Last week, Julie and I had the opportunity to attend the Best Hour of Their Day Affiliate Mastermind in not-so-sunny Florida. This event brought together some of the most passionate and driven gym owners and coaches, together with some of the most experienced leaders from around the world.
We were all focused on one mission: to improve the experience we deliver to our members and, in doing this, build thriving and successful businesses.
A Room Full of Excellence
As ever with these events, we were nervous entering the event... we were the newbies, the least experienced, and the foreigners (well, I was anyway; Julie's US accent became noticeably more Floridian!). But I needn’t have worried—we were surrounded by people who have dedicated their lives to making a meaningful impact in their communities. It was both inspiring and humbling.
Gym owners shared challenges, victories, and lessons learned. There was an openness and honesty, as well as an authentic desire to help.
You are EXACTLY where you are supposed to be.
This phrase really stood out during the weekend. It resonated deeply, helped me shake off the imposter syndrome and really think about our core mission, our "why".
Our goal is to "Measurably improve the wellness of our community"...how will we do that? By making sure every member feels that Beyond Walls is EXACTLY where they are supposed to be.
Key Takeaways
Over the course of the event, we covered a wide range of topics, but a few key themes stood out to me:
1. Coaching is Everything
One of the most powerful discussions centred around the ideathat great coaching is the secret sauce of any successful affiliate.
As gym owners and coaches, we have the responsibility to guide, inspire, and create an environment where members can thrive...and we do that by creating an environment that guides, inspires and develops our coaches and the classes they deliver.
2. Be Intentional about the Member Experience
Every single interaction a member has with our gym—whether it’s their first class, a check-in after a tough week, or the way we celebrate their milestones—matters. The most successful affiliates are those tha tprioritise creating an unforgettable member experience from start to finish.
3. Systems and Processes Drive Success
Running a gym isn’t just about passion—there’s a lot of boring, repetitive stuff as well. But here’s the learn: boring gets results! From onboarding to retention strategies, having clear, defined processes in place allows us to focus more on coaching and community building.
4. Building a wonderful community starts with those on your payroll
The best gyms are those that have the best teams… it sounds obvious, but as Beyond Walls grows, making this a top priority will be key. One of my biggest takeaways was that prioritising staff development isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in the future of the gym.
Bringing It Home to Beyond Walls
Attending this mastermind was an eye-opening experience that reinforced many of the principles we already strive for at Beyond Walls. It also sparked new ideas and ways we can further improve our gym’s culture, coaching standards, and overall experience for our members.
More than anything, the affirmation "You are EXACTLY where you are supposed to be" encapsulated how I feel about Beyond Walls. We are on the right path, but very early on our journey. Every step, every challenge, and every success is shaping us into the gym that our community needs.
Final Thoughts
Events like the Best Hour of Their Day Affiliate Mastermind serve as a reminder that we’re not in this alone and we are never "done". No matter where we are in our journey, there’s always room to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of what we can achieve.
I’m grateful for the connections I made, the knowledge I gained, and the opportunity to represent Beyond Walls on this stage. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to bring these insights back to our gym community!
Let’s keep raising the standard.
