Fitness Innovation Might Have Gone Too Far With This One
I'm all for pushing the edge, but this shit is kinda ridiculous...
It's official. I'm retiring.
Well, not from this, or consulting or any kind of content creation.
But I am retiring from the gym-ownership game effective November 13th.
Lots to unpack here and I'll be making a ton of content on this process that has been 5 years in the making.
Just know that it's a mixed bag of emotions, but one that I was able to purposely craft for myself and now that I've accomplished it, I plan to share my knowledge with anyone who may wish for a similar journey.
Cheers, friends.
Stu
Today’s Rundown
✔️ Working out while driving? The French think it’s a good idea.
✔️ 5 microgym brands to give you boosts of creative inspiration.
✔️ Step-by-step instructions to reallocate your EIDL for personal wealth.
Self-Driving Fitness Pod - WTF?!?
The futuristic-big-dick-energy here is next level…
Citroën and Pullman Hotels and Resorts have partnered to create a self-driving, electric, urban mobile platform with a built-in fitness center that allows people to explore cities while working out.
The partnership aims to develop innovative ways to optimize mobility so that people can reclaim urban spaces and significantly improve their quality of life.
But you may be wondering, why are these two companies focused on fitness?
Well, for Pullman Hotels and Resorts, the concept is not a far stretch from another recent fitness endeavor. In November 2020, Pullman Hotels rolled out a new in-hotel wellbeing and fitness offering with classes powered by Les Mills.
And Citroën, well, they're a quirky company always looking for new usability for their Skate platform. The Pullman Power Fitness Pod is one of three pod concepts created for the Citroën Skate.
The Pullman Power Fitness Pod is designed for a single user and features a rower on one side and a static bike on the other. In addition, a digital coach appears on a holographic screen who encourages and guides the user through their workout while also providing route information and entertainment.
The bubble-shaped vehicle has one-way windows allowing users to see the sites while providing anonymity from onlookers.
Exercising within the pod also charges The Citroën Skate's electric batteries.
MY TAKE
So let me get this straight... a high-end, UK-based hotel group is teaming up with a French car manufacturer to create self-driving tubes with built-in fitness equipment and holographic coaches so that people can get their sweat on while on their way to buy some baguettes and steak frites?
GTFO.
Listen, I'm a tech guy. My car, motorcycle, and even skateboards are all-electric. I'm an early adopter of new-age inventions and love the idea of pushing the limits of what we deem possible.
But IMO this is too fucking extra.
What problem is this solving?
Who the hell has ever said to themselves, "Man, that 30-minute commute to work is such a waste of time. Sure, I could listen to a podcast or make some biz call or simply meditate, but fuck that, what I really need is a good HIIT workout as I'm shifting lanes."
N.O.B.O.D.Y.
And the detail about how the self-driving pod self-charges that harder you workout? Well, OK, that part is actually pretty cool.
Imagine if you could hook up all your treads, bikes, or Ergs and have your members power your electricity during class. Now we're onto something.
But seriously, let's dissect this and translate it to tactical advice for a microgym owner who is trying to innovate:
1. Focus on solving problems that your customers have now.
Let French billionaires come up with the solutions for problems twenty years down the road.
But for mircogym owners, think of innovation as a way to make the current thing you offer better by solving a problem that your members have NOW.
Charging stations for phones and sweat towels are a solid start and don't require a nuclear physicist.
2. Improve > Innovate
While innovation is sexy and those who do it well are heralded as geniuses, it's not the strategy I'd recommend for the average owner.
The key to making more money and keeping a higher profit margin is to simply improve your service so that it's better (not the best) than the other options in town.
Improving to being 'better' is scalable and achievable without the massive risk of trying to revolutionize the industry.
Integrating a WHOOP leaderboard or simply upgrading the aesthetics of your facility has more positive cash flow opportunities than you may think.
Facility Design + Branding Done Really Fucking Well
Gym porn you don't need an incognito browser for…
One reason I've experienced a high level of success as a microgym owner is that I refuse to close off my mind to other fitness models, even if they are antagonistic to what I offer. I've always taken inspiration from other boutique fitness companies. I travel to see them IRL, meet the founders, and then use their characteristics to ignite my own brand creativity.
And I suggest you do the same, so here are a few of my favorites to get you started.
TMPL GYM - Where Fitness Meets Fantasy
Located in the Hell's Kitchen district of NYC, TMPL is a 40,000 sqft multilevel fitness facility that offers everything from a saltwater pool to VR cycling classes. Their unique lighting styles and illuminated columns give this old AF building a clean, modern look.
Y7 - We Flow Hard
Husband-and-wife co-founders Sarah and Mason Levey designed the new 3,200-square-foot, bi-level Upper East Side flagship of Y7 Yoga. The brand's sixth and largest studio's vibe is unique in comparison to traditional yoga studios, adopting a hip-hop-inspired aesthetic with classes in all-black rooms with no mirrors, non-traditional (for yoga anyway) music playlists with state-of-the-art sound systems, and rooms named "Biggie" and "Smalls" after the iconic hip-hop legend.
1REBEL - King of Gyms
Get ready to Rig, Reshape, Rubble, and Ride at 1REBEL London, an underground facility where neon lights, black walls, and a pop-up bar blur the line between gym and nightclub. With nine locations in the UK, 1REBEL and Studio C102 have created spaces with a "dark and moody" atmosphere while using contemporary art and design materials.
Worth The Fight Boxing - A Workout Outside the Box
Worth The Fight Boxing in Denver, Colorado, will deliver high-energy classes that leave you empowered, not crushed. While this microgym is not yet open (they are still in the construction phase), their social media presence is one of the best I've ever seen. I've had the privilege of consulting with Worth The Fight Boxing as they navigate their startup journey. I can assure you that this brand will continue to grow into a constant source of inspiration for many microgym owners.
Windy City Strength & Conditioning - Live Big
Rebranding is no easy feat, so when a gym does it well, I take notice. The first CrossFit gym in Chicago, originally Windy City CrossFit, has de-affiliated and evolved its brand experience, messaging, and facility. Now Windy City Strength & Conditioning, the loft space facility uses organic design elements including exposed brick, restored wood, concrete floors, and natural light to reinforce the brand's adventurous, outdoor-enthusiast spirit. The new, sleek, bumper plate-inspired logo and brand belief statement invites members inside. Outdoor imagery lines the walls, inspiring members to seek the most adventurous ways to get out there and use their fitness. The devil is in the details in any rebrand, and WCSC is an excellent example of a brand that successfully saturated its unique belief in fitness into every nook and cranny.
How To Use EIDL to Fund Personal Wealth
Anyone can get rich, but true wealth is reserved for those who plan...
As promised, I've created a full video walkthrough that shows you how to utilize the Profit First cash management system to use your EIDL funds for a personal wealth strategy.
A few disclaimers first:
I'm not your CPA. If you have one, definitely give them a call. If you don't have one, you should contact these guys.
For an in-depth understanding of the Profit First system, check out John Brigg's Profit First For Microgyms. He's the guy who taught me this exact strategy.
For this strategy to work, you must understand one thing: You can only allocate your EIDL funds equal to or less than the amount of your expenses. (This is in bold because it is important AF!) The IRS will frown upon you taking the entire lump sum of your EIDL and investing it in your Robinhood app. Be smart, kids.
*This last disclaimer will make more sense once you watch the video.
There are many microgym owners who are not as smart as you. Let’s help them level up so we can grow this industry together.
