Five-Star Fitness by The Fit Guide

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  The Five-Star News Roundup — August’s Biggest Fitness Industry Stories 20.08.2026 19хв

  Five-Star Reception ServicesWelcome 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, co-founder and host Jack Thomas covers:⭐ Beyond Activ launches its new community app 🥊 Barry’s non-compete sparks industry debate 🧘 Club Pilates surpasses 1,500 studios globally 📈 STRONG Pilates accelerates US expansion 🏨 CorePower Yoga appoints a CEO from hospitality 🏋️ Life Time posts record revenue and member spending 📊 New ABC Fitness report reveals rising engagement 🇪🇺 Basic-Fit surpasses 2,100 clubs across Europe 🌏 REVL Training reaches 50 studios and enters Taiwan 🔥 HYROX participation and spending continue to surge 💪 Growth updates from BODYROK and Pvolve----------------------------------------------------------------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
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  What 10,000 Gym Members Told Les Mills with Ryan Hogan, CEO of APAC 11.08.2026 48хв

  Five-Star Gym Reception Services CourseRyan Hogan, CEO of Les Mills Asia Pacific, joins us to discuss the trends shaping the future of fitness. Drawing on insights from the latest Les Mills Global Report, we explore why more people are exercising than ever before, the growth of strength training, and why creating the right atmosphere and human connection is more important than ever.We discuss the new Les Mills and HYROX partnership, the role AI is likely to play in fitness over the next decade, and the biggest opportunities across Asia-Pacific. This episode is packed with practical insights for fitness operators.----------------------------------------------------------------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 LinksRyan Hogan on LinkedInLes Mills
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  The Mindset That Kills Gym Sales 04.08.2026 17хв

  Matt and Jack have spoken to gym owners and managers across the industry, and there’s one mindset that predicts a weak sales experience more than any other.In this episode, we discuss why sales should be viewed as service, the questions every team should be asking before making a recommendation, and how to guide people without overwhelming them. If you want to improve sales in your gym while making members feel comfortable and looked after, this is the episode for you.----------------------------------------------------------------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
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  The Future of Fitness: Where AI Meets Human Connection, with Jarron Aizen, CEO of Hapana 28.07.2026 30хв

  Five-Star Gym Reception Services CourseJarron Aizen, CEO of Hapana, joins the show to discuss how the brands that succeed will use AI to strengthen, rather than replace, human connection. We explore Hapana’s journey from a personal training platform to one of the industry’s leading software providers, why they rebuilt their entire platform from the ground up, and what operators should be thinking about as AI reshapes the way gyms are run.If you want to understand where fitness technology is heading over the next decade, this episode is a great place to start.----------------------------------------------------------------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 LinksJarron Aizen on LinkedInHapana
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  The Opportunities in South East Asia’s Fitness Industry, with Olivia Billingham of Ezypay 21.07.2026 38хв

  Liv Billingham of Ezypay joins host Jack Thomas to break down five of the region’s most important fitness markets: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.We explore the growth, trends and consumer behaviours shaping each country, from Singapore’s highly competitive boutique scene and Malaysia’s rapid development to Indonesia’s complex local landscape, the community-led Philippines market and Thailand’s strong resurgence.This is an essential overview for operators, investors and suppliers looking to better understand the opportunities across Southeast Asia.----------------------------------------------------------------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 LinksOlivia Billingham on LinkedIn
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  The Five-Star Fitness News Roundup — July’s Biggest Stories 14.07.2026 11хв

  Welcome 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 Thomas covers:⭐ The Fit Guide launches Five-Star Fitness Reception Course🇹🇭 GymNation expands into Thailand🏆 HYROX World Championships head to Hong Kong💰 HYROX reportedly secures a major new investor🚴 SoulCycle continues to close studios🎤 Our biggest takeaways from Beyond Activ📈 JETSET Pilates reaches 400 locations sold🌍 Expansion updates from Orangetheory, Fitstop and Club Pilates💬 Analysis, opinions and what it all means for the fitness industry----------------------------------------------------------------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
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  Why the World’s Best Gyms Respect Everyone’s Time 07.07.2026 20хв

  Most gyms get their late coming policy and implementation all wrong. In this episode, Matt and Jack discuss what fitness businesses can learn from hospitality about punctuality, communication and removing friction from the member journey.From starting and finishing classes on time to handling unavoidable delays professionally, we break down the standards that separate well-run clubs from the rest. If you want a more consistent experience, happier members and a stronger brand, this episode shows why every minute matters.----------------------------------------------------------------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
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  What the Fitness Industry Can Learn from Luxury Hospitality, with Yves Preissler 30.06.2026 32хв

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

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

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

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

  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
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  How the Best Gyms Build Community 26.05.2026 16хв

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  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