Explore every episode of the podcast Five-Star Fitness by The Fit Guide
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Dubai's First Five-Star Cycling Studio Ivana Bruic of Storm Cycling | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:41:33 | |
Ivana Bruic is the founder of STORM Cycling in Dubai, the city's first five-star award-winning indoor cycling brand from The Fit Guide. Interviewed by The Fit Guide co-founder Jack Thomas, Ivana shares her journey, the brand's ups and downs and the secrets to her success. This interview is brought to you in conjunction with RIDE HIGH Magazine, our indoor-cycling media partner. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe More from The Fit Guide STORM Cycling https://thefitguide.com/cities/dubai/clubs/storm-mirdif/overview All clubs https://thefitguide.com/cities Dubai clubs https://thefitguide.com/cities/dubai/clubs Connect with The Fit Guide LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearethefitguide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearethefitguide Website: https://thefitguide.com/ | |||
| What can gyms learn from the Michelin Guide and Forbes Travel Guide? | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:14:22 | |
The world’s best restaurants have had the Michelin Guide for over 100 years. Luxury hotels have had Forbes Travel Guide for over 70 years. Now, the world’s leading gyms and fitness experiences have The Fit Guide. In this episode, The Fit Guide founders Matt and Jack explore what the fitness industry can learn from over a century of heritage at Michelin Guide and Forbes Travel Guide. Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearethefitguide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearethefitguide Website: https://thefitguide.com/ | |||
| Founding the ‘Michelin Guide’ of Fitness – The Story of The Fit Guide | 18 Jul 2025 | 00:21:59 | |
We believed that the world’s best gyms and fitness experiences deserved its own independent rating system and evaluation process, just as restaurants and hotels have had for decades. This is the story of The Fit Guide. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Hapana, our preferred gym software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER https://thefitguide.com/subscribe CONNECT WITH THE FIT GUIDE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearethefitguide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearethefitguide Website: https://thefitguide.com/ NWNQPMk63Wunhyknwr4n | |||
| Welcome to the Five Star Fitness Podcast | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:01:10 | |
What if the best lessons from luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants could transform your fitness business? At the Five-Star Fitness Podcast, we believe in elevating fitness through hospitality. Hosted by Jack Thomas and Matt Lavender, this show brings hospitality’s most powerful tools to the fitness industry. We’ll share the service secrets that have elevated the world’s top hotels and restaurants - and show you how to apply them in your studio or gym. You’ll learn from Matt’s background as Global Director of Evaluations at Forbes Travel Guide, where he worked with brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons. You'll also hear stories and insights from the fitness leaders behind The Fit Guide's award-winning brands. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe now to start building a more impactful experience and business. Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym softwarehttps://www.hapana.com/ Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionhttps://www.ezypay.com/ Connect with The Fit Guide LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearethefitguideInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearethefitguideWebsite: https://thefitguide.com/ Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe | |||
| The Difference Between A 4-Star And 5-Star Gym Experience | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:17:03 | |
What’s the difference between a 4-star and 5-star gym? Our highest 5-star award is given to fitness experiences achieving over 90% in our process, but the data shows there are a few key factors that have stood out during our evaluations. In this episode Matt and Jack break down the key differentiating factors that help the best-of-the-best really shine. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Interviewee Links | |||
| Winning “Asia’s Gym of The Year” with Jack Thomas, founder of BASE in Bangkok | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:30:06 | |
Jack Thomas is co-founder of The Fit Guide but he also founded BASE in Bangkok, a multiple award-winning gym in Thailand. In this episode, Jack answers some of the questions he usually puts to the world’s leading gym brand brand founders and operators. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Interviewee Links | |||
| The Most Desirable Job in Fitness | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:12:48 | |
The world’s best restaurants have had the Michelin Guide for over 100 years. Luxury hotels have had Forbes Travel Guide for over 70 years. Now, the world’s leading gyms and fitness experiences have The Fit Guide. In this episode, The Fit Guide founders Matt and Jack explore what the fitness industry can learn from over a century of heritage at Michelin Guide and Forbes Travel Guide. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Hapana, our preferred gym software https://www.hapana.com/ Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER https://thefitguide.com/subscribe CONNECT WITH THE FIT GUIDE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearethefitguide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearethefitguide Website: https://thefitguide.com/ | |||
| Breaking Down Hong Kong’s Premier Cycling Experience, with Bridge Hudson of XYZ, Hong Kong | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:41:36 | |
Bridge Hudson is one of the founding instructors at premier Hong Kong cycling studio, XYZ. Interviewed by The Fit Guide co-founder Jack Thomas, Bridge shares how they’ve created a thriving cycling studio that's lasted over 12 years and is recognized as one of Asia’s top fitness brands. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Interviewee Links | |||
| The Fitness Industry’s Hospitality Crisis | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:19:30 | |
We’ve anonymously visited over 400 gyms around the globe. From our data, it’s clear that the fitness industry needs to improve its level of service and hospitality so we can impact more people. In this episode, hosts Matt Lavender and Jack Thomas explore what good hospitality means and how gyms and studios can start using some tried and tested techniques from hotels and restaurants. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Hapana, our preferred gym software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER https://thefitguide.com/subscribe CONNECT WITH THE FIT GUIDE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearethefitguide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearethefitguide Website: https://thefitguide.com/ | |||
| Building New York’s Five-Star Barre Experience, with Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi of Physique 57 | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:34:33 | |
Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi is the founder of Physique 57 in New York, The Fit Guide’s multiple five-star award-winning barre brand. Interviewed by The Fit Guide co-founder Jack Thomas, Jennifer shares her journey, the brand's ups and downs and the secrets to her success. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe More from The Fit Guide Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| Singapore’s Boutique Fitness Market in 2026: Service Slips, Closures Rise, Pilates Steps Up | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:05:40 | |
The Fit Guide’s results for Singapore in 2026 are live — and they’re a mixed bag! In this 5-minute breakdown, co-founder Jack Thomas walks you through the key headlines from the launch, based on anonymous evaluations across 250+ objective standards and visits to 50 leading clubs and studios. We cover:
You’ll also hear:
Singapore remains one of Asia’s most sophisticated fitness markets — but the data shows it’s at an inflection point. 📊 Full Singapore report and global insights coming soon 👉 Subscribe to get a competitive advantage with the latest data Read the full story in our Singapore 2026 Article ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| How the Best Gyms Make Every Client Feel Like a VIP | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:15:37 | |
Most gyms don’t do personalization, but they’re missing one of the simplest ways to make their members feel valued. In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what personalization actually means and how the world’s best hospitality brands make guests feel seen as individuals, not numbers. They also share practical ways gyms can improve personalization using the tools they already have, from booking systems to small cues picked up in conversation and class. From remembering names and preferences to knowing when to keep things formal, this episode focuses on the details that build connection, trust and long-term loyalty. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| What The Top 1% Know About Asking Questions | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:16:37 | |
In this episode, Matt and Jack break down how the right questions can improve sales, strengthen service and boost retention. They also look at how the world’s leading hotels, restaurants and hospitality brands use questions to build connection, understand their guests and deliver a five-star experience. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| How Body Fit Training Maintained a Five-Star Experience While Growing to 300 Gyms | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:46:36 | |
Cameron Falloon is the founder and CEO of Body Fit Training, also known as ‘BFT’, one of the world’s fastest-growing fitness franchises with over 300 studios open and 700 sold globally. In this episode, he joins Jack Thomas to share how BFT have achieved consistency and quality across different global markets, what drives their award-winning five-star class experience, and how the brand has maintained its standards while scaling worldwide. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Guest Links | |||
| Why Language Matters in World-Class Gym Hospitality | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:18:18 | |
The language you use matters when delivering world-class service. The top restaurants and hotels know this — but do gyms? In this episode, Matt and Jack explore how language shapes a five-star experience, drawing on Matt’s background working with some of the world’s leading hospitality brands. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| Bringing the Best of Real Estate and Hospitality to the World’s Top Fitness Brands with Jay Siano | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:47:24 | |
Jay Siano and his company SABRE Life have advised some of the biggest names in fitness, such as The Fit Guide award winners solidcore, F45, Barry’s, Nofar Method, Orangetheory, Rise Nation, STRONG Pilates, TruFusion and Y7 Studio. In this episode, he joins Jack Thomas to share how smart real estate strategy can make or break a gym, what we can learn from billion dollar hospitality brands and what it really takes to find, build and scale winning locations. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Guest Links | |||
| What the World's Best Gyms Get Right About First-Time Hospitality | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:16:08 | |
When someone visits your gym for the first time, it’s make or break. Do a good job and you could have a client for life. Get it wrong and they may never return, or even tell their friends not to. Data from The Fit Guide shows that many gyms are missing the mark. In this episode, co-hosts Matt and Jack share tips and techniques from the world’s best gyms, hotels and restaurants to help you get it right. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| Bringing The Athlete’s Mindset To Life and Business, with James McMillian of Tone House (New York) | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:52:14 | |
James McMillian is the president of Tone House, one of New York’s most iconic and well-known strength and conditioning studios and The Fit Guide Award of Excellence winner. James builds both his team and the member experience with an athlete’s mindset, striving for excellence and a strong community spirit. James recently sparked a conversation around ClassPass by leading a one month boycott that got the backing of a large number of New York’s studios. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Guest Links | |||
| Hospitality As Theatre: What Fitness Can Learn From Broadway | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:16:41 | |
What can gyms and coaches learn from Broadway and the world’s leading hotels and restaurants? Rain or shine, five-star service must always be delivered. In today’s episode, hosts Matt Lavender and Jack Thomas explore the concept of ‘hospitality as theatre’, and how this mindset helps the very best businesses deliver exceptional service consistently. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| Top 10 Boutique Fitness Brands For Hospitality and Experience | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:28:09 | |
At The Fit Guide we’ve visited and evaluated over 400 clubs across the globe. Based on our data, Matt and Jack discuss the ten brands that have scored not just highly, but also consistently, through our comprehensive, objective process. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| The Power of First and Last Impressions | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:18:15 | |
The Fit Guide’s Matt Lavender and Jack Thomas dive into the power of first and last impressions — and why they matter more than you think. They also share simple service strategies your team can apply today. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| Panel: Is ClassPass Good For The Fitness Industry? | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:55:36 | |
Many gym owners are concerned about ClassPass. In this episode we discuss the issue, with a panel hosted by The Fit Guide co-founder Jack Thomas, co-hosts Mohammed Iqbal, Matthew Januszek and panelists Jeff Bladt, SVP at Playlist (Mindbody and ClassPass) and Rachel Hirsch, a LA studio owner who is spearheading a ClassPass boycott during September. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Interviewee Links | |||
| How The World’s Best Gyms Deliver Unreasonable Hospitality | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:15:12 | |
To be in the top 1% of gyms globally, you must deliver hospitality that is ‘unreasonable’. This episode is inspired by the popular book from Will Guidara, Unreasonable Hospitality that celebrates next-level anticipatory service, creativity and genuine care. In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what unreasonable hospitality really looks like, with examples from the best restaurants and hotels, and how those ideas can translate into a gym environment. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| Mind the GAP: The Secrets Behind Five-Star Gyms | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:16:54 | |
Matt Lavender, co-founder of The Fit Guide, introduces “Mind the GAP” — a powerful three-step framework to improve customer experience, strengthen human connection, and deliver five-star service. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| Building Singapore’s Leading Award-Winning Barre Experience with Linda Tang of WeBarre | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:42:13 | |
Linda Tang is the co-founder of WeBarre, Singapore’s leading Barre experience, with The Fit Guide awards for both class and The Fit Guide 5 Star Award. Interviewed by The Fit Guide co-founder Jack Thomas, Linda shares how they’ve purposefully created their five-star member experience, how they deliver this consistently, and her ups and downs from a decade leading one of Singapore’s leading fitness brands. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Interviewee Links | |||
| What The World’s Leading Fitness Brands Know About Marketing & Experience | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:50:19 | |
Debra Strougo founded and exited Row House, an award-winning brand at The Fit Guide, and now advises leading fitness and wellness brands as a founder ‘co-pilot’. In this episode we discuss how she created the Row House experience, what she learned from New York’s tourism and destination marketing world and how she helps leading fitness and wellness brands scale and excel. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software. Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution. Our cycling media partner RIDE HIGH Magazine. Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Guest Links | |||
| The Secret to Five-Star Service: Anticipate, Don’t React | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:13:20 | |
Anticipatory service is about being one step ahead. It’s knowing what a guest or client needs before they have to ask, and acting on it in a way that feels natural, not forced. In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what anticipatory service really is, how the best hotels use it, and what gyms can take from those ideas. They share simple examples from hospitality and fitness, so if you want your service to feel effortless and genuinely thoughtful, this episode shows where to start. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| How KX Pilates Scaled Five-Star Culture and Service To Over 120 Studios Globally | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:40:05 | |
KX Pilates is one of the industry’s leading Pilates brands and has consistently scored well in our anonymous evaluation process across multiple global markets. Selina Bridge, KX Pilates CEO, shares how they’ve scaled strong culture and excellent service, whilst staying true to their values. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software. Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution. Our cycling media partner RIDE HIGH Magazine. Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Guest Links | |||
| How The World's Best Gyms Connect with Members and Sell More | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:09:13 | |
There is an underrated skill in service, and it’s something the world’s best hospitality brands take seriously. In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what active listening really means, why giving someone your full attention matters, and how spotting the small “golden nuggets” in conversation can change the entire experience. They also talk through the real benefits of listening properly, from building trust and connection to spotting issues early and delivering better anticipatory service — another key part of five-star service. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| How CycleBar Culver City Became the World’s Only Five-Star Cycling Franchise | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:31:58 | |
CycleBar Culver City is one of the few franchises in the world to earn a five-star award rating from The Fit Guide, and the only cycling franchise globally to hit that mark. In this episode, owner and instructor Steph Sklar-Mulcahy joins us to talk about what it really takes to run a studio at that level. She shares the decisions, standards and small details that shaped the experience, and how she kept the bar high in a competitive LA market. Steph also talks a lot about culture and how much the team matters. She explains why showing up for her people, supporting them and being present day-to-day has been a big part of the studio’s success. If you want a look at what strong culture actually looks like inside a top-tier fitness franchise, this is the episode for you. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution And our partner RIDE HIGH Magazine. Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Guest Links | |||
| What the Top 1% of Gyms Notice That Others Miss | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:13:33 | |
The Fit Guide co-founder Matt Lavender has consulted with leading hotel brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, and he’s seen three things the very best do that others don’t. These are the details that separate five-star hotels from everyone else. In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what gyms can learn from top-tier hospitality, and the small touches that help the best clubs stand out. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide | |||
| Rumble Boxing: Taking New York’s Energy To Over 100 Gyms Globally | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:49:44 | |
Rumble Boxing co-founder Andy “The Mayor” Stern talks us through their brand’s journey, how Rumble was built and how the team created an experience that feels more like a show than a workout. We dig into the member journey from start to finish, how the brand trains coaches to deliver the signature Rumble energy, and the systems that keep the experience consistent across more than 100 global locations. Andy also opens up about leadership, inspiration and the tougher moments along the way. He talks about building community, developing people, learning from failure and the small details that make a fitness experience unforgettable. If you want to understand the magic behind one of New York’s most iconic fitness brands, this is the episode for you. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors Hapana, our preferred gym management software Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution Sign up to our newsletter https://thefitguide.com/subscribe Connect with The Fit Guide Guest Links | |||