Why Gym Ownership is Lonely (And What Actually Helps)

The hidden isolation of running a gym—and why finding the right people changes everything

Running a business can be lonely.

There’s a lot on your shoulders. 

And there are never enough hours in the day.

You’re trying to serve your clients. And your team. And you also want to be there for your friends and family.

The down months can be crazy-making. It can feel like you’re the only person getting their ass kicked.

(Ask another business owner how business is going. 9 times of 10, the answer is: “Great! Never been better!” This does not always reflect reality.)

This is very true for early stage gym owners. 

When you’re looking at your bank app, nervous the EFTs won’t clear in time to cover rent or payroll.

And it’s true if you’ve been doing great…

But afraid a wave of terminations signals the plane is starting to go down and culture and quality has been diluted as you’ve grown.

On the other hand, if you get a big win, you don’t really have anyone to share it with.

Within reason, your clients and team are rooting for you. But everyone knows you’re the one getting the upside. So it can be a strange dynamic.

And your friends and family may give you a perfunctory “Congrats!” But they’re not out there building the thing. It’s not their fault, but they don’t get it.

The single most important thing I’ve done for my business success, but even more so, my mental health, has been getting into communities of other business owners.

From my mixed-industry Forum that I’ve met with every month for 10 years….

To my gym owner pals who I relentlessly pester with podcasts, book recs, and random hot take requests…

To the Unicorn Society and Leadership Society itself, where I’m technically the organizer but feel very much among “my people.”

But here’s the sticky part:

If you want more community in your life, you have to put yourself out there.

You have to find the humans and then put in the effort. 

It’s weird making friends in middle age. But you can. And I’d argue you HAVE to. Or you’ll go nuts.

This takes time. And effort. You’ll also need to get comfortable sharing what’s really going on, both good and bad. And inviting others to be real with you too. Because that’s the only way to build real closeness.

But if you get this right, this whole thing becomes SO much more bearable.

Look, I’d love it if joining our crew was the right fit for you.

But I know not everyone reading is in the right place in their professional journey.

And some of you like my emails just fine, but I’m not a vibe fit.

Fine. No matter.

Whether it’s with BFU or some other group,

This shit is just too hard to do alone.

Because improved business results aside…

You simply can’t underestimate the mere power of being truly known and cared for and rooted for by a group of fellow travelers on this gym ownership journey.

No matter how you do it,

I’m wishing you true community.

I hope you “find the others.”

Only connect,

Mark

PS If you think it may be time to take action,

I’d love to tell you more about the Unicorn Society.

The first step is to book a 10-minute intro call HERE.