Building a Thriving Group Fitness Team, and Risk Management Strategies: Ingrid Knight-Cohee: Episode 536
Explicit content warning
02/06/25 • 37 min
Buckle up for an electrifying episode of the Fitness Business podcast featuring Ingrid Knight-Cohee, the 2024 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year, who is revolutionizing group fitness with her groundbreaking MSINGITM program. This isn't just another episode—it's a masterclass in transforming group fitness from an expense line to a profit center, packed with insider strategies for fitness leaders looking to innovate, engage members, and combat the growing epidemic of loneliness. Knight's unique Afrocentric functional movement program offers a fresh perspective on creating connection, motivation, and dynamic fitness experiences that go far beyond traditional workout models.
The episode also features additional perspectives from Jalynn Brown, who provides three key strategies for building strong instructor relationships, and Ken Reinig, an insurance specialist offering valuable business insights.
Key highlights from the episode:
Strategies for instructor retention and building a thriving group fitness team
Innovative approaches to group fitness programming that drive member engagement
Insights into combating social isolation through community-focused fitness experiences
Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Quotes:
“People need people.” - Ingrid Knight-Cohee
"33% [of people] say strength is their number one goal." - Ingrid Knight-Cohee
“When you're accountable to an instructor, and when you've got a tribe... your motivation comes easier." - Ingrid Knight-Cohee
"Everyone is struggling to find quality instructors right now." - Ingrid Knight-Cohee
Resources:
Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn CommunityMystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website Ingrid Knight Cohee - LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram Episode 297 - Listen Fitness World - Website Msingi Group Fitness Program - Website and Instagram
Merch Sponsor: Pursuit Performance - Website Be a Merch Sponsor - Here
In The Trenches With A REXer: Jalynn Brown - LinkedIn Healthworks Fitness - Website REX Roundtables - Website and Email REX Leadership Academy - Website
Trusted Suppliers: Ken Reinig - LinkedIn and Website ROR Partners - Website Matrix - Website Performance Foods - Website Digital Revenue Systems - Website
About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society
Related: Group fitness class, group fitness workouts, class ideas, music playlist, instructor tips, warm up routines, staff retention, employee experience, employee engagement
Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!
Buckle up for an electrifying episode of the Fitness Business podcast featuring Ingrid Knight-Cohee, the 2024 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year, who is revolutionizing group fitness with her groundbreaking MSINGITM program. This isn't just another episode—it's a masterclass in transforming group fitness from an expense line to a profit center, packed with insider strategies for fitness leaders looking to innovate, engage members, and combat the growing epidemic of loneliness. Knight's unique Afrocentric functional movement program offers a fresh perspective on creating connection, motivation, and dynamic fitness experiences that go far beyond traditional workout models.
The episode also features additional perspectives from Jalynn Brown, who provides three key strategies for building strong instructor relationships, and Ken Reinig, an insurance specialist offering valuable business insights.
Key highlights from the episode:
Strategies for instructor retention and building a thriving group fitness team
Innovative approaches to group fitness programming that drive member engagement
Insights into combating social isolation through community-focused fitness experiences
Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Quotes:
“People need people.” - Ingrid Knight-Cohee
"33% [of people] say strength is their number one goal." - Ingrid Knight-Cohee
“When you're accountable to an instructor, and when you've got a tribe... your motivation comes easier." - Ingrid Knight-Cohee
"Everyone is struggling to find quality instructors right now." - Ingrid Knight-Cohee
Resources:
Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn CommunityMystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website Ingrid Knight Cohee - LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram Episode 297 - Listen Fitness World - Website Msingi Group Fitness Program - Website and Instagram
Merch Sponsor: Pursuit Performance - Website Be a Merch Sponsor - Here
In The Trenches With A REXer: Jalynn Brown - LinkedIn Healthworks Fitness - Website REX Roundtables - Website and Email REX Leadership Academy - Website
Trusted Suppliers: Ken Reinig - LinkedIn and Website ROR Partners - Website Matrix - Website Performance Foods - Website Digital Revenue Systems - Website
About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society
Related: Group fitness class, group fitness workouts, class ideas, music playlist, instructor tips, warm up routines, staff retention, employee experience, employee engagement
Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!
Previous Episode
Building a Better Brand, Time Management and Equipment Layout Strategies: Zach Colman: Episode 535
Do you have a “me” or a “we” fitness business? Zach Colman reveals the transformative concept of building a community brand in the fitness industry. He explains that a community brand is more than just a platform—it's an evolution from a personal brand to a collective ecosystem of shared values and experiences. Coleman emphasizes that modern fitness businesses must move beyond transactional interactions, recognizing that people now crave genuine connections and meaningful experiences. By focusing on core values, communication, and creating an environment where members feel understood, fitness leaders can differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
You’ll also hear from Jared Williams about the best equipment layout for your gym, as well as Hailey Rowe about a time management strategy that will help you stay organized and on track.
Key highlights from the episode:
- How to transition from a "me" to a "we" business model.
- Developing a brand culture that aligns team values and member experiences.
- Creating an advocacy ecosystem that goes beyond traditional fitness services.
Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Resources: Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn CommunityMystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website Zach Coleman - LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram GymMark - Website
Merch Sponsor: Be a Merch Sponsor - Here
In The Trenches With A REXer: Jared Williams - LinkedIn The Dynamic Fitness - Website, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook REX Roundtables - Website and Email
Wise Words: Hailey’s Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Hailey’s Podcast.
Trusted Suppliers: Sarah Pellegrino - LinkedIn Wellness Space - Website Smart Health Clubs - Website Saltbox - Website Reinig Insurance - Website Club Com - Website, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok
About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society
Related: Community Brand Development, Fitness Business Strategy, Brand Identity for Gyms, Athletic Brand Marketing, Fitness Community Building, Gym Member Experience, Values-Based Business Leadership, Fitness Industry Branding, Community-Focused Fitness, Gym Marketing Strategies, Personal Brand Evolution, Fitness Business Ecosystem, Member Retention Techniques, Athletic Brand Communication, Fitness Community Advocacy
Next Episode
Rebuild Your Personal Training Program and Improve Member Retention: Richard Boyd and Bob Esquerre: Episode 537
Fitness business owners and gym leaders, are you struggling to revive your personal training department? This episode of the Fitness Business Podcast dives deep into the current state of personal training in gyms with experts Richard Boyd and Bob Esquerre, who bring over 20 years of experience. Discover actionable strategies to relaunch or launch a thriving PT program, moving past COVID-era challenges. Learn how to adapt to the modern, educated gym member, measure success beyond revenue, and cultivate a team of trainers who drive member retention and build lasting relationships. Tune in for golden nuggets on transforming your personal training business and creating a culture of excellence within your gym!
Key highlights from the episode:
Upskill your personal trainers to regain authority and effectively engage with today's educated gym-goers.
Celebrate trainers who build relationships and extend member engagement, driving overall gym success.
Ensure clear expectations and consistent training to cultivate a team that embodies your gym's brand and culture, ultimately enhancing customer service and member satisfaction.
Leave a rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Quotes: “Fitness business owners around the globe are scratching their head wondering what the hell has happened to my PT department." - JT Tamsett
"Properly trained staff that represent your brand is your most important asset. Leaving that to chance is not the right play." - Brent Frueh
"The trainer is no longer the authority on the gym floor." - Richard Boyd
"Celebrate those trainers that are keeping people the longest." - Richard Boyd
Resources:
Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn CommunityMystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses - Website Bob Esquerre - LinkedIn and Facebook Richard Boyd - LinkedIn Feel Soma - Website Bob Esquerre Recommendation: Three Moves Ahead: What Chess Can Teach You About Business by Bob Rice Richard Boyd Recommendation: Breath by James Nestor
Merch Sponsor: Fast 30 Coach - Facebook Be a Merch Sponsor - Here
In The Trenches With A REXer: Brent Frueh - LinkedIn Rochester Athletic Club - Website, Facebook and Instagram REX Roundtables - Website and Email REX Leadership Academy - Website
Trusted Suppliers: Glen Taylor - LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram Fit Into Shape - Website, LinkedIn and Facebook HR Network - Website Myzone - Website MXM Metrics - Website Atlantis Strength - Website
About Your Host: Justin "JT" Tamsett is a fitness industry veteran with over 30 years of experience who aims to reduce global healthcare costs by promoting physical activity. Through his company Active Management, he provides business coaching to fitness entrepreneurs, leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, and has spoken at over 40 conferences across 23 countries. His ultimate goal is to create a world of opportunity for his daughter Zoe by helping more people move and stay healthy, while empowering gym owners to build successful businesses that contribute to a healthier society
Related: Gym Management Podcast, Personal Training Business Tips, Gym Owner Podcast, Fitness Industry Leadership, How to Grow a Gym, Member Retention Strategies for Gyms, Fitness Marketing Podcast, Best Gym Business Podcasts, PT Sales Strategies
Please note: We only recommend products we c...
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