
Show Notes
In this episode, George sits down with Phil Graham for a deep dive into what it really takes to build, scale and evolve a fitness business in today’s market.
Phil breaks down why most gym owners stay stuck - from playing small and copying competitors, to relying on outdated marketing tactics and undercharging for their service. He shares a more strategic path forward, built around higher-level thinking, premium positioning and creating a business that operates beyond you.
The conversation explores the realities of modern marketing, including rising ad costs, increased competition and why “easy” tactics no longer work. Phil makes a strong case for leaning into harder, human-led strategies like workshops, outreach and personal brand building to truly stand out.
Beyond tactics, this episode goes deeper into identity, decision-making and long-term growth - challenging gym owners to think like entrepreneurs, not operators and to build a business that creates both financial freedom and personal fulfilment.
If you want to future-proof your gym, increase profitability and stop blending in with everyone else, this episode will shift how you think about business.
More from SGPT Marketing
In this episode, Miles sits down with Fenton Hancock, Founder of HUB, to discuss how he grew his SGPT gym to 190 active members after 6 years in business. Fenton shares the lessons behind HUB’s growth, from building a strong brand and community to finding the right facility, introducing paid advertising and adapting his sales process to free up more time.
This episode explores why very few sales are truly “organic” and why gym owners should look at the full customer journey rather than focusing on the last click. Miles explains how prospects can interact with multiple marketing channels - from paid ads and organic content to websites, emails, Google reviews and referrals - before eventually becoming a customer.
In this episode, George sits down with Jordan from STRIVE Training Club to unpack how he went from one-to-one PT to building a thriving SGPT business with over 350 members across two sites in less than two years.
In this episode, Miles sits down with Leah, Founder of Alchemy Personal Training, to discuss her journey from delivering one-to-one PT in a small shed to building her own SGPT gym. Leah shares the key decisions that shaped Alchemy’s growth, from going all-in on one SGPT offering and targeting a clear demographic to increasing prices, investing in consistent marketing and hiring her first coach.
This episode explores 3 things SGPT gym owners should never copy from another gym: their prices, equipment and content. George explains why another gym's apparent success doesn't mean their decisions are right for your business, and why your pricing, facility and marketing should instead be built around your own ideal customer and the business you want to create.