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Hyrox North American Champion and Hyrox Global Head of Training David Magida joins us to break down how to integrate Hyrox into your CrossFit gym without overhauling your schedule or losing your identity. We cover whether you actually need separate Hyrox classes, how to program it into the classes your members already attend, and how to capture the demand without burning out your coaches.---Take the free Affiliate Blueprint Assessment
Fearful that people are going to confuse who you are and what you do as CrossFit because you have barbells and program high intensity strength training? Let me ease those fears for you...—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I solve problems in your business and make you more money. Guaranteed. For over a decade, I've been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan,n and empower them to execute the strategy.Stop wishing your business problems are going to magically go away. Invest in your business and let me solve your problems and optimize your business fast and efficiently. We'll work together daily/weekly, with a monthly call until the problem is solved and then I want you to fire me. Because this is YOUR business, I'm just here to solve a specific problem and then get out of your way.Learn more about what it's like for us to work together.—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Want to increase your business IQ by 100x for only $50? Get enrolled in Microgym University - the only online business school that teaches you the best practices and business frameworks from some of the most successful brands in our industry, and then lets you decide which ones to install in your business.New courses are added every month. www.microgymuniversity.com —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Need help leasing or buying a building?I created the Gym Real Estate Company so that gym owners had someone who could go beyond the duties of a typical real estate broker and actually advise them on business aspects as they relate to site selection, market location fit, operational capacity, facility layout, pre-sell marketing, and more.If you're looking for help with your next lease or if you want us to help you along the journey of buying a building - head over to www.gymrealestate.co and book a Discovery Call.—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most gym owners are either scared of AI or ignoring it. Both are the wrong move.You got into this because you care about people. Turns out that's exactly why your gym has something AI will never replace.We're sitting down with Eamon Anderson, who built AI tools specifically for Affiliate Owners, to talk about what AI is already taking over, what it can't touch, and what that means for your business right now.---Take the free Affiliate Blueprint Assessment
Music by AC/DC, "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)"
HYROX is one of the fastest-growing fitness formats in the world, and CrossFit gym owners are paying attention.In this episode, Jay and Fern sit down with Wodify CEO Brendan Rice to look at what the data actually shows when gyms add HYROX, why it's appealing, and when it becomes a distraction from your core business.If you're an affiliate owner trying to decide whether HYROX is a smart move or just noise, this episode is for you.---Take the free Affiliate Blueprint Assessment
Your training might be world-class, but the market only sees the gyms that know how to sell. If you're still relying on word-of-mouth in 2026, you're playing a game that's already changed.Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple, the show that cuts through the noise surrounding gym growth. Each episode centers on practical marketing, sales, and leadership systems that help boutique gyms build steady momentum without guesswork or constant outreach.Episode HighlightsIn today's episode, Sherman and Blake sit down with Andrew Charlesworth, Midwest Regional Affiliate Representative, to break down what it really takes for CrossFit and boutique gym owners to win in today's hyper-competitive market. They dig into why old-school “open and pray” approaches stopped working, how to think clearly about leads and paid marketing, and what separates profitable, sustainable gyms from owners who are burnt out, broke, and blaming CrossFit HQ.Episode OutlineAndrew's role as Midwest Regional Affiliate RepWhy a direct line to HQ matters for affiliatesStarting a gym in 2026 vs 2013Competing with franchises and large marketing budgetsWhy great coaching alone no longer drives growthThe necessity of strategic marketing plansWhat a lead actually isRealistic conversion rates for cold trafficLead nurture, speed-to-contact, and follow-up systemsOwners' emotional reactions to normal business cyclesDebt, lifestyle pressure, and unrealistic revenue demandsHow big franchises track and manage sales performanceFacility standards and visual branding expectationsUsing professional media and AI on a budgetHow AI and new search behavior will affect local discoveryThe power of niche positioning in crowded marketsExamples of niche strategies that attract the right membersDetails of the Nashville November event and who it's forHow to contact Andrew and join his weekly business callsEpisode Chapters00:00 Intro to Gym Marketing Made Simple & guest Andrew00:50 Andrew's role as Midwest Regional Affiliate Rep02:45 How starting a gym in 2026 differs from 201304:20 Competing with big-box and franchise marketing06:10 Why “if you build it, they will come” no longer works08:05 Strategic marketing and weekly business calls11:50 Risk, return, and realistic expectations for ads15:10 What a lead really is and industry-standard close rates26:00 Branding, facility standards, and social media presence30:40 Niching down and why the riches are in the niches31:50 Nashville event details and who should attend38:10 How to contact Andrew & closing remarksAction TakenPromoted the November 7–8 Nashville event for gym owners doing ~$15–20k+/month who want to grow revenue in 2027.Commit to 12–18 months of consistent marketing instead of short-term testing.Reinvest in professional media, cleaner facilities, and tighter branding.Treat lead nurture, speed-to-contact, and follow-up as core business systems.ConclusionThe message is blunt but freeing: your coaching certificate isn't the problem. The market changed. Starting in a garage, relying on word-of-mouth, and avoiding real marketing might have worked in 2013. In 2026, you're up against franchises with serious budgets, clean branding, and tight systems. The gyms that win aren't guessing; they know their numbers, invest in lead flow, nurture consistently, and build a brand that actually looks worth the price they're charging.CTABook a free call with Lasso to audit your current marketing, lead flow, and sales systems and see what needs to change to grow past your current revenue ceiling.
GLP-1s like Ozempic are showing up in CrossFit gyms whether coaches like it or not. Your members are already using them and most gym owners have no idea how to handle it.In this episode, Jason Ackerman and Jason Fernandez sit down with Dave Appel, Owner of SoLa CrossFit and Chief Health & Fitness Officer at Korb Health, to have the conversation most coaches are avoiding.We cover what GLP-1s actually do, why the CrossFit community's resistance to them may be hurting your members, and how to position your gym to support people using them without compromising your coaching standards.If you have members on GLP-1s and no clear answer for how to handle them, this episode is for you.---AffiliateCon 2026 | Dallas, TX | Oct 16-18https://www.affiliatecon.co/---Take the free Affiliate Blueprint Assessment
For almost a decade, CrossFit affiliate owners followed a misguided mantra:"CrossFit is done in big groups only."In 2026, we know this is false. CrossFit is an incredible tool you can use to get clients fit, and you can deliver coaching one on one, in semi-private groups, in small groups and in big groups. The more individual attention a client receives, the higher the rate.That's critical: High-value services such as PT help CrossFit gyms dramatically increase average revenue per member (ARM). Back in the day, ARM scores of $100-$150 were common, and many gym owners struggled to make a profit.Now, with PT sales and group-plus-PT "hybrid packages," CrossFit gyms can push ARM north of $200.Chris Vasseur of Bionic CrossFit is the proof: His ARM is $400+ on the strength of PT sales. The best part: Vasseur doesn't get slimy to sell PT. He just tells people exactly how to accomplish their goals."Want to be able to link 20 double-unders? I can teach you. Let's book a one-on-one slot next week."It's that simple.Tune in as host Mike Warkentin gets all the details from a CrossFit affiliate owner who uses real talk and a desire to help to sell lots of PT.Links"Help First" by Chris CooperAffinity Marketing: How to Get Clients FastGym Owners UnitedBook a Call0:01 - Intro0:45 - Who needs more help?5:29 - PT rates7:56 - Selling PT13:30 - New PT clients16:31 - ARM boosters
Most CrossFit gym owners think they need more leads, but they overlook the easiest source of growth: referrals. In this episode, we break down how to create a great member experience, ask for referrals the right way, and use systems like Bring-A-Friend Week to turn your members into your most powerful growth engine.---FREE TRAINING: How to Turn Your Members Into Your Most Powerful Growth Enginehttps://www.besthouroftheirday.com/referral-flywheel---Ready to grow your gym? Take the FREE Affiliate Blueprint Assessmenthttps://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-blueprint-assessment
If your CrossFit gym feels stuck, it's probably not because you need to work harder. It's because you're solving the wrong problems in the wrong order.In this episode, we break down why growth happens in phases and how the Affiliate Blueprint helps you identify exactly what to focus on to plan your gym's breakthrough.--Take the FREE Affiliate Blueprint Assessment:https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-blueprint-assessment
You didn't open a CrossFit gym to struggle financially, but for many owners, not paying themselves enough has become normal. We break down why $100K should be the baseline for affiliate owners and why most never reach it.---Learn how to make $100k as a CrossFit Affiliate Owner:https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/$100k-Affiliate-Owner---Free Online Affiliate Business Assessment:https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-blueprint-assessment---Submit content ideas:https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/content
Presenting Sponsor Thirdzy! https://thirdzy.com/JAZZYPromotion Code for 15% off: JAZZYEveryday we take a break from the busy work day to catch our breath, hang out with friends and talk about the world of Sports, Entertainment and specifically CrossFit. Today we talk about the loss of an Icon Robert Duval, Have you ever melted down during a workout? the Arnold is about to take over the city of Columbus!
About 65% of small businesses fail by Year 10, so very few gym owners get to see what works across two decades of ownership.But Bill and Staci Russell have endured to achieve something rare: Their gym, CrossFit Cleveland, has been their sole source of income for nearly 20 years.In this episode, Bill shares hard-earned lessons learned from surviving multiple economic cycles, overcoming staff challenges, adjusting to market shifts and making personal pivots in the fitness industry.Bill and Two-Brain founder Chris Cooper—another two-decade gym owner—review practical lessons younger gym owners often miss, including:- Demand must be present before you commit to a facility.- Your first target market is often wrong.- Staffing mistakes compound over time.- Culture problems can be prevented before they appear.- Surviving is not succeeding.- Smart, ethical exits and transitions are possible.Whether you're early in ownership or deep into it, insight from these two long-serving entrepreneurs can help you make better decisions that will set you up for years of profitability, success and happiness.LinksGym Owners UnitedBook a Call5:55 - Proof of concept12:41 - Knowing your target market22:24 - Hire slow, fire fast37:55 - New gym owner mistakes43:25 - The secret to 20 years
Jason Ackerman sat down with Carleen, an affiliate owner of 11+ years who's still struggling to build and retain a coaching team—despite high standards and a strong community. We break down the real tradeoffs between coaching quality, sustainability, and family life, and what Carleen is actively changing to make her gym work long term.--Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact?Apply for Affiliate University
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Glynda McConville, an orthodontist from North Carolina who's built not just a well-balanced clinical life, but also a purposeful second business. We talk about her journey from New York to North Carolina, building a lifestyle-focused ortho practice across two locations, and how her love for CrossFit turned into a thriving side hustle that fuels her energy and sense of purpose.This is a down-to-earth, real-world conversation about how to design a practice around the life you want—and not the other way around. Glynda shares how she manages 70+ patients a day across three days a week, runs a team that travels between offices, and coaches at her own gym. We even get into the lessons she's learning about community, growth, and maybe… opening a pickleball facility next.Quotes:“I didn't set out to be a big business—I just saw an opportunity and said, ‘If I don't do this, someone else will.'”— Dr. Glynda McConville“CrossFit's been my reset. I needed something different that kept me grounded—and now it's become part of my future.”— Dr. Glynda McConvilleKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)From Glinda the Good Witch to ortho school: Glynda's early journey (00:31)Culture shock: from Westchester to Chapel Hill to NYC (02:00)Building a 2-location, lifestyle-friendly ortho practice (06:58)Managing a 3-day workweek and 70 patients/day (07:22)Working Fridays to stand out—and what she'd do differently (08:34)“Who Moved My Cheese?” and the psychology of patient routines (10:00)Why she opened a satellite near Fort Bragg (11:38)Sharing staff, equipment, and lessons from managing two offices (14:08)Her entrepreneurial leap: opening a CrossFit gym (15:38)Comparing ortho and gym startups: which is harder? (19:54)Finding and keeping the right team in both businesses (22:09)Member acquisition lessons from social media and referrals (24:04)What's next? Retirement planning, indoor pickleball, and life design (25:17)Additional ResourcesIf you've ever dreamed of launching a second business, scaling your practice without burning out, or building a schedule that works for you—this episode is your blueprint. Glynda proves you don't need to do it all at once… you just need to start smart, stay lean, and know your “why.”
Jason Ackerman and Jason Fernandez break down why referrals consistently outperform ads for CrossFit gyms—using real numbers, not opinions. They walk through the math behind cost to acquire a member, lifetime value, and why a properly structured referral offer drives faster growth, higher retention, and more profit.--Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact?Apply for Affiliate University
Raising rates in a CrossFit gym is rarely just a financial decision—especially with multiple owners involved. In this episode, Jason Ackerman works with Tommy Wilkinson of CrossFit Type 44 to walk through a real conversation about raising rates while navigating partnerships, leadership, and long-term sustainability.---FREE 3-minute Affiliate Assessment:
Taylor Self and Jason Ackerman go head-to-head on the issues every CrossFit coach and affiliate owner wrestles with overtraining, identity, and the culture you allow inside your gym. This conversation digs into the hard truths behind why coaches burn out, why athletes chase volume, and what it really takes to build a healthy, professional CrossFit community.--Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact?Apply for Affiliate University
Ready to sell your CrossFit gym? In this episode, Ackerman, Fern and PushPress CEO Dan Uyemura break down how to value your affiliate, prepare for the sale, and avoid leaving money on the table when it's time to exit.---Watch "How to Buy A CrossFit Gym"https://youtu.be/nrWn0OiYtgw--Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact?Apply for Affiliate University
Thinking about buying a CrossFit gym?
Jason Ackerman and Caleb Nelson reunite to unpack the hard lessons they learned from running Albany CrossFit together—and why their partnership ultimately failed. If you own a CrossFit affiliate, you'll discover the leadership mistakes, partnership pitfalls, and clarity issues to avoid so your gym doesn't repeat the same story.---Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact? Apply for Affiliate University
After 16+ years of affiliate ownership and a lifetime of lessons, Fern has learned firsthand why running a business is never easy. In this episode, he shares the hard realities of gym ownership and what it truly takes to succeed.--
The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch
Peter Rahal is the Co‑Founder & CEO of David Protein, the highest protein‑to‑calorie ratio for any protein bar on the market. Peter has raised over $85M from Greenoaks, Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman with the latest round valuing the company at $725 million. The company is poised for over $100 million in first‑year revenue. Formerly, Peter co‑founded RXBAR in his mom's basement with a $10k start, growing it into a household brand and selling it to Kellogg for $600 million. poised for over $100 million first‑year revenue Agenda for Today: 00:04 – The One Piece of Advice from My Father That Made $600M 00:07 – Selling Protein Bars from a CrossFit Gym to $2M in Year One 00:12 – Why Raising Money Early Would Have Killed RXBAR's Success 00:15 – Product vs Brand: What Every Brand Gets Wrong Today 00:17 – Why Red Bull is the Best Brand in the World? What Can We Learn From It? 00:20 – Are Brands the New Religion? How Status and Community Really Work 00:27 – The Boiled Cod Stunt: Brilliant Marketing or Massive Waste of Time? 00:35 – Selling RXBAR for $600M: Inside the Decision and the TAM Ceiling 00:40 – $100M Overnight: What Really Changes When You Get Rich 00:44 – The Hidden Costs of Success: Health, Relationships and Obsession 00:47 – Why Peter Doesn't Care What People Think… and Actually Likes Upsetting Them 00:53 – The $10B Plan for David: From Protein Bars to a Portfolio of Brands
Best D Life with Daniela- Helping You Find the Bliss in Your Busy
In this episode I chat with health coach Brian Parana. Bryan shares practical strategies for balancing health, mindset, and family, emphasizing the power of small, consistent actions over perfection. He discusses overcoming common obstacles like the all-or-nothing mindset, building momentum, and planning for life's unpredictability. Bryan also highlights the importance of gratitude, connection, and sustainable routines. He introduces his program, The Call to Rise, designed to help men reclaim their health and confidence. The episode offers actionable tips and inspiration for creating lasting wellness amidst a busy life.More than a health coach, Brian Parana is a transformative catalyst who comprehends the intricate balance between professional achievement, personal well-being, and family responsibility. With 20+ years of experience, Brian focuses NOT on a diet or just exercise but on empowering and building confidence for his clients. By blending science-supported strategies, relentless support, then a personalized plan is designed for each client to regain control of their health while building a career and support a family. He helps clients prioritizing health, whether that be weight loss, improving poor health or simply a desire to live a healthier lifestyle, He helps clients identify other areas which may be obstacles towards a healthy, balanced life. Once identified, Brian and his clients work towards that desired balance. Over the years, Brian has helped 1,000s of clients through being a personal trainer, CrossFit Gym owner, online speaker, and now coaching professionals around the globe with their fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle goals through commitment and dedication. He has had the privilege of coaching a 2-time Olympian and a CrossFit World Champion. Now he helps men transform their bodies and lives with The Call To Rise a 100-Day Fat Loss and Transformation Experience. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Amber. Together they have 4 children ranging from ages 10 to 15. With 3 boys and 1 girl, Brian lives what he teaches every day. The Paranas have a passion for travel, having explored all 50 states and 3 continents so far. Their next goal is to visit ALL 7 continents.Connect with Brian!Website - https://brianparana.com/Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
What should your CrossFit gym really be offering? In this live 1-on-1 sit down, we help Bob—an actual Affiliate Owner—break down whether programs like nutrition coaching, personal training, and childcare are worth keeping or cutting.If you're struggling with too many services, unclear ROI, or just trying to simplify your gym, this conversation will give you a framework to make smart decisions.
In part 3 of our leadership series with Sasha Mirkovich, we break down the 5 Levels of Leadership every CrossFit Affiliate Owner needs to understand to build a strong, aligned team. If you want to scale your impact and create a gym culture that lasts, it starts with developing leaders—not just Coaches.---
In part one of this 5-part leadership series, Sasha and Laura Mirovich share what it's really like to run a business with your spouse—and how they've stayed aligned for over 30 years. From building trust to scheduling “coffee time,” this episode is packed with tactical insights for CrossFit gym owners navigating partnership, parenting, and leadership.--
Jason Fernandez does a live coaching session with a CrossFit Gym Owner. Watch and learn as he solves the biggest pain point with an affiliate owner in real time. ---
Ryan Pepe, Owner of CrossFit Catawba Valley, shares how his 20-year career in NASCAR shaped his approach to gym ownership. From high-pressure pit crew operations to implementing systems that drive efficiency and growth, Ryan discusses key lessons that helped him transform his Affiliate. He also opens up about raising rates in a small town, improving the class experience, and why investing in mentorship was a game-changer for his business.--
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can the CrossFit Open serve as a tool for assessing overall fitness in a way that is both enjoyable and beneficial for non-competitive athletes? 2. What are effective benchmarks and alternative methods for measuring fitness that prioritize long-term health and performance? 3. How do we balance the pursuit of fitness goals with the need to listen to our bodies and modify workouts to prevent injury and promote longevity?
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can gym owners navigate the complexities of brand affiliation to ensure alignment with their values and community needs?2. What role does leadership play in fostering a supportive and transparent environment within fitness communities, especially during times of crisis? 3. In what ways can individuals maintain their passion for fitness and community while adapting to changes within the broader fitness landscape?
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can we effectively communicate our health and lifestyle choices to family members who may not understand or agree with our decisions? 2. What is the difference between passion, compliance, and obsession in our pursuit of health and wellness, and how can we maintain a balanced approach? 3. How can we navigate social situations and family dynamics while staying true to our values and prioritizing our health and happiness?
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: How does the quality of our relationships impact our overall health and well-being?What practical steps can we take to surround ourselves with a supportive and uplifting community?How can our environment influence our health, fitness, and personal growth behaviors?
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. What role does ego play in limiting our growth and happiness? 2. How do expectations alter our perception of reality and impact our happiness? 3. Why is the pursuit of end games a trap, and how can we embrace the journey instead?
We're answering questions from members of our Chase Club this week.We're exploring the nuances of incorporating children into gym culture and the role of various deadlift techniques in enhancing performance. We're also talking about fostering a supportive community in your CrossFit gym and how to redefine your purpose and identity after becoming a parent.===❤️