In today’s missive, I cover a topic almost everyone seems to mess up.
But it’s a bit of a departure from my usual fitness business musings.
So I hope you’ll stick with me…
First, I did want to mention Early Bird pricing for our next retreat in Toronto on March 21st-22nd ends on Monday.
You can find the agenda HERE.
And you can claim your spot below:
This retreat is squarely focused on everything related to gym marketing and sales.
We’ll cover what’s working now to get more leads and more clients,
By modelling what the top 1% of gym owners are doing in 2025 to grow and thrive.
And pretty much every gym wants more leads and more clients, am I right?
After all, that’s the key to:
- Depositing more cash in your bank account each month
- Creating a bigger impact on your community
- Paying your team a great living
- Having some measure of freedom in your life
These are all laudable goals.
BUT
Let’s not get it twisted.
We’ve got good evidence about what actually makes people flourish.
And while you need to at least pay your bills,
Optimal flourishing is NOT about chasing worldly achievements or a sick lambo.
It’s about Relationships and Experiences.
That’s part of what makes these retreats so magical.
You get BOTH.
I’ve been reflecting on this topic a lot lately.
Partly inspired by an excellent audiobook by a dear friend, The Magic of Tiny Moments: How to Cultivate Love, Friendship, and Community. ← HIGHLY recommend btw
In brief,
Outside of work and family obligations,
Most of us are spending too much of our free time alone.
This is a core barrier to happiness at the societal and individual level.
Hell, even when we’re with our families, we’re often STILL alone.
We don’t really recharge by mindlessly scrolling Instagram or bingeing Netflix.
This is part of why our work as gym owners is so vital.
Our gyms often act as a secular church: people with shared values, coming together in the pursuit of positive aspirations.
Creating community is good for your retention. But it’s also crucial for your clients’ long term physical — and psychological — well-being.
That’s why I’m a relentless advocate for getting out of your gym and going cool to places to learn and connect with other gym owners.
Small business owners spend a lot of time in their heads.
And you’re always being exposed to everyone else’s highlight reels,
While wrestling with the inevitable parade of challenges.
It can feel like you’re snorting crushed-up crazy pills.
Few things are a better balm for the stresses of business ownership,
Then talking to OTHER business owners.
This can completely change how you feel about your business.
Which can lead to different and more effective behaviors,
While showing up with more presence and capacity for your loved ones.
So if you’re feeling like you could use a shot of momentum,
We’d love to have you join us.
The price goes up on Monday.
You can find the agenda HERE.
And click below to join us.
Friendshipping for the win, always,
Mark
PS Can’t make it to Toronto for these dates?
BFU is hosting a bunch of intimate gym owner meet-ups all over the US and UK.
So if you’re craving learning in the context of an in-person community that shares your values…
Reply “RETREATS” and I’ll share the schedule.