How to Unlock Your Leaders as a Studio Owner, with Lindsey Calof
If you’re a boutique fitness studio owner, you know the challenges of juggling operations, member experience, and team management all too well. It can feel like you’re constantly wearing too many hats—balancing the day-to-day grind while trying to plan for growth.
You don’t have to do it all alone.
Your team—the coaches, instructors, and managers who interact with your members every single day—are your studio’s most valuable asset. The question is: are you maximizing their potential?
In Episode 1 of the Multi-Studio Mastery podcast, Lindsey Calof, a fractional COO with years of experience in fitness operations, shared how studio owners can shift their mindset and unlock the true power of their teams. Here’s what we learned.
The Hidden Costs of Disconnection
Let’s start with a tough reality: turnover is expensive.
Whether it’s losing a trusted instructor or constantly searching for part-time staff, high turnover doesn’t just drain your time—it erodes the culture you’re working so hard to build.
“If your team doesn’t feel connected to your vision, they’ll feel disconnected from your studio. And when that happens, you lose them—mentally, emotionally, or physically.”
The solution? Intentional team development.
The simplest steps—regular check-ins, meaningful conversations, and a genuine investment in your team’s goals—can completely transform how your team feels about their role and your studio.
Why Team Development Should Be Your #1 Priority
Most studio owners spend their energy on member retention, which makes sense. But what if we told you that focusing on team retention is just as critical?
Your instructors, managers, and front desk staff are the face of your brand. They’re the ones your members interact with daily, and their energy directly influences member satisfaction and loyalty.
Here’s the kicker: you don’t need a lot of time to make an impact.
For Full-Time Staff: Dedicate one hour a week to face-to-face time. It’s non-negotiable. Use this time to align on goals, share feedback, and genuinely listen.
For Part-Time Staff: A quick, bi-weekly phone call or coffee check-in can work wonders. Ask about their experience, listen to their ideas, and show that you value their input.
It’s not about micromanaging; it’s about building trust and connection. When your team feels seen and heard, they’ll stay longer, work harder, and represent your studio with pride.
Breaking Down Barriers for Your Members
Beyond your team, Lindsey shared another critical insight: the member experience starts with accessibility.
Take a moment to review your studio’s processes. Is your sign-up system seamless? Can members easily book classes, update their schedules, or explore new offerings without jumping through hoops?
A confusing or clunky system is a quiet killer of consistency. Members might drop off simply because it’s too hard to stay engaged.
Here’s how to fix it:
- Simplify Sign-Ups: Make sure new members can register online in minutes. Eliminate unnecessary steps.
- Streamline Booking: Keep it simple and intuitive—whether through an app or your website.
- Ask for Feedback: Bring in someone outside your studio to test your systems and identify friction points.
Removing these barriers isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating an experience where members feel valued from day one.
Creating a Culture That Members—and Staff—Can’t Leave
The secret to long-term studio success lies in building a culture where both your team and members feel deeply connected to your mission.
Here’s how:
- Invest in Your Team: Regularly engage with your staff. Learn their goals, celebrate their wins, and give them opportunities to grow.
- Meet Members Where They Are: Offer programming that aligns with their needs, whether that’s shorter classes, targeted challenges, or more flexibility.
- Communicate Consistently: Weekly touchpoints—whether through email, group chats, or in-person meetings—keep everyone on the same page.
When your team feels supported, they’ll go above and beyond for your members. And when your members feel that energy, they’ll keep coming back.
Ready to Level Up Your Studio?
Running a boutique fitness studio is no small feat, but you don’t have to do it alone.
By focusing on team development and streamlining member experiences, you’re not just solving today’s challenges—you’re building a foundation for sustainable growth.
“Small, consistent steps lead to big wins.”
If you’re ready to dig deeper into these strategies, check out the latest episode of Multi-Studio Mastery. Lindsey’s insights are packed with actionable advice to help you unlock the full potential of your team and studio.
Let’s build something incredible—together.
