Different gym owners need different leadership books.

In this episode of “Run a Profitable Gym,” Two-Brain founder Chris Cooper shares a simple plan to help you use the contents of any book to improve yourself and your business, and then he recommends specific books in each realm of leadership.

Self-Leadership (to go fast, go alone):

• “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty
• “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin
• “Courage Is Calling” by Ryan Holiday
• “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown 
• “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield
• “Drive” by Daniel Pink

Team Leadership (to go far, go together):

• “Be the Unicorn” by William Vanderbloemen 
• “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
• “Vivid Vision” by Cameron Herold
• “Leadershift” by John Maxwell 

Peer Leadership (share the mission beyond your gym):

• “Influence” by Robert Cialdini 
• “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller
• “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann 
• “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie

Tribe Leadership (influence your community at scale): 

• “The Wisdom of Joseph Campbell” by Michael Toms 
• “The Dichotomy of Leadership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin 
• “Enchantment” by Guy Kawasaki 
• “Resilience” by Eric Greitens 
• “Tribes” by Seth Godin 

Plus, from Feb. 9 to 13, 2026, only, Coop is giving away free digital copies of his 10 books for gym owners.

Go to Gym Owners United (linked below), DM him with your biggest challenge, and he'll send you the right book to start with.

Links

Gym Owners United

Book a Call

1:56 - Your leadership diagnostic

6:31 - Self-leadership books

8:44 - Team leadership books

10:57 - Peer leadership books

11:58 - Tribe leadership books

Could your gym use an extra $5,000 in revenue this month?

In this episode of “Run a Profitable Gym,” Two-Brain founder Chris Cooper shares three proven tactics gym owners can use to generate more revenue from clients they already have:

🏁 Tactic 1: Run a Hyrox simulation or similar fitness race event.
🏋️‍♀️ Tactic 2: Launch a specialty program, such as weightlifting or running.
⬆️ Tactic 3: Sell upgrades to hybrid memberships with group and personal training.

These three strategies combined can generate over $5,000 in additional gym revenue—with zero ad spend.

Chris walks you through step-by-step execution plans for each tactic, including their exact pricing formulas. He's even got marketing checklists that will keep you on track and ensure success.

Follow the steps and the revenue is yours.

To get a free copy of the “How to Generate $5K Without Paid Ads” guide, DM Chris in Gym Owners United, linked below.

Links

Gym Owners United

Book a Call

0:01 - Intro

1:19 - Hyrox simulation or event

10:56 - Run a speciality program

24:56 - Sell upgrades to memberships

35:34 - Get a copy of the guide

Industry data reveals that 2026 could be the best year gym owners have ever seen.

Revenue is up across every gym model, average revenue per member is rising, and even the lowest-performing gyms are earning more than they were a year ago.

In this episode of “Run a Profitable Gym,” Chris Cooper presents data from Two-Brain’s latest “State of the Industry” report and highlights 10 reasons gym owners should be optimistic for the year ahead.

He explains why personal training and small-group training continue to outperform during uncertain economic times, how predictable competition formats such as Hyrox are driving retention and revenue, and why gym owners are finally starting to charge what their services are actually worth.

He also looks ahead to some of the biggest opportunities for gym owners in 2026: closing the business knowledge gap and using AI as a tool to make human coaching even more valuable.

Tune in for the full breakdown, and to see the data for yourself, download the “State of the Industry” report via the link below.

Links

State of the Industry

Gym Owners United

Book a Call

0:25 - Revenue and recession proofing

2:24 - Opportunities with Hyrox and MetFix

7:13 - Success with small-group training

13:59 - Charging more and keeping clients longer

18:05 - Business knowledge and AI tools

Last week, Chris Cooper published a blog titled “How to Save CrossFit,” and the response was massive—affiliate owners, coaches and industry leaders reached out with questions and concerns.

Today, in this special episode of “Run a Profitable Gym,” Chris answers their questions.

Coop addresses why he deaffiliated from CrossFit and why the method must evolve, then he digs into a question many have asked him: Would he ever buy CrossFit LLC?

Chris also defines what real change would look like in a complete overhaul, including how to rebuild CrossFit Media, redefine the purpose of the Games, and offer affiliates real education and mentorship to help them succeed.

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes in this series: Chris will explain how affiliates can be saved and lay out a plan for the evolution of the CrossFit Games.

And if you missed the first part of this special series, it's linked below.

Links

How to Save CrossFit

Gym Owners United

Book a Call  

5:33 - First 90 days of complete change

10:21 - What about Europe?

14:42 - Is CrossFit in danger?

17:34 - Affiliates’ concerns

20:35 - Could Coop buy CrossFit?

Jeff Smith of Cannon CrossFit in Texas joins us on the show today. Before becoming involved with CrossFit, he was buying up buildings and holding them to develop cash flow assets. This is a super important episode as we discuss the keys to developing and growing your investments to include an array of options. Take notes and be sure to reach out to Jeff with any questions you may have!

Jeff and I both highly recommend Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.

In this Interview:

 

 What is a cash flow asset?
 The three ways that real estate investing makes you money
 The benefiting of getting started with an SBA loan

 

Plus:

 

 Understanding how cheap it is to own your own building - this is the calculator tool I use (make sure you choose "blended" under "payment types" to determine the real monthly payment).
 Why you should buy and hold instead of buy and sell
 Are mutual funds the best investment choice for my portfolio?

 

 

 

 

About Jeff:

 

 

Jeff grew up in Illinois playing just about every sport possible. Following his collegiate football career he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as part of the 75th Ranger Regiment. 


Jeff was introduced to CrossFit by some of his buddies who were still in the military. It was an immediate fit for Jeff’s competitive drive and the community aspect allowed him to make numerous new friends following his move to Houston.  When Jeff is not involved at his gym, he enjoys teaching and mentoring others for how to develop cash flow assets. 

 

Timeline:

 

1:31 – Jeff Smith Introduction

4:41 – What is a cash flow asset?

7:34 – The three ways that real estate investing makes you money

9:08 – What is the first step to buy your first building?

11:48 – The benefit of starting with an SBA (Small Business Association) Loan

13:30 – Understanding how cheap it is to own your building rather than rent.   
15:52 – The ability to sublease your building and create extra cash flow

17:22 – Splitting your business into two separate assets

19:39 – Why are we recommending to buy and hold instead of buy and sell

22:05 – What percentage of a portfolio should be in cash flow assets

23:40 – Why mutual funds may not be the best investment choice

28:19 – Jeff’s experience investing in residential and commercial real estate

31:40 – Deciding between investing in residential versus commercial real estate

33:21 – Where to find a real estate investment group

35:00 – Investing in a franchise. Is it worth it?

38:05 – Investing in others with peer to peer investing

40:00 – Investing in the stock market via index funds

42:05 – Is it possible to turn your business into a passive income business

43:27 – At what stage does your time become too valuable to coach a class

  

  

Contact Jeff:

Jeff@cannoncrossfit.com

http://www.cannoncrossfit.com/

 

Is the old model of "hiring a full-time admin person"--or even hiring a GM for your gym--obsolete?

If you've hired a GM before, you've probably broken out their task list in advance; then calculated the time necessary to do the work; then evaluated their ability to execute. Right?

(If you haven't done this for all of your staff, including coaches, you need the Incubator.)

And you've probably read The Four-Hour Workweek, where author Tim Ferriss uses Virtual Assistants (VAs) to help him reduce his workload and automate replicable tasks. When I read it, the idea of using VAs to help in the service industry seemed like a pipe dream. After all, we're not fulfilling orders: we're greeting people at the door, calling them on Fridays, and writing them love notes.

The VA business has changed a LOT since Ferriss' book.  Virtual Assistants are everywhere, but the spectrum of help is broad--from highly-qualified freelancers to low-paid ESL speakers.

Ari Meisel's company, GetLeverage.com, sits between highly-qualified VAs and your business. GetLeverage.com believes in two steps BEFORE hiring a VA:

Optimizing your processes

Automating your processes

THEN hiring a VA, where possible.

 

In this Interview:

 How Ari battled Crohn’s disease and came out on the other side
 Optimizing the 80/20 rule to get the best results possible
 An example of how Get Leverage can take on a process and outsource it

 

Plus:

 

 Prioritizing which ideas you want to take on in your business and personal life
 What is most important when consider which tasks to outsource
 The top ways that a virtual assistant can help a CrossFit Gym

 

 

 

About Ari:

 

 

Ari started his career back in 2006 in the real estate industry. After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease: A highly debilitating digestive ailment, Ari was unable to lead a normal life. He lost weight, energy and the ability to work with any regularity. Through large amounts of trial and error, Ari was able to regain control of his life and beat this seemingly unbeatable disease and is now symptom free. 

 

Ari now runs a virtual assistant company called Get Leverage. Less doing and more living are the results of Ari’s amazing journey back to health happiness and wellbeing. Ari currently lives in New York City, where he spends every ounce of free time with his wife and four kids. 

Ari has written several books, including Idea to Execution and Less Doing, More Living.

Timeline:

 

0:58 – Ari Meisel Introduction

4:55 – What is an example of the type of work Get Leverage will do?

6:05 – Optimizing the 80/20 rule to get the best results

7:59 – Optimizing your time by creating processes

9:45 – An example of a weekly process and how it is handled at Ari’s company

11:19 -  Optimizing processes outside of work within your personal life

14:01 – The manual of being you. Creating and documenting your steps

16:31 – Prioritizing which ideas you want to work on in your business and personal life

18:05 – What is most important to outsource to a virtual assistant?

21:44 – At what stage should you outsource your primary service?

25:25 – What are the concerns most people have with using virtual assistants?

26:58 – What are the top areas that virtual assistants can help CrossFit Gyms

29:07 – How much autonomy over money and time should we give to a virtual assistant?

31:21 – Why Get Leverage uses Slack instead of traditional email

33:00 – Thoughts on the freelance lifestyle and Ari’s service

  

Contact Ari:

https://getleverage.com/

https://twitter.com/arimeisel?lang=en

https://www.fa

You probably have a great idea. I've never met an entrepreneur who didn't have at least one.

You might even know the steps to get there.

So why aren't you doing it?

If you're a fan of this podcast, you probably own a business.

You probably have an idea to make your business better.

You might not know the first steps. Or (more likely) you're probably chasing TEN ideas and finishing none.

This episode is dedicated to ACTION: doing the things that will make a difference. Knocking over the first domino. Shipping. Publishing.

When I started writing DontBuyAds in 2008, there was a severe lack of knowledge in the microgym community. We didn't know what to charge, or how to sell our services. I was guilty. So as I learned from my first mentors, I published everything on that blog (and then in Two-Brain Business, yada yada.) But in the new age of abundant information, there's a new problem: lack of filtering.

Believe it or not, you probably already know more than you need. The scope of opinion on how to run your business online is vast. Even when it's backed by comparison and data, the sheer volume can be paralyzing. I wrote, "Do You Know TOO Much?" last week, if you want to read more.

There are two parts to the "success" equation: knowledge, and action.

In my first four years spent mentoring other gym owners, I focused on knowledge: my seminars were crazy-long lectures; I sold courses online of my talking head. I no longer do either, because both stopped working for people.

Gym owners would attend these 16-hour knowledge dumps, go home and--take zero action. Or they'd buy an online course, watch a few videos, get overwhelmed, and stop.

When I founded TwoBrainBusiness.com, I took the opportunity to build our programs around what WORKS: mentorship, accountability, AND knowledge. Anyone who compares the 2017 program with the model I used in 2012 (or even 2015) will immediately see a huge difference in the updated delivery...and the results.

Why are TwoBrain gyms so successful? They're coached to take action.

How can I produce this much content, and still have time to take 5-6 phone calls lasting an hour every day? How did I write two books (Help First and Two-Brain Business 2.0) in 70 days? How do I focus on shipping when I have over 80 emails, 40 text messages, and hundreds of Facebook notifications every single day?

This is my strategy for Action.

I share this with TwoBrain gym owners on our regular calls, and I'm sharing it with you now. I know this will probably further the divide between gyms doing very, very well and gyms who aren't going to make it. Gym owners who take action will pull even further ahead of gym owners who don't, and this episode will make that divide even broader. I'm okay with that. To save The Movement, I believe some of us need to push even farther, and then model success for everyone else. Are there millionaire gym owners out there? You'd better believe it. Do they own multiple locations and have thousands of clients? Not most of them. What IS the difference between you and them?

Action.

Enjoy the podcast, and when you're ready to take your OWN action, click here to kick off the Incubator.

You suck at selling your service. So does Chris Cooper.

In fact, he hates selling. So he doesn't.

In this episode, he'll talk about how you can to increase client numbers, revenue and profit without feeling like a salesperson. 

Some people enjoy sales. Chris really doesn't. Here's how he's been incredibly successful at making sales without "selling" anything.

Today’s guest, Gretchen Bredemeier, is here to talk about coaching kids. 

Most people have a lot to learn about motivating kids. Why do I say "motivating" kids instead of "training" kids? Because there are already a lot of programs out there on how to train kids; however, the kids must want to be there. The parents have to bring them, but if the kids don’t like the class, they won’t stay. Gretchen is an expert in this area. 

Success is important for motivation—even more so with kids than adults. While Gretchen frequently asks kids to create their own games, she doesn’t let them run wild for the entire hour. On the other hand, she doesn’t burn herself out by trying to have full control over every second of a kids class. 

In this episode, Gretchen talks about how they get more kids, keep more kids, price their programs and grow their programs. 

Gretchen’s personality is also something you should note. If you can find someone like Gretchen to embrace "intrapreneurship" and grow a kids program under your umbrella, it can be a win for both of you. Be sure to take good notes and reach out to Gretchen with any questions you might have at the conclusion of the episode.

About Gretchen: Gretchen has been at Loco CrossFit for almost four years and coaching since 2015. In addition to coaching regular classes, she is the coordinator for the youth programs at Loco and hopes to expand into classes to include the elderly, as well as those in detention centers and shelters. She is an expert in body-weight movements and has a background in deaf education. She also works as an interpreter. Originally from Indiana, she currently lives in Leesburg, Virginia, with her husband, Brian. 

Timeline: 

0:57 – Gretchen Bredemeier introduction. 

4:03 – What brought Gretchen to coaching kids and coaching CrossFit? 

5:36 – Starting to coach kids at CrossFit Loco.

6:53 – What does a well-run kids program look like? 

8:58 – Implementing an on-ramp for a kids program.

10:32 – What to charge for a kids program session.

10:52 – How exposing kids to a group environment can create a barrier. 

11:53 – Recognizing kids who demonstrate leadership ability through a workout.

15:08 – Teaching kids that is OK to be emotional in front of peers. 

16:52 – How does progression happen within the kids program? 

18:31 – Dealing with parents who feel their kid needs to be at a higher level.

20:03 – The most convenient time slots for parents and kids.

22:25 – Letting kids be kids and eliminating too many rules. 

26:20 – Getting kids to take nutrition seriously.

28:42 – What is an appropriate coach-to-athlete ratio in a kids class? 

31:37 – Intrapreneurship and how much ownership Gretchen has of the CrossFit program at Loco. 

34:54 – Where can current box owners find a person like Gretchen to help with kids? 

36:18 – How to prepare for a kids class and psych yourself up. 

39:19 – What authority does Gretchen have over financial decisions for the kids program?

41:26 – Can kid involvement within CrossFit bleed over and encourage parents to be involved? 

42:12 – All about the Loco CrossFit sports program. 

46:44 – How did the CrossFit Loco sports team program start and how big is it now?

51:34 – How to grow a sports team program at your gym.

53:04 – How to contact Gretchen.

Free trials might seem like a great way to attract new members, but they’re actually hurting your gym.

Instead of bringing in long-term, high-value clients, they often lead to price-based decisions and short retention—and they have low conversion rates, too. 

Today on “Run a Profitable Gym,” host Mike Warkentin and gym owner and mentor Nick Habich break down why free trials no longer work and lay out exactly what to do instead. 

They explain why shifting to the Prescriptive Model—where you meet with clients to identify their specific goals and prescribe a personalized solution—results in higher close rates, longer retention and increased revenue. To back it up, they share key sales and retention data. 

Tune in to learn how to implement the Prescriptive Model in your gym and provide increased value for clients while boosting your bottom line. 

Links

"Help First" by Chris Cooper

Gym Owners United

Book a Call   

01:02 - Why are free trials bad in 2025?

03:35 - Better close rates with free consultations

06:49 - Stopping free trials and pushback

13:01 - Move from free trials to consultations

18:54 - New clients may not be the right fit

For years, I've been surprised at how quickly CrossFit gyms have embraced yoga but ignored Pilates. Mobility is a virtue, true; but stability is a necessity. Mobility and stability are the yin and yang of every joint's function. Getting really, really bendy might put you in better positions...but won't help you hold weight there. Pilates can.

Yoga is great. But it's hard to introduce into a CrossFit gym, as hundreds have discovered. Doing yoga requires more than a soft mat on your black rubber flooring; it requires an environment that's very different from the "just get it done" setup of a typical box. At least in my own gyms, yoga and mobility programs are usually met with excitement when introduced, but fade to zero within two months.

But Pilates was built from the misfit mindset, like CrossFit. You don't have to embrace a 3,000-year-old culture or religion to do Pilates. And you can teach the basics very quickly.

Today’s guest is Sara Benson of BoxPilates.com and CrossFit Reanimated. She has been a Pilates instructor for years, but only when her husband Dan got a back injury did he start incorporating Pilates into his CrossFit routine. Now they are starting a course online to teach you how to incorporate Pilates into your own CrossFit gym, how to put together a specialty group, and how to incorporate Pilates into regular stability work. 

Sarah will be presenting at the TwoBrain Summit on June 3-4, but if you can’t make it,  reach out to her with any questions you may have!

In this Interview:


 What it’s like to quit your corporate job and start a CrossFit gym
 Comparing and contrasting CrossFit with Pilates
 The importance of pelvic control and how Pilates can help with this issue


Plus:

 Finding the right balance between Stability and Mobility
 Integrating BoxPilates into your own gym
 Gaining control and stability within the transverse abdominal region

 

About Sara:

Athletics, health and fitness have always been a major part of Sara’s life. Prior to becoming a CrossFit level one trainer, Sara pursued her passion for fitness and helping people improve strength and stability through Pilates. After injuring herself in 2008, discovering Pilates became a blessing and enabled her to return to her chosen sports and make drastic improvements in performance. It was soon after that she discovered CrossFit and the many similarities between the two that complemented each other.

It is now Sara’s passion to help people become more active and live healthier lifestyles. She teaches both CrossFit and Pilates and is helping other gyms integrate Pilates into their workout routines and programs. 


Timeline:


2:45 – Box Pilates Introduction

6:09 – Sarah Benson’s story and how she got her start with Pilates and CrossFit

9:10 – Opening CrossFit reanimated along with a Pilates studio

10:29 – Quitting a corporate job to start a CrossFit gym

11:07 – The difference between mat Pilates and Pilates with equipment

12:49 – What is the difference between Yoga and Pilates?

15:01 – Joseph Pilates and the founding of Pilates

18:24 – Working through full range of motion with CrossFit and Pilates

19:49 – Comparing and contrasting CrossFit and Pilates

22:16 – How does on ramp work for an integrated gym that includes CrossFit and Pilates

25:11 – Stability versus Mobility

27:16 – Lack of stability and how to address it

30:33 – Gaining control and stability within the transverse abdominal region 

34:45 – What is the point of improving stability and posture?

36:40 – The importance of pelvic control and how Pilates can help

38:04 – Success stories from Pilates

44:43 – What are the biggest challenges that clients face within the gym

47:10 – How can you star

It is very easy to open a CrossFit gym, but it’s hard to keep one running. CrossFit gym owners must learn fast and develop their skills in areas like Facebook marketing and email lists. But what's MORE important is developing in-person relationships with the people around you, including other businesses with overlapping target markets.

Many entrepreneurs don't possess the skills or mindset to develop a solid cross-referral program. But Tammy and Kaleda do, and in this episode they'll share how to approach other businesses, how to use the "help first" mindset to start a referral program, and even how to mentor others to be more successful.

Tammy and Kaleda are provide many actionable steps you can take starting today. I also hope that you realize how much you know and how great of a position you are in to help those in your community do better. Entrepreneurship is the lynchpin of our economy and it is necessary to save not only my local economy but yours too!


The 2017 Two Brian Summit is coming this June 3rd and 4th. Be sure to register here for this event!


In this Interview:


 What does forming partnerships with a local business look like?
 How to form a business group within your CrossFit gym
 What knowledge are other businesses missing out on?

Plus:

 The "help first"principle and how to implement it
 Being rewarded for helping other businesses in your community
 Going out of the way to help a competitor

About Kaleda:

Kaleda is from Palmerston, Ontario where she grew up on her family’s farm.  She has been training using the CrossFit method since 2012 and before that was an avid hockey and soccer player. After realizing there was nowhere to work out within in her town, she started Degree CrossFit Seaforth. She began by working out of her own garage but now she owns her own affiliate and is a successful box owner!

About Tammy:

Tammy is an experienced coach having trained others in spinning, kickboxing, metabolic conditioning, boot camps, and yoga. After participating in her first WOD she was instantly hooked to CrossFit. She now own CrossFit TPA near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is focused on helping her clients get healthier and obtain the results that they desire!

Timeline:

2:49 – Thinking Outside the Box introduction

6:17 – Kaleda’s story and how she got her start with CrossFit

8:53 – Tammy’s story and how she got hers tart with CrossFit

13:06 – What does forming partnerships with local businesses look like? - Kaleda

14:30 – Starting a conversation with a local business and forming partnerships - Kaleda

16:32 – Forming a business group within your CrossFit gym - Tammy 

21:21 – What are the lessons you have learned that you can teach other business owners - Kaleda

25:00 – What knowledge is passed on most often to other business owners - Tammy

30:47 – How often do tech related problems come up when helping other businesses - Kaleda

32:53 – Why videos are more impactful than a regular post on social media -Tammy

36:31 – Revitalizing old machines by creating posts on Facebook

37:13 – How has implementing the help first principle come back to you -Kaleda

39:18 – Are other businesses providing active referrals for helping them first? - Kaleda

40:42 – What rewards have you seen from partnering with other businesses?  -Tammy

44:46 – Taking time to help another gym owner within your community - Kaleda

47:02 – Going out of your way to help someone open a nearby CrossFit gym -Tammy

It's 8am in Rochester, NY. Brian Lelli sits and waits for the moving van to arrive at his house.

On Thursday, Brian said goodbye to his CrossFit community. He's moving his young family to Florida and leaving his gym in the capable hands of his GM.

I talk a LOT on this podcast about the ability to walk away from your business for days, weeks or months. Maybe you just need a few hours each day to work ON the business instead of IN the business. Or maybe you're like me, and have other businesses to group. Maybe you just need a damn nap. Brian is an outlier, running his gym completely remotely. But his experience shows us what's REALLY possible.

The people who I want to talk to on this podcast are the gym owners pushing the limits. The guy netting a million dollars is interesting. So is the guy who can leave his gym, move five states away, still own it, and still make a profit.

Listen and play close attention to the infrastructure and systems Brian discusses to run his box smooth and efficiently - they're the SAME systems, with the same feedback loop, you'll need to take ANY time off from your business.

The 2017 Two Brian Summit is coming this June 3rd and 4th. Be sure to register here for this event!

In this Interview:

Which systems are necessary for a gym to run independently
How much communication is necessary when running a gym from afar
How to grow staff from low levels of responsibility to FULL responsibility
The icon problem with small business owners, and how to beat it

Plus:

How much money will Brian be making while working remotely
Key characteristics of a general manager
Implementing feedback loops and accountability amongst staff

About Brian:

Brian first got into fitness back in college while at the Rochester Institute of Technology where he started a weightlifting club with some friends. This was Brian’s first chance to learn coaching from others. For the next decade Brian trained and competed as a power lifter until in 2011 he decided to create a better healthier body for himself. At first a CrossFit denier, he quickly found his home training CrossFit and opened his own box in his garage. Brian is super helpful and a very experienced coach who is always available for questions!

Timeline:

3:29 – Brian Lelli Introduction
5:11 – Brian’s story of how he got into CrossFit
7:34 – Does training or working at another CrossFit gym help before starting your own?
8:39 – Moving to Florida and leaving the CrossFit gym behind independently
11:47 – What systems are necessary for a gym to run independently
13:52 – Implementing feedback loops and accountability within a CrossFit gym
15:02 – How much communication is necessary when running a gym from afar?
16:37 – When hiring someone what to look for first
17:36 – More on the key characteristics of a general manager
20:26 – The advantages of having a hard date set for accomplishing your goal
21:03 – How can other gyms be run independently through a proficient general manager
22:23 – The role of a joy girl in a CrossFit gym
24:24 – Adding more and more roles to the general manager position
25:27 – How much decision-making power does the general manager have?
26:35 – Announcing a large change to members of your gym
28:51 – The icon problem with small business owners
30:18 – How will Brian be spending his extra time in Florida?
31:50 – Will Brian’s box still be profitable while he is away and how much will he be making?

On today’s podcast we are joined by Tate Stewart of CrossFit 1420. Tate is a former college football player and strength-and-conditioning coach from Houston, Texas. Today we talk about leadership in the service industry. Tate is an accomplished gym owner, and he's about to complete the Two-Brain mentor-in-training program. 
Read more about The Path to Mentorship here.
Reminder: The 2017 Two-Brain Summit is coming this June 3rd and 4th in Chicago. Be sure to register now!
In this Interview:

A unique story about service to others from Chris
The process of raising your gym’s rates
The TwoBrain mentoring philosophy

Plus:

How Tate started with CrossFit
Learning from mentors and the important role they play
Is a Lion Untested a Lion At All?

 
About Tate:
Tate is a former college football player at the University of Houston. After suffering from a bad injury he transitioned into a college strength-and-conditioning coach and helped athletes prepare for the NFL draft. Tate was introduced to CrossFit and while initially hesitant, he became hooked very quickly. With the motivation to provide a better life for his family, he opened a CrossFit gym, CrossFit 1420. 
Tate is a selfless leader, constantly putting others before himself. This can be credited largely to his mentors throughout his life. The importance of good mentorship is invaluable and something Tate believes strongly in. 
Timeline:
2:47 – A unique story about service to others
8:33 – Tate Stewart introduction and how he got started in CrossFit
10:27 – Tate’s start as a college football strength and conditioning coach
11:37 – The first impression of the CrossFit world
13:48 – Making big changes to open a gym and provide for a family
15:58 – Turning to others to find help, how to find a mentor
20:53 – Tate’s introduction to the Two-Brain Family
23:15 – What is the greatest lesson Tate ever learned from his father?
26:50 – The mentorship of legendary coach Lee Hayes
28:57 – The personnel structure of Tate’s gym and keeping everyone on the same page
35:18 – The process of raising rates by exhibiting authoritative and servant leadership
39:57 – The response from clients after raising rates
44:04 – Grandfather Rates and how to implement them and deal with inconsistent rates
54:03 – How important is it for a mentor to have gone through struggles in their own life
61:56 – The process of being trained as a Two-Brain mentor
68:36 – The mentoring process under the Two-Brain philosophy
    
Books we mention in this episode:
Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness, by Gene Edwards
The Power of One, by Bryce Courtenay
Silence, by Shusaku Endo
 

 Episode 69 – Raphael Paulin-Daigle

Today’s guest is Raphael Paulin-Daigle of SplitBase.com. He is a conversions expert who is extremely passionate about helping businesses grow. He'll teach us not just about website and Facebook marketing conversions, but also about the first impressions clients receive when they come through the door and how to follow up with people. 

With Facebook ads in particular, many business owners boost a post or build an ad, hoping for an immediate payback. What they SHOULD do is plan the result they want to get, create a solid offer, target the exact people they can help MOST, then build the ad. And then test, test, and test again.

For example, a common problem many people report is a high response rate (lots of views, shares and comments) with no action. This is conversion: Do your "leads" from your ads take action, or not? You can have a fantastic ad leading to a very poor landing page, and get zero results. If so, you're not bad at marketing; you're bad at converting. Raphael is very, very GOOD at converting.

Marketing is all about helping people and building a relationship. Be sure to follow along and take good notes on all the strategies presented today!

The 2017 Two-Brain Summit is coming this June 3rd and 4th. Be sure to register here for this event!

In this Interview:

• The process behind improving your business marketing
• The hidden roadblocks that are losing you sales
• How often should you be surveying your customers
• The importance of placing testimonials on your landing page

Plus:

• How many questions should be on a customer survey
• Applying data to your business to help it grow
• How to use persuasive copy to overcome and avoid objections

About Raphael:

Raphael became involved in digital marketing through his first startup about seven years ago. It is no surprise conversion optimization was the first thing to catch his attention. His creativity and admiration for good design, combined with his interest in psychology, human behaviors and growth made conversion optimization the perfect match. 

It was at this moment that SplitBase was born. Raphael assembled a team of conversion analysis, copywriters, and designers to deploy and execute his full conversion methodology within his client’s promises. A methodology that has continually produced millions of dollars of growth for SplitBase clients. 

Raphael has given keynotes and workshops to marketers, bank executives, and CMOs of Fortune 500 companies around the world. He now oversees conversion strategy and operations as the CEO of SplitBase.

CrossFit is at a crossroads. With affiliate numbers shrinking and Berkshire Partners looking to sell, the future of the brand is uncertain.

In this special episode of “Run a Profitable Gym,” Two-Brain Business founder and CEO Chris Cooper lays out a plan to save CrossFit—the company and the broader community of gym owners and trainers who depend on the brand.

Chris was an affiliate owner for 14 years and worked for CrossFit HQ for six. Now, through Two-Brain, he mentors more CrossFit affiliate owners than anyone else in the world.

Coop’s seen firsthand what makes affiliates successful—and why so many are struggling.

Today, he breaks down why great coaching alone isn’t enough, how outdated business advice led many affiliates to financial instability and why the future of CrossFit depends on strong, profitable gyms.

He outlines specific steps a new CrossFit LLC owner should take to turn things around, including revamping the affiliate model and redefining the brand in today’s fitness industry.

Stay tuned for the next three episodes in this series: Chris will answer the top questions he's received about CrossFit, he'll explain how affiliates can be saved, and he'll lay out a plan for the evolution of the CrossFit Games.

Links

Gym Owners United

Book a Call  

00:36 - CrossFit is shrinking

03:56 - How we got here

08:45 - The brand is built on affiliates

11:09 - How to fix CrossFit

19:20 - What real change requires

 Episode 67 – Q & A with Coop

Today we are staying warm by the fire and doing a long overdue Q+A session.

We have a pretty long list of emails that we get after every show and I want to make sure that I give my attention to some of these because they are really good! I won’t be addressing questions addressed on previous Q & A episodes as those have already been talked about however, be sure to check out Episode 30 for more great questions and answers:

If you need help, you can watch our free videos that will help you transform your business here.

Be sure to check out Two-Brain Business 2.0 on Audible.com!

In this Question and Answer Session:

 What are the things I wish I had updated in the original Two-Brain Business audiobook?
 Is adding an "open gym" service to your CrossFit box a mistake? When is it the right move?
 The "employee vs contractor" debate for a CrossFit box
 Why do I always say, “Ask your clients what they want" instead of "How to give your clients what they need.”
 What are my top tips for content marketing?
 Why should you pay for the mentoring program when I publish so much stuff for free?
 How do I fill CrossFit Kids classes?
 Who are my mentors and why is having a mentor important?
 Why do I want to be a landlord instead of coach?
 What should you follow the intramural open with?
 Why do I talk about profit so much? Isn’t that secondary to how many clients you have?
 Why does Help First talk about other service industry businesses?

Timeline:

0:57 – Question and answer session introduction

2:11 – What are the things I wish I had updated in the Two-Brain Business audiobook?

2:58 – Is adding an open gym service to your CrossFit box a mistake? When is it a good idea?

5:28 – The "employee vs contractor" debate for a CrossFit box

6:53 – Why do I always say “ask your clients what they want" instead of "Here’s how to give your clients what they need.”

10:33 – Why it is important to also ask your staff what THEY want in their job

11:15 – My top tips for content marketing

12:16 – The first rule for content marketing: don’t wait

13:25 – The second rule of content production: don’t repeat yourself.

13:49 – The third rule of content production: treat all of your content as fishing nets

15:53 – The number four rule of content production: repeat yourself

16:58 – The number five rule of content production: it doesn’t have to be perfect

18:09 – The number six rule of content production: be a storyteller

19:33 – The seventh rule of content marketing: keep it simple

20:02 – Why should you pay for the mentoring program when I publish so much for free?

21:56 – How do you fill CrossFit Kids classes?

24:55 – Helping parents overcome their fear of CrossFit for their kids

25:38 – Who are my mentors and how do they help?

28:30 – Two-Brain Summit and modeling's place in the mentorship process

30:20 – Why do I want to be a landlord instead of coach?

32:26 – What do you follow the intramural open with to keep that momentum going?

34:45 – Why do I talk about profit so much?

36:45 – Why does Help First talk about other service industry businesses?

Ray Gowlett leads our UpCoach program. He is a former MMA fighter and motocross rider. In addition to this he is a big questioner of authority specifically within the education system. Ray in many ways is a shit disturber and what he doesn’t like is dogma, fake research, and unqualified opinion. If you are part of our UpCoach program you’ve spoken to Ray and you know he bounces around a lot. Today we are talking about the ten basic habits that every coach should have. The UpCoach program develops these qualities as he has learned himself so if you are looking for help within your gym be sure to reach out. Ray’s lectures at the Two-Brain Summit this summer will be amazing. If you have not already register do it now!

Reminder the 2017 Two-Brain Summit coming this June 3rd and 4th in Chicago. Be sure to register now!

Top 10 Habits Every Coach Should Adopt:

 Limit your coaching cues when working with clients
 Be an expert in personality types so that you can relate to clients effectively
 Adapt your coaching style to each client and personality
 Give clients what they want and not what you want
 See the big picture for your business and your client
 Eliminate arrogance within your coaching style
 Be wary of the "next big thing"
 Learn and become educated to understand evidence and research
 Understand the different needs and positions of your clients
 Learn the "bend, don’t break" principles relation to exercise

About Ray:

Ray Gowlett is a former professional MMA fighter, motocross racer and current research skeptic. His lab contains almost 600 subjects (it’s a high school) and Ray is constantly seeking new ways to teach and coach. Many of these kids are high-level athletes; just as many don’t want to be in the class at all. He’s always trying new things, but this cross-pollination of students means every innovation has to satisfy two standards:

 It has to make people fitter;
 It has to make people happier.

Ray coined the phrase we repeat at Catalyst often: “Exercise until you’re happy.” It’s the base of the hierarchy he teaches students. He also teaches research skepticism: how to read and rank the value of “research.” Imagine a generation of people who believe what they read on Facebook: that’s what’s coming, except for the students in Ray’s classes.

Timeline:

1:33 – Ray Gowlett Introduction

2:44 – The top ten really simple coaching habits every coach should adopt

4:02 – The importance of having mentors and coaches throughout your life

4:46 – Coaching Habit 1: Keeping your coaching cues to three or less

9:26 – Coaching Habit 2: Learn about personality types to effectively adapt to clients

11:03 – Personality tools to determine your personality type

12:33 – Coaching Habit 3: Being a different coach for every person

15:23 – Coaching Habit 4: Give clients what they want and not what you want

17:25 – Coaching Habit 5: See the big picture for your business and clients

19:58 – Coaching Habit 6: Eliminate arrogant coaching

22:52 – Ridiculous and arrogant posts from CrossFit box owners

23:35 – Coaching Habit 7: Be weary of the next big thing

25:35 – Cyclical knowledge and trends within the fitness industry

26:23 – Coaching Habit 8: Learning about understanding evidence and research

29:49 – Coaching Habit 9: Sharpening the saw and being critical of new ideas

31:38 – Coaching Habit 10: Understand all the different needs and positions of your clients

33:20 – Understanding projection bias within your program

35:41 – Coaching Habit 11: Be the voice your client wants to hear

38:38 – The way in which you should talk to your clients

39:46 – Coaching Habit 12: Bend don’t break principle

41:26 – The many types of conjugated periodizat

Episode 65 – Mindset

I am always fascinated by the mechanics and emotions of the entrepreneurial brain. There are a lot of highs and lows that you need to buffer against.  I am also really into the tools that we can use to be better at it by avoiding shiny objects; dealing with stressors, lawsuits, copy cats; how we can meet people with confidence; and avoid feeling like a salesman. Instead of just one guest, we have four for this episode! 

We talk to Sherman Merricks of CrossFit Dynasty, Tommy Hackebruck of Ute CrossFit, Craig Hysell of Conviction Training, and Josh Price of Loco CrossFit all about the entrepreneurial mindset and the tools and skills they use keep their eyes on the prize, keep from being derailed, and avoid stress.   Join us for this action packed interview and be sure to take notes!
Reminder the 2017 Two-Brain Summit is coming this June 3rd and 4th in Chicago. Be sure to register now!

In this Interview:

 The importance of Focus and its role in the entrepreneurial mindset
 Why you should have an emotional reason to succeed
 Moving on from anger and focusing on what you can control

Plus:

 When to bypass diplomacy and put your foot down
 Achieving success by avoiding cognitive overload 
 The importance of discipline for the entrepreneurial mindset
 What IS success?

Today's Guests:

Sherman Merricks of Dynasty CrossFit

Tommy Hackenbruck of Ute CrossFit

Craig Hysell of Conviction Training

Josh Price of Loco CrossFit

Timeline:

1:31 – An introduction to the entrepreneurial mindset

4:24 – The first component of the entrepreneurial mindset is focus

6:46 – How to deal with too many opportunities to choose from

7:39 – Having an emotional reason to succeed

9:07 – Sherman Merricks on setting goals and staying focused

10:31 – An example of an emotional goal to keep you on track and keep you motivated

12:45 – What to do next after hitting an emotional goal?

13:52 – Achieving success with cognitive overload

15:34 – Learning to focus on what’s important the hard way

18:08 – Tommy Hackebruck on focus and obsession despite the circumstances

20:24 – Channeling the inherit skill of focus in the right direction

23:02 – The importance of discipline for the entrepreneurial mindset

26:44 – Dealing with the extraordinary stress of copiers

31:38 – Being pissed for five minutes and then moving on

34:59 – Spending $170,000 training coaches before learning how to filter

36:18 – Josh Price of Loco CrossFit introduction

40:37 – Is help more powerful than anger?

44:11 – A practical way to get into a steady mindset from a state of anger

47:43 – The art of practicing not to be your first thought

48:39 – Having success is necessary for motivation

51:22 – Can motivation occur after being discouraged?

52:24 – Flipping the tables on success

56:46 – Being at rock bottom is a huge advantage

57:51 – The romantic notion of the entrepreneurial grind is false

58:27 – Craig Hysell on how people should define success in the CrossFit industry

59:53 – What are the steps to determine what success is

62:01 – Ineffective leadership by asking the wrong questions

64:04 – When to bypass diplomacy and put your foot down.

65:10 – The best favor you can do for people is to tell them what you want them to do

70:14 – How to choose which ideas to focus on as an entrepreneur

72:44 – The process of saying hell yes or no

Books mentioned during this episode:

Extreme Ownership - U.S. Navy Seals by Jocko Willink

Good to Great by Jim Collins

Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Turni

Many gym owners still rely on free trial classes to attract new members, but do samples actually help your fitness business? The data says "no."

In this episode of “Run a Profitable Gym,” Chris Cooper explains why free trials are ineffective, how they hurt long-term retention and what to replace them with.

Instead of creating a race to the bottom by commoditizing coaching, gym owners can improve close rates by using the Prescriptive Model, starting with a No Sweat Intro—a consultation that helps potential members understand how the gym will help them get real results quickly.

Chris walks you through the steps of the Prescriptive Model and shares data comparing retention rates produced by free trials and No Sweat Intros. (Spoiler: Consultations generate length of engagement that's three times longer!)

It’s time to ditch free trials and start using a system that actually works—tune in to learn how.

Want to learn more about the Prescriptive Model? Click the link below. 

Links

The Prescriptive Model

Gym Owners United

Book a Call  

01:16 - The history of free trials

05:12 - The close rate of free trials

11:02 - The commodity effect

13:40 - What to do instead

19:19 - Free trials are bad for clients

Episode 64 – Training Think Tank
 
Sometimes I invite a guest on the show because they are nowhere near as popular as they should be. This is the case with today’s guest, Max El-Hag. You will hear a lot of humility from Max in this episode but don’t mistake it, as he has profound knowledge of the fitness industry. In this episode we talk about his company, Training Think Tank, and how it is helping athletes of all sports connect with coaches who are able to advise and train them to the highest abilities. We talk strategy, methodology, and more related to his business and life!
 
Reminder: The 2017 Two-Brain Summit is coming this June 3rd and 4th in Chicago. Be sure to register now!
 
In this Interview:

What are the first steps to creating an online training program
Testing Philosophy with remote clients
Do athletes need an individual mindset to be successful?

 
Plus:

Finding the right balance with the commoditization of intensity
The one message all CrossFit gyms need to hear
Building nutrition into remote training programs

 
About Max:
 
Max has had a long career as an athlete and was first inspired by his father who was an Olympic fighter. After qualifying for the CrossFit Games a team and making it to Regionals as an individual, Max decided that coaching is what truly inspired him. At this point Max coached many clients from models and future NFL stars to ultra-runners and CrossFit athletes. He now runs Training Think Tank, a company that focuses on remote coaching, educational courses, and online programs for athletes and coaches. 
 
Timeline:
 
0:58 – Training Think Tank introduction  
2:41 – The lead up to Training Think Tank with Max
4:52 – Finding CrossFit for the first time
8:05 – Starting out as a personal training prior to CrossFit
9:18 – CrossFit principles mixing into training for fighters
11:10 – How Training Think Tank has grown to where it is today
14:07 – Training Think Tank from a global perspective in today’s world
16:45 – What are the first steps to starting an online training program?
19:09 – Tools needed to start a remote coaching program
20:30 – Testing Philosophy with remote clients according to their goals
23:56 – How often should you be retesting clients on their progress?  
25:27 – Building nutrition into a remote training program
28:18 – Keeping workouts nontraditional leading up to the CrossFit Games
32:41 – Different training programs for games athlete’s vs non games athletes
37:00 – Finding the right balance with the commoditization of intensity
41:00 – The top solutions gym owners take away from Max’s program
45:03 – Recommending group training to individual clients
46:20 – Do games athletes have to have an individual mindset to be successful
47:50 – Firing individual clients when it’s not working out
49:43 – Keeping clients compliant with the program
51:06 – Giving athletes a win when you know they are down
54:49 – Creating a template for your clients leading up to the CrossFit Open
56:10 – Establishing a format of training for your gym
59:18 – Where should a client look to do individual training in a group training gym?
61:03 – How to implement a culture of one on one training in your gym
63:16 – The one message all CrossFit gyms need to hear
 
Contact Max:
 
https://www.trainingthinktank.com/
max@trainingthinktank.com
https://www.facebook.com/trainingthinktank/
https://www.instagram.com/trainingthinktank/

Episode 63 – OPEX

Today we are joined by two very special guests from OPEX. James “OPT” Fitzgerald joins us as well has his business partner Jim Crowell. James Fitzgerald was one of my primary motivators when I first started CrossFit. James started OPEX soon after moving to Arizona which has become one of the most popular training programs in the world. Now on the eve of the rollout of the OPEX physical location gyms, James and Jim join me to discuss the OPEX model, how it works, program design, and flaws they see in the group model.

Reminder the 2017 Two-Brain Summit is coming this June 3rd and 4th in Chicago. Be sure to register now!

Contact:

Contact: http://opexfit.com/

Timeline:

1:31 – James OPT Fitzgerald & Jim Crowell introduction

5:10 – Optimum Performance Training to OPEX: The story

7:47 – What do the day-to-day operations of the OPEX gym look like?

8:30 – Jim’s story and how he fits into OPEX

9:48 – What is the OPEX model and how is it different?

10:41 – What does the intake process look like for a new client in the OPEX gym?

12:24 – How does an absolute beginner learn when they are brand new?

13:17 – Movements for a brand new client post first assessment

15:15 – How to determine when a client is ready for more complex exercises?

18:32 – Is there a point where you restrict your clients from pushing further?

23:12 – How frequently is the ongoing prescription for a client?

25:27 – Helping clients realize that the gym is individualized

26:44 – Reassessing with clients and upping their training program

28:44 – How OPEX incorporates nutrition and broader lifestyle choices for clients

32:30 – An example of a burned-out client and how to give them a break

34:18 – High-intensity fitness and its effect on coaches

36:46 – Is there a place for individual and group training in the same gym.

39:03 – Ensuring that each client is receiving equal attention in a group workout session 

41:03 – The important relationship between a coach and a client

42:01 – How to deal with a client that needs more attention than others

44:09 – The business model for brick and mortar OPEX gyms

46:28 – The long term vision for OPEX

48:50 – How to get your brand name out there to the masses

50:07 – Fine-tuning the structure of OPEX for continued scaling in the future

52:48 – How is OPEX best positioned to meet emerging opportunities and join the tribe 

54:45 – Certain things that OPEX used to recommend but no longer does

57:35 – What is retention like for brick and mortar OPEX locations

60:57 – Who determines the pricing model for each OPEX gym

64:05 – What systems come with the OPEX license?

67:24 – What is the coach’s compensation model in an OPEX facility?

69:01 – Who are the mentors to James and Jim?

73:56 – Best advice for entrepreneurs in the fitness industry

Episode 62 – The Power of Stories

Today we talk about using the power of stories to help grow your business, help your clients, and help you live a better life.  Today I share some personal stories and strategies for how to connect better with clients when telling a story. I also talk with Jason Cohen about how he is using the power of stories to help veterans with PTSD. 

The 2017 Two-Brain Summit is coming this June 3rd and 4th in Chicago. Be sure to register now!

In this Interview:

• My first phone call with Greg Glassman
• The "Hero's Journey" and how it applies to CrossFit
• How Jason Cohen is helping Veterans with PTSD 
• Why stories are so effective for sales and marketing

Plus:

• Testimonials versus client stories
• The gamification of CrossFit and exercise
• Extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation

About Jason:

Jason Cohen is a former Marine where he was originally introduced to CrossFit.  After five years he retired from the Marine Corps and got his degree at the college of Charleston. Jason then started coaching full time. He is now the founder of SemperFit Squad, a company that provides workout plans based around stories to help veterans with PTSD.     

Timeline:

0:57 – The true power of great stories

1:56 – A personal story about Greg Glassman

3:20 – An introduction to telling great stories

4:09 – The hero’s journey within a great story

5:50 – The hero’s journey boiled down more simply and applied

7:33 – Why does the hero’s journey matter to you?

7:59 – Making Joe the hero of his own story

17:13 – The real happy ending for a client

17:39 – How does a coach fit into a story?

18:17 – Jason Cohen Introduction

19:03 – Jason Cohen’s Story

20:57 – How stories can help veterans diagnosed with PTDS

23:54 – Compelling someone with PTSD to get started exercising

25:43 – The gamification of exercise and CrossFit

27:06 – Moving people from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation

27:51 – Placing people into life like stories within a CrossFit gym

30:41 -  Drawing people in to stories where they feel like the hero

31:14 – How does placing someone in a scene help someone with PTSD?

32:40 – Developing a platform for veterans in need with PTSD  

33:35 – Where to find Jason’s scenarios to try them out   

36:14 – Getting wrapped up in a story

37:05 – Where the mentor, or coach, in the hero’s journey comes in

39:36 – The first test for a client, the social test

41:44 – The second great test for a client, becoming injured

44:51 – The implementation of the prescriptive model by creating heroes

45:37 – Why are stories so effective for sales and marketing?

49:01 – Testimonials versus a client story

49:59 – A client’s primary barrier to signing up for CrossFit

50:20 – The 2017 Two-Brain Summit Announcement

SAMPLE:

Today's Mission:
 It's June 6th 1944: D-Day. You're with the 101st Airborne flying high above the Douve River taking heavy anti-aircraft fire. Your unit's mission is to destroy 2 bridges over the river so the soldiers on Utah beach can push forward. As you approach your jump window, your aircraft takes a hard hit and loses its #2 (starboard) engine. The time to jump is now or never...GO GO GO.
 As you hit the ground you check your map and realize you're over 1 click south of your drop zone. You've landed in thick marsh and walking through the mud is like dragging your feet through wet concrete. To make matters worse, you've got to get prone from time to time because enemy patrols saw your open chutes and are on the hunt for you and your men.
 Your Mission:
 Complete 5 Rounds of:
 2

78% of new clients at Catalyst (my gym) in 2016 listed an aesthetic goal as their top priority.

"Fat burning" trumped "performance". "Fat loss" beat "strength". No one said, "I want to move better", keeping my 21-year-streak alive.

If your clients want to look like bodybuilders, why NOT incorporate some bodybuilding movement into your programming?

The line between "functional movement" and "bodybuilding" has never been a clear one. What makes a biceps curl non-functional? What makes a bench press un-CrossFit?

No one is adding mirrors to CrossFit gyms here. But would adding a hypertrophy element to your programming address what people actually WANT when they come to your gym? Food for thought.

Most guys who walk in your door don't want a better "Fran" time. They just want to look like Bill.

Bill Shiffler is the founder of CrossFit Renaissance, of Philadelphia. He's a professional bodybuilder, and today' he'll answer questions about combining physique-specific work with CrossFit.

Bill's program is Renaissance Physique. Today we dive into all sorts of topics about this program, how it works, and how you can start implementing the program at your gym. 

Check out this two-week starter template for more information on how it works. 

In this Interview:

• What is Renaissance Physique and Hyper Metabolic Training?
• Hypertrophy and its relation to CrossFit
• Getting bigger and building size with CrossFit

Plus:

• How to calculate a client’s basic metabolic rate (BMR)
• Endurance athletes and CrossFit
• Determining a safe rate of weight loss

About Bill:

Bill is the founder of CrossFit Renaissance and Renaissance Physique. Prior to CrossFit, Bill was a wrestler and body builder.  He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), Level 2 CrossFit trainer, and natural pro bodybuilder. He is passionate about helping people reach their goals whatever they may be. His new program Renaissance Physique uses HMT (Hyper Metabolic Training). This program is based on cutting edge and science based techniques to maximize both hypertrophy and superior metabolic conditioning delivering maximum results. 

Timeline:

1:31 – Bill Shiffler Introduction

2:32 – Renaissance Physique Introduction

4:25 – Bill Shiffler’s background and start with CrossFit and Body Building

6:52 – The Renaissance Physique training methodology

7:26 – Who is Renaissance Physique for?

8:18 – What is Renaissance Physique?

11:34 – Hypertrophy and its relation to CrossFit

13:11 – Getting bigger and building size while doing CrossFit

14:50 – Specific movement focus for someone wanting to gain weight with CrossFit  

16:14 – How many reps should you be doing to build mass?

17:32 – Volume is key with hypertrophy training

17:53 – Preventing accidental weight gain

19:40 –  Showing a desired physique picture during a consultation

21:29 – Addressing body aesthetic through nutrition

22:46 – Calculating a client’s BMR (Basic Metabolic Rate)

23:18 – Determining a safe rate of weight loss

24:00 – Setting up a client’s macronutrient partition

25:44 – Customizing a client’s nutrition and training program

26:41 – Why choose Renaissance Physique over pure CrossFit

27:41 – Why recommend pure CrossFit for a client over Renaissance Physique

29:16 – Hypertrophy based classes as a group

30:24 – Delivering Renaissance Physique to a client

33:13 – Focusing on body aesthetic after the CrossFit Open

34:30 – Marrying CrossFit Physique with bodybuilding

36:00 – Using the two week CrossFit Physique template for male and female clients

37:48 – Would hypertrophy and CrossFit be good for en

What happens when every coach at your gym operates at an A+ level?

In this episode of “Run a Profitable Gym,” host Mike Warkentin sits down with Two-Brain Business mentor Kenny Markwardt to discuss the massive rewards of developing your training staff.

As the owner of Sandpoint Strength Conditioning in Idaho and co-host of the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, Kenny is passionate about coach development and shares how investing in his staff’s growth transformed his gym.

He breaks down how coach ascension improves retention, gym culture and revenue—in fact, one of his coaches now generates a third of the gym’s total revenue!

Mike and Kenny talk about how to evaluate and mentor coaches to build long-term careers at your gym, how to shift from a transactional to a relationship-based coaching practice, and how to establish a structured training system for your staff.

To hear interviews with some of the top coaches in the fitness industry, subscribe to the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, using the link below.   

Links

Coach Ascension With Karl Solberg

Strength Coach Collective Podcast

Gym Owners United

Book a Call  

01:13 - All coaches delivering at A or A+

05:02 - Good coaching helps all

09:33 - Evaluating your coaches

13:10 - Improving your coaches

18:14 - Get results today