The Fitness Manger's Report

As fitness managers, most of us understand the importance of working with our human resources teams to ensure we understand. We can communicate our compensation and benefits plans, but what about when things get dicey? Do you know the federal, state, and local employment laws? Do you know that you can be held accountable for if there is an issue with employee treatment or termination?I am excited to interview Human Resources expert and consultant Katie Santos, owner of FitnessHR, to learn why it's important for fitness managers to get involved with the human resource teams at their facilities and how to ensure they are up to speed.Questions I ask Katie:1) Why is it important for Fitness Managers to get involved with their Human Resources departments and teams?2) What are the biggest HR mistakes you see Fitness Managers make?3) What advice do you have for Fitness Managers to navigate convincing upper management and ownership about investing in the management team's HR education?www.stacialden.com

The fitness industry has always been a complicated world, but it has become even more complex since the pandemic. Some facilities and businesses have chosen to adjust to this new world, while some are very much stuck in their ways. As a "middle-manager, " we must determine if where we are is the right fit. Life is too short, and there's too much impact gone to waste if we continue to work for companies that don't align with our values, goals, and mission. I'm excited to meet with Victoria Tolbert-Ashley to get real about the state of the industry and how you, as a manager, can assess where you are now, identify if it works for you, and take steps to take action or determine your exit strategy.Here are the questions I ask Victoria:1️⃣ You've held many roles in the industry as a consultant and leader of large teams. What does it mean to be a "Value-Driven Fitness Manager"?2️⃣ You encourage fitness professionals and managers to consider their "exit strategy." How would you describe determining that and the ideas you share with your clients and mentorees?3️⃣ What are your top 3 recommendations for Fitness Managers to do to determine whether the facility and team they work with align with their values and goals?www.stacialden.com

Understanding and regulating your nervous system as a leader can help you lead with greater clarity, empathy, and resilience.😶‍🌫️ It allows you to navigate complex challenges while maintaining your well-being and supporting those around you. In this interview with licensed psychotherapist and author Eliza Kingsford, we will dive into how recognizing mindset and belief systems and how our nervous system and the client's and employees' nervous systems are activated when we, as leaders, are out of sync.3 Questions I plan on asking @elizakingsford :1️⃣ Please explain how your work relates to leadership and how leaders behave and interact with their teams.2️⃣ What are some of the biggest mistakes or belief systems holding leaders back, and why?3️⃣ What are your favorite strategies to help leaders recognize how the brain and body of clients, instructors, and themselves are reacting to situations to best serve themselves and others?Get in touch and learn more about Eliza Kingsford here:https://www.elizakingsford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/elizakingsford/ www.stacialden.com

Club and Studio websites can be so much more than just a landing page for current and prospective clients to learn more about what you do and how you do it.The website can be a place where... frequently questions can be answered, meetings can get booked and feedback can be gathered.We are excited to have Connie Holen, Owner and Founder of Pixality Design on the podcast to share more about her thoughts and strategies to help make the website actually make your job easier as a fitness manager.Here are the questions I ask Connie:1) Why can having a "customer support" page save you time as a manager? 2) What are the 3 important components of an organized and useful customer support page? 3) How can a manager explain the value and steps for adding this to the company website for IT and upper management?Learn more about Connie and Pixality Design: https://pixalitydesign.com/www.stacialden.com

Creating, building, and offering successful Signature Formats is a unique challenge for fitness facilities. It takes creativity while also staying true to the specific talent, equipment, and formats facilities offer. I had the pleasure of meeting Amanda Young this past summer at the 2023 IDEA World Fitness Convention and attended her excellent session sharing the five steps to creating a winning Signature Format. I’m excited to ask her some specific questions on my channel about her formula to help more facilities develop confidence in creating their own successful Signature classes and sessions.Here are the questions I ask Amanda:1) One of the important elements you highlighted in your session was the importance of “knowing your story” as an instructor and business. May you please share more on why that’s important and HOW to tap into that authenticity?2) I loved how you described the communication styles of instructors and the value of assessing them to get clear on what the experience will be. Can you share the communication styles and why they need to be considered when creating a new format?3) You provided such great visual representations of your class format examples. Please describe the color coding and shapes you’ve used when building templates.www.stacialden.com

Circuit experiences where clients move from one exercise or station to another for a dynamic and effective workout are timeless formats that remain popular. Circuit formats can become very successful programs with a large dedicated following and help make the most of smaller spaces with limited equipment when executed well. However, if the formula, execution, or coaching style is off, the experience can be ruined. I'm excited to have circuit formula expert, experienced coach, and presenter Michael Piercy on the podcast to share his thoughts and recommendations so you can help your team create successful circuit experiences.Questions I ask Michael:1) What are your tips to ensure a manager shares with their instructors when it comes to CREATING an exceptional circuit experience?2) What steps must coaches be asked to execute to IMPLEMENT an exceptional circuit experience?3) What personality traits or exercises do you recommend instructors and trainers embody and practice to be a better circuit format COACH?Here's a bit more about Michael:Michael Piercy, MS, is the owner of The LAB in Fairfield, New Jersey. He is the recipient of the 2017 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year award and the 2013 TRX FACEUP award for Overall Instructor of the Year. A former professional baseball player with multiple organizations, he brings a unique perspective to his work with athletes and active adults. He holds a master's degree in exercise science with a concentration in performance enhancement, and multiple advanced level certifications from accredited organizations such as ACE, ACSM, NASM and NSCA.www.stacialden.com

As fitness leaders, we must recognize that fitness instructors and participants come from all walks of life. What actions can we take to find, hire, support, and motivate instructors and applicants with disabilities or as their bodies and lives change throughout their careers? Are our instructors trained and prepared to create an accepting, comfortable, and positive environment for all participants?I was shook when I heard our guest Tamra's stories about how some of the management she's worked with has handled her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis and challenges as an instructor. Some managers were very helpful, but the inconsistency and unpreparedness managers have when working with their team's wellbeing has got to improve. We look forward to diving deeper into what leadership and management at fitness facilities should be doing to work with instructors and participants to support them through change and disruption they have no control over. We will introduce the considerations managers need to make with their teams as their lives and bodies change, tackle some solutions to how to handle those challenges, and reiterate the importance of working with instructors rather than making them feel bad or "replaceable".Here are the questions I ask Tamra:1) How has your diagnosis and experience changed how you approach instructors and clients with their own physical or mental challenges?2) What do you recommend managers do to prepare themselves and upper management for their employees' and clients' physical and lifestyle changes?3) What are some strategies you've been able to use personally to take care of yourself as an instructor with your diagnosis, and any recommendations you have for other instructors with whatever they might be going through?4) AND what can managers do to best continue to take care of their teams?Connect with Tamra: Instagram: @mountainhighfit Website: https://www.groupxmethod.com/www.stacialden.com

Hiring quality talent in the fitness industry has always been a topic of conversation among managers. Still, now more than ever, the hiring situation in the fitness industry has become dire. As older instructors must either lower their client load or leave their posts completely, there are too many openings and opportunities for younger talent to choose from. I'm excited to bring back Group Fitness Director for all Las Vegas Athletic Clubs in the Vegas and Henderson Valley regions, to share her advice and strategies for successfully finding, auditioning, and hiring clients to become instructors. This pool of talent is full of untapped potential but must be sought out and evaluated in the right way.Here are the questions I ask Patricia:1) What would you say to the facilities that have policies in place preventing clients from becoming instructors or trainers?2) What steps or processes do you recommend facilities follow to find the right clients to approach, train and audition to hire?3) Once a client has been brought onto the team, what are some important onboarding recommendations for managers for this specific new instructor or trainer?www.stacialden.com

When people work for you, you want to do right by them. But hiring and motivating independent providers who are running their own offerings within your business is very different than managing a team with a more strict "corporate-like" structure. How do you best motivate someone you don’t have less formal authority over? How do you keep them interested and excited about the work when they don’t get perks like bonuses or benefits? Should you give them performance reviews, so they know where they stand? I'm so excited to have the opportunity to ask these questions and more as I interview Billy Polson, the Founder of DIAKADI, Fitness Performance Life, where all personal trainers run their own business within the business.Here are the questions I ask Billy:1) What are your top strategies for setting expectations as you bring in coaches?2) How do you go about providing feedback to independent coaches?3) How do you help independent providers feel like they are part of a team/something bigger than themselves to avoid seeing your facility or other personal trainers as competition?4) You have an amazing resource of business information and tools for your team to use to improve themselves and their business. Why do you believe this is so useful and important for your team, and where did you start when building it?Here's more about BillyIn 2004, Billy founded San Francisco's paramount personal training facility DIAKADI, which houses the practices of more than 90 of the Bay Area's leading entrepreneurs from the fitness and health industries. Men's Journal magazine has named Billy one of 'America's Best 100 Trainers', and he has appeared in numerous publications, including Inc, Kiplinger, CBS Small Business Pulse, MSN, The Huffington Post, Women's Health, San Francisco Magazine, Active Times, and Thrillist.www.stacialden.com

Regardless of your title, Fitness Director, Manager, Senior Director, or Supervisor, we must all learn to negotiate. We have to negotiate with instructors about their classes, negotiate with vendors for lower prices, negotiate with upper management for more support, and negotiate with members about our offerings. Negotiation is an art of give and take. I am so excited for industry leader and queen negotiator herself, Doris Thews, to join me live to share her insight and tactics for negotiating as a fitness leader.Here are the quick-fire questions I plan to ask:1) What recommendations do you have for preparing for a negotiation?2) During the negotiation, what do you recommend managers ensure they do to get the most out of the meeting?3) After the initial meeting, I know you are all about giving yourself time to reflect and prepare a final agreement; what are some ways to give yourself time and steps to create a final summary/agreement?A bit more about Doris... Doris Thews is the CEO of Team Thews Fitness, which consults several leading brands on business, program development, fitness technology, and executive strategy. Doris is also an international award-winning Fitness Educator, including World IDEA Fitness Instructor of the year. Doris leads and presents for various several fitness brands. Senior Master Trainer and Global Mentor for Core Health & Fitness. In addition to presenting and lecturing internationally, she is also a Keynote speaker. She is known for her motivational and athletic coaching style. RYKA Fit-Pro Ambassador.www.stacialden.com

As fitness leaders, we must recognize that fitness instructors and participants come from all walks of life. What are actions we can take to find, hire, support, and motivate instructors and applicants with disabilities? Are our instructors trained and prepared to create an accepting, comfortable, and positive environment for all participants?I’m so grateful to have had the chance to meet with Matthew Alexander, an inspirational cycling instructor who completed his certification to teach cycling at the age of 17. While that may be a feat in itself, Matthew has also grown up with Autism. I am excited to dive into some of the challenges Matthew has overcome and dive deep into his honest recommendations on how managers can do a better job of opening their doors to hiring instructors and attracting clients with disabilities.Follow Matthew on Instagram: @matthewafitpro Here are some of Matthew's written and spoken works:https://www.structclub.com/blog/getting-to-know-matthew-alexanderhttps://www.liherald.com/stories/bellmorite-seeks-to-make-gyms-more-inclusive,128840?https://spinning.com/spinlife/spinning-instructor-matthew-alexander-personalizes-covid/https://spinning.com/spinlife/matt-alexander-helps-those-with-autism-through-spinning/https://spinning.com/spinlife/teaching-students-with-autism/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eric-chessen-matthew-alexander-autism-differently-abled/id1599043960?i=1000564082681https://podcasts.bcast.fm/e/rnkymmvnhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/2xktqJ7buy7KewXRtm9Tfx?si=a8PvJDeMSUGjzfexFEVlsghttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3k4vWh16DdEu4n945VhtwR?si=sPRCwFjyQpih-K9UzaCHtghttps://bronx.news12.com/owners-of-fitness-centers-across-nyc-sign-letter-to-mayor-urging-for-return-of-indoor-classeshttps://bronx.news12.com/owners-of-fitness-centers-across-nyc-sign-letter-to-mayor-urging-for-return-of-indoor-classeswww.stacialden.com

Ever provide feedback to an instructor after taking their class or during their annual review and feel like it didn't go as well as it could have or wonder if what you shared actually stuck and will make a difference? Attending classes and providing feedback regularly is a pivotal part of our role as Group Fitness Managers. Without the right delivery and process, our feedback can be forgotten and may backfire. I'm excited to meet with Shay Kostabi, boutique fitness consultant and co-founder of Fitness Career Mastery to unveil specific questions and resources to help you help your instructors.Questions I ask Shay:1) What are 2-3 of the MOST important things to look for when reviewing an instructor's class?2) What are the best questions to ask the instructor after class to start the conversation?3) What are the best resources to send instructors to?https://www.fitnesscareermastery.com/@fitnesscareermasterywww.stacialden.com

How can we as Group Fitness managers succeed in understanding, interpreting, or identifying more about the instructors who may be more demanding and, dare I say, more challenging than others? In our upcoming interview with Patricia Norman, the Group Fitness Director for all of the "Las Vegas Athletic Clubs" in the Vegas/Henderson valley, we will discuss strategies she has used to set clear expectations from the beginning and give unique roles to the instructors who may need help recognizing that a winning team of Group Fitness instructors is much greater than just one instructor.Here are the questions I ask Patricia:1) Let's quickly define what we mean by "diva" and what are some characteristics of a diva to look out for in the interview process and determine if they are still an instructor that we can work with to successfully incorporate into our team?2) What are some strategies for setting clear expectations for "diva" instructors?3) What are some unique roles Group Fitness Managers can give "diva" instructors to help them recognize the value of helping and supporting their teammates?www.stacialden.com

Difficult conversations are an important part of being a good leader; there ARE ways to make them easier and more effective with your team. In this episode, I speak with Jessica Maurer the Senior Director of Instructor Development at Fit4Mom about her strategies for making difficult conversations an expectation, how to approach them, and even make them easier!Questions I ask Jessica:1) What are some good examples of difficult conversations you've witnessed, and why do you believe they went so well?2) At IDEA World, you had us do a fun exercise you recommend with our teams, do you mind sharing that exercise?3) What kind of follow-up do you recommend Group Fitness Managers have with someone after a conversation to ensure everyone is on the same page with the same mission for an improved future?Follow her on Instagram at @jhmfitness Check out her website at https://jhmfitness.com/about/www.stacialden.com

Disclaimer - Apologies for the feedback from my microphone, wireless headphones are on their way for the next episode!Not only has the entire fitness industry changed in the past two years, but so have the roles and responsibilities of Group Fitness Managers. The ones who've stuck around in this difficult position must recognize what's changed, listen to their gut, and act accordingly. Here are some questions I'll be asking our guest Tiffany Hamlin (the National Director of Group Fitness):❓ What is the NUMBER ONE thing Group Fitness managers need to let go of in this new world?❓ How do you recommend Group Fitness managers handle the additional tasks and roles (i.e. taking on hybrid and virtual in addition to in-person)?❓ What advice do you have for managers to help build and sustain strong teams for the future?Here's a bit more about Tiffany:Tiffany is a Group Fitness Professional with over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry. She was born into a Group Fitness family and has made a career out of something she loves. Her goal is to help people reach their wellness goals by providing an exciting, all-inclusive environment for members to thrive in every aspect of their health. She believes that fitness should be both contagiously fun and highly effective, allowing members to achieve serious fitness results through engagement and consistency.Tiffany holds over 15 professional fitness certifications and has traveled the world as a consultant, presenting at numerous fitness conventions and conferences. She has managed large-scale Group Fitness Programs reaching over 1M sessions annually and has overseen instructor networks of over 1K.Her expertise includes:-Group Fitness Instructor Network Management-Group Fitness Multi-Program Management-Group Fitness Business Development-Virtual Training Program Creation and Execution-Group Fitness Studio Designwww.stacialden.com

In this podcast with Leah Rich, we will discuss how Social Media can be useful for fitness managers more than just as a way to promote our offerings, but also to make us better leaders.I'll be asking Leah how social media can help us lead our teams, not only market what we offer.We will also discuss the following:1) Three ways Fitness Managers can use social media to promote their offerings and their team.2) Strategies we as managers, can take to encourage their team to promote their classes and the facility on their social platforms.Here's a bit more about our wonderful guest Leah:Leah Rich has over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, teaching almost every format and recruiting instructors for in-person and virtual opportunities. She facilitated grand openings and recruited top instructors for boutique studios including CycleBar and San Diego barre studio, Belle + Barre. She taught aspiring fitness instructors how to teach a mind-blowing experience through the American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor Course. Leah believes fitness instructors have the ability to cultivate and nurture some of the strongest communities out there. She has presented at SCW and IDEA PTI to teach modern marketing and sales strategies to help fit pros be in complete control of their careers.Instagram: @leahonthemicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-rich-a95065113/Virtual Studio: https://richmotion.thinkific.com/courses/rich-motion-virtual-studiowww.stacialden.com

Chris Stevenson and Marisa Hoff are the founders of The Empower Group, a full-service consulting firm with services ranging from staff training, workshops, full facility management, and more.  Together they have over 50 years of combined experience in the health and fitness industry.  Both Chris and Marisa have played almost every role in the industry from personal training, teaching group X, sales, management, marketing, owning and operating…you name it and they have probably done it at some point.  In addition to that, they are both international speakers who regularly present at IHRSA, IDEA, Club Industry, NASM Optima,  and many other industry events.  No matter where you live or how frightful the weather may be, it’s time to start planning and programming for outdoor classes NOW. We will talk about who, when, where, what and how to program for this unique and unpredictable (and potentially profitable) space.www.stacialden.com

Virtual is here to stay. We may have gotten away with some "okay" content in 2020 but it's time to level up. Technology and devices are only a small part of that equation. The talent you select and train to teach on camera is essential. In this live interview with Dane Robinson, we will discuss how to level up your instructor's ability to teach virtual classes.Questions I will be asking Dane:1) What are some strategies to identify if an instructor will be able to teach on-camera?2) How should managers explain and articulate to instructors the differences between teaching on-camera vs. in real life?3) What are some strategies managers can use to best prepare an instructor for teaching online?Here's a bit more about Dane: Originally, a former collegiate football champion at the University at Buffalo along with several years in the American Football League, Dane is a favorite presenter on The Daily Burn as well as a QVC guest instructor. Dane’s focus is to drive a next-level boutique studio experience inside Onelife Fitness Atlanta and support fitness industry professionals to achieve their business goals. Dane is a certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine as well as a lululemon ambassador and a 2x Head Coach of the Year with the Atlanta Steam of the Legends Football League.www.stacialden.com

From moving to a new location during a pandemic to teaching with masks, and having participants in "pods", Jessica Rodgers has seen it all. She's also created and fostered community at her new facility with her Women's Empowerment program. We will discuss the lessons she's learned, the connections she's made, and her continued respect for participants' ongoing concerns around the pandemic.Questions I will be asking Jessica:1) Please share the communication strategies and lessons you learned while teaching in a pod!2) Tell us more about the Women's Empowerment program, how it was developed, and some lessons you've learned leading an all-ladies class.3) Looking forward, I believe your club has continued to have pods in the studios for the participants who'd like to have the option to participate inside them. What advice do you have for instructors to demonstrate continued compassion and respect for participants who are still out of their comfort zone in group fitness?www.stacialden.com

Hiring talent is something we must constantly be thinking about as Group Fitness Managers. Having a deep bench of quality, engaged subs and instructors who teach various formats is helpful, but what about tapping into the other professionals in your facility? I was so excited to speak with industry veteran Gail Bannister-Munn about the strategy behind finding and fostering true fitness professionals.A bit more about Gail:Gail Bannister-Munn is the Flexibility Specialist, Core, Yoga, Pilates Coach with the New York Jets football team. Gail is the owner of The Bannister Method Studio out of Long Island, West Babylon, New York. She is also the Regional Group Ex Manager Crunch Fitness Locations (Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn). Gail teaches various class formats at national conferences and is a Fitness Consultant for professional athletes, NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB. She holds numerous certifications in several disciplines, including NASM, AFAA, FST L3, Thai Massage Specialist, Yoga Fit 500+ hrs., and is an NASM & AFAA Continuing Education Provider.www.stacialden.com