Elisa Edelstein - Coach360

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

IGNITE 2025: The Talent Shift Panel Discussion

The turnover rate has never been higher in clubs and studios, as they face an unprecedented challenge to retain staff while cutting hiring and training costs. Studios and gyms nationwide face staffing challenges that necessitate innovative solutions and strategic adjustments. The old playbook no longer delivers the results facility owners need to build thriving teams.

IGNITE 2025 by Coach360 addresses these pressing concerns through expert-led discussions designed to equip industry professionals with actionable solutions. This virtual event brings together seasoned leaders who understand the nuances of attracting and retaining quality staff in today’s market.

IGNITE by Coach360

IGNITE by Coach360 delivers valuable insights from leading coaches, mentors, and industry leaders across health, fitness, and wellness sectors. The virtual format allows participants to access career development resources, brand growth strategies, and educational content from anywhere. This approach creates opportunities for professionals who might otherwise miss crucial industry conversations due to geographic or scheduling constraints.

With the support of sponsorship from Walla, Everfit, Echelon, InBody, and SoundHound AI, IGNITE focuses on practical applications of knowledge. Attendees can expect conversations that translate directly into workplace improvements and business growth strategies. The format encourages interactive engagement, allowing participants to ask questions and receive personalized guidance from industry veterans who have successfully navigated similar challenges.

The Talent Shift: Adapting Staffing Strategies for a New Era

This dedicated session explores the evolving world of fitness industry employment, moderated by entrepreneur Lindsay Vastola, who leads discussions with three accomplished panelists. Kamille McCollum from BODYBAR brings boutique studio expertise, while Dan Duran from Lionel University offers educational perspectives on talent development. Hugh Hanley, Director of Personal Training at PureGym, shares valuable insights on large-scale facility management.

The conversation focuses on practical staffing strategies that are effective in today’s market conditions. Panelists will share real experiences from their respective organizations, detailing approaches that have successfully attracted top-tier talent, including the proven methods implemented in business settings with measurable results.

Discussion topics include shifts in workforce expectations, cultural factors that influence retention, and creative solutions for addressing limited talent pools. The panelists examine how professional development programs impact employee loyalty and explore ways to balance competitive compensation with sustainable business models. The role of technology in staffing, scheduling, and engagement receives particular attention, as many facilities struggle to leverage digital tools effectively.

The session addresses common pain points facility owners face when building teams. Questions explore practical solutions for creating workplaces that talented professionals actively seek out. Panelists discuss future trends that will shape staffing decisions over the next decade, helping attendees prepare for upcoming changes in workforce management.

Final Thoughts

Building exceptional teams requires understanding that talented professionals have choices in today’s market. The facilities that thrive recognize this reality and adapt accordingly, creating environments where skilled individuals want to contribute their expertise. This shift demands intentional effort from ownership and management teams willing to invest in their human capital.

The conversations happening at IGNITE 2025 reflect a broader industry maturation process. Facility owners who embrace these discussions position themselves to attract the caliber of talent that drives member satisfaction and business growth. The investment in understanding modern staffing approaches pays dividends through improved retention rates and enhanced service quality that members notice immediately.

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.

Kineon’s Science-Backed Approach to Red Light Therapy and Recovery

Red light therapy has quietly established itself as a legitimate recovery tool, backed by decades of research and real-world results. Kineon is at the forefront of this field, developing devices that deliver measurable improvements to people’s daily lives. The mission focuses on enhancing the quality of life for the largest number of people possible, measured through tangible outcomes, not just marketing promises.

John Hyde, Director of Business Development at Kineon, brings a refreshing perspective to wellness technology. His personal journey from career success to physical decline sparked a commitment to science-backed solutions that produce real change. This experience drives Kineon’s focus on delivering tangible benefits rather than simply selling products, creating a foundation built on user results and measurable impact.

Kineon and Red Light Therapy

Kineon works with a clear mission to increase the quality of life for the largest number of people in the most measurable way possible. This philosophy shapes every decision, from product development to customer support. The company attracts an incredibly talented technical and physiological team focused on delivering results through advanced light therapy technology.

Red light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of light that penetrate tissue and stimulate cellular processes. These wavelengths can stimulate mitochondrial activity, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular healing. Kineon’s approach combines this established science with precision engineering to create devices that deliver consistent, measurable results for users seeking relief from pain, improved recovery, and enhanced performance.

The technology has proven particularly effective for managing chronic pain, promoting athletic recovery, and maintaining overall wellness. Users report sleeping through the night after decades of pain interference, walking up stairs without discomfort after years of mobility issues, and professional athletes returning to competition following injuries. These outcomes drive Kineon’s daily operations and reinforce its commitment to science-backed wellness solutions.

The MOVE+ Pro: Professional Recovery Tool for Fitness Professionals

The MOVE+ Pro LED & Laser represents Kineon’s flagship device, designed specifically for professional use. This dual-technology system combines LED arrays with targeted laser modules to deliver comprehensive treatment protocols. Fitness professionals gain access to a tool that addresses inflammation, accelerates recovery, and helps clients maintain consistent training schedules.

Coaches and trainers can integrate the MOVE+ Pro into existing client programs without disrupting established routines. The device targets specific problem areas while clients perform stretches, mobility work, or during post-workout recovery periods. This integration allows professionals to offer enhanced recovery services that complement their training expertise.

The physiological benefits improve outcomes for clients, resulting in reduced inflammation and less downtime between intense training sessions. Faster tissue repair supports consistent progression without setbacks from minor injuries or excessive soreness. Clients experience improved sleep quality, which directly impacts recovery and performance in subsequent sessions.

Training professionals report that clients using red light therapy maintain higher training frequencies and experience fewer setbacks from overuse injuries. The technology supports the natural adaptations that occur from exercise by optimizing the cellular environment for repair and growth. This creates a cycle where clients see better results from their training investments.

Professional implementation requires an understanding of both the technology and client needs. The MOVE+ Pro features protocols for various applications, ranging from acute injury management to performance optimization. Coaches receive education on the newest technology applications, helping them stay current with evidence-based recovery methods that enhance their service offerings.

The device supports career development for fitness professionals by adding a differentiating service to their client offerings. This technological edge helps trainers retain clients longer and attract new ones seeking comprehensive wellness solutions. The measurable results provide concrete evidence of value, supporting premium pricing for enhanced services.

Final Thoughts

Success without wellness creates an empty foundation that eventually demands attention. Kineon’s weekly collection of life-changing user stories serves as robust validation for its approach.

These narratives—from restored sleep after chronic pain to athletes returning to competition—illustrate how technology can enhance the human experience when properly developed and applied. The company’s commitment to measuring results fosters accountability, driving continuous improvement, and a genuine impact on people’s lives.

SoulBody Fitness Breaks Down Barriers with Teacher Transfer Program

Experienced fitness instructors often face a frustrating cycle of accumulating years of expertise only to encounter redundant training requirements when exploring new formats. This reality creates unnecessary financial and time barriers that can stifle career growth. SoulBody Fitness recognized this challenge and developed a solution that honors existing qualifications while opening doors to fresh programming opportunities.

The Teacher Transfer program, launched in June, provides a practical approach for instructor certification. Rather than requiring seasoned professionals to complete basic training modules they’ve already mastered elsewhere, the program provides direct access to SoulBody’s signature choreography and programming through a streamlined assessment process.

SoulBody’s Teacher Transfer Program

SoulBody Fitness works on a foundation of pre-designed programming that provides instructors with comprehensive resources for distinct formats: Barre and Unhitched, Yoga Sculpt, Cardio Sculpt, and Restore. Each program includes detailed choreography notes, curated playlists, educational videos, and supporting materials released quarterly. The company emphasizes instructor autonomy, allowing teachers to adapt the framework to their specific class needs while maintaining the scientific backing and structure of each workout.

Rebecca Voelpel, Program Director, Master Trainer, and Assessor at SoulBody Fitness, explains the philosophy behind their approach: “We’re very big on instructor autonomy. By no means are we saying you have to teach this 32-beat measure just like this. If there’s something that your class is needing that day or asking for, they have the autonomy to be able to add what they would like or take away what they need to within our framework.”

The Teacher Transfer program eliminates the traditional training pathway for qualified instructors. Instead of completing modules, assessments, and educational requirements, candidates submit their existing certifications for review. An assessor evaluates whether the instructor’s background aligns with one of SoulBody’s programs, considering factors like certification recency and relevance. Valid certifications must be current within the past year or maintain active status during that timeframe.

Streamlined Access for Qualified Professionals

The program accepts various certification backgrounds that align with SoulBody’s offerings. Pilates mat certifications translate well to Barre and Unhitched, while 200-hour yoga teacher training provides a strong foundation for Yoga Sculpt. Stretch certifications are applicable to Restore classes, and Les Mills Body Balance instructors can effectively transfer their skills. This flexibility recognizes that movement expertise transcends specific brand training.

The financial difference between pathways is substantial. Traditional online courses can cost well over $300 while the Teacher Transfer option requires only a $47 administrative fee. This pricing structure reflects the reduced assessment time needed and ensures fair compensation for reviewers.

Once approved, participants receive immediate access to the latest choreography release and can purchase previous releases as needed. They also receive the educational manual, which explains SoulBody’s notation system and shorthand used in choreography notes. This ensures a smooth integration into the teaching process, eliminating confusion over formatting and cues.

The program addresses practical scenarios that many instructors face. Some seek additional programming ideas to refresh their current classes, while others respond to employer requests to add new formats to studio schedules. Rather than starting from scratch, experienced teachers can leverage their existing skills while gaining access to professionally designed, music-matched choreography.

Final Thoughts

Instructor expertise is often treated as non-transferable currency, forcing professionals to restart their educational journey with each new format. SoulBody’s approach challenges this norm by recognizing that teaching skills, anatomical knowledge, and class management abilities translate across movement disciplines.

This recognition extends to the broader instructor experience, where community support plays a crucial role in professional satisfaction. SoulBody’s global network spans Canada, the United States, and parts of Europe, creating connections that combat the isolation many group fitness instructors feel. The combination of accessible programming and peer support creates an environment where experienced teachers can expand their offerings without sacrificing the expertise they’ve already built.

Kathrin Kropilak’s Munique Fitness: Building Community Through Personal Connection

Kathrin Kropilak’s journey began in Munich, Germany. It took her through visa challenges, marriage, international moves, and years of hands-on coaching before landing in Venice, Florida, where she opened Munique Fitness in May 2024.

The studio is more than a career shift for Kropilak—it embodies her belief that fitness should center on individual needs while fostering genuine community connections. With her diverse background spanning personal training, group fitness instruction, health coaching, and menopause coaching, she has created a space that prioritizes sustainable wellness for herself and her clients.

Munique Fitness

Munique Fitness is located in downtown Venice, FL, offering group fitness classes, one-on-one training, and virtual coaching options. The studio’s name reflects Kropilak’s multicultural background, blending “unique” with a nod to her German birthplace of Munich. “Munique Fitness was born from my own journey as a coach and my dream of creating something bigger than just a place to work out,” Kropilak explains. “After years of teaching classes and training clients, I realized I wanted to build a space where fitness isn’t just about reps and sets, but about community, empowerment, and confidence.”

The studio caters to clients across various age groups and fitness levels, emphasizing programs that integrate seamlessly into real-world schedules and lifestyles. Kropilak’s experience working in boutique fitness environments before launching her own venture provided practical insights that shaped Munique’s operational approach and member experience.

Her coaching credentials span multiple specialties, allowing the studio to address diverse client needs from general fitness goals to menopause-specific health concerns. This broad expertise enables personalized programming that acknowledges the varied challenges people face in maintaining consistent wellness routines.

Creating Culture Through Team Development

Kropilak’s approach to building her coaching team reflects her own experience as an instructor who understood the importance of feeling valued and supported. Since opening in May, she has assembled what she describes as an exceptional team of trainers who align with the studio’s community-focused culture. Jobs at Munique are now available through Marketplace by Coach360.

“Coaches who join Munique Fitness will be part of a culture that values creativity, growth, and community,” she notes. “My goal is to provide not just competitive pay, but also opportunities for ongoing education, mentorship, and collaboration. I know what it feels like to be an instructor who gives your all, and at Munique Fitness, I want trainers to feel supported, appreciated, and excited to bring their talents into a space where they can thrive.”

The studio prioritizes collaborative relationships between coaches, recognizing that instructor satisfaction has a direct impact on member experiences. Kropilak’s background provides her with insight into the daily realities of fitness coaching, from the physical demands of demonstrating exercises to the emotional energy required to motivate clients through challenging workouts.

Her team development philosophy centers on providing resources for professional growth while maintaining the authentic, welcoming atmosphere that defines the studio’s identity. This includes creating space for trainers to develop their unique coaching styles while ensuring consistency in the supportive environment members expect.

Final Thoughts

Starting a business often requires bridging the gap between personal experience and professional opportunity. Kropilak’s story confirms how years of working directly with clients can inform every aspect of studio operations, from program design to team culture. Her international background and diverse coaching experience converged to create a fitness environment that prioritizes individual needs within a community setting.

The success of Munique Fitness in its first months suggests that members respond to authentic leadership and personalized attention. As Kropilak puts it, “This studio is living proof that you can fulfill your dreams. I started as an instructor with a passion for helping people and grew into an entrepreneur who builds a space for others to shine.”

IGNITE 2025: Coach360’s Virtual Summit for Fitness Industry Excellence

Owners, operators, trainers, and industry professionals navigate complex challenges while seeking pathways to sustainable growth and meaningful impact. Business leaders across gyms, studios, and wellness facilities need access to strategic intelligence that shapes their decision-making and competitive positioning. Market dynamics continue to accelerate, requiring executives to stay ahead of trends that impact revenue, operations, and long-term viability.

Coach360 presents IGNITE 2025, a virtual summit delivering critical industry insights from C-suite executives, thought leaders, and market analysts. This strategic forum provides business intelligence on workforce management, technology adoption, market trends, and emerging opportunities across the health and wellness ecosystem. Executive teams gain access to data-driven perspectives and proven strategies that drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.

IGNITE 2025: Strategic Intelligence for Industry Leaders

IGNITE by Coach360 assembles the industry’s most influential decision-makers and strategic thinkers in a sweeping virtual format. This executive-level summit addresses the critical challenges facing fitness businesses while identifying emerging opportunities that shape competitive advantage. The format ensures broad accessibility for leadership teams seeking actionable intelligence without travel constraints.

The two-day agenda focuses on strategic themes that directly impact business performance and market positioning. Day One examines “Shaping the Future of the Fitness Workforce,” covering talent acquisition strategies, certification standards, technology integration, and service diversification. Day Two explores “Connection, Community & Innovation at Scale,” addressing sustainable business models, market expansion opportunities, precision health trends, and digital platform strategies.

The programming combines fireside chats with panel discussions featuring executives from leading brands, technology companies, and service providers. These sessions deliver both tactical insights and strategic vision, enabling participants to understand current market dynamics while preparing for future opportunities.

Market Intelligence and Strategic Sessions

Day One launches with Kathleen conducting a fireside chat on “Bold Moves & Disruption in the Industry,” examining how market leaders navigate uncertainty and capitalize on emerging trends. The session “The Talent Shift: Adapting Staffing Strategies for a New Era” features Kamille McCollum, Dan Duran, and Lindsay Vastola analyzing workforce challenges and recruitment strategies that drive operational success.

NASM’s David Van Daff joins Brian Biagioli and Jessica Maurer for “The Renaissance of Fitness Education: Certifying a New Era of Coaches,” providing insights into certification trends and their impact on service quality and liability management. Technology strategy takes focus with “Cracking the Code: Profit, Culture & the Tech That Powers Both,” where Davide Petramala moderates discussions with Laura Munkholm on technology investments that deliver measurable ROI and cultural benefits.

The first day concludes with “From Equipment to Ecosystem: The Rise of Full-Stack Wellness Solutions,” featuring Lou Lentine, Cheryl Barnett, and Max Cotton examining how facilities can diversify revenue streams through comprehensive wellness offerings and strategic partnerships.

Day Two opens with Eddie Tock and Kathleen discussing “Future Vision—Where We Go from Here,” providing market forecasts and strategic opportunities for the next business cycle. The session “Built to Last: Coaching and Club Strategies for Longevity and Healthspan” features Dr. Emily, Christine Koth, and Johnny August analyzing sustainable business models and the growing longevity market segment.

Market expansion opportunities emerge in “The Evolution of Women’s Health in Fitness Spaces: Innovations, Inclusion, and Impact,” where Reena Vokoun and Amber Burke examine this high-growth demographic and service specialization strategies. Jeff Zwiefel and Bob present “The Bio-Individual Era: Precision, Peptides & Personalized Nutrition,” exploring how personalized health services create differentiation and premium pricing opportunities.

The summit concludes with “The Creator-Coach Evolution: Scaling Impact through digital platforms, brand partnerships, and self-built ecosystems,” moderated by Maricris Lapaix with Venus Moore and Allison Yazdian. This session examines how digital strategies and strategic partnerships drive brand visibility and revenue growth.

Final Thoughts

IGNITE 2025 offers a concentrated dose of expertise from practitioners who have built thriving businesses, navigated industry challenges, and discovered what works in real-world applications.

Virtual summits like IGNITE prove that geography no longer dictates access to quality education and mentorship. A trainer in rural Montana can learn from the same experts as someone in downtown Manhattan. This democratization of knowledge creates opportunities for professionals everywhere to elevate their skills, regardless of their starting point or current circumstances.

Nicole Leasher: Rising Star Coach Empowering the Paralysis Community

Recognition often arrives for those who dedicate themselves to underserved communities, and Nicole Leasher exemplifies this principle through her work with The Perfect Step and The Be Perfect Foundation. Her recent Rising Star award from the Coach360 Coach of the Year Awards highlights a career built on helping individuals with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions reclaim their independence through movement.

Leasher’s nine-year journey in adaptive training establishes how specialized coaching can create a profound impact within focused communities. Her growth from floor trainer to program developer reflects the natural progression of a professional who sees potential where others might see limitations.

Nicole’s Journey with The Perfect Step

Nicole Leasher has spent over nine years building expertise in adaptive training, working specifically with individuals facing spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions. Her current role at The Perfect Step positions her as a coach and program developer, where she guides clients toward greater independence through carefully structured movement protocols.

The Perfect Step serves a unique population that requires specialized knowledge and approach. Leasher’s work involves coaching clients through milestone achievements that might seem routine to the general population but represent significant victories for individuals with paralysis. Standing exercises, muscle engagement protocols, and strength-building routines become pathways to renewed confidence and physical capability.

Her responsibilities have expanded from direct client interaction to broader program development and community engagement initiatives. This progression reflects her deep understanding of the adaptive training field and her ability to identify systemic improvements that benefit entire client populations. Working alongside The Be Perfect Foundation, she contributes to a comprehensive support system designed specifically for the paralysis community.

Career Lab and Future Vision

Events like Career Lab provide essential opportunities for professionals in specialized fields to connect with peers and expand their knowledge base. Leasher emphasizes how these gatherings allow coaches to step away from daily routines and engage with industry-wide conversations that can enhance their practice.

Professional development events create space for collaboration and inspiration that is hard to find any other way. Leasher values these connections as reminders of the broader mission that drives adaptive training professionals. The networking and learning opportunities help coaches like her provide better care and expanded opportunities for their clients.

Looking ahead, Leasher plans to continue expanding her skill set while making therapy and training more accessible for diverse ability levels. Her goal involves bridging traditional fitness approaches with adaptive training methods, ensuring clients across the ability spectrum feel empowered in their fitness journeys. She also anticipates mentoring newer coaches, sharing the relationship-building strategies she has developed over nearly a decade of specialized practice.

The community aspect of her work provides ongoing motivation. Leasher finds energy in connecting with professionals who share her belief that movement creates meaningful life changes. This shared passion, combined with her personal values of resilience and growth, drives her continued engagement with both clients and industry events.

Final Thoughts

The paralysis community faces unique challenges that require coaches willing to see possibilities rather than limitations. Professionals like Nicole Leasher prove that specialized expertise, combined with genuine commitment to underserved populations, can create remarkable outcomes for individuals who might otherwise lack access to quality movement coaching.

Her recognition as a Rising Star reflects a broader truth about meaningful career development—authentic impact often comes from sustained dedication to specific communities. The milestone moments she celebrates with clients become a testament to the power of consistent, knowledgeable guidance delivered by someone who truly understands the journey.

Venus Moore’s Unexpected Path to a Fitness Empire

Venus Moore was sitting in a Beverly Hills nail salon, fresh from a Runyon Canyon hike, when a stranger changed her life. The woman desperately needed a trainer for her upcoming 40th birthday, and despite having no true business yet, Venus heard herself say “yes, I’m a trainer.” A stranger’s compliment and desperate plea for help would spark a career that has touched hundreds of lives across Los Angeles. What started as an impulsive “yes” has grown into a thriving personal training business that serves everyone from everyday professionals to A-list celebrities.

Venus’s path to fitness wasn’t linear. The former Midwest native had built a successful career in finance and real estate before relocating to California with dreams of entertainment industry success. Her natural charisma quickly landed her roles on major network shows and lucrative commercial work, but a relationship that couldn’t handle her success forced an unexpected pivot that would ultimately lead to her true calling.

The Making of a Trainer

Venus Moore’s fitness journey began with self-discovery. Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, she was a natural athlete who competed in track and field, basketball, and volleyball throughout her youth. That competitive spirit took a backseat during her twenties and early thirties while raising three children. Her background in finance and real estate provided stability, but when she moved to Los Angeles in 2011, Venus found herself drawn to the entertainment industry.

The transition from behind-the-scenes work to personal training happened organically. After years of people asking if she was a trainer, Venus finally claimed the title during that fateful nail salon encounter. Her first client, preparing for her 40th birthday, lost over 30 pounds in two months through Venus’s combination of consistent workouts and nutritional guidance. The dramatic results at her client’s birthday party generated 15 immediate referrals, launching Body by Venus through pure word-of-mouth marketing.

Venus’s approach centers on treating each client as a complete person rather than just a fitness project. Her philosophy emphasizes the critical importance of nutrition alongside exercise, having learned through personal experience that sustainable results require both components. She also firmly believes in the “thrive at any age” mentality, understanding age is just a number, not an obstacle. She believes that it is possible to be in the best health and best shape of your life at any age, including your 40s, 50s, and beyond.

She’s guided her own physique through multiple transformations, adding 25 pounds of lean muscle mass before completing a 30-pound cut earlier this year to demonstrate the full spectrum of body composition changes to her clients.

Key Takeaways from Career Lab by Coach360

Venus’s experience at Career Lab by Coach360 reinforced several fundamental principles that have shaped her approach to working with fitness professionals and clients alike. The event’s emphasis on showing up authentically resonated deeply with someone who has built her entire business on genuine connections and real results.

The power of community emerged as a central theme from her Career Lab experience. Venus observed how the event brought together professionals at different stages of their careers, from newcomers grappling with fear and uncertainty to established veterans sharing their expertise. This dynamic reminded her of her early days when she was learning through trial and error, making mistakes, and gradually building confidence through hands-on experience with real clients.

Venus particularly appreciated the event’s focus on practical value. The panels provided actionable insights that professionals could immediately implement in their businesses, reflecting her own preference for direct, results-oriented approaches. She values working with people who understand how to get from point A to point B without unnecessary complications, and Career Lab demonstrated that same efficiency in its content delivery.

The networking opportunities at Career Lab highlighted the importance of building relationships within the fitness industry. Venus has always believed in treating people as individuals first, regardless of their celebrity status or background, and she saw that same authentic approach reflected in the connections being made at the event. The genuine energy and participation levels reinforced her belief that fitness success requires showing up consistently and supporting others in their journeys.

Final Thoughts

Venus Moore’s willingness to claim her identity before she was an actual trainer demonstrates the power of stepping into your calling even when the path isn’t fully mapped out. That single decision in a Beverly Hills nail salon has grown into a business that generates six-figure revenue through online coaching while maintaining an exclusive roster of high-profile personal training clients.

Venus embodies her authenticity in every client interaction. Her success stems from understanding that lasting change requires physical commitment and emotional connection. Whether someone is preparing for their 40th birthday or working toward their first competition, Venus meets them where they are and guides them toward sustainable results.

Marketing Mastery Meets Fitness: Kandace Dickson and OPEX Fitness

After building digital strategies for Fortune 500 companies on Madison Avenue, Kandace Dickson discovered that her true passion lay in applying her marketing expertise to the fitness industry. This transition was about aligning her professional skills with her personal values and lifestyle priorities.

Today, Kandace is the CMO for OPEX Fitness and CoachRx, where she combines decades of marketing experience with deep industry knowledge to help fitness professionals build sustainable businesses. Her approach to marketing in the fitness space reflects a sophisticated understanding of traditional marketing principles and the unique challenges facing coaches and trainers today.

Kandace Dickson: Marketing Strategist Turned Fitness Industry Advocate

Kandace’s marketing foundation was built during her decade-long tenure in New York’s advertising world, primarily at McCann Erickson, where she developed digital content practices long before social media marketing became standard practice. Her portfolio included launching the U.S. Army’s “Army Strong” campaign and managing major accounts like Intel, IBM, and General Mills. This experience gave her a holistic understanding of brand development, content strategy, and large-scale campaign execution.

The pivot to fitness began with a personal realization about health and wellness priorities. After years of intense corporate work, she rediscovered competitive fitness and recognized an opportunity to merge her marketing expertise with her passion for the industry. Her transition included a six-year stint as CMO at Bodybuilding.com, where she launched white-label supplement lines, developed the company’s first women’s wellness brand, and created their training app.

These experiences shaped her understanding of the fitness industry’s marketing challenges. Unlike traditional consumer brands, fitness businesses often struggle with the balance between authenticity and growth, personal relationships, and scalability.

Kandace has developed strategies that address these specific pain points, helping fitness professionals build marketing systems that feel genuine while driving business results. She also runs a podcast called Marketing for Fitness Professionals, sharing her expertise with the masses. You can download a free one-page marketing plan to help guide your marketing strategy here.

OPEX Fitness: Elevating Coaching Through Education and Technology

OPEX Fitness builds on a foundational belief that effective coaching requires principled education and practical tools. Founded by James Fitzgerald, the inaugural CrossFit Games winner, the company emerged from a philosophy that fitness programming should be individualized rather than mass-marketed or cookie-cutter.

The education component centers around the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program, a certification that teaches coaches to develop individualized programs based on assessment, consultation, and ongoing relationship management. This methodology contrasts with template-based approaches, emphasizing the craft of one-to-one coaching relationships. The education platform, LearnRx, offers over 105 courses covering everything from energy systems development to business management, providing ongoing professional development for coaches at all levels.

CoachRx is the software side of OPEX’s mission, designed specifically for coaches who prioritize individual client relationships and putting the “personal” in personal training. The platform includes program design tools, communication systems, business management features, and an AI coaching assistant built on OPEX’s educational principles. This technology enables coaches to effectively manage 60 to 110 clients while maintaining the high-touch service that defines quality coaching relationships.

Final Thoughts

Kandace’s story, which transitions from Madison Avenue to fitness marketing, illustrates how professional skills can be repurposed for more meaningful work. Similarly, OPEX’s approach shows that sustainable business growth stems from having the right suite of tools to help you stay organized, educated, and proactive.

What emerges from this combination is a model for professional fulfillment that doesn’t require choosing between business success and personal values. The tools and education that help coaches build better businesses serve the end goal of helping more people achieve lasting health and fitness results.

Career Lab LIVE Award Winner Alli Felsenthal’s Journey with RUNWITHALLI

Every athlete deserves someone in their corner who believes in their potential as much as they do. Whether training for a first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, having the right coach can make the difference between giving up and breaking through. This principle drives everything Alli Felsenthal does through her virtual coaching business, where she helps runners worldwide discover what they’re capable of achieving.

The recent Career Lab LIVE event celebrated coaches like Felsenthal who are making a real difference in their athletes’ lives. As the winner of the Holistic Hero Coach of the Year award, she represents the kind of dedicated professional who sees coaching as much more than just writing training plans.

Alli Felsenthal

Since 2017, Alli Felsenthal has been building something special in the running world. As the founder of RUNWITHALLI Coaching, she operates a virtual run and nutrition coaching business that serves athletes worldwide. Her approach covers the full spectrum of distance running, from the first mile all the way up to the marathon, with a focus on holistic training methods that address the physical and mental aspects of running.

What sets Felsenthal apart is her background in corporate life, which gives her a unique perspective on helping clients who are navigating similar transitions. She understands the stress, time constraints, and mental challenges that come with balancing demanding careers with personal health goals. This firsthand experience allows her to connect with athletes who are using running as an outlet to channel stress, challenge themselves, and find community.

Her coaching philosophy centers on being as invested in each athlete’s journey as they are themselves. She describes her role as being a cheerleader, guide, and expert all rolled into one, watching her athletes grow first as people, then as runners. This personal investment creates the kind of relationships that lead to real, lasting change in her clients’ lives.

Building Community Through Virtual Coaching

Felsenthal’s favorite aspect of coaching stems from the deep connections she forms with her athletes. She finds something uniquely rewarding about witnessing personal growth that extends far past running performance. Her athletes learn to use running as a tool for stress management, personal challenge, and community building—skills that carry over into every area of their lives.

Her experience at Career Lab LIVE reinforced her belief in the power of in-person connections. While her business operates virtually, she recognizes that face-to-face networking and relationship building with other professionals in the fitness space create opportunities that digital connections alone cannot replicate. The event reminded her that timing is rarely perfect, and waiting for ideal conditions often means missing out on growth opportunities entirely.

Looking ahead, Felsenthal has ambitious plans for expanding her impact. She aims to expand her team to include coaching other coaches, creating a ripple effect that enables her methods and philosophy to reach even more athletes. This approach would allow her to create a wider impact on the running and fitness community while collaborating with like-minded professionals across different specialties.

Her vision includes building partnerships with coaches from various disciplines, recognizing that athletes often benefit from diverse expertise. Whether that means working with strength coaches, physical therapists, or mental performance specialists, she sees value in creating a network of professionals who can support athletes’ complete development.

Final Thoughts

Alli recognizes that athletic pursuits are a vehicle for personal development, stress management, and community building. Felsenthal embodies this understanding, using her platform to help others transform their relationship with fitness and find purpose through running.

Leaving the corporate world to become an award-winning coach proves that passion projects can become meaningful careers when approached with dedication and authenticity. By staying connected to her own transformation story, she continues to serve as a guide and inspiration for athletes who are writing their chapters of personal growth through running.

Todd Durkin’s Mountain Retreat: Ignite Your Energy, Ignite Your Business, & Ignite Your Life

Coaches and trainers are providing constant professional output. They are coaching clients, building businesses, and maintaining personal energy while helping others achieve their goals. This perpetual giving can drain even the most passionate leaders, creating a need for intentional renewal and strategic refocus.

That’s why mastermind Todd Durkin created Mountain Retreat, taking place November 13-16, 2025, at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake in Montana. Sponsored by Coach360, this collaboration brings together two entities committed to elevating fitness professionals through practical support and community connection.

The Mountain Retreat Experience

This event was designed by Todd Durkin as a three-day immersive experience specifically for high-performers, entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders seeking to reignite their energy and clarify their direction. The retreat brings together strategic business planning with personal wellness practices, all set against the backdrop of Montana’s beautiful mountain landscape.

Participants engage in over 12 hours of workshops focused on creating 12-month and three-year vision plans, building sustainable habit systems, and breaking through limiting beliefs. The program includes daily workouts, cold plunge sessions, mindfulness practices, and hiking opportunities designed to clear mental clutter and restore focus.

The retreat emphasizes community building through roundtable discussions and small group sessions where participants can engage in meaningful conversations about their coaching practices, leadership challenges, and business development goals. These intimate settings encourage authentic connection and practical problem-solving among like-minded professionals.

Exclusive Coach360 Member Benefits

Coach360 members receive significant value through this sponsorship partnership. Members who register using the code “Coach360” pay $499 for the retreat—half the regular price of $999 and substantially lower than the current early-bird rate of $799.

Each Coach360 member also receives a complimentary 60-minute one-on-one coaching session with Todd Durkin, typically valued at $500. This personalized session can be scheduled immediately upon registration, allowing participants to begin working on specific challenges or goals before the retreat begins.

Additionally, members gain three months of free access to the Todd Durkin Mastermind, worth over $300. This membership includes monthly group calls, weekly educational content, networking opportunities with other professionals, and exclusive discounts on future programs and resources.

Want in and ready to access your exclusive bonuses? Do two things:

Sign up for the Retreat and use the code “Coach360” when you check out to get the Retreat for just $499.
Please reach out to Julie Wilcox at jwilcox@fitnessquest10 to set up your one on one call with Todd and get immediate access inside the Todd Durkin Mastermind.

Final Thoughts

Professional development often gets pushed aside when daily demands pile up, yet these investment periods frequently yield the highest returns. The combination of strategic planning, physical renewal, and peer connection creates conditions where breakthrough thinking naturally emerges.

Montana’s mountain setting provides the perfect backdrop for this type of intensive work. When professionals step away from their familiar environments and into spaces designed for focused growth, they often discover solutions and perspectives that remain hidden in their regular routines. The retreat leverages this principle, offering a structured pathway for fitness professionals to recalibrate their energy and sharpen their vision for the year ahead.

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