Expanding Your Knowledge as a Coach, Gym Manager, or Business Owner in Health and Fitness is the key to building a strong, healthy business.
The fitness industry is always changing. Coaches come and go. Members have lives that chop and change. Trends crash in and fads fade out.
As coaches, gym managers, or business owners, staying on top of things isn’t just about keeping up with what is trendy—it’s about actively looking for ways to grow, improve, and adapt.
It’s so easy to be distracted and be pre-occupied by the day-to-day, we as gym owners hardly look beyond our squat racks or Pilates bed, let alone to what is happening in the big, wide world.
Right here, right now, let’s talk about why learning matters and some practical ways to keep leveling up in your studio.
Why Keep Learning?
The fitness world has come a long way in the last decade. With new science, a shift into wellness, digital AI tools, and an aging population, it’s safe to say things have never been like they have been before. Here’s are 3 things that haven’t changed:
- Keeping Up To Date Is A Big Advantage: Whether it’s wearable tech or new training styles, staying informed helps you stay relevant.
- Helping Clients Harder: The more you know, the better you can engage clients in nutrition or recovery or sleep or even cold therapy! It’s all the more value you can offer. Personalisation is here to stay and that doesn’t need to be high-tech,
- It will grow your business: Learning about marketing, operations, or community management can make a huge difference in executing the beautiful business basics every day.
How Are You Learning?
- Going to Events and Conferences: Industry events are great for networking and learning. For example, our SAOR team will take a trip to Shanghai for the International Fitness and Wellness Expo (IWF) is a fantastic chance to connect with others and learn about the unique challenges of running a fitness business in Asia. For you, it may be simple as a local networking event to connect with other businesses in the your area. Local Area Marketing and Partnerships are some of the most effective tools for lead generation.
- Online Resources: There are so many great courses and webinars out there. Whether it’s training certifications or business tips, you can even take one of our incredible courses or personal support!
- Talking to Other Pros: Learning from other people’s experiences can save you a lot of trial and error. Whether it’s a mentor or just a chat over coffee, you’d be surprised how much you can pick up.
- Books and Podcasts: There’s so much knowledge out there in books and podcasts. Whether it’s about leadership, client psychology, or running a gym, they’re an easy way to learn on the go.
How to Use What You Learn
Learning is great, but it’s what you do with it that counts. Here’s how to put your new knowledge into action:
- Set Goals: Be clear about what you want to achieve. What do you do poorly and how will you address that? How do you capitalize on what you do great? What is the measuring stick to determine success!
- Share With Your Team: Get everyone on the same page and brainstorm how to apply what you’ve learned. It takes a village to raise a child, and this business is your baby. Bringing the team to work will make the dream work.
- Test Things Out: Start small, see what works, and tweak as needed. We at SAOR very rarely suggest a slew of radical changes. The key is doing the free and easy stuff, consistently over time and making great habits for success.
- Measure Success: Keep track of how these changes are helping you and your business. We can’t stress this enough, have a goal and go at it. Make that goal a clear number and not an esoteric idea. It will keep you accountable!
Final Thoughts
The fitness industry doesn’t stand still, and neither should we. Whether it’s events like the Shanghai IWF, online courses, or working with the team at SAOR, there are so many ways to grow. The real question is, what’s your next step? How are you going to take what you learn and make it work for you?
We’d love to hear how you’re learning and growing in 2025. Share your story—you never know who you might inspire!