Studio Launch Diaries - podcast cover

Studio Launch Diaries

Cardy Brothersshows.acast.com
Welcome to Studio Launch Diaries with Jack & Jacob! We're two brothers on a mission to help personal trainers like you launch, grow and scale a fitness studio business. In our show, we'll share the secrets we've discovered from growing our own gyms. Plus, we'll give you tips that you can use to become the go-to for fitness in your local market. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of gym growth together. We're excited to have you with us!

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Episodes

#44: 10 Launch Mistakes New Fitness Studio Owners Make

We sat down to talk about the 10 biggest mistakes new gym owners make when they launch their studios. We know these mistakes because we've made them ourselves, and we've seen our clients make them too. We wanted to keep this real and share stories from our own experience so others don't fall into the same traps. We went back and forth with our own top five each. It got us thinking about the things we wish someone had told us sooner—from not planning cash flow properly to forgetting to tell your ...

Jun 27, 202523 min

#43: The Real Reason Your Fitness Studio Marketing Isn’t Working

In this episode, we break down the four big buckets every studio owner needs to get right—marketing, sales, operations and finances. We talk honestly about where we’re strong, where we’ve slipped, and what we’re doing to keep each area working well. We share how we think about Facebook ads, team systems, consult calls and even managing finances with our dad (yep, our CFO). The goal? Help you think about your studio in a clearer way so you can stop reacting and start leading. ********************...

Jun 20, 202525 min

#42: The Hardest Decision We’ve Had to Make as Studio Owners

In this episode, we share what it was really like to go through a price increase at one of our locations. We talk through why we did it, how we did it, and what we learnt from the reaction. We cover the honest fears we had before hitting send, the careful planning behind it, and how we made sure it added more value — not less — for our members. If you’ve been putting off a price increase for months (or years), this one will hit home. There’s also some behind-the-scenes stuff in here about how we...

May 21, 202523 min

#41: Brainstorming Ideas for Our New Studio Owner Course

Join the waiting list for Studio Prep Kit: cardybrothers.com/prep We’re building something new and we wanted to bring you behind the scenes as we map it all out. Over the past few months, we’ve been developing GymHQ, a full operating system for studio owners. But after digging into our email list, podcast listeners, and social followers, we realised something big: most of you don’t own a studio yet—but you want to. So in this episode, we talk through the big pivot we’re making. Instead of buildi...

May 16, 202523 min

#40: Why Online Isn’t the Only Way to Scale Your PT Business

In this episode, we talk about why we started this podcast and how we’ve grown from helping one studio owner to launching a full-on movement. We open up about the shift from personal trainer to business owner, what that mindset change really takes, and how freedom doesn’t just come from going online. We also unpack our offer timeline for the rest of the year—what’s working, what’s not, and how we’re planning to beat rising ad costs without losing steam. If you’re running a studio, or want to, th...

May 08, 202521 min

#39: What We’d Do Differently After Two Big Member Events

We just wrapped up our first two events of the year and wow, it’s been busy! In this episode, we look back at how they went, what we’d change, and why these types of events matter so much for building a strong studio community. We talk about how we plan, budget, and promote each one—especially what we’ve learned the hard way. If you’ve ever thought about running member socials or off-site activities at your gym, this one will give you loads to think about. We also share our best tips to get bums...

Apr 23, 202520 min

#38: Breaking Down Our Q1 Numbers: Leads, Sales & Lessons

In this episode, we look back at everything that happened for us in Q1 across both gym locations. We share what worked, what didn’t, and how we’re planning for Q2. We also walk you through the exact quarterly review template we use inside Gym HQ—our full operating system for gym and studio owners. You’ll hear real numbers, wins, lessons we learned, and what we’re doubling down on next. If you’re running a gym and want to grow it the right way, this one’s for you. ************************** CLICK...

Apr 09, 202526 min

#37: Are You Focusing on the WRONG Things in Your Gym?

We’ve been flat out with events lately, but in this episode, we wanted to talk about something that keeps popping up with gym owners—and honestly, we’ve fallen into the same trap too. It’s the habit of focusing on the wrong stuff . Decorations over foundations. Looking busy instead of doing the real work. We talk about the things that feel productive—like tweaking your Canva posts or stressing over your Instagram grid—but don’t actually grow your studio. Then we get into what does move the needl...

Apr 02, 202524 min

#36: How to Run Gym Ads That Stand Out in a Crowded Market

If you’ve ever run Facebook or Instagram ads and felt like they didn’t quite land, this one’s for you. We talk about the real reason ads stop working, why it’s probably not your targeting, and how to tell if it’s a business problem or a marketing one. Plus, we walk through a simple framework based on the five stages of awareness, so you can match your message to what your audience actually needs to hear. We also share what’s working right now for us and our clients—from narrowing offers to launc...

Mar 25, 202524 min

#15: How to Build an Appointment Funnel for Your Gym [Replay]

This is a replayed episode from last year. In it, we talk about how to build an appointment funnel for your gym. We dive deep into the steps you need to take to create a seamless journey for potential clients, turning them from interested leads into lifelong members. We'll cover everything from organising your calendar to automating appointments and creating valuable content that fills any gaps in your funnel. This isn't just about booking more appointments; it's about making sure those appointm...

Mar 19, 202529 min

#35: What No One Tells You About Running an Open Gym (6 Hard Lessons)

We’re back after a short break, and today we’re diving into everything we’ve learned from running an open gym. It’s been nearly six years since we bought ours, and along the way, we’ve seen just about everything—good, bad, and downright ridiculous. We’re sharing what’s worked, what’s gone wrong, and what you need to know if you’re thinking about opening your own gym. From designing the space to avoiding expensive mistakes, we break down the biggest lessons we’ve learned. We also talk about the u...

Mar 12, 202528 min

#34: Online vs In-Person Consultations: What’s Really More Effective?

We’ve been diving deep into a new sales process that’s already showing some incredible results. In this episode, we break down how switching to online consultations has helped us hit a 100% show rate and an 89% close rate — all on Zoom. We talk about why we’re testing this process, what’s working, and where the cracks are starting to show. Plus, we get into how this new setup could make scaling future locations far smoother without losing that personal touch. We also chat about sales funnels, bo...

Feb 23, 202525 min

#33: How to Use Client Surveys to Transform Your Fitness Studio

In this episode, we’re diving into the power of client surveys and how they’ve shaped our business. We share what we learned from surveying our members, the surprising insights we gained, and how we’re using this feedback to improve everything from our services to our marketing. We’ll also talk about how we structured our survey, tips for getting more responses, and how we turned raw data into actionable steps that have already made a big impact. Plus, we’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at ...

Feb 02, 202522 min

#32: How to Open a Fitness Studio in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about opening a fitness studio in 2025. Drawing from our experience launching two studios in one year, we walk through every step, from finding the perfect location to building a thriving community. We talk about why now is the best time for fitness professionals to transition from renting space to owning their own studio and share the systems we’ve used to hit capacity before opening our doors. You’ll hear why in-person fitness is on th...

Jan 19, 202532 min

#31: How We’re Planning 2025 for Our Fitness Studios

We’re rolling up our sleeves and planning out an entire year for our fitness studios. With colourful pens, a giant calendar, and a lot of brainstorming, we’re mapping out 2025. We cover everything from member events to team meetings, creative sessions, and campaign timelines—sharing how we organise for not one, but two studio locations. Along the way, we reflect on lessons from 2024, the feedback we’ve received, and how we’re adjusting to make next year smoother and more exciting for everyone. I...

Dec 29, 202422 min

#30: What We Learned Throwing a Christmas Party for 80 Gym Members

This week, we’re talking all about our Christmas party—what went right, what we learned, and how we plan to make the next one even better. From five straight hours of dancing (and the sore feet to prove it) to hilarious moments on the dance floor, we had an absolute blast celebrating with our team and members. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. We also share some honest reflections about running a business during busy (and sometimes unpredictable) times. Plus, we dive into the small wins that rem...

Dec 15, 202421 min

#29: 10 Traits Every Successful Gym Owner Shares

We’re diving into the 10 traits that separate successful gym owners from the rest. After years of working with studio owners and running our own, we’ve noticed patterns that define thriving gyms and their leaders. From putting clients first to staying accountable, we’re sharing practical insights and real stories to help you level up your business. Expect honest advice, a few rants, and actionable takeaways for any gym or studio owner looking to grow their community, improve their service, and s...

Dec 08, 202426 min

#28: How Community Events Can Transform Your Fitness Studio

This week, we unpack why our upcoming Christmas party is wildly over budget but totally worth it. From building community through events to Jack’s transformation into a seasonal dresser, we cover the wins, the laughs, and even the small fixes that make a big difference. We also dive into business insights: experimenting with new memberships, retention data, and why we believe gyms are about more than just fitness—they’re about unforgettable experiences. ************************** SUBSCRIBE TO OU...

Dec 01, 202425 min

#27: Building a Content Strategy for Your Fitness Studio

In this episode, I’m joined by our new creative lead, Henry. We chat about the journey of building a content strategy for Revamp and how Henry’s role has shifted from capturing moments to creating a more structured social media approach. We go over our weekly content cycle, share how we’re using Notion to stay organised, and discuss why working with a team that’s open to new ideas and collaboration is key to a strong content game. Plus, we dive into the challenges and lessons that come with mana...

Nov 17, 202425 min

#26: 10 Sales Questions Answered: Boosting Sales at Your Fitness Studio

This week, I’m (Jack) running solo to answer 10 sales questions without much prep, so you’ll get my genuine take on each one. I dive into different ways we handle objections, like how to approach the “spouse objection” or the balance of getting support versus asking for permission. I share stories from my own sales journey—from negotiating in everyday settings to building rapport in gym consults—and break down the emotional and practical sides of handling sales calls. I also cover the importance...

Nov 10, 202424 min

#25: How We Filled Our Gym in 2 Months: Breaking Down Our £19,500 Launch

This week, we’re celebrating a huge win! After months of hard work, we’ve successfully filled our second gym to capacity—over 60 spots secured, and we’re not done yet. We talk about how we applied the same launch process from our first studio and proved that our system works. Plus, we share some lessons we’ve learned along the way, from managing the intake numbers to automating our onboarding process. ************************** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER And learn how to build, grow and sc...

Oct 27, 202428 min

#24: The Highs & Lows of Launching Our Second Fitness Studio

In this episode, we talk about how we’re almost at full capacity for our second location. We share the ups and downs of launching a new studio and how quickly we’ve moved from one location to two. From closing deals and onboarding clients, to working through the little complications that come with growth, we discuss it all. We also give an inside look into the systems we’re using to manage operations more smoothly, including centralising data and automating tasks. Plus, we’ve brought on a specia...

Oct 20, 202422 min

#23: We Booked 92 Appointments in 24 Hours for Our New Gym

We dive into the highs and lows of launching our new fitness studio this week. From breaking sales records to navigating unexpected challenges, we talk about what it takes to make big moves while keeping our sanity intact. We share the rollercoaster moments, like hitting 90+ consultations booked in a day and the pressure of living up to expectations. We also dig into strategies for managing high-stakes launches, the power of urgency, and the value of staying hands-on in your business. **********...

Oct 13, 202419 min

#22: We Used MrBeast’s Video Secrets to Promote Our Gym

We took some strategies from MrBeast’s videos to boost our gym’s promotion. This week is a big one for us because we’re launching a new gym location and need to fill up our consultation spots. We’re breaking down our approach and sharing our progress along the way. We chat about mistakes, lessons learned, and what it’s like to document everything so openly. Things are a bit more nerve-wracking when people are watching, but we’re here for it. Listen to this episode as we navigate the ups and down...

Oct 06, 202419 min

#21: Our Viral Strategy For Getting Local Attention

In this episode, we dive into how we landed 19 business partnerships from just one post. We share the strategy behind it, break down what worked, and how you can apply the same approach to grow your business. We also give an update on our gym studio launch. It’s been an exciting journey, and we’re stoked to talk about the waiting list, the progress we’ve made, and what’s coming next. It’s a mix of challenges, wins, and plenty of learning. ************************** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETT...

Sep 22, 202425 min

#20: The First Steps to Launching Our New Fitness Studio

In this episode, we talk about the early steps we’re taking to get ready for the launch of our new fitness studio. We share the challenges we've faced so far and how we’re planning to fill it in less than 2 months. From organising fun and engaging events for our members to focusing on building a real sense of community, we discuss what sets our studio apart from the rest. Whether you're thinking of starting your own gym or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of launching a business, there’s...

Sep 08, 202427 min

#19: We’re Launching a New Fitness Studio in 60 Days

We’re super excited to share some big news with you all—we’re launching a brand-new fitness studio! This will be our second Revamp location and our third studio overall. We’ve been working hard to get everything ready, and we can’t wait to take you along for the ride. In this episode, we talk about how we found the perfect spot for the studio, the steps we’ve taken so far, and what’s coming next. We also share some lessons we learned from our past experiences, which are helping us make this laun...

Sep 01, 202423 min

#18: Breaking Down Our New Content Strategy For Our Gym

In this episode, we dive into our new content strategy for the gym and explain how it’s helping us connect better with our community. We break down the exact framework we’re using, which we call "Weekly REPS." It’s a simple system with four key posts each week designed to engage with our members, boost our brand, and make our gym's growth feel more consistent. We also talk about why we’re going all in on organic content and how it’s supporting our paid ads, bringing in new faces, and making our ...

Aug 24, 202427 min

#17: How This Guy Switched His Gym Model in 3 Months

In this episode, we share the incredible story of Dan, a gym owner who managed to completely turn his business around in just three months. Dan’s experience highlights the challenges of running a gym, especially when operating under the traditional one-on-one personal training model. Overworked and overwhelmed, he found himself stuck in a cycle of long hours, no holidays, and little to no work-life balance. We explore how Dan made the switch to a small group personal training format, a change th...

Aug 18, 202429 min

#16: Building A Fully Booked Semi-Private Personal Training Studio

We went on Alex Povey’s Remote Coaches Podcast last year and chatted about building a fully booked semi-private personal training studio. We shared our journey from personal trainers to studio owners, and the strategies we used to start our brick & mortar fitness business. We dived into how we leveraged local communities, the importance of marketing, and the benefits of creating a unique client experience. We also discussed the challenges we faced early on, including the decision to step bac...

Aug 04, 202434 min
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