What if your gym could dominate the local market without spending a fortune on ads or building an 8000 sq ft facility? In this episode of the FMA Podcast, we hear from two gym owners who’ve done just that. John and Emily Saxby of Go Fitness share how they went from outdoor bootcamps to running a profitable small group PT studio in a highly competitive space—without losing their minds or their margins.
Key Highlights:
The Trap of Over-Spending on Space
John and Emily nearly committed to a massive 8000 sq ft facility based on ambition, not strategy. Thanks to business coaching and a timely intervention, they pivoted to a smaller, smarter location. The lesson? Bigger isn’t always better—profitability starts with right-sizing your space.
The Power of Local Marketing Done Right
Rather than relying solely on paid ads, Go Fitness taps into school fairs, football clubs, and train station ads. These grassroots efforts might not deliver overnight ROI, but they’ve built deep community trust—and a consistent flow of members every month.
How AI Became Their Strongest Team Member
Their AI assistant “Mark” handles new leads with automated WhatsApp conversations, increasing speed-to-lead and freeing up time for real conversations. It doesn’t close the sale—but it gets prospects ready and qualified faster than any human ever could.
Scaling with Systems, Not Chaos
With four coaches and a clear client retention system, Go Fitness keeps 98% of members month-to-month. Their structure includes assigned coaches, 28-day onboarding experiences, and optional check-ins that empower each client’s journey without micromanagement.
Ready To Scale Your Gym?
Ready to improve your sales confidence, eliminate objections, and attract premium clients who stay longer and pay more? 👉 Book a call with FMA and let’s level up your business.