Insights on Boutique Studios and Big Box Clubs with Deborah Strougo

In this episode, we're joined by Deb Strougo, longtime industry veteran in the HALO sector. Deb shares her insights both as a seasoned consumer and advisor, exploring the current and future landscape of fitness. Pete and Deb dive deep into the experience and inner workings of high-end clubs like Bay Club, weighing their offerings and discussing the evolving needs of today's customer. As Deb articulates the growing importance of holistic wellness and the cultural shifts in exercise preferences, she provides a unique perspective on how fitness businesses can thrive. Listen now to learn how to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of the industry and the collaborative potential between new entrants and established players. Whether you're a fitness entrepreneur, industry insider, or just passionate about health, this conversation has a ton of valuable takeaways.  With regards to empowering fitness choices and the need to provide more diverse options Deb states, "In the Pilates space for example, you're seeing a lot of women that are interested in getting more fit, but in a low impact sort of way. They're not into the whole HIIT thing. Some may have had fertility related issues, and so they are looking in other directions." Key themes discussed HALO Academy promotion & consumer insights Boutique studio vs. big class experience Bay Club's competitive edge Orange Theory franchises in big gyms Enhancing group exercise programs Innovative membership solutions in fitness Brand differentiation & daily performance Thriving versus struggling businesses insight Consulting Deborah for industry insights A few key takeaways:  1. Holistic Approach to Fitness: Deborah emphasizes the growing trend toward the holistic human being, which involves not just physical fitness but also aspects of nutrition, sleep, and overall well-being. Fitness centers are increasingly integrating these components to cater to the complete lifestyle needs of their clients. 2. Boutique vs. Big Box Gyms: Deborah discusses the advantages and challenges of boutique fitness studios compared to larger gyms. While big box gyms like Bay Clubs have extensive amenities and services, boutiques offer a personalized, intimate experience that many consumers also value. 3. Pilates Popularity: Strougo highlights the increasing demand for Pilates as people seek lower-impact, effective workout options. This trend is driven by the modality's adaptability to different fitness needs, from mobility to strengthening, making it a staple in many fitness routines. 4. Franchising Challenges: Deb and Pete also shed light on the complexities of franchising within the HALO space. Successful franchises need to balance innovation and operational consistency, and both franchisors and franchisees must work together to optimize business models and cater to local markets effectively. 5. Industry Insights and Networking: Deborah stresses the importance of leveraging industry knowledge and networking with experienced professionals when entering the fitness space. Understanding historical successes and failures can guide a new entrant or existing business in evolving effectively and avoiding common pitfalls. Click here to download transcript.  Resources:  Debra Strougo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrastrougo/   Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com