Fitness Business Podcast: Leadership, Innovation, and Profit – Details, episodes & analysis

Burnout is not a badge of honor. For years, working 22-hour days and never taking holidays was worn as proof of resilience. But the reality is different. A 2025 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine estimates burnout costs employers between $4,000 and $21,000 per employee per year in lost productivity, disengagement, and turnover. In this Wise Words episode, Justin Tamsett sits down with clinician, scientist, and founder of New Approach Health, Emahlea Wilcher, to unpack what burnout really is, how it impacts your body and brain, and what you can do right now to protect yourself and your team.

If you are a coach, club owner, fitness entrepreneur, or leader who feels constantly tired, irritable, foggy, or disconnected, this conversation is essential listening.

Key highlights from the episode:

• What burnout actually is and how to recognize the early warning signs before you crash

• How burnout impacts your body, brain, relationships, and income

• Practical strategies to prevent burnout for yourself and your team

Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter!

Take the Next Step:
✔ Become an FBP Insider (7 days FREE): https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
✔ Join our FREE live online events for fitness leaders: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents
✔ Leave us a voicemail: fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail
✔ Join our LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/
✔ Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ 

Quotes:
"I think of burnout as the point where your brain and your body hit the emergency brake after too much stress for too long."

"You have to lower the floor instead of trying to raise the ceiling."

"Burnout doesn't turn around because of a big dramatic change. It's the little shifts that make the difference."

Key Topics & Timestamps
(00:00) Why Burnout Is Not a Badge of Honor
(04:00) The WHO Definition and Signs of Burnout
(10:30) Physical and Mental Effects of Chronic Stress
(18:00) Why Hustle Culture Keeps Leaders in Denial
(25:00) The Minimum Viable Week Framework
(32:00) Nervous System Resets and Daily Recovery
(40:00) Preventing Burnout Across Your Team
(48:00) Scrolling, Stress, and Habit Formation
(57:00) One Boundary + One Nourishing Habit Challenge

Our Guest:
Emahlea Wilcher, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Approach Health

✔ Website: https://www.newapproach.health
✔ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emahlea/
✔ Instagram: instagram.com/newapproach.health
✔ Costa Rica Burnout Recovery Retreat August 2026: https://www.newapproach.health/retreat 

Merch Sponsor:
Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/

REX Roundtables:
Website: www.REXRoundtables.com
Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com

A heartfelt thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast:

• ABC Fitness Solutions: Simplifies operations, amplifies marketing and sales efforts, and enables a dynamic member experience. https://abcfitness.com/

• Lionel University: Provides online degree and certificate programs in Exercise Science and fitness education. https://www.lionel.edu/

• Atlantis Strength: Designs and manufactures professional strength equipment for gyms and athletes.https://atlantisstrength.com/

• HireBob AI: Provides AI employees for fitness businesses for sales, support, and retention. https://hirebob.ai/
  
  

About Our Guest: Emahlea Wilcher, MPH, RD, LD, is a clinician, scientist, and founder of New Approach Health, a trauma-informed nutrition and burnout recovery practice. She helps high-achieving, stressed-out humans stop burning down their bodies to build their careers, using nervous-system–aware nutrition therapy and mind–body reconnection work. With dual master's degrees in public health nutrition and epidemiology (and her own history of burnout) Emahlea blends data, depth, and real-world compassion to help people feel safe, powerful, and at home in their bodies again.

About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society

Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

Staff turnover remains one of the biggest challenges in the fitness industry, especially with part time and casual teams. In this episode, Justin Tamsett is joined by Alex Grande, psychologist and workplace recognition expert, to unpack how gamification, rewards, and genuine recognition can dramatically improve engagement, performance, and retention in fitness businesses.

Alex explains the science behind motivation, the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic drivers, and why simple, low cost recognition programs often outperform expensive incentive schemes. Together, they explore practical examples fitness business owners can implement immediately, from peer to peer shoutouts and leaderboards to automation using everyday tools like Microsoft Teams and Excel.

If you want a more motivated team without burning yourself out as a leader, this episode is a must listen.

Key highlights from the episode:

• Why recognition from managers is often more powerful than praise from executives

• How gamification increases engagement without relying only on cash rewards

• The SAPs framework and how to use status, access, power, and rewards with staff

• How peer to peer recognition strengthens culture and retention

• Practical, low cost gamification ideas for fitness businesses

• How automation tools can make recognition consistent and easy

Curious about the future host of Fitness Business Podcast? That's Zoe, the host JT's daughter!

Got value from today's episode?
✔ Leave us a review on your favorite podcast app
✔ Send us a voicemail at fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leaveusavoicemail
✔ Share this episode with a colleague who wants to build a stronger team

Ready for more:
✔ Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
✔ Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents
✔ Call in and let JT know if you think this has been the best season: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/
✔ Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/

Quotes:
"We underestimate how meaningful it is to stop and say thanks, and the impact it can create." - Alex Grande

"Recognition from a manager is more meaningful than from an executive, oftentimes because the manager knows more about that person." - Alex Grande

"People want to be appreciated and people want to be heard." - Alex Grande

Jump Ahead:
(00:03:00) What Reward and Recognition Really Mean in Fitness Businesses
(00:05:00) Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation and the SAPs Framework
(00:06:00) The Psychology of Recognition and Why It Works
(00:07:00) Why Manager Feedback Matters More Than Executive Praise
(00:09:00) What Gamification Looks Like in a Real World Workplace
(00:11:30) Using Status, Access, Power, and Rewards to Motivate Staff
(00:14:30) Peer to Peer Recognition and Building Stronger Team Culture
(00:18:00) Automating Recognition with Microsoft Teams and Power Automate
(00:22:00) Engaging Part Time and Casual Staff Through Recognition
(00:26:30) How to Start a Recognition Program Without Overthinking It

Resources:
✔ Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
✔ Fitness Business Podcast's LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/
✔ Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ 

Recommended Books:
✔ Drive by Daniel Pink
✔ Influence: The Art of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

Resources Mentioned:
✔ Microsoft 365 Tools
✔ Zapier
✔ Notion

Our Guest:
Alex Grande, Founder & CEO of Recognize
✔ Website: https://recognizeapp.com/
✔ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgrande/ 

Merch Sponsor:
Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/

REX Roundtables:
Website: www.REXRoundtables.com
Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com

A heartfelt thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast:

• Les Mills USA: Creates pre-choreographed group fitness classes and offers home workouts. https://www.lesmills.com/us/
  
• Referrizer: Provides automated marketing, referral, lead, and reputation management for local businesses. https://referrizer.com/
  
• Energy Lounger: Sells the EnergyLounger, a full-body red and near-infrared light therapy device. http://www.energylounger.com/
  
• Real Leader Fitness: Manufactures and sells commercial fitness and gym equipment. https://www.realleaderfitness.com/
  
• The Covery: Offers wellness, hormone replacement, weight loss, and aesthetic treatments. https://www.thecovery.com/
  

"What we leave behind is not set in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."

About Our Guest: Alex Grande is an entrepreneur and workplace innovation expert who combines gamification with HR technology to help organizations build stronger, more connected cultures. 

As the founder of Recognize, a social employee engagement SaaS platform, he helps companies improve communication, recognition, and retention through behavioral science and thoughtful design. With a degree in psychology and published research in unconscious bias and social cognition, Alex brings an evidence-based, human-centered approach to creating recognition programs that drive lasting cultural change.

About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society.

Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

In this engaging episode, communication expert and professional mentalist Christopher Carter joins host Justin "JT" Tamsett to uncover not just the science—but the art—behind effective communication in the fitness industry. With over 30 years of stage experience as a mentalist, Chris reveals how reading body language, mastering first impressions, and using humor can dramatically boost human connection, trust, and relationships. Listeners gain exclusive insights into practical skills used by mentalists to instantly build rapport and presence—skills any wellness enthusiast or fitness professional can use to strengthen client bonds and team dynamics. Whether you're new to the show or a seasoned listener, this conversation is packed with entertaining stories and actionable strategies for leveling up your communication and listening skills.

Key highlights from the episode:
- Unique perspectives from Christopher Carter on applying mentalist techniques for interpreting body language and deepening human connection in your gym or studio.

- Tips for making impactful first impressions and using humor to improve engagement with members and staff.

- Step-by-step communication and training tips—like the "POPO" method (Proximity, Orientation, Pacifiers, Open body language)—for creating remarkable relationships with members and teams.

Know the SECRET codeword? Submit it here for the chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!* https://www.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/codeword 

Ready for more:
- Become an FBP Insider and get 7 days FREE to start! Learn more on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
- Our FREE LIVE online events created specifically for fitness business owners, managers, and coaches who want to sharpen their skills and grow their business - Learn More: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents
- Leave us a voicemail: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/leave-us-a-voicemail/
- Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/review/ 

Quotes:
"Trust is a result of presence." - Christopher Carter

"No sale without trust." - Christopher Carter

"Practice one step at a time." - Christopher Carter

Resources:
- Become an FBP Insider on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast
- Fitness Business Podcast's LinkedIn Community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9878228/
- Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses: https://mysteryshoppingforfitnessbusinesses.com.au/ 

Our Guest:
Christopher Carter, High-Impact Keynote Speaker and Mentalist
Website: https://christophercarter.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophercarterspeaker/ 

Sponsor's Pitch:
Magnus Nyberg
Eleiko Sport
Website: https://eleiko.com/
Email: magnus.nyberg@eleiko.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/magnus-nyberg-b5731872/ 

Merch Sponsor:
Be a Merch Sponsor - https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/merch/

REX Roundtables:
Website: www.REXRoundtables.com
Email: Eddie@REXRoundtables.com

Free On-line Live Events: https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents

REX Roundtables Trusted Suppliers:
- Wellness Spaces: delivering innovative recovery and wellness experiences: https://wellnessspace.com/

- Solutions One: offering member engagement solutions for fitness businesses: https://solutiononepartners.com/

- The Abs Co: designs and sells innovative fitness equipment: https://theabscompany.com/

- Club Com: providing gyms digital entertainment, communication, and revenue solutions: https://www.clubcom.com/

- Smart Health Clubs: offering customizable fitness software solutions for health clubs: https://smarthealthclubs.com/

About Your Host: 
Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society

Please note: 
We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!

We caught up with Jarron Aizen, CEO and Founder of Hapana. If you are looking for a software company that focuses on marketing automation, nurturing the members journey, and digital content as a marketing tool, this is the episode for you.  

"How you show up matters", according to today's guest Brian Weaver. Showing up to work with the right mindset will not only set you up for success, but will also trickle down to your sales team. And speaking of success, Relationshipping Wednesday will take your employee and member engagement to new heights! Listen to Brian's advice on how to implement this into your monthly schedule.

Laugh your way through this Thinking Ahead episode. Michael Kerr delivers not only a humorous episode, but also one that we can all relate to. Your attitude towards your job has a huge impact on your happiness. If you sit in a leadership position at your workplace, Michael will deliver some tips to ensure your employees are happy! Take 30 mins to make your life and your employees' lives brighter!

Welcome to the first of four episodes that unleash what each generation is looking for in a fitness facility, according to Murphy Research. Join Dr. Sarah Marion as she gives us the rundown on each generation, starting with Generation Z. The findings are quite interesting and will definitely help you market and design your programs to tailor to each generation's wants and needs.

The Global Health & Fitness Alliance just released its Deloitte Report, and the findings are fascinating. This first ever report examined the economic and socioeconomic impact of the global health and fitness industry. We invited Andrea Bell, Chair of the GHFA, to highlight key findings of the 64-page report.

Join Sarah Pellegrino as she speaks with Brad Thorpe, Inventor of the Isophit, to learn about this safer, more effective, and more efficient workout. We cover the benefits of isometric training, how to partner with Isophit, and which Isophit model is the best fit for your business!

Attention personal trainers and PT departments, this episode is for you! Michael Hughes, Functional Movement Specialist and CEO of Gymnazo EDU, is here to help you improve your fitness business and your skill set. Michael has 7 skills that have helped him become successful, and he wants to share them with you. Grab a seat, a pen, a note pad, and follow along.