Five-Star Fitness by The Fit Guide

What the Fitness Industry Can Learn from Luxury Hospitality, with Yves Preissler 30.06.2026 32dk

Yves Preissler joins the show to discuss what the fitness industry can learn from the world’s leading hospitality brands. Drawing on decades of experience in luxury hotels, Yves explains why personalization, genuine human connection and consistently great service are what keep customers coming back.We discuss why front desk interactions often let gyms down, how small personalized touches can transform the member experience, and why the best sales strategy isn’t about pushing harder, but about building trust. If you want to create a more memorable experience, improve retention and sell with integrity, this episode is full of practical ideas you can apply immediately.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management software.Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution.Sign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsiteGuest LinksYves Preissler on LinkedIn

How the World’s Best Gyms Win Before the Workout Starts 23.06.2026 13dk

In this episode, Matt and Jack explore what fitness businesses can learn from luxury hospitality when it comes to pre-arrival communication. From booking journeys and confirmation emails to digital onboarding and social media, we discuss how the best brands build anticipation, reduce uncertainty and make clients feel welcomed before they even arrive. If you want to improve first impressions, this is where to start.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

What Gyms Can Learn from the Mandarin Oriental Approach to Five-Star Experiences, with Andrea Lomas-Gong 16.06.2026 33dk

Andrea Lomas of Mandarin Oriental joins the show to share what fitness businesses can learn from one of the world’s most respected luxury hospitality brands. From listening and anticipation to staff training, atmosphere and operational excellence, Andrea explains the principles that help Mandarin Oriental deliver consistently exceptional experiences around the world.We discuss how simple gestures often have the biggest impact, why the member journey starts long before a workout begins, and how great leaders create consistency through culture, systems and training. If you’ve ever wondered what separates truly world-class brands from everyone else, this episode offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management software.Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution.Sign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsiteGuest LinksAndrea Lomas-Gong on LinkedIn

500 Gym Visits. The 10 Biggest Opportunities. 12.06.2026 20dk

Our co-founder Jack Thomas recently spoke at Beyond Activ Bangkok on the 10 biggest opportunities in fitness.Based on insights from more than 500 anonymous gym visits worldwide, the talk was one of the most popular sessions at the event. We’re excited to share the full presentation with you here.----------------------------------------------------------------Build A Five-Star Reception Team ----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

The Five-Star Fitness News Roundup — June’s Biggest Stories 02.06.2026 15dk

The Fit Guide Dubai — Top StoriesWelcome back to our monthly fitness industry roundup, where we go beyond the headlines and break down what the biggest stories actually mean for operators, brands and the future of the industry.This month, Jack covers GymNation’s $100M raise and expansion plans, The Yard Gym’s global partnership with Nike, the launch of the Gym Equipment Design Awards, The Fit Guide’s 2026 Dubai results, FS8 reaching 100 studios, Les Mills’ latest global fitness report, BFT’s 10-year milestone, the standout stories from Beyond Activ, solidcore’s international expansion plans, Bathhouse’s $35M raise, and HYROX’s growing partnership ecosystem.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

How the Best Gyms Build Community 26.05.2026 16dk

Community has become one of the biggest buzzwords in fitness, but what does it actually mean, and how do great brands build it properly?In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what gyms can learn from hospitality brands like Soho House, where connection, programming and shared experiences sit at the centre of the business model. We discuss how fitness brands can create stronger communities, whether there’s such a thing as ‘too much’ community, and the small details that make people feel like they belong.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

How Do Dubai’s Boutique Gyms Compare To The Rest Of The World? 19.05.2026 14dk

The Fit Guide’s 2026 results for Dubai’s boutique fitness scene are in.In this episode, we break down the biggest stories and stats, including how Dubai compares to other global fitness cities, where the market is leading the world, where it’s still falling short, and where the biggest opportunities lie.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

How the Top 1% of Gyms Use Sales Psychology 13.05.2026 20dk

Sales in fitness is not just about getting someone to sign up. It is about understanding people, building trust and creating an experience that feels genuine from the start.In this episode, Matt and Jack break down the psychology behind effective gym sales, using lessons from hospitality and premium customer experience. From reciprocity and scarcity to the paradox of choice and the contrast principle, we explore how small adjustments in communication and presentation can influence decision-making ethically and naturally.The conversation covers practical examples including trial offers, membership packaging, pricing structure and how to guide potential members towards the right option without creating pressure. ----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

The Five-Star Fitness News Roundup — May’s Biggest Stories 06.05.2026 23dk

Welcome to the first edition of our monthly fitness industry roundup, where we go beyond the headlines and break down what the biggest stories actually mean for operators, brands and the future of the industry.This month, Jack covers ClassPass making reviews public, Les Mills partnering with HYROX, Club Pilates expanding into Southeast Asia, rising gym membership numbers across the US and UK, Nike shutting down its studios, Gymshark opening a flagship gym in Miami, XENOM entering the fitness racing space, boutique consolidation through the Basecamp acquisition, and WHOOP’s rise into a full-scale health platform. Expect analysis, opinions and practical takeaways from across boutique fitness, wellness, technology and the wider fitness ecosystem.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

What the World’s Best Gyms Do When Clients Show Up Late 28.04.2026 15dk

Late arrivals happen in every boutique gym. The question is how you handle them. In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what the world’s leading gyms do when clients show up late, and why getting this right matters for both the latecomer and everyone already in the room.We cover clear policies, how to communicate them well, and how to train your team to deal with these moments calmly, consistently and with empathy. From protecting the flow of the class to handling difficult conversations graciously, this episode is about turning a common friction point into part of a five-star experience.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

How Your ‘Best’ Trainers Could Be Hurting Your Business, with Emma Masters 21.04.2026 36dk

Emma Masters, founder of Therapy Fitness and fitness industry speaker and consultant, joins the show to discuss a common but unspoken issue that many gyms overlook. Your most popular instructors can be driving busy classes, but if they’re not focused on new members they can also be holding your business back.Emma shares a clear, important perspective on experience and how to maintain consistency across your brand that every gym owner should hear.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management software.Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution.Sign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsiteGuest LinksEmma Masters on LinkedInTherapy Fitness

What The World’s Best Boutique Gyms Know About Design 16.04.2026 13dk

Design plays a bigger role in the fitness experience than most operators realise. It shapes the first impression, sets the tone and influences how people move through the gym space.In this episode, Matt and Jack break down what great design actually looks like, drawing on lessons from hospitality. From creating a clear sense of arrival to balancing form and function, using lighting and sensory elements, and avoiding generic choices, this is a practical look at how thoughtful design can elevate the entire experience without needing a huge budget.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

Purpose and Profit: Find Your North Star, with Barry and Shay Kostabi 07.04.2026 46dk

Barry and Shay Kostabi of Fitcarma join the show to talk about what it really takes to build a meaningful, five-star fitness brand. At the centre of their work is helping operators find their “North Star” and use it to guide everything, from the member journey to how your team shows up every day.The end result is a business and brand that stands out, knows what it stands for (and against), is more purposeful and — crucially, more profitable!----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management software.Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution.Sign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsiteGuest LinksBarry Kostabi LinkedInShay Kostabi InstagramFitcarma

Service Recovery: How the Best Gyms Turn Complaints into Raving Fans 31.03.2026 17dk

In this episode, Matt and Jack break down how the world’s best gyms approach service recovery and turn complaints into a competitive advantage. From handling feedback in the moment to using structured frameworks like LEARN, they explore how resolving issues properly can improve service, strengthen teams and build trust.Most gyms avoid complaints, but the best use them. From front desk conversations to real-time problem solving, this episode focuses on how service recovery can drive consistency, create better experiences and turn frustrated clients into loyal members.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

What Makes A Five-Star Group Class Experience with Will Brereton 24.03.2026 43dk

Will Brereton joins the show to share what a five-star fitness experience means to him, drawing on his experience with Les Mills, Beachbody, and as GM for ClassPass UK and Ireland. More recently, he founded SH1FT, a concept focused on redefining how group classes are delivered in clubs.With a background rooted in class experience, this is a practical episode for trainers, managers and owners looking to raise their standards.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management software.Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution.Sign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsiteGuest LinksWill Brereton LinkedInSH1FT Fitness

How the Best Gyms Turn Feedback Into a Competitive Advantage 17.03.2026 16dk

In this episode, Matt and Jack break down how the world’s best gyms turn feedback into a competitive advantage. From asking better questions to capturing meaningful insights, they explore how feedback can improve service, strengthen teams and shape a better overall experience.Most gyms collect feedback, but very few know how to use it. From front desk conversations to team debriefs, this episode focuses on how feedback can drive consistency, build trust and create long-term loyalty.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

What the World’s Best Gyms Expect Every Team Member to Know 10.03.2026 12dk

Matt and Jack discuss why knowledge matters so much in a five-star experience and what gyms can learn from hospitality. From understanding class types and coaches to confidently explaining memberships and facilities, we break down how better product knowledge builds trust, professionalism and a smooth, five-star client journey.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

How Do Melbourne’s Boutique Gyms Compare To The Rest Of The World? 03.03.2026 12dk

The Fit Guide’s results for Melbourne in 2026 are live. In this episode, we break down the main stories and stats, including how Melbourne compared to Sydney and other markets, which modality scored highest and where the biggest opportunities are.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

How the Best Gyms Make Every Client Feel Seen 24.02.2026 15dk

Matt and Jack break down why being noticed matters, how it shapes first impressions, and why prompt acknowledgement makes people feel like they belong.They share how leading hotels train their teams to greet every guest, from the front desk to the gardeners, including the well-known “10 and 5 Rule”, and how this can be used in fitness. From eye contact and body language to the first words you say when someone walks in, this episode is about making sure no client feels invisible.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management softwareEzypay, our preferred subscription and payment solutionSign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsite

The Blueprint for Five-Star Gym Design with Chris Howell 17.02.2026 47dk

Chris Howell of SPX Gym Design is a leader in five-star gym design, creating standout fitness spaces for hospitality and boutique brands such as Soho House, One Hotel, Proper Hotel, Hilton and Rumble Boxing. He joins us to break down what separates a basic gym from one that’s truly special.We cover essentials versus luxury, where to spend and where to save, why flooring, lighting and flow matter, and how hotels can go beyond the gym with recovery and wellness spaces. Chris also shares how small, hard-to-quantify details make a space feel genuinely five-star.----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsorsHapana, our preferred gym management software.Ezypay, our preferred subscription and payment solution.Sign up to our newsletterhttps://thefitguide.com/subscribeConnect with The Fit GuideLinkedInInstagramWebsiteGuest LinksChris Howell LinkedInSPX Gym Design