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The Business of Boutique Fitness

I’m Lise Kuecker, a long time Studio Owner turned founder here at Studio Grow. Just a few years ago, I was building my studios the hard way cause I didn’t have the team, the budget, or most importantly the time. If you speed up to today, I sold my wildly profitable studios in the mid-7 figures while serving my community in ways I could have only dreamed. Now, I work with thousands of boutique fitness studio owners in over 40 countries and am so blessed to share some of the best tested strategies for our industry every single week. I created this podcast so you’d always have clear, actionable processes, tried and tested Facebook advice and some good ole fashioned inspiration so that you can take simple actionable steps to grow your studio and turn it into a powerhouse empire, just like I did. If you’re a studio owner who's ready to impact your community and see major growth in the process, or you’re prepping to become one, then you are in the right place. So let’s kick this off, shall we?
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Now displaying: Page 1
Nov 11, 2025

Welcome to this bonus podcast episode! What do you do when your studio is booked solid…but still unprofitable? When you’re teaching constantly, running the front desk, managing marketing, all the things…but can’t pay yourself? 

Find out how one yoga + Pilates studio owner finally quit working for free. Join Coach Rachel Prairie for this case study in Episode 686:  Booked Solid But Still Not Profitable. 

  • Stop undercharging: monitor market rates and bump up your prices 

  • Limit promotions: decrease discounts and deals to increase profit margins

  • Move to memberships: generate recurring revenue with tiered options

  • Adjust instructor pay: consider a flat rate plus attendance/retention incentives

  • Analyze your numbers: set and track weekly, monthly and quarterly KPIs 

 

Implementing these changes resulted in a 22% increase in monthly revenue in just six months! This inspired owner is now taking home more while working less. Hear her story in Episode 686.

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Nov 6, 2025

Fueled by a dream and deep passion, good-intentioned studio owners can become so consumed with the day-to-day of the business that they miss warning signs of critical problems. 

 

But caught early, you can turn these issues around. Learn what to look for and what to do in my discussion with Alina Cooper in Episode 685: How to Turn Your Studio Around -- Part 1.

 

  • Embrace self-awareness: deliberately enhance your emotional intelligence 

  • Take accountability: own issues rather than ignoring them or blaming others

  • Make the time: prioritize problems immediately before they get worse

  • Know your numbers: constantly track trends—revenue, profit, attendance and churn

  • Step back: get out of your studio and dive deep into the data to create an action plan

 

For more practical recommendations, check out The Oz Principle by Craig Hickman and Roger Connors. Find out how to recognize red flags and get your studio back on track in Episode 685.

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Oct 30, 2025

Whether you recently launched your studio or you’ve been around a while, a new competitor opening nearby typically triggers full-on panic. But competition can be a good catalyst. 

 

Discover how to level up and proactively protect your business with Heather Garrick and Alina Cooper in Episode 684:  A New Competitor Just Moved In: Now What?

 

  • Be very curious: research competitors, document services, prices, USP, etc.

  • Look in the mirror: solicit feedback, mystery shop your studio, analyze data

  • Compel commitment: encourage more clients to buy long-term memberships

  • Maximize momentum: try Bring-a-Friend week, guest trainers and challenges

  • Get noticed: think more ads, flyers, sidewalk chalk and local partnerships

 

As our industry grows, competitors are inevitable. Episode 684 offers the outline to implement ongoing monitoring and double down on what makes your business different.

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Oct 23, 2025

Studio owners often are so focused on their aesthetics or operations that they bypass a critical success factor: market research. Without it, their business decisions are simply guesses. 

 

Join Alina Cooper and Heather Garrick for an overview of how to do your homework in Episode 683: The Silent Studio Killer: What Happens When You Skip Market Research.

 

  • Local landscape: examine your competitors’ pricing, branding, schedules, etc.

  • Audience analysis: study demographic details of your avatars

  • Feedback forums: conduct surveys, focus groups and informal chats

  • Deep data dive: leverage valuable analytics from your booking platform 

  • Call to action: regularly evaluate and act on insights to enhance your business 

 

Your perception isn’t always reality, so use market research to inform your decisions—and save you critical problems, time, money and headaches. Cue Episode 683. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Oct 16, 2025

Your dream of owning a boutique fitness studio is the fuel, but the engine that gets you to opening your doors is funding. Knowledge and tenacity are your accelerator.

 

Understand your money options with Alina Cooper, Director of Start Your Studio Profitably, and Coach Matt Hanton in Episode 682: How to Fund Your Studio Without Drowning in Debt.

 

  • Go solo: bootstrap your business to maintain control and avoid bad debt

  • Pursue tried & true: apply for an SBA (government-backed) loan as a solid source

  • Nudge your network: enlist private investors to partner with you financially

  • Appeal to the masses: try crowdfunding to supplement your own big investment

  • Roll with the punches: expect the unexpected, delays and rejection along the way 

 

The bottom line? If you’re not a numbers person, you really need to become one to run a thriving business. Start learning early in your journey with Episode 682.

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Oct 9, 2025

The paradox of a packed but unprofitable space is real for many boutique fitness studio owners. But you can turn things around by identifying and plugging common leaks in your system. 

 

Coach Caroline Plambeck recommends how you can build a financially sustainable business in Episode 681: Beyond the Waitlist: Fixing Profit Leaks in a Fully Booked Studio.

 

  • Face the facts: calculate your break-even cost and per-class profit

  • Price right: re-evaluate membership options and avoid excessive discounting

  • Optimize your offerings: streamline your schedule, cut bloat and try class stacking 

  • Prioritize your people: invest in instructor training, feedback and development

  • Tighten your belt: eliminate financial drag with quarterly expense audits 

 

Of course, the buzz of full classes is a reason to happy dance. But without profits, you’re just treading water—and at risk of sinking. Episode 681 is your lifeline.

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Oct 2, 2025

Y’all, first impressions are everything in the boutique studio business. When you’re finally ready to launch your studio, don’t underestimate the value of making a big grand opening splash. 

 

The importance of this event—and the endless details—can feel pretty overwhelming. Heather Garrick and Alina Cooper walk you through it all in Episode 680: Ready, Set, Grand Opening! 

 

  • Dress rehearsal: practice and fine-tune during soft opening 12 weeks out

  • Insiders only: build buzz and community with private events for presale clients

  • FOMO promos: run offers with urgency and scarcity throughout presale and opening

  • Party time: mingle with partners and micro-influencers; provide demos and giveaways

  • Forward momentum: maintain interest with targeted outreach and ongoing offers

 

Your soft opening and grand opening should be strategic, memorable and well-executed to set up your studio for success. Start planning—and stop panicking—with Episode 680. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Sep 25, 2025

In part 2 of this series, we continue considering how what’s happening in the boutique fitness industry today impacts tomorrow. (Spoiler: There’s massive opportunity to look forward to!)

 

Get the lay of the land—and the roadmap—as Coach Rachel Prairie and I unpack trends that are evolving the industry in Episode 679: The Next Decade of Boutique Fitness, Part 2. 

 

  • Small towns: studios are increasingly targeting Tier 3-Tier 5 markets 

  • Premium plus: luxury 3.0 and concierge fitness are tailoring holistic experiences 

  • Drop-ins that bounce: the aggregator bubble requires a 20-25% conversion rate

  • Homogenization & commoditization: boutique brand differentiation is critical

  • Team trials: instructors need more mentoring, and the labor shortage persists 

 

Plus, on the horizon are unique methods within modalities, integrated sensory experiences and boutique gym pop-ups. Anticipate your studio’s unlimited potential with Episode 679. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Sep 18, 2025

Although boutique fitness for mass market consumption is only about 20 years old, it has altered the fitness industry forever. And, y’all, what’s up ahead looks incredibly promising!

 

Peek into the crystal ball as Coach Rachel Prairie and I reveal some exciting predictions for the next 10 years in Episode 678: The Next Decade of Boutique Fitness, Part 1. 

 

  • Hot spots: lots of innovation & education in APAC, Australia, Western Europe  

  • The powerhouse: 47% of new studio openings are Pilates (majority Reformer)

  • Good feeling: recovery, wellness and functional medicine are on fire

  • Girl power: huge female-driven health opportunities with boutique members

  • Stronger than ever: strength training continues to surge worldwide 

 

With the industry expected to grow from $51.6B today to $85.9B by 2030, studio owners should be proactively seeking opportunities to scale now. Episode 678 gives you some options. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Sep 11, 2025

If you’re considering adding more studio locations, pop-ups can be your friend. They’re a low-cost, low-risk, high-ROI way to gain visibility, gauge interest and drive demand.

 

Discover all that’s possible as I chat with Heather Garrick, our Bespoke program CMO, in Episode 677: From Zero to Launch in 100 Days: Inside Tonal's Bold Studio Debut in NYC. 

 

  • Know your goals: specify exactly what you want to learn and measure

  • Identify your audience: target your client avatars immediately

  • Start marketing early: build rising anticipation with waitlists and pre-sale

  • Make contingency plans: be ready to pivot when delays and challenges arise

  • Own the experience: make an incredible impression with exceptional service

 

Y’all, the Tonal Training Lab was a phenomenal success in terms of awareness and lead gen, but we don’t recommend a 100-day timeline. Be inspired by this epic story in Episode 677. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Sep 4, 2025

In part 3 of this series about uncomfortable conversations, we’re addressing what every successful boutique fitness studio owner eventually encounters: tough convos with clients.

 

Coach Matt Hanton and I unpack these member interactions in Episode 676: The Most Uncomfortable Conversations You're Avoiding (That Are Costing You Thousands). 

 

  • Speak truth: acknowledge that, in fact, the client is NOT always right

  • Expect criticism: respond to every review factually, respectfully and thoughtfully 

  • Play by the rules: enforce Code of Conduct violations immediately and consistently

  • Equip and empower: train and expect your team to act; back them up

  • Cover your bases: record meetings, bring a witness, create a paper trail 

 

How you handle these conversations impacts your profitability, your team/client culture and your studio’s reputation in the community. Episode 676 is your go-to guide. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Aug 28, 2025

Welcome to part 2 of our 3-part series where we try to get comfortable with the uncomfortable (and inevitable) discussions of a studio owner. 

 

In Episode 675: The Most Uncomfortable Conversations You're Avoiding (That Are Costing You Thousands), Coach Matt Hanton and I hit the topic of talks with your team. 

 

  • Hone your tone: always treat people relationally, not transactionally

  • Tell it like it is: be direct and candid; don’t sugarcoat or complicate

  • Try SBI: use the non-personal Situation, Behavior, Impact approach 

  • Crunch the numbers: share benchmarks and expenses for compensation convos

  • Normalize feedback: provide informal reviews and regular performance evals 

 

Ultimately, it’s all about respect, honesty and a mutual mission to support the business. Grab our practical recos in Episode 675. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Aug 21, 2025

To be successful, every studio owner needs to manage uncomfortable conversations. So let’s dive into the common anxiety-triggering topics of price increases and rent negotiations.  

 

Join Coach Matt Hanton and me as we kick off this 3-part series with Episode 674: The Most Uncomfortable Conversations You're Avoiding (That Are Costing You Thousands).

 

  • Plan on price jumps: expect them as a natural part of every business

  • Learn your numbers: know current utilization rate, expenses and break-even 

  • Be transparent: communicate clearly and use graphics to specify costs

  • Present a compelling case: negotiate with data and industry benchmarks

  • Prioritize relationships: simplify negotiations and emphasize loyalty and trust

 

Save time, money and stress by preparing for and tackling uncomfortable conversations with confidence. Master talks about money matters in Episode 674. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Aug 14, 2025

Although some studio owners feel like “sales” is a dirty word, the reality is that it’s the lifeblood of your business. Establishing a natural rhythm can help integrate this critical responsibility.

 

In Episode 673: The Sales Rhythm that Grows Fitness Studios, Coach Caroline Plambeck outlines how you can develop an organized, cyclical sales process. 

 

  • Paint the panorama: identify annual goals, then break into quarterly targets

  • Get granular: reverse-engineer monthly, weekly and daily goals from annual numbers

  • Appoint ownership: delegate sales responsibilities to all team members

  • Aim broadly: address intro offers, reactivations, winbacks and current members

  • Touch base: use shift reports, check-ins and data for real-time status

 

Winning at sales doesn’t mean you need a new offer every week – or the lowest prices. Sales isn’t just hustle – it’s about rhythm and routine. Create your cadence with Episode 673. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Aug 8, 2025

A question I get all the time is, “What are the highest performing studios in the world actually doing?” Sustainable profitability and a growth trajectory are key, but how do they get there?

 

To find out, join me for Episode 672: What the Top Studios Are Doing Right Now. I’m sharing what I consistently observe in thousands of studios we work with around the world.

 

  • Relentless dedication: live your priorities and be committed to excellence 

  • Thoughtful growth: adopt an M&A model, establish pace of openings 

  • First impressions: maximize presale to open profitably or rebrand powerfully

  • Marketing mastery: create comprehensive omnichannel growth strategies

  • Team care: craft selection process, offer benefits, share growth opportunities

 

Plus, the top studio owners are laser-focused on building a wildly successful business in preparation for an ultimate sale. That drives everything they do. Check it out in Episode 672. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Jul 31, 2025

Your fierce commitment as a studio owner can lead to the disastrous trap of micromanaging. This lose-lose approach usually ends up with you burning out and your staff leaving.

 

Join Coaches Matt Hanton and Caroline Plambeck for practical suggestions on how to escape this common mistake in Episode 671: Stop Micromanaging: How to Empower Your Staff.

 

  • Let it go: accept that it’s OK if the job is done at 80% of how you’d do it 

  • Delegate and educate: introduce autonomy gradually and share clear SOPs

  • Paint the big picture: teach your team the “why” behind the work

  • Empower and align: allow freedom within the framework to reach KPIs/outcomes

  • Help, not hover: check in, invite questions and ask for feedback 

 

Y’all, micromanaging is like helicopter parenting. No bueno. Break away so that your fear or need for control doesn't frustrate your team or stifle your business. Learn how in Episode 671.

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Jul 24, 2025

Face it: 80% of boutique fitness studio owners are stuck in the operator role, wearing all the hats, all the time. Not a bad thing, but it will never get you to become a 7-figure CEO. 

 

If you’re ready to grow, get the expert roadmap from Lise Kuecker and Coach Matt Hanton in Episode 670: How to Lead Successfully, Strategically and Like a 7-Figure CEO.

 

  • Back off: release some control and delegate so your business can grow

  • Add on: hire a sales manager, set goals, and train and empower them 

  • Dig in: monitor data daily and make decisions based on the numbers

  • Build out: develop smart systems and processes that can run without you

  • Level up: Shift your mindset to strategizing and planning vs. executing

 

Y’all, the journey to 7-figure boutique fitness studio CEO is absolutely possible if you’re willing to put in the work, embrace new challenges and take a leap of faith. Start with Episode 670. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Jul 17, 2025

A thoughtful onboarding process is worth your investment of time and effort. Although you’re temporarily doing more work while also increasing your payroll, it’s ultimately a long-term gain. 

 

Get the essential ingredients with Coaches Caroline Plambeck and Matt Hanton in Episode 669: The First 90 Days: How to Set Up Every New Hire for Success.

 

  • Stoke anticipation: generate good vibes with a personal note or small gift before day 1

  • Lay the foundation: review job description, KPIs, goals, mission, vision and values

  • Cultivate connection: do meet & greets, assign a buddy and arrange teamwork

  • Facilitate integration: train on SOPs and systems; encourage proactivity 

  • Continue the conversation: check in often, ask for feedback and celebrate successes 

 

Beyond simply teaching policies and procedures, smart onboarding incorporates communication, community and the culture of your studio. Episode 669 is your recipe. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Jul 10, 2025

Your people can make or break your studio. Building a standout team is critical to protect your business. And that doesn’t just happen automatically, y’all. 

 

Make sure you’re firing on all cylinders in Episode 668: The Secrets to a High-Performing Team with Coaches Caroline Plambeck and Matt Hanton. 

 

  • Prioritize prep: draft an org chart and job descriptions with specific KPIs 

  • Recruit selectively: hire for culture and train for skill – you can’t force fit

  • Train to retain: templatize a comprehensive onboarding process

  • Touch base: create agendas for 1:1s and team meetings; invite feedback 

  • Hand out shout-outs: celebrate wins, share successes and give rewards 

 

It takes a thoughtful commitment and ongoing efforts to nurture a stellar team. If it feels overwhelming, start with one step, then add on. Get all the insider tips in Episode 668. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Jul 3, 2025

Y’all,

 

the noise about tariffs in recent months has stirred questions and anxiety among the fitness industry (and many industries, frankly) about the effects on their business. 

 

Crediting Liz Clark’s and Mike Goscinski’s talk at the Health & Fitness Association’s Fly-In & Advocacy Summit, let’s dive into Episode 667: How Tariffs & Trade Can Impact Your Studio.  

 

  • Universal uncertainty: legislative, studio and consumer unknowns 

  • Lucky strike: service-based industries have an advantage

  • Building up: construction costs jump due to steel and aluminum tariffs

  • On the rise: price bumps on equipment and retail products made overseas 

  • Good news: consumers prioritize fitness/wellness during economic challenges

 

Notify your local senators and congresspeople that higher costs on building and consumer goods will decrease jobs, tax revenue and economic growth. Learn the basics in Episode 667. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Jun 26, 2025

Y'all,

Two industry powerhouses I'm absolutely fascinated by – Garrett Marshall and Debra Strougo! Garrett's been shaping our space for 22 years and just launched something that could change everything, while Debra brings her incredible insight from years of working with operators. Together they're solving the biggest challenge in fitness: how do we maintain our position of influence when 90% of our members are on their smartphones buying wellness products we don't offer?

Tune in to our conversation with these two industry legends: Episode 666: The Big Picture with Garrett Marshall & Debra Strougo.

The industry veteran: Started at Lifetime Fitness during their first IPO, learned how each department (personal training, spa, kids care, restaurants) runs on separate P&Ls - real respect for what's possible when you run fitness departments professionally

WellBeats to Exponential: Co-founded WellBeats (originally Fitness Request) in 2007, then started competitor Fitness on Demand as CEO for 8 years under Lyft Brands, then 5 years as president at Exponential Fitness through another IPO

The precision health platform: Launched 30 days ago after 18 months of development - designed to bridge fitness and healthcare without the operational nightmare most providers face

The $5 billion opportunity: Companies like Everly Well, Thorne, HIMS are capturing the post-COVID wellness boom while fitness providers lose influence - consumers have a much broader definition of wellness now

The practical solution: Curated partnerships (not a marketplace) with leading wellness providers - telehealth, peptides, GLP-1s, hormone replacement, at-home lab tests, precision supplements

Three value propositions: Data integration to improve programming, product offerings for clients wanting more than fitness, recurring revenue that continues beyond membership length

Smart partnerships: Hand-selected experts who wake up thinking about peptide therapy and hormone optimization - avoiding the trap of spending 40-50% of resources for 10-20% revenue growth

The data advantage: Fitness providers get all the wellness data back to personalize programming - understanding that exercise is just one component of their members' broader wellness picture

What's coming: Mental health telehealth and sleep/recovery services on the fast-follow list - expanding the five non-fitness wellness market segments

Pre-validated expertise: Cutting through the chase to go directly to specialists who understand microdosing, metabolic health, and cutting-edge therapies your conventional doctor gives you blank stares about

The signals are everywhere - walk your gym floor and see the evidence. The question isn't whether wellness and fitness will merge, it's whether our industry will step up to maintain our position of trust and influence. Garrett's built the bridge.

Catch you there, Lise

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!

www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Jun 19, 2025

Y'all,

Two industry leaders I'm absolutely fascinated by – Jennifer Maanavi, founder of Physique 57 (one of the best barre brands in the world), and Jack Thomas, creator of The Fit Guide (the gold standard for fitness excellence, like the Michelin Star guide for our industry). They're both revolutionizing how we think about hospitality in boutique fitness!

Tune in to our new series of conversations with amazing industry leaders: Episode 661: The Big Picture with Lise Kuecker, Jennifer Maanavi of Physique 57, and Jack Thomas of The Fit Guide.

Building boutique from scratch: Jennifer started Physique 57 in 2005 when boutique studios didn't exist - told architects she wanted it to feel "like coming to my house to work out"

Hospitality over amenities: Their most successful studio had wear and tear but sold the most memberships because of warm feeling and community - proves it's about connection, not expensive finishes

Two types of training: What to teach (mechanics for safety) vs. how to teach (hospitality that brings people back) - "you can tell people to do 10 jumping jacks one way, or another way"

Sales as service: Reframing sales from pushy to helpful - like a washing machine store, clients need guidance to find what's right for them, not to be left to figure it out alone

The Fit Guide standards: 250 metrics evaluating every element of the member journey - only 90%+ scores earn five stars, representing the top 1-2% of the industry

Modality gaps revealed: Yoga scored lowest across all seven cities (guru mentality putting teacher at center), while barre scored highest (natural teaching opportunities)

Gratitude mindset: "We're just so grateful that you're here" - understanding everything clients go through just to show up for class creates servant leadership culture

Check out how both Physique 57 and The Fit Guide are elevating standards across our industry. The opportunities are massive when we focus on hospitality - and Jennifer's right, "the hero of the story is the client."

Catch you there, Lise

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!

www.studiogrow.co www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Jun 12, 2025

Y’all, combining our high-touch approach with personalized client data is gold. Cue this fascinating conversation with software engineer, trainer and data nerd Jason Moore. 

 

Episode 666: The Big Picture with Lise Kuecker and Jason Moore of Spren left me with a feast of food for thought regarding what’s possible in our industry.  

 

  • Measurement & motivation: tracking progress through meaningful personal data 

  • Body image: capturing body comp, RMR and HRV with your phone’s camera

  • Expanding access: adding value with on-brand, personalized, 24/7 AI coaching

  • Data processing: enhancing credibility through coach training & education 

  • Evolving capacity: launching V02 max measurement capability and more 

 

Spren’s technology equips coaches to connect the dots and deliver outcomes that change lives. Discover more in this chat with Jason, the founder and CEO of Spren, in Episode 664. 

 

Catch you there,

 

Lise

 

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!



www.studiogrow.co

www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

 

Jun 5, 2025

Y'all,

when you've been in this industry as long as I have, you can feel the big shifts coming. But even I wasn't prepared for the Pilates explosion we're witnessing right now. It's unlike anything we've seen before, and if you're not paying attention, you're missing the boat on the biggest opportunity in boutique fitness.


Tune in to our new series of conversations with amazing industry leaders: Episode 663: The Pilates Explosion - Global Growth with STOTT Pilates' Beth Gibbs-Bartel.


● Education empire: STOTT Pilates has trained 80,000+ instructors across 100 countries with unmatched anatomical focus
● Asia domination: unprecedented growth in China, Middle East, and APAC regions driving global expansion
● Reformer revolution: studios shifting from 6-machine comprehensive setups to 20+ reformer-only concepts
● Know your limits: instructors finding their sweet spot for class sizes (hint: it's probably around 16 max)
● Chair emergence: stability chair group classes becoming the next big trend, especially in innovative markets like Australia
● Silver surge: aging population will drive return to privates and semi-privates as boomers seek personalized attention
● Social media catalyst: TikTok trends directly correlating to studio boom 3-6 months later
● Content creation: new facilities incorporating influencer and content spaces into studio design


Whether you're thinking about adding Pilates to your offerings or you're already in the space, Beth's insights on global trends, equipment evolution, and the future of Pilates education will help you ride this wave instead of getting swept away by it. And meet Beth (who's about to take her own company's certification!), after you hear from her in Episode 663.


Catch you there,
Lise


PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!


www.studiogrow.co
www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

May 29, 2025

Y'all,

For boutique fitness studio owners, scaling from a single location to a multi-club empire while maintaining premium standards seems impossible. But what if you could learn from someone who's done exactly that? Meet Rob Beal, Fitness Director at Third Space, who's helped grow them from 4 to 13 premium clubs across London and built the highest-valued fitness concept per square foot worldwide.

Tune in to our new series of conversations with amazing industry leaders: Episode 662: Building Premium Fitness Empire - Lessons from Third Space London.

● Own your IP: keeping all training, programs and instructors in-house instead of outsourcing to freelancers
● Pilates leads the pack: Reformer Pilates is their #1 performing modality, now in 10 of 13 clubs
● Strength over HIIT: consumer demand has shifted from high-intensity to strength-focused programming
● Recovery revolution: spa, wellness and recovery services are essential for premium positioning
● Data-driven future: integrating wearable tech data and AI to enhance personal training
● Medical integration: longevity services and preventive health will dominate premium fitness
● Culture through growth: moving star performers to new locations to maintain standards and mentorship

Whether you're planning your second location or dreaming of a fitness empire, Rob's insights on team development, real estate strategy, and staying ahead of consumer trends will reshape how you think about growth. And meet Rob (who's about to become a dad!), after you hear from him in Episode 662

Catch you there,
Lise


PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!
www.studiogrow.co
www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

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