic lead management, including a comprehensive suite of customizable services. From nurturing prospects, following up on missed sales opportunities, reactivating dormant contacts, and maintaining member engagement, it creates multiple revenue streams. At the same time, you focus on the parts of running a business you love. This is the perfect solution for those who don’t want to pass off their business and sales off to artificial intelligence, and instead have a human team offering business advisory and helping to optimize your sales.

Leveraging Business Success

For many people who start a boutique fitness studio, the passion behind it comes from helping others and bringing health to the masses. Often, the business side doesn’t come naturally, or the owner may lack a background in sales. Knowing where and when to get assistance is a strategic move for any growing business. Working alongside a sales management system like The Sales Arms demonstrates how properly structured sales processes directly impact studio growth and sustainability. Owners witness firsthand how professional lead nurturing translates to fuller classes and expanded programming potential.

This sales partnership model also frees management teams to invest more energy in coach development and retention programs rather than constantly chasing new leads. For ambitious fitness professionals aiming for management positions, seeing how specialized sales support functions offers practical insights into business operations that extend beyond training expertise.

Final Thoughts

Effective sales systems are the backbone of thriving fitness businesses, creating stability that benefits everyone from owners to coaches to clients. The partnership model offered by The Sales Arms reflects a maturing industry where specialization drives professional growth and business sustainability.

By delegating sales expertise to dedicated professionals, fitness businesses create space for what matters most to them. As artificial intelligence grows and adapts businesses, the human element is more crucial than ever. The Sales Arms offers the benefits of working with AI sales services while maintaining the human intelligence the world is continuously craving more of.

Coach to Owner With Jack Thomas Part 2

Part one of this series explored the provocative question: “Do coaches make good gym owners?” As we discovered through our conversation with Jack Thomas, owner of BASE Bangkok and co-founder of The Fit Guide, the answer isn’t straightforward. While passion for fitness is essential, it’s rarely enough to sustain a successful business. Many trainers enthusiastically leap into ownership without the business skills necessary to thrive in this competitive industry.

The good news? With the right approach, coaches and trainers can become exceptional business owners. Their intimate knowledge of the fitness experience, client relationships, and industry trends give them unique advantages if they can overcome some common hurdles.

Common Pitfalls in the Trainer-to-Owner Transition

The path from fitness professional to business owner poses many challenges that have derailed many well-intentioned entrepreneurs.

The Training Trap: Many new owners can’t step away from the training floor. As Jack points out, “You can’t be on the training floor for long, just churning out hours, because how are you going to grow? How are you going to expand? How are you going to learn about the business side if you’re doing ten training sessions a day?” While continuing to train might feel comfortable or financially safe, it prevents trainers from developing their business.

Financial Misunderstandings: The allure of being your own boss often blinds new owners to financial realities. Whether it’s not having the money to get off the ground, losing income, or not understanding how much money it will take to start a business, some trainers aren’t prepared to work harder, take on more stress, and earn less while their business takes off.

System Deficit: When passion is a primary driver, critical business systems like sales processes, marketing plans, and operational procedures are often undeveloped. Jack admitted, “It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but we didn’t really have any systems when we first opened. Once we saw the issues this was causing, it took us a good two years to really build out company-wide systems. Many trainers are passionate and want to create change, but many don’t have experience in business management and marketing, which can be a big issue.

The Ego Obstacle: The confidence that makes someone an effective trainer can become a liability when it prevents them from admitting gaps in their knowledge. We both agreed that confidence is key to starting a business, but ego can be the silent killer.

Mission Misalignment: Many enter the industry because they love fitness, not to help others experience it. Jack pointed out a crucial difference between them and their differentiators. Being passionate about yoga is one thing, but being passionate about spreading yoga and making it accessible to others is key to building a long-term successful business.

Actionable Steps for Successful Ownership

Despite the challenges, Jack firmly believes coaches can become phenomenal business owners by taking deliberate steps to prepare for and navigate business ownership:

1. Embrace Education Early

Jack’s biggest regret? Not using the pre-opening period more effectively. “I had about nine months from deciding to open the gym to actually opening… looking back, I wasted that time. I should have been building out proper systems for the business.”

Action Items:

Take business classes through local colleges or online platforms
Read books on gym management and entrepreneurship
Follow business-focused podcasts. Jack credits podcasts with transforming his business mindset and is now the host of Fitness Business Asia Podcast.
Join fitness business networking groups or masterminds and go to in-person events

2. Develop Your “Why” Beyond Personal Passion

Successful gym owners need a mission that can withstand the inevitable changes in business ownership.

Action Items:

Define your business’s core purpose beyond your personal fitness interests
Identify the specific population you want to serve and why
Create a mission statement that focuses on client outcomes, not your personal passion
Test your “why” by asking if it would sustain you through 12 months of business difficulties

3. Build Systems Before You Need Them

Systems create scalability and prevent the business from depending entirely on the owner.

Action Items:

Document sales processes and practice frequently, including role plays
Create clear marketing plans with monthly activities and goals
Develop operations manuals for all business functions
Establish financial tracking systems and key performance indicators

4. Consider Strategic Partnerships

Jack partnered with Matt Lavender to create The Fit Guide, combining his fitness expertise with Matt’s hospitality business proficiency. Their skills and knowledge complemented one another, proving a powerful partnership.

Action Items:

Honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses as a business owner
Identify what skills your business needs that you lack
Consider partnerships with individuals whose strengths are your weaknesses

5. Commit to Lifelong Learning

Jack’s turning point came when he realized he needed to commit to lifelong learning as a business owner. Industry changes, the world around us changes, and there are always advancements in technology and business practices to keep up with.

Action Items:

Attend industry conferences focused on business, not just fitness techniques
Subscribe to business publications outside of the industry
Join mastermind groups with other business owners
Schedule personal development days to work on business skills
Set annual goals for business skill acquisition

Final Thoughts

The fitness industry presents unique challenges for business owners and remarkable opportunities for those who approach ownership strategically. The most successful fitness business owners combine a passion for fitness with business skills that allow for growth and success.

For the fitness professional considering business ownership, the question is whether you’re willing to become as dedicated to mastering your business as you were to mastering fitness. As Jack’s experience shows, embracing the business and fitness aspects of ownership can be the difference between running a successful business and failing at something you love.

About Elisa Edelstein

Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.

HFA Las Vegas 2025: The Event Transforming the Health and Wellness Industry

Las Vegas buzzes with anticipation as the Health & Fitness Association (HFA, formerly IHRSA) gears up for its annual event from March 12 to 14. This reimagined gathering promises three days packed with unparalleled opportunities for health and wellness professionals across every specialty. The HFA Show 2025 is the premier destination for anyone serious about growing in this dynamic industry, from CEOs of major chains to independent studio owners and operators to entrepreneurs.

The excitement surrounding this year’s event stems from its impressive lineup of speakers, innovative session tracks, and countless chances to forge meaningful industry connections. Regardless of your industry niche, you won’t want to miss the impressive opportunities that HFA provides.

What is HFA and Why You Need to Be There

The Health & Fitness Association event is the central gathering point for the entire health and wellness ecosystem. This annual conference transforms into a hub where connections translate directly to business growth, operational improvements, and strategic partnerships that drive success across every industry segment.

What makes HFA particularly valuable is the face-to-face interactions with industry leaders who may otherwise remain LinkedIn connections or Instagram followers. The Las Vegas setting creates a perfect backdrop for relationship building that extends beyond superficial networking. CEOs, studio owners, operators, and other industry leaders who attend consistently report finding their next partner, vendor relationship, or business prospect made at this event.

Each educational session, networking event, and panel discussion has been thoughtfully curated to address current industry challenges while showcasing emerging opportunities. Attendees gain access to eight specialized tracks covering everything from leadership development and staff management to technology implementation and studio operations, each creating a personalized learning journey based on each individual’s needs and desires.

It’s also not too late to join. Receive $50 off of Education or $25 off the Trade Show ticket with code HFA360.

Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss

This year’s lineup features exceptional learning and networking events that will leave attendees excited, engaged, and informed about the latest industry happenings.

Exciting Trade Show Floor: The HFA Show brings together hundreds of exhibitors from March 13 to 14, featuring major brands like American Barbell LLC, EGYM, Matrix Fitness, PNOE, Theragun by Therabody, ACE, and TRX to name a few. This premier industry gathering puts innovative startups and established suppliers under one roof, creating a hands-on showcase. The Show Floor also boasts two new experiences: the Experience Stage, which provides demos and classes, and the Pickleball Pavillion, which includes a pickleball court and pickleball vendors.

Star-Studded Speakers: Baseball legend and business mogul Alex Rodriguez headlines the keynote speaker roster, sharing his insights on overcoming adversity. He speaks on March 14th and is sponsored by ABC Fitness. Additional keynotes include Shama Hyder of Zen Media discussing artificial intelligence applications (March 12), sponsored by Zenoti, and Mark King, CEO of Xponential Fitness, exploring industry transformation (March 13), sponsored by Matrix Fitness.

Industry-Changing Panels: The panel “Solving the Fitness Indsutry’s Hospitality Crisis” brings together The Fit Guides’ Jack Thomas and Matt Lavender alongside Jennifer Maanavi from Physique 57 for a candid conversation about elevating client experience. “Operational Excellence: The Rise of Burn Boot Camp” features Amber Burke, Trisha Peña, Matt Morris, and Melanie Skinner sharing the strategies behind their explosive growth.

Women’s Wellness Focus: Women’s wellness takes center stage with multiple dedicated events, including Wednesday’s Women’s Leadership Cocktail Reception and the thought-provoking panel “Full-Cycle Programming: Supporting Women Through Every Phase of Life.” The Women’s Leadership Summit on March 12th creates space for addressing unique challenges faced by women in the industry.

Unique Social Events: FUEL hosts an eagerly anticipated Pickleball Social Event, while Coach360’s Owner and Operator Party promises to be among the most-talked-about gatherings. The HFA Show Kickoff Party features DJ Venessa Michaels, creating the perfect atmosphere for early connections.

Exclusive Professional Recognition: The inaugural HFA Hall of Fame induction ceremony (March 11) honors six industry pioneers. This ticketed event supports the HFA Foundation while offering prime networking with the industry’s most accomplished leaders.

Business Intelligence: Every session offers valuable insights for operational success. The 28th Financial Panel (March 13), moderated by Rick Caro, consistently draws capacity crowds eager for financial insights driving industry trends, which is essential knowledge for owners and operators navigating today’s economic landscape.

International Connections: Regional Forums for Latin America, Canada, EMEA, Asia Pacific, and Brazil offer targeted networking for businesses seeking global connections. The Member Engagement Hub hosts specialized gatherings exclusively for HFA members, including an international attendee reception on March 13th.

Innovative Experiences: The trade show floor transforms with two new features: the Experience Stage, showcasing live classes and demonstrations, and the Pickleball Pavilion, complete with a court for dedicated vendors. Early morning workouts on March 13th and 14th let you experience new fitness approaches firsthand.

You can download the event app to build your personalized schedule, explore the exhibitor list, and set yourself up for a transformative Las Vegas experience that pays dividends far beyond showing up and learning.

Final Thoughts

The HFA Show in Las Vegas represents a pivotal moment for everyone seeking tangible business growth in the health and wellness industry. The conversations between sessions, the partnerships that form during social events, and the vendor relationships established on the trade show floor often lead to invisible opportunities for those staying home. These three days compress months of business development into one intensive experience.

The HFA Show provides the perfect vantage point to see what lies ahead in the constantly growing and changing world of health and wellness. Whether you’re a CEO seeking wisdom from Alex Rodriguez about resilience, a studio owner strategizing about innovative membership models, or an operator exploring new technology solutions on the trade show floor, The HFA Show creates the context for connections that matter.

Building Strong Careers Through Education and Growth the 24 Hour Fitness Way

After 40 years of delivering fitness experiences, 24 Hours Fitness stands tall with nearly 300 locations across the United States. The brand excels in personal training, group fitness, and small group training, creating spaces where members and professionals can evolve and reach new heights.

From California to Florida, 24 Hour Fitness locations buzz with activity. They offer diverse training formats that keep members engaged and provide coaches with opportunities to expand their skills and break glass ceilings. Its commitment to professional development is demonstrated by its comprehensive education programs and clear career advancement paths, alongside a way to make sustainable pay.

24 Hour Fitness

24 Hour Fitness operates across 11 states, with approximately 60 percent of their 260+ locations in California. Their California presence spans from San Diego through Orange County and Los Angeles, extending up to San Jose, Sacramento, and the broader Bay Area. Beyond California, clubs populate major metropolitan areas, including Seattle, Portland, Denver, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Hawaii, and New York-New Jersey.

The brand’s programming emphasizes versatility through multiple training styles. Its Modus Group Training format delivers high-energy workouts using modern equipment like fan bikes, skiers, and battle ropes. Recent additions include dedicated boxing spaces and hybrid training programs that blend HIIT principles with strength work. They also have more traditional group classes like Zumba and Body Pump. Looking ahead to 2025, 24 Hour Fitness plans to strengthen its group training presence by expanding specialized formats across more locations and adding new programming options that align with member interests

Career Growth for Fitness Coaches

24 Hour Fitness prioritizes coach development through structured education programs. New coaches participate in live workshops covering client acquisition, program design, functional training techniques, and business development. Monthly “Coaches Corner” sessions feature education specialists and head coaches sharing expertise on weight loss and corrective exercise.

The career path includes opportunities to advance to head coach positions in larger clubs, where experienced professionals mentor new trainers and help build client rosters. Full-time coaches working over 33 hours a week receive comprehensive benefits, including medical coverage, 401k options, free gym membership, and CEC opportunities. All of the amazing work opportunities with 24-Hour Fitness will soon be available in Marketplace by Coach360.

Final Thoughts

24 Hour Fitness understands that excellent coaches blend technical expertise with adaptability. Its education programs and advancement opportunities provide trainers with the tools to build careers that stand up to industry shifts, evolve client needs, and create sustainable business development.

By creating spaces where coaches continually learn while actively training clients, 24 Hour Fitness cultivates professionals who master the fundamentals and nuances of their craft. This practical foundation helps trainers develop careers with staying power, providing a stable foundation with a clear path to grow and learn.

Echelon Shapes the Future of Fitness with AI-Powered Personalization

Echelon’s extensive connected fitness platform delivers personalized workout experiences through multiple modalities, sophisticated equipment, and expert-led instruction. Its system supports dedicated athletes and newcomers alike, creating achievable paths to fitness goals through customized guidance and varied workout options.

Echelon has built a robust digital fitness ecosystem through strategic partnerships and technological advancements emphasizing accessibility and results. The platform’s combination of live instruction, on-demand content, and personalized programming helps members stay engaged and progress consistently toward their goals.

The Echelon Advantage

Echelon’s repertoire encompasses more workout modalities than virtually any other company in the connected fitness space. The equipment lineup includes bikes, rowers, treadmills, fitness mirrors, stair mills and strength machines, allowing users to diversify their training routines. This leads to greater personalization opportunities for their clients and metrics-based feedback to implement. The platform impressively produces over 200 live classes weekly across the various modalities, ensuring fresh, engaging workouts for the community.

Echelon has expanded beyond its initial cardio-focused lens through strategic growth and innovation. The company recently launched Strength Pro and acquired ThriveX, a recovery-focused company, displaying its commitment to providing holistic fitness solutions. This expansion enables users to access various workout options, from high-intensity cardio sessions to targeted strength training and essential recovery protocols. Echelon is also launching ActiveMD, which allows gyms to sell GLP-1 and similar medications, providing a new source of revenue for gyms and another level to its holistic healthcare for members.

Empowering Coaches Through Technology

Echelon’s latest innovation; AI-powered capabilities that enhance member experiences and coaching opportunities. This technology is a tool in a coach or trainer’s toolbox, enabling them to expand their services and deliver more value to clients without burning out.

Coaches can leverage the technology to program supplementary workouts, warm-ups, and cool-downs for their clients, maximizing the effectiveness of in-person sessions. The system allows trainers to create weekly plans, scheduling workouts for days when clients train independently while maintaining oversight of their progress. By analyzing member data and preferences, AI helps coaches make informed decisions about programming and progression, leading to better client outcomes, increased retention, and success stories.

Final Thoughts

During my conversation about Echelon with Mike Rabinovitz, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, we agreed that progress in fitness technology should enhance rather than replace the human element of coaching and training. Echelon’s approach to AI and technology demonstrates how technological advancements can amplify the impact of fitness professionals while maintaining the essential connection between coach and client.

As platforms like Echelon continue to grow and adapt to technological advancements, they create opportunities for coaches and trainers to expand their reach and impact, utilizing technology to complement their expertise rather than a substitute for their invaluable guidance and connection. Companies like Echelon are leading the charge in this delicate balance, creating a vision of the future of fitness.

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