The Key to Longevity in the Fitness Industry with Andy Salazar

Beyond The Studio

What does it take to build a thriving personal training business that lasts nearly two decades? In this episode, we sit down with Andy Salazar, owner of Empower Fitness, to uncover the strategies behind his long-term success. From starting small in a 400-square-foot space to growing into a sustainable, high-retention business, Andy shares the lessons he’s learned along the way.

We dive into the importance of marketing, the shift in lead generation from traditional calls to digital automation, and how consistency plays a crucial role in client retention. Andy also opens up about the challenges of expanding too quickly and the systems he now has in place to streamline his business. Whether you're a new studio owner or looking to take your gym to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a lasting fitness brand.

Episode Highlights

[1:45] – Andy’s journey from aspiring coach to gym owner and how Empower Fitness was born.

[6:30] – The key advice that saved Andy from making a costly mistake when starting his business.

[10:50] – How the fitness industry has evolved over the past 20 years and why digital marketing is now essential.

[14:20] – The biggest shift in lead generation: Why phone calls are dead and automation is key.

[18:15] – The importance of client retention and how a simple strategy helps keep members for 8-12 months on average.

[24:00] – Lessons learned from a failed gym expansion and what Andy would do differently today.

[30:10] – Andy’s best advice for aspiring gym owners: Stay hungry, stay adaptable, and always be learning.