Club Solutions Magazine

Few names carry as much weight in the fitness industry as Mark Mastrov. As the founder of 24 Hour Fitness — which has grown from a single club to now more than 400 locations — Mastrov went on to build Crunch Fitness and UFC Gym. Now, he's returned to where it all started. In this episode of the Club Solutions Magazine podcast, sponsored by ROR, Mastrov joined host Taylor Gabhart to discuss what brought him back to 24 Hour Fitness, the three priorities driving his first year, where the industry is headed and what operators at every level should be paying attention to right now. Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/ Visit our website: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClubSolutions Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubsolutionsmag/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/club-solutions-magazine Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clubsolutionsmag

The number one barrier to exercise is time. And this research is just another piece of evidence showing how club may be able to solve that. Episode 17 of The Research Debrief examines a paper published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism on Reduced Exertion High Intensity Interval Training (REHIT) — a protocol designed to deliver meaningful cardiovascular and metabolic adaptation in as little as 10 minutes per session. This Episode Covers: - What the "minimal effective dose" framework means when applied to aerobic exercise — and why the fitness industry has been slow to ask the question - The REHIT protocol: two all-out 20-to-30-second sprints within a 10-minute session, two to three times per week, and the metabolic and cardiovascular adaptations the research shows it produces - Why intensity — not duration — is the operative variable in this approach, and what "all-out effort" actually means in practice - Which cardio modalities work best for this protocol and why the stationary bike is the most practical and accessible starting point for most members - How clubs can apply this research to programming, member education, and conversations around the number one barrier to exercise: perceived lack of time 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

One of the most persistent debates in fitness — whether combining cardio and strength training undermines the results of each — just got a thorough scientific review. Episode 16 of The Research Debrief breaks down a newly published meta-analysis examining the effects of concurrent training, defined in scientific literature as combining aerobic and resistance training, on body composition in middle-aged and older adults. This Episode Covers: - What concurrent training is, why researchers study it separately from cardio and strength alone, and the molecular science behind the so-called interference effect. - Whether adding cardio to a strength program negatively impacts muscle size, strength, or power. - Whether adding strength training to an endurance program compromises aerobic fitness gains . - Why combining strength and cardio in the same session eliminates the post-workout calorie-burning effect that strength training alone produces, and what that means for how combination classes are marketed. - How operators and fitness professionals can use this research to have more precise goal-setting conversations with members and correct common misconceptions that may be steering them toward the wrong programming. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

Alastair Watson has been in rooms with thousands of people at industry trade shows. And after years of two-minute conversations and badge scans, he started asking a different question: what would it look like to actually get to know someone? In this episode, Watson shares what eight years of attending the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat has taught him about the fitness industry, building real business relationships, and what happens when you slow down long enough to actually listen. Spoiler: one breakfast conversation turned into a 300-bike order for Keiser. But more than the numbers, it's the quality of conversations — at the roundtables, over lunch, during team building — that keeps him coming back. If you've ever wondered whether the format of an event matters as much as the content, this one's worth a listen. Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/ Visit our website: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClubSolutions Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clubsolutionsmag/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/club-solutions-magazine Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clubsolutionsmag

The long-held belief that more sets means more muscle has been challenged by the largest study ever conducted on resistance training volume and muscle hypertrophy. Episode 15 of The Research Debrief breaks down the newly published paper co-authored by Luke Carlson on a study done by Discover Strength that compared high-volume and low-volume strength training from more than 100 trained participants over 12 weeks. The findings carry real implications for how clubs communicate the value of their programming. What this episode covers: - The study design behind the largest resistance training volume trial ever conducted — 100-plus trained participants, 22 locations, 12 weeks - Why no statistically significant difference in muscle hypertrophy was found between participants doing nine sets and those doing 36 sets per workout - What "fractional sets" are and how researchers used them to accurately measure and compare training volume across exercises - Why participant training history matters and what these results mean specifically for the experienced gym members operators are most likely serving - The bottom line for time-crunched members: a low-volume strength training session isn't a shortcut, it's the most efficient path to results the research currently supports 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 female members. Episode 14 breaks down the paper which reviewed 126 studies involving more than 4,000 women ranging from premenopausal to postmenopausal, with a mean age of 50. Several of the conclusions directly challenge common myths still being repeated on gym floors today. This Episode Covers: - Why women have been significantly underrepresented in exercise science research for decades — and why this paper represents a meaningful shift. - The myth-busting finding that females achieve similar lower body strength and hypertrophy gains as males, and actually show greater relative upper body strength increases. - Why no age-related differences in adaptive capacity were found — meaning women at 50, 70 and 80 respond to resistance training to the same degree. - The frequency finding that training two times per week produced comparable results to three or four times per week. - Why current resistance training recommendations appear to apply equally to both sexes. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 Gen Z for the first time or looking to strengthen your approach, this is the conversation you don't want to miss.

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 studio owners are women, growth is driven from within the client base and community is treated as a core business strategy. Schon joined the Club Solutions Magazine podcast to discuss how the brand approaches franchisee selection and support, what KPIs matter most in year one and why the boutique fitness boom is only getting started — particularly as Gen Z and Millenials increasingly drive industry spending.

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 Rachel Chonko and Luke Carlson break down the ACSM's new paper which synthesized more than 30,000 studies published over the last 15 years. The conclusions are clarifying with direct implications for how health clubs program, communicate and coach. This Episode Covers: - What the science actually says drives muscle growth (and what doesn't — including some widely held assumptions about load and frequency). - Why progressive overload is the single most important variable in any strength training program. - The case for minimal effective dose: how three exercises, once or twice per week, can produce meaningful results. - What the safety data says about resistance training for older adults — and why the risk perception doesn't match the evidence. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 college students, alongside a supporting meta-analysis covering youth from ages 6 to 18. This Episode Covers: - How students with free gym access outperformed their peers academically — completing more courses, dropping fewer classes and failing fewer exams — and what drove those results. - What a supporting meta-analysis found when examining resistance training's impact on children ages 6–18, spanning cognitive function, grades and classroom behavior. - Why Carlson argues most operators are underestimating the benefits of exercise — and how academic performance represents one of the most underleveraged membership value propositions available. - Why the research points specifically to structured gym exercise — not general movement — as the key variable, and what that means for the value of a physical facility. - How clubs with family memberships can reframe their marketing around a benefit most parents have never considered: that consistent gym use may be directly improving their child's academic performance. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed on our website. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 upcoming keynote at the 2026 Club Solutions Leadership Summit, taking place May 18–20 at The Montage in Park City, Utah. This conversation is just a glimpse into the insights Summit attendees will gain during her session. At the event, attendees will walk away with a clear, data-driven framework for navigating what’s ahead — including: -What’s driving growth — and what risks are building beneath the surface -How to time key decisions like hiring, expansion and investment -The economic indicators that directly impact membership, retention and revenue -Why forecasting is less about what to do — and more about when to do it As Bayke explains, most businesses don’t struggle with strategy — they struggle with timing. Her keynote will equip attendees with the clarity, confidence and direction to make smarter decisions ahead of the next shifts in the market. If you’re attending the Summit, this is a first look at the insights you’ll gain in Park City. And if you’re not, you’ll still want to watch — we’ll be sharing a full post-event breakdown of the key takeaways.  For more information on the Club Solutions Leadership Summit, visit https://peakemediaevents.com/summit

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 and Luke Carlson break down new research from Duke University on constrained total energy expenditure and how the body automatically compensates for calories burned during cardio, effectively neutralizing the caloric deficit most members assume they're creating. This Episode Covers: - What the constrained total energy expenditure model is and why it challenges decades of conventional thinking about cardio and weight loss. - How the body automatically offsets calories burned during aerobic exercise — making total daily caloric expenditure largely unchanged regardless of activity level. - Why combining cardio with caloric restriction, the most common weight loss approach, actually amplifies the compensation effect. - How resistance training produces the opposite response, increasing caloric expenditure for the remainder of the day. - Why the fitness industry needs to update how it talks about cardio — and what a more accurate, trust-building message looks like for members. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/03/stop-selling-cardio-as-a-calorie-burner-science-says-youre-wrong/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 Magazine editor and podcast host Taylor Gabhart to discuss what she calls "the false positive interview," a hiring phenomenon in which a candidate appears perfect on paper and through the interview process, only to fall short once on the job. After noticing an uptick in turnover at the company — after maintaining a 94% employee retention rate for decades — Clark and her team spent 90 days auditing their review and onboarding system to identify where things were breaking down. The conversation covers the warning signs operators should watch for, the structural changes Corporate Health Unlimited made to its interview panels and question strategy, and how a more intentional onboarding process can be with the difference between a new hire thriving or walking out the door. For operators struggling with staffing, this episode offers a practical framework for getting hiring right the first time.

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 break down a recently published randomized controlled trial comparing the outcomes of exercising alone, with a training partner and a personal trainer — and what those results mean for clubs looking to grow their personal training programs. This Episode Explores: - Why exercising with a personal trainer produces statistically greater gains in strength, lean muscle and fat loss than training alone or with a partner. - How the "supervision effect" challenges long-held assumptions about what makes personal training valuable beyond just programming. - How global fitness trend data exposes a U.S. perception gap around the value of personal training — and what may be driving it. - Why the same workout program yields different results depending on who is in the room — and what that means for how trainers sell their services. The science now offers a concrete answer to a question operators and trainers face: what exactly does a personal trainer provide that a workout buddy cannot? The answer — more strength, more muscle, less fat — is measurable, transferable and marketable. Clubs that help their training staff lead with that message are better positioned to convert curious members into consistent personal training clients. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/03/combatting-the-false-positive-interview-with-laura-clark-of-corporate-health-unlimited/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch right here on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 people away? Jay Worthy, the CEO of Myzone, joined Club Solutions Magazine editor and podcast host Taylor Gabhart to discuss the company's pivot from fit-tech to what they call "motech" — motivation technology — and how behavioral science, gamification and community are becoming the new levers for long-term retention. Worthy draws on his background as a former operator and personal trainer to make the case that the industry is solving the wrong problem Worthy explains how simplifying performance into a single, effort-based metric creates an inclusive, level playing field for every type of mover and why that approach is more relevant than ever as smartwatch adoption accelerates globally. He also talks about the launch of Myzone Go, which removes hardware barriers by allowing members to use any compatible smartwatch to utilize Myzone features. Listen to the full conversation here.

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 Chonko and Luke Carlson examine what the latest science says about muscle loss during GLP-1 treatment — and why health clubs are uniquely positioned to serve their members who use the medication. This Episode Covers: - How much muscle mass is lost during GLP-1 drug therapy and what clinical trial data reveals about the scope of that loss. - The two key factors critical to preserving lean muscle during weight reduction — and why one of them falls squarely within the scope of what health clubs provide. - What the science says about the long-term consequences of stopping GLP-1 therapy, including which outcomes exercise has been shown to mitigate. - How the profile of a GLP-1 drug user compares to the profile of a typical health club member — and what that overlap means for operators. - Why physicians prescribing GLP-1 medications are increasingly looking to fitness facilities as partners in patient care, and how clubs can position themselves to meet that demand GLP-1 drugs are reshaping the healthcare landscape at scale, and the fitness industry has a scientifically validated role to play. Clubs that build programming, messaging and referral relationships around this now will be best positioned to grow their member base and their influence within the healthcare continuum. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch right here on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 and Luke Carlson look at a controlled study that examines the effect of doing on set of an exercise to failure or close to failure when strength training. The conversation turns to how strength training can be more time efficient when only doing one set. This Episode Covers: - A breakdown of a new randomized controlled trial comparing one set to muscle failure versus one set with reps in reserve - How proximity to failure impacts muscle hypertrophy, strength, endurance and power - Why trained individuals saw significant improvements with just two 30-minute sessions per week - What the findings suggest about reducing volume without sacrificing results - How time-efficient, high-effort strength training models can reshape club programming and member engagement Only 28% of the population engages in strength training and lack of time remains one of the largest barriers for people to do so. This research provides operators with a science-backed framework for delivering efficient, effective programming. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/03/one-set-to-failure-rethinking-strength-training-efficiency/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch right here on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 fitness trends and the future of PureGym as it continues to expand.

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 article written by Carlson and his colleagues at Discover Strength that surveyed the difference in men and women's choice to have a personal trainer. The conversation talks about the why and how club operators can use that towards the personal training experiences offered at their facilities. This Episode Explores: - A breakdown of new research on how men and women perceive the value of supervised strength training - The six key elements of supervision: technical coaching, effort, motivation, program design, safety and accountability - Where male and female perceptions align — and where meaningful differences emerge - Why confidence and perceived self-sufficiency differ between men and women - How these insights can help operators refine personal training messaging and positioning This episode provides operators with research-backed clarity on what clients actually value in supervised strength training — and how those perceptions should shape marketing and service delivery. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch right here on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 Tucker, the CEO and co-founder of CoverMe, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the creation of CoverMe and how it offers a digital platform that streamlines talent management, reduce chaos and enhances team communication. Tucker shares the importance of addressing both operator and fitness professional pain points to create an effective solution. She highlights the need for digital infrastructure to streamline operations and how CoverMe allows for operators to focus on revenue-generating activities and member experience. Listen to the full conversation here.

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 meta-analysis from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology examining how structured exercise training during pregnancy impacts maternal biomarkers. The conversation moves beyond general outcomes and dives into what the latest science says about inflamation, metabolism, hormones and immune function — and what that means for fitness operators serving pregnant members. This Episode Explores: - A new systematic review and meta-analysis examining how exercise training during pregnancy impacts maternal biomarkers - Why combining aerobic and resistance training produces the strongest physiological benefits - How moderate to vigorous intensity exercise influences inflammatory, metabolic and hormonal markers - The importance of program duration — and why interventions longer than 12 weeks matter - Practical guidelines for structuring prenatal programs in health club settings This episode provides operators with evidence-based clarity on how to confidently program for pregnant members, highlighting that structured, longer-duration aerobic and strength training can positively influence key maternal health markers — creating opportunities for safe, strategic and science-backed prenatal offerings within clubs.

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 challenges widely shared advice about timing strength training around the menstrual cycle. The conversation breaks down what the science actually shows — and the much of the guidance circulating on social media may be unnecessarily complicated. This Episode Explores: - New research examining whether menstrual cycle phase impacts strength training effectiveness - How muscle protein synthesis responds to resistance training across different cycle phases - Why popular cycle-based strength training advice has gained traction — and what the data actually shows - The implications of this research for coaching women in health club settings - How simplifying strength training guidance can improve consistency and participation This episode provides operators with evidence-based clarity, confirming that strength training is effective regardless of menstrual cycle phase — allowing clubs to coach women toward consistency, confidence and long-term engagement without unnecessary complexity. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/02/why-women-dont-need-to-time-strength-training-around-their-cycle/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch right here on YouTube 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 2” cardio training for the general population — and what it means for health clubs, operators and fitness leaders. This episode explores: -Why Zone 2 training became so popular in media and podcasts -The difference between endurance athlete training and everyday member needs -What current research says about low-intensity vs. high-intensity cardio -How short, higher-intensity workouts can outperform long steady sessions -Why time efficiency is one of the biggest opportunities for clubs -What this science means for programming, coaching and cardio messaging If you operate, lead or work in a health club, this episode will challenge how you design cardio offerings — and help you better communicate results-driven guidance to members. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/02/rethinking-zone-2-how-clubs-should-coach-cardio-now/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdTzDt3DUmM 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to receive industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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: that lifting heavier weights leads to greater muscle growth. Drawing from research published in The Journal of Physiology by scientists at McMaster University, this episode explores what actually drives muscle hypertrophy — and why genetics, not load selection, plays a much larger role than the industry has long suggested. This episode explores: -Why “heavy vs. light” training doesn’t determine muscle growth -What the research actually says about reps, load and training to failure -Why genetics drive hypertrophy more than programming tweaks -How perceived complexity keeps people out of the weight room -Why clubs need to stop marketing offerings as “toning” vs. “muscle building” -What this means for coaching, programming and strength training messaging If you operate, lead or work in a health club, this episode will challenge how you think about strength training — and how you communicate its value to members. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/01/how-to-talk-about-strength-training-without-confusing-members/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Es0iFGeEOBI 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to get industry insights, trends and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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.

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 consensus on how exercise directly impacts healthy aging — and what that means for fitness operators. This episode explores: -Why healthy aging is the fitness industry’s biggest opportunity -The “exercise phenotype” and why it matters -The two types of exercise that matter most -Using exercise to prevent and manage chronic disease -Why the medical system falls short — and where clubs fit in 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/01/the-research-that-redefines-exercise-programming-for-older-adults/ 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wBlCQ61ZD34 👉 Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to get industry insights, trends, and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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 Discover Strength, break down the latest scientific research on how resistance training impacts anxiety and depression — and what it means for health clubs, operators, and fitness leaders. This episode explores: -Why anxiety and depression are rising across all age groups -How strength training works as a proven, non-pharmaceutical intervention -Why supervised resistance training matters more than intensity or volume -How clubs can reposition strength training beyond weight loss and aesthetics -What this research means for programming, marketing, and healthcare credibility If you operate, lead or work in a health club, this episode will change how you think about the role of strength training in your business — and in people’s lives. 📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research papers discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/202... 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or SoundCloud 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXplJG2g69A 👉 Stay ahead of fitness, leadership, and research Subscribe to the Club Solutions newsletter to get industry insights, trends, and research-driven strategies delivered straight to your inbox: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/newsletter/

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.

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 processes can help improvement, engagement and consistency. He also touches on technology, how it should be used and the challenges that come with it. Lastly, he advises that it’s never too early to scale your business. Listen to the conversation below.

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 events, its wellness day-club concept Fit Social and the integration of recovery amenities directly into membership. He also touches on rising trends such as strength training and the influence of wellness podcasts. And lastly, he focuses on Fit's number one priority — community. Listen to the conversation here.

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 national trend. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Brian Holmes, the CEO of AI Front Desk, to discuss how the company was created, how it’s helping the club industry and what Holmes believes the next years of AI will look like. He also discusses how challenges with staffing and customer communication inspired the creation of AI-powered front desk tools that drastically reduce response times and improve sales follow-up, resulting in better member engagement and operational efficiency. Listen to the conversation below.

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 down with Mario Tarquinio, the head of key accounts/verticals at Les Mills U.S., to discuss how to best build a loyal, engaged membership base. Recently, Les Mills completed their most valuable participants (MVPs) report, which analyzed 2.6 million members to understand club growth dynamics. The key findings reveal Les Mills group training participants visit the gym 59% more and stay 39% longer than average members. Tarquinio emphasizes the importance of motivation, group training, and creating an inclusive environment where instructors and members build a supportive community. Listen to the conversation here.

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 founded with a mission to bridge the gap between exercise science and practical workout methods, focusing exclusively on personalized, evidence-based strength training. He also debunks common fitness myths, emphasizes the importance of staying current with scientific literature and highlights the growing popularity of strength training. Carlson covers topics such as the misconceptions about weight training, recovery modalities and the critical need for fitness professionals to base their practices on current scientific research. Listen the conversation here.

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 well-being and meaningful community. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Ruben Mejia, the executive vice president of SportsArt, to discuss how clubs and the fitness community can best fulfill the needs of Gen Z. Mejia also shares how this group is reshaping expectations and how health clubs can better adapt today to connect with this very powerful generation of gym-goers. Listen to the conversation here.

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 empowering staff to foster positive memories, such as sending handwritten cards, making personal introductions and anticipating member needs. McHaney also stresses the importance of operationalizing these practices — focusing on root cause solutions rather than just symptoms — and measuring member experience systematically. He believes clubs should view themselves as hospitality businesses where every interaction matters and creating a sense of belonging is crucial to member retention. Listen to the full discussion here.

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 aligning instructors with your club’s brand identity to designing smarter class schedules and delivering evaluations that inspire your team. Hogg also shares why she believes group fitness is the “secret sauce” of a club and what many operators get wrong when integrating it into their brand. Whether you’re running a boutique studio or managing a large-scale facility, Hogg offers clear, actionable insights to help your group fitness program not only grow — but thrive. Listen to the full discussion below.

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 teams and celebrities, Power Plate offers fitness facilities a competitive edge in the growing recovery and wellness market. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Laura Wilson, the director of training and curriculum for Power Plate. The two discuss Wilson’s role in developing Power Plate's program and the company's evolution, which includes the release of two new products: the MOVE — a hybrid commercial/home Power Plate — and the REV, a self-powered vibration bike. It's a must-listen for industry professionals who want to learn more about the benefits of effective recovery offerings in clubs and Power Plate’s value in efficient, biohacking-style workouts. Listen to the conversation below.

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 fitness, and how [solidcore] is doubling down on product excellence, community and innovation. They also discussed Myers’ philosophy on leadership, the challenge of scaling culture and how [solidcore] is working to set a new industry standard for long-term success. If you’re interested in having success with boutique fitness, then this conversation featuring the leader of one of the most recognizable and fastest growing brands in the industry is for you. Listen to the full discussion below.

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 uncertainty, the potential for expansion across different market segments and the need to serve diverse demographics, including seniors and youth. He also shares insights on political advocacy, the potential role of GLP-1s and the significance of creating meaningful community connections in fitness centers. If you want to better understand what’s really happening on a global scale — this is the conversation for you, as Smith is a board member at IHRSA and the Fitness Industry Council of Canada. Listen to the full discussion here.

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 company’s innovative technology. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Rueben Mejia, the executive vice president of SportsArt, to talk all things sustainable fitness. Mejia shares how the company helps clubs meet their sustainability goals while enhancing the member experience. Whether your club operator or just curious about the future of green fitness, this is a can’t-miss conversation. Listen to the conversation here.

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 centers. Riley also highlights the trend of integrating holistic wellness services like hormone replacement therapy and IV therapy into gym operations, moving beyond traditional workout experiences. He also emphasizes the importance of consistency, building solid systems and tailoring gym offerings to specific local communities, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. If you’re interested in how to differentiate your club from others by providing franchisees with flexibility, comprehensive support and the ability to create gyms that serve local markets, then this is an ideal conversation for you. Listen to the full discussion here.

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 and much more. If you’re interested in how to best capitalize on a few of the biggest current trends in the industry, then this is an ideal conversation for you to hear. Listen to the full discussion here.

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 are looking for ways to integrate these high-value experiences while maintaining accessibility and affordability. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Justin Fouse, the president of Elevate Fitness Coaching, to talk all things boutique fitness. They also touch on the role technology plays in making these offerings successful, including how platforms like ClubReady can help clubs streamline operations, enhance the member experience and maximize revenue. Listen to the conversation here.

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 Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the launch of the Club Solutions Institute, a new online education platform designed to bridge the knowledge gap in the industry. The platform will allow health club operators to provide certification and ongoing continuing education opportunities to club staff. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their club’s training programs, develop future leaders and keep their team engaged with cost-effective education solutions. Having a structured learning system in place can elevate your club’s operations and help retain top talent. Listen to the conversation here.

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 products and solutions, can step in. In this edition of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, Bryan Wiedenheft, the CEO and co-founder of Focus Health sat down with Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, to discuss how Focus Health helps fitness facilities certify staff and creates community programs that drive engagement and revenue. This episode is ideal for any health and fitness professional looking to enhance safety, build trust and add value to your club. Listen to the conversation here.

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, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the recent limitations on TikTok, the possibility of AI cannibalizing search optimization and more. This is a great conversation for anyone interested in the biggest marketing trends of 2025 and how they can grow their club’s reach in their area. Listen to the conversation here.

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 friends, but also as a possible avenue for club operators to grow their businesses. Eric O’Connor, the vice president of franchise development at PickleRage, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss the booming pickleball industry and the rise in pickleball franchising. The two also discuss the ripple effects this trend can have on the health club space and why gym owners should be paying attention. Listen to the conversation here.

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 programs and curriculum for club owners. Taylor Gabhart, the editor of Club Solutions Magazine, recently sat down with Justin Hanover, the president of Fitness Revolution. Hanover and Gabhart dive into the biggest pain points and challenges are for fitness business owners, actionable steps to navigate those problems, and how to best serve your team and members. Listen to the conversation here.

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. Scott Gillespie, the founder and owner of Saco Sport & Fitness, sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to recap the biggest business challenges of 2024 and what opportunities to keep an eye on for 2025. The two cover a host of topics including nutrition and GLP-1s, end-of-the-year planning, and strength training trends. Listen to the conversation here.

Jon Brady, the president of Midtown Athletic Clubs, has been working tirelessly to further enhance the culture of his team at his club. As a result, he’s seen very positive results in his efforts. In this edition of the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, Brady sat down with Ralph Rajs, the practitioner of The Table Group, to discuss how Midtown Athletic Clubs has thrived post-pandemic and how they’ve harnessed the power of technology through AI and machine learning. Brady also shares his personal leadership journey along with new key strategies he’s implemented. Listen to the conversation here.