Club Solutions Magazine
Business & Finance
About
Podcast by Club Solutions Magazine
Episodes
- Why Passion Isn't Enough: The Case for Evidence-Based Fitness
Most fitness professionals believe they are giving members accurate, up-to-date guidance. The research says otherwise. Episode 18 of The Research Debrief examines two papers that reveal a significant disconnect between what the science say…
- The Next Era of Fitness with Mark Mastrov — sponsored by ROR
Mark Mastrov, founder of 24 Hour Fitness, discusses his return to the company and his first-year priorities. He also shares insights on the future of the fitness industry and key areas for operators to monitor.
- Why 10 Minutes of Cardio May Be All Your Members Need
This episode of The Research Debrief discusses a study on Reduced Exertion High Intensity Interval Training (REHIT), which suggests that 10-minute cardio sessions with short, intense sprints can provide meaningful cardiovascular and metabo…
- Cardio vs. Strength vs. Both: The Science on Concurrent Training
This episode reviews a meta-analysis on concurrent training, exploring its impact on body composition in middle-aged and older adults. It discusses the interference effect, how combining cardio and strength training influences muscle size,…
- Beyond The Booth: What Keiser Has Learned from Eight Years at the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat
Alastair Watson discusses lessons learned from eight years at the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat, emphasizing the value of meaningful conversations and relationship-building in the fitness industry over transactional interactions.
- More Sets, No More Muscle: The Largest Study on Strength Training Volume Has Answers
Episode 15 of The Research Debrief examines the largest-ever study on strength training volume, involving over 100 participants. It found no significant difference in muscle hypertrophy between those doing 9 sets and those doing 36 sets pe…
- The Strength Training Myths Trainers Are Still Telling Female Members
A brand new meta-analysis synthesizes the most comprehensive look at how women respond to resistance training across their entire lifespan and the findings should reshape how fitness operators program, coach and communicate with their fema…
- Leading the Next Generation: Hiring, Motivating & Retaining Gen Z Employees
This expert panel explores what today's youngest professionals truly value in the fitness industry, how to communicate in ways that resonate and how to build career paths that keep them engaged for the long haul. Whether you're managing Ge…
- Community as a Growth Strategy with Stephanie Schon of The Bar Method
What does it take to build a thriving boutique fitness franchise? For The Bar Method, the answer is community. Stephanie Schon, the brand president of The Bar Method, has spent the last five and a half years scaling a brand where 99% of st…
- ACSM Has a New Position Stand for Resistance Training — Here's What You Need to Know
The American College of Sports Medicine just published its first updated position stand on resistance training since 2009, and the findings challenge some the most widely held assumptions in the fitness industry. In Episode 13, hosts Rache…
- Exercise Improves Academic Performance — And Operators Aren't Talking About It
Did you know exercise directly improves academic performance? In Episode 12 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson break down a large-scale randomized controlled trial linking gym exercise to academic outcomes in col…
- A First Look at the ITR Economics Keynote at the 2026 Club Solutions Leadership Summit
Uncertainty is defining today’s business environment — but for leaders who know what to look for, it also presents opportunity. In this exclusive Q&A, Tara Bayke, economist and senior consultant at ITR Economics, offers a preview of her up…
- Stop Selling Cardio as a Calorie Burner — Science Says You're Wrong
A major paper recently published is challenging one of fitness' most entrenched assumptions and the implications for how clubs communicate the value of exercise are significant. In Episode 11 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko an…
- Combatting the False Positive Interview with Laura Clark of Corporate Health Unlimited
The perfect candidate, the flawless interview, the confident hire — and then, just a few months in, the sinking realization that something went wrong. Laura Clark, the vice president of Corporate Health Unlimited, joined Club Solutions Mag…
- Personal Training vs Training Partner: New Research Settles the Debate
A new study puts hard numbers behind a question fitness operators have long debated and the findings make a compelling case for the value of personal training. In Episode 10 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlso brea…
- Motivation Over Metrics: Jay Worthy of Myzone on the Future of Member Engagement
As wearable technology continues to trend in the fitness industry and data overload pushes members to disengage, fitness operators are confronting a harder question: Is more measurement actually driving more motivation — or is it driving p…
- Exercise is the Other Half of the GLP-1 Equation — Here's Why
Millions of Americans are currently taking GLP-1 medications and new research is make the case that resistance training isn't just complementary to the medication. It's essential to it. In Episode 9 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Ch…
- One Set to Failure: Rethinking Strength Training Efficiency
New research challenges the industry's long-held belief that more volume drives better results, showing shorter, high-effort sessions may deliver better results for trained members. In Episode 8 of the Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko…
- Global Expansion with Clive Chesser of PureGym
Clive Chesser, the CEO of PureGym, shares the evolution of the brand from its start in the UK to its global expansion across Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. The conversation highlights the brand's success, Chesser's background, global…
- What Motivates Men vs. Women to Invest in Personal Training
Personal training is a common service in the fitness industry, but the reasoning behind why men and women choose personal training can be very different. In Episode 7 of The Research Debrief, hosts Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson look at an…
- Reimagining People Management with Rosanna Tucker of CoverMe
As recruitment challenges intensify and last minute coverage disrupts operations, fitness leaders are confronting a bigger question: Is people management built to scale — or are outdated systems hurting the member experience? Rosanna Tucke…
- The Science of Exercising While Pregnant: What Clubs Need to Know
Exercise during pregnancy has long been encouraged, but clear guidance on what actually drives measurable physiological benefits has often been inconsistent. Episode 6 of The Research Debrief unpacks a newly published systematic review and…
- Why Women Don't Need to Time Strength Training Around Their Cycle
As fitness guidance continues to evolve, some of the most widely accepted ideas deserve a second look. In Episode 5 of The Research Debrief, Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson examine new research published in the Journal of Physiology that ch…
- Rethinking Zone 2: How Clubs Should Coach Cardio Now
What if the most popular cardio advice is actually slowing member progress — instead of accelerating it? In Episode 4 of The Research Debrief, Rachel Chonko, our hosts examine new scientific research questioning the effectiveness of “Zone…
- How to Talk About Strength Training Without Confusing Members
What if one of the most confusing parts of strength training… is also one of the simplest? In Episode 3 of The Research Debrief, our hosts break down a recent high-impact study that challenges one of the most persistent beliefs in fitness:…
- Designing Growth with Intention with Sam Bernstein of Chelsea Piers
Sam Bernstein, COO of Chelsea Piers, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the brand's growth and new locations.
- The Research That Redefines Exercise Programming for Older Adults
Could healthy aging be the fitness industry's biggest opportunity? In Episode 2 of The Research Debrief, Rachel Chonko, Editor-in-Chief of Club Solutions, and Luke Carlson, founder and CEO of Discover Strength, examine the scientific conse…
- The Science Behind Strength Training, Anxiety and Depression
What if strength training is one of the most powerful — and underused — tools for improving mental health? In Episode 1 of The Research Debrief, Rachel Chonko, Editor-in-Chief of Club Solutions, and Luke Carlson, founder and CEO of Discove…
- A YouFit Year in Review: Growth, Culture and Efficiency with Josh Rider
Josh Rider, president and COO of YouFit, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the transformation of the brand since his start in his role and where he see the future of the company headed.
- Scaling Fitness Operations with Clarity and Consistency with Matt Goebel of Woven
Matt Goebel, CEO and founder of Woven, sat down with Club Solutions Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the platform’s creation to streamline operations for multi-location fitness businesses. Goebel shares how simplifying operational pro…
- Community, Recovery and the Future of Wellness with Fit Athletic Club's Chad Shaw
Chad Shaw, COO of Fit Athletic Club in San Diego, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss community, recovery and wellness in the fitness industry. Shaw discusses the luxury fitness brand's signature eve…
- How AI Is Transforming Fitness Clubs with Brian Holmes of AI Front Desk
With the ongoing AI-craze, there’s newfound potential for clubs to bridge gaps in service quality and sales execution for lasting improvement. That’s why companies like AI Front Desk are stepping up to offer promising results amid this nat…
- Transforming Members into Valuable Participants with Mario Tarquinio of Les Mills
Every health club leader should understand the importance of their most valuable participants. They stay and visit longer at clubs and are often your loudest advocators. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat d…
- Revolutionizing Strength Training with Luke Carlson and Discover Strength
Luke Carlson, the founder and CEO of Discover Strength, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss everything regarding efficient, research-backed strength training. Carlson details how the company was foun…
- Redefining Fitness for Gen Z Members with Ruben Mejia of SportsArt
The most influential generation that’s shaping the fitness industry right now is Gen Z members. This value-driven, tech-savvy group is redefining what it means to be a fitness consumer. They prioritize authenticity, sustainability, mental…
- Elevating the Member Experience Through Hospitality with Blair McHaney
Blair McHaney, the president and CEO of MXM, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss everything regarding member experience from creating memorable moments to intentional service. Key strategies include…
- The Secret Sauce to Group Fitness Programming with Jenn Hogg
Jenn Hogg, the director of group fitness at East Bank Club in Chicago, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to unpack what it really takes to build a thriving group fitness program. They cover everything from al…
- Recovery and Biohacking Innovations with Laura Wilson of Power Plate
Recovery and biohacking innovations continue to be a major focus of the fitness industry. One company excelling with this current trend is Power Plate. With comprehensive staff training, digital resources and proven results used by pro tea…
- Episode 109: Scaling Smarter: How [solidcore] Is Building for the Long Term
Bryan Myers, the CEO of [solidcore], recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko. The two discuss the brand's recent majority investment from L Catterton, what sustainable growth really looks like in boutique…
- Episode 108: Global Fitness Trends with Chris Smith
Chris Smith, the CEO and president of Fitness World, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss current global fitness industry trends. Smith highlights the industry's resilience during economic un…
- Green Fitness with Ruben Mejia of SportsArt
A growing demand in the fitness industry from younger generations is access to environmentally responsible fitness solutions. To meet this trend, the energy-generating equipment at SportsArt can help clubs become carbon neutral through the…
- Flexible Franchise Models with Derek Riley of Zoo Health Club
Derek Riley, the COO and president of Zoo Health Club, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the unique franchise model of Zoo Health Club that emphasizes customization and community-focused fitness ce…
- Strength Training and Group Fitness Trends with Alyssa D’Aquino
Alyssa D’Aquino, the vice president of fitness at CR Fitness Holdings, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss hot Pilates, strength training trends, what people are really looking for in group fitness a…
- Boutique Fitness Success With Justin Fouse and ClubReady
A hot topic in the fitness industry is how can traditional health clubs bring the boutique experience into their own four walls? With boutique concepts like Pilates, recovery and strength training shaping consumer expectations, operators a…
- Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Club Solutions Institute Education with Ralph Rajs
In today’s fast-paced fitness industry, providing quality education and training for club operators and staff is crucial to long-term success. Ralph Rajs, the vice president of education for Club Solutions Institute, sat down with Club Sol…
- Episode 102: Enhancing Club Safety with Focus Health
Ensuring your club is prepared to face a range of emergencies and situations is crucial in providing an environment where members can feel truly safe. That’s where Focus Health, a national leader in providing emergency preparedness product…
- Episode 101: Acing Marketing in 2025 with Allison Rand
In today’s online-crazed culture, promoting your club and getting your name in front of as many potential members as possible is essential to the livelihood of your business. Allison Rand, the vice president of marketing at YouFit Gyms, sa…
- Episode 100: The Pickleball Boom with Eric O’Connor
For the last few years, pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in the U.S., and there are no signs of it slowing down. The activity not only serves as an easy point of entry for those wanting a fun way to exercise and compete with f…
- Episode 99: Operational Problem Solving with Fitness Revolution
One common issue for club leaders is they sometimes struggle to identify the correct problems to solve in the industry. Luckily, one resource helping to solve this is Fitness Revolution, a business coaching firm providing business coaching…
- Episode 98: Recapping 2024 with Scott Gillespie
2024 was another year of advancement and success for the fitness industry. While there were still some growing pains in the continued rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, many clubs saw a surge in sales and member interest in new programs.…