The Business of Boutique Fitness

Choosing studio software shouldn't feel like a gamble—but for many owners, it does. The wrong platform can work against you: draining time, frustrating staff and creating friction for members. Don't make a decision without tuning into Episode 703: How to Choose Your Fitness Studio Software in 2026, where Heather Garrick and Conor McGarry break down the essentials.  Pressure-test reporting: ensure your data is accurate, accessible and decision-ready Optimize efficiency: evaluate how many clicks it takes to sell, book or check-in Customize capabilities: choose a fit for your model, formats, scheduling and growth Check marketing depth: understand how leads, automations and attribution work Plan for scale: verify it supports more offerings or studios without future migration Your software shapes your studio's day-to-day, growth and future. So do your homework, ask questions and test-drive several options. Kick off this critical process with Episode 703. Catch you there, Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Y'all, most boutique fitness studio owners don't have to hustle harder. What they do need? Smart systems and processes that maximize efficiency and productivity so they can stress less. Step one is Episode 702: Top 5 Studio Management Tools That Actually Save You Time with Business Coaches Matt Hanton and Conor McGarry. Do yourself a favor and tune in. Weekly data recaps: templated reports to keep your finger on the pulse  Structured accountability: regular check-ins and clear expectations to prevent fires Customer service scripts: pre-written responses that speed up communication  Team comms: weekly updates that reduce confusion and increase ownership Mission, vision, values: your North Star to inform decisions and performance issues Your work ethic isn't broken. With the right tools, you can do more in less time, enjoy greater clarity and consistency and focus on leading and growing. Episode 702 gets you started. Catch you there, Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

701: AI & Automations for Boutique Fitness

Memberships are the biggest revenue source and one of the most powerful levers studio owners have, so it's critical to get them right. Unfortunately, too many are guessing here. Explore options, terms, pricing and consumer shifts as Conor McGarry, Pricing Team Captain, and I break it all down in Episode 700: The New Era of Studio Membership Models. Anchor value: use pricing psychology to guide strategic buying decisions Design commitment: leverage term memberships to reduce churn Match preferences: align memberships with clients' attendance patterns Expand intentionally: layer credits, hybrids and upgrades thoughtfully Future-proof revenue: schedule annual pricing increases to drive receivables Smart studio owners should be ready to adopt the next phase of boutique fitness studio pricing—more flexible, personalized and data-driven. Get a head start with Episode 700. Catch you there. With grit and gratitude, Lisé   LINKS: https://studiogrow.co/ https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/ https://open.spotify.com/show/04zR1tRiRhQUdIfvLbh60N https://www.youtube.com/@studiogrowco/videos

If you're feeling the pressure now—rising costs, louder competition and members who seem harder to please—you're not alone. So let's peek at some powerful trends in a few regions.  Join Conor McGarry, Pricing Team Captain, and me for a flyby of what's hot in Africa, LatAm and North America in Episode 699: What Top Studios Are Doing Around the World, Part 3. Obsessing over brand feel: creating an emotional experience clients crave Designing outside the box: innovating freely in markets without archaic studio norms Exploring new territory: breaking ground in markets outside legacy fitness hubs Adding a personal touch: differentiating with music, dance, hospitality & more Nurturing healthspan: adopting wellness, recovery and personalized services Across the globe, studios that know who they serve, how they feel, and why they matter are building successful brands while opportunities abound! Grab some inspo in Episode 699.  Catch you there. With grit and gratitude, Lisé   LINKS: https://studiogrow.co/ https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/ https://open.spotify.com/show/04zR1tRiRhQUdIfvLbh60N https://www.youtube.com/@studiogrowco/videos

In boutique fitness, it's easy to be fully consumed by your studio—or the competitors nearby. Shift your perspective periodically to the landscape around the world to gain novel insights. Catch Episode 698: What Top Studios Are Doing Around the World, Part 2, where Heather Garrick and I highlight the cool innovation and evolution playing out in Asia and Europe. Investing in education: driving growth through instructor training & development Leading locally: forming partnerships and adapting concepts regionally & culturally Making a statement: using bold branding and memorable experiences to stand out Unleashing creativity: innovating formats, adding brands and streamlining buildouts Navigating challenges: addressing aggregators & market complexity in Europe  Capitalizing on the massive opportunity in these huge regions, smart brands are becoming increasingly intentional, strategic and visionary. Episode 698 paints a promising picture. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

When you're head-down running all the things in your studio, exploring beyond your walls may be off your radar. But peeking at the global industry evolution can spark ideas for your business. So Heather Garrick and I are filling you in on exciting innovations unfolding in the boutique sector in Episode 697: What Top Studios Are Doing Around the World, Part 1.  Leading with the experience: designing every touchpoint with stellar service Mastering luxury: curating exclusivity and exceeding high expectations Learning from hospitality: hiring selectively and training to provide 5-star service Prioritizing personalization: gaining individual insights to prescribe custom solutions Reimagining delivery: using tech and positioning to cultivate novelty  The industry today is emphasizing much more than workouts—like community, connection and creativity—which will stimulate growth globally. Enjoy a fresh perspective in Episode 697. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Y'all, when you're running a business, it's easy to get buried in the daily grind. But being head-down in all the details can mean working harder instead of leading smarter.  So join Alina Cooper to explore the value of self-awareness, emotional intelligence and accountability in Episode 696: It Starts With You: The Self-Aware Leader's Edge. Build emotional fluency: know your triggers and manage your feelings  Take ownership: ditch blame and model behavior you want your team to mirror Reflect regularly: acknowledge triggers, growth moments and leadership wins Invite feedback: ask for—and accept—honest input from your team  Set the emotional temperature: show up consistently with clarity and core values  When you lead yourself well, everything else follows. Your team performs better, your clients feel it and your brand becomes magnetic. Pause to look inward in Episode 696. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Amidst an unstable, unpredictable economy, it's critical that your studio has its books in order. Of course, proactive financial strategies are smart business practices in any economic season. Fortify your financial backbone with budgets, expense cutting, retention boosting and scenario planning with Coach Matt Hanton and me in Episode 695: Your Economy-Proof Plan, Part 3. Befriend your budget: identify fixed and flexible expenses; know your numbers Cut the fluff: find and drop any expenses that don't make—or save—money Optimize everything: tighten schedules and make your space work harder  Keep them coming: dedicate money and time to nurturing and retaining members Map out contingencies: plan and prep for best, worst and realistic outcomes  Plus, maintain cash flow and cash reserves, invest wisely and protect your profits. Episode 695 helps you master and monitor your numbers to keep your studio stable and strong. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Welcome to this bonus podcast episode! If you've ever looked at your red-hot competitors and wondered about their secrets to success, we've got you. Spoiler: it's not money, tech…or magic.  Coaches Caroline Plambeck and Rachel Prairie break down the simple, smart moves that create momentum in Episode 694: What Other Studio Owners Are Doing That You Are Not.  Share the why: host regular team meetings to build communication and buy-in Sell with soul: train your team to connect naturally and ditch pressure tactics Treat them right: onboard well and share opportunities to maximize retention   Guard your time: block hours to think big picture, plan ahead and get out of the weeds Track and tweak: scrutinize your data, refine and experiment without fear You don't have to overhaul everything. Start by excelling in the basics: know your numbers, empower your team and lead with clarity rather than chaos. Episode 694 is your overview.. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/ Top studios don't rely on luck, trends, or chaos—they rely on rhythm, clarity, and consistent follow-through. Start with five small shifts, put them into practice, and suddenly you're operating like the studios everyone else is trying to learn from.       💡 What Top Studio Owners Are Doing (That You Should Be!) Run purposeful meetings. Clear cadence, clear agenda, clear expectations. Share the why. Tie goals, numbers, and pushes to real context. Build a sales rhythm. Make sales everyday simple—not scary. Train everyone. Front desk, instructors, cleaners—everyone sells the experience. Anchor to your mission. Let your values shape your client journey. Protect your time. Block hours to work on the business, not just in it. Track everything. Leads, usage, cancellations—data drives decisions. Retain like it matters. Because it does. Keep the clients you worked so hard to earn. Delegate boldly. Onboard well, develop leaders, and get help before you burn out. Experiment smartly. Test, tweak, track, repeat—no trend hopping without strategy.     The Bottom Line   You don't need a massive overhaul to join them. Start with small shifts, tighten your processes, and build from there. Consistency compounds — and suddenly, you're the studio everyone else is asking, "How are they doing that?"

Good news: economic downturns don't have to mean disaster for your studio. In fact, with the right messaging and moves, you can turn uncertainty into opportunity. In Episode 693: Your Economy-Proof Plan, Part 2, Coach Matt Hanton and I tackle growth strategies that can position your studio to excel while everyone else is playing defense.  Reframe the message: emphasize value—fitness is an investment, not a luxury Tout value: compare your offer to pricier experiences like dinner and concerts Hit the 5 kinds of wealth: exercise feeds the mind, body, wallet, time and relationships Be greedy for growth: look for acquisition, talent and market share opportunities Diversify your stool: add new revenue legs, like retail or events, to steady your base Economic slumps don't have to mean shrinking ambitions. Trade fear for faith and take a proactive approach to come out ahead of the curve. Episode 693 lays out your roadmap. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Welcome to this bonus podcast episode! If your studio has become your social life, creative outlet and full-time emotional ecosystem, you just might be barrelling toward burnout.  You're definitely not alone. In Episode 692: Is Your Social Life Your Studio?, Coach Caroline dives into practical ways to reclaim your energy, identity and joy outside of your business.   Spot the signs: honestly evaluate if your mood rides on client feedback or team drama Redraw boundaries: schedule non-studio hours—and protect them like gold Refill your tank: do something purely for joy and refreshment, not ROI Let go (a little): trust your team to manage, even if it's 80% of the way you'd do it Reconnect and revive: resurrect who you were before you opened your doors A thriving studio starts with a thriving owner. Investing in your life outside of your studio allows you to show up better and lead stronger in it. Get after this all-important effort in Episode 692. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Today's economic and geopolitical volatility can cause uncertainty even among the best business plans. Focus on what you can control in your studio to navigate these waves.  Join Business Coach Matt Hanton and me in this series for in-the-trenches insights on how to stay steady in the storm, starting with Episode 691: Your Economy-Proof Plan, Part 1.  Be the best: cultivate operational excellence in every experience Invest in impressions: train your front desk staff to provide 5-star touchpoints Slip into their world: connect beyond the studio thoughtfully, personally and digitally  Retain your A-team: develop and reward your superstars to maintain loyalty  Lead with heart: foster clarity and confidence for your team and members Keep in mind that even when the world wobbles, people still crave and prioritize health, well-being and belonging. Discover how your studio can nurture all three in Episode 691. Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Welcome to this bonus podcast episode! Clients who rave about you are marketing gold. When they bring in their friends or family members, they're already pre-sold and more likely to convert.  Turn your members into your best sales team with Alina Cooper and Heather Garrick in Episode 690: Everybody's Talking About You: Harnessing the Power of Referrals.  Simplify the ask: keep it easy, clear and one-step so referrals are no-brainers Reward everyone: make it a win-win so the referrer and the friend feel great Show it off: promote the referral program in studio, on socials and everywhere  Time it right: ask members for referrals during that post-class buzz Always incentivize: track, thank and recognize members—fast and personally  Pick a month, plan a campaign, brief your team and measure what happens. This may become your favorite marketing tool, with big potential. Capitalize on the opportunity with Episode 690.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

People aren't coming to your studio for your Reformers, your music or your plush towels. They're craving memorable experiences and genuine connection to keep them coming back.  If your member experience is off, everything is off. Join Alina Cooper and me for Episode 689: How to Turn Your Studio Around -- Part 3 to ensure you're exceeding expectations.  Adopt fresh eyes: inspect your studio, add new touches, make small changes   Interact intentionally: make eye contact, use names, recall personal details Practice small acts of kindness: delight members with thoughtful, low-cost gestures  Watch your words: regularly reassess and refine messaging to appeal to your ICA Sell strategically: start small, test, tweak, track and scale marketing that works   The studios that fail are those that stop trying. Make sure you're bringing fresh energy, heart and clarity to your business so it remains alive and compelling. Explore how in Episode 689.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Welcome to this bonus podcast episode! When it comes to KPIs, studio owners typically fall into extremes. They either track everything and get overwhelmed—or nothing at all and are unaware of the true health of their business. In Episode 688: The KPI Blueprint: What Boutique Fitness Owners Actually Need to Track, Alina Cooper and Heather Garrick identify exactly which metrics are critical to watch.   Leverage leads: check how many, where they're from, conversion and time to purchase Check your pulse: study retention and churn rates as the heartbeat of your business Monitor the money: know your monthly recurring revenue, expenses and profit Know their worth: calculate your client's average lifetime value, which drives revenue Make it happen: schedule a weekly KPI hour to identify issues and monitor trends   When you keep eyes on the right data as a studio owner, you get valuable insights to make informed decisions. Unlock power and peace of mind in Episode 688.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!     www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Every studio owner encounters rough waters along their journey. So expect it. Then recognize the difference between sinking and sailing often comes down to what you do next.  In Episode 687: How to Turn Your Studio Around -- Part 2, Alina Cooper and I continue navigating the practical steps, tough choices and mindset shifts that can get you to calmer seas. Invite input: regularly ask for—and gratefully receive—honest feedback  Don't guess—assess: carefully analyze key metrics and every part of your business Stop the bleeding: stabilize cash flow by immediately pausing non-essential expenses  Score quick wins: target lapsed clients, run winback campaigns, encourage referrals Get your team on board: be transparent, invite ideas and share results    The vast majority of issues can be addressed to pivot within 90 days. Draft your turnaround plan, adopt a win-win attitude and take action with Episode 687.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Welcome to this bonus podcast episode! What do you do when your studio is booked solid…but still unprofitable? When you're teaching constantly, running the front desk, managing marketing, all the things…but can't pay yourself?  Find out how one yoga + Pilates studio owner finally quit working for free. Join Coach Rachel Prairie for this case study in Episode 686:  Booked Solid But Still Not Profitable.  Stop undercharging: monitor market rates and bump up your prices  Limit promotions: decrease discounts and deals to increase profit margins Move to memberships: generate recurring revenue with tiered options Adjust instructor pay: consider a flat rate plus attendance/retention incentives Analyze your numbers: set and track weekly, monthly and quarterly KPIs    Implementing these changes resulted in a 22% increase in monthly revenue in just six months! This inspired owner is now taking home more while working less. Hear her story in Episode 686.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Fueled by a dream and deep passion, good-intentioned studio owners can become so consumed with the day-to-day of the business that they miss warning signs of critical problems.    But caught early, you can turn these issues around. Learn what to look for and what to do in my discussion with Alina Cooper in Episode 685: How to Turn Your Studio Around -- Part 1.   Embrace self-awareness: deliberately enhance your emotional intelligence  Take accountability: own issues rather than ignoring them or blaming others Make the time: prioritize problems immediately before they get worse Know your numbers: constantly track trends—revenue, profit, attendance and churn Step back: get out of your studio and dive deep into the data to create an action plan   For more practical recommendations, check out The Oz Principle by Craig Hickman and Roger Connors. Find out how to recognize red flags and get your studio back on track in Episode 685.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/  

Whether you recently launched your studio or you've been around a while, a new competitor opening nearby typically triggers full-on panic. But competition can be a good catalyst.    Discover how to level up and proactively protect your business with Heather Garrick and Alina Cooper in Episode 684:  A New Competitor Just Moved In: Now What?   Be very curious: research competitors, document services, prices, USP, etc. Look in the mirror: solicit feedback, mystery shop your studio, analyze data Compel commitment: encourage more clients to buy long-term memberships Maximize momentum: try Bring-a-Friend week, guest trainers and challenges Get noticed: think more ads, flyers, sidewalk chalk and local partnerships   As our industry grows, competitors are inevitable. Episode 684 offers the outline to implement ongoing monitoring and double down on what makes your business different.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/