In What’s Working Now!, fitness business owners share the specific strategies and practices that are driving success for their businesses — right now!
Redefining Fitness Business Success with Anna Woods
Anna Woods of sheSTRENGTH is no stranger to the fitness world. With accolades spanning two decades, Anna’s journey through the fitness industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Yet, the most transformative aspect of her career isn’t the awards or the certifications, but her newfound mastery in the art of saying “no”.
Why Saying “Yes” Isn’t Always the Best Route
Doing everything isn’t the same as doing something well. Anna’s diverse range of fitness clients—from middle-aged women to college athletes and special needs populations—meant she was constantly juggling. But as she candidly admits, “I was doing a lot of things good, but nothing great.”
There’s a temptation in business, especially when you’re passionate and capable, to say yes to every opportunity. But as Anna’s coach Kelly pointed out, there’s a cost: losing sight of one’s vision for their business and spreading oneself too thin.
The Turning Point: Choosing Quality Over Quantity
Anna’s epiphany came when she realized her fitness business model needed a change. Despite her initial fears, she made the tough decision to narrow her focus, prioritizing only those clients and groups that truly energized her. The result? A fitness business she’s more passionate about, with clients experiencing better results than ever.
“The energy level of my training, my passion for training and my wanting to help others by helping myself get better has raised the bar on all of it,” Anna reflects.
The Unexpected Benefits of “No”
Anna’s story isn’t just about saying no—it’s about the incredible things that can happen when you do. Since making her decision, Anna has:
- Sharpened her focus, leading to increased clarity and vision.
- Seen a surge in business growth, with her biggest summer of kids classes and a rise in her athlete clientele.
- Experienced a personal record in gross revenue, breaking her own records in three different months.
- Regained her evenings, allowing for better work-life balance and more quality time with her family.
It’s a testament to the principle that by doing less, but better, we can achieve more.
The Importance of Coaching and Accountability for Fitness Business Success
Anna’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance and tough love from her coach, Kelly. From helping her see the benefits of cutting back to holding her accountable for her decisions, Kelly’s role in Anna’s transformation can’t be understated.
As Anna puts it, “Having accountability is a huge piece… if I would try to do this on my own I wouldn’t have been able to do it all.”
Key Takeaways:
- Find Your Focus: Determine which aspects of your fitness business truly resonate with you and where you can make the most impact.
- Embrace Change: Sometimes, stepping back can propel you forward in unexpected ways.
- Seek Guidance: Whether it’s a coach, mentor, or trusted colleague, having someone to guide and challenge you is invaluable.
- Celebrate the Benefits: Remember to acknowledge and enjoy the benefits that come with your hard-earned decisions.
The Future is Bright
Anna’s story is a shining example of how challenging the status quo and making tough decisions can lead to unprecedented fitness business growth, both professionally and personally. As Kelly aptly puts it, “the opportunities are almost endless for you.”
So, if you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of “yes,” remember Anna’s story. Sometimes, the most powerful word in business is “no”.
Want to learn more about how having a fitness business coaching can help you escape the hustle and create the business you dream of? We’ve reinvented fitness business coaching and rewritten the narrative surrounding it, creating a partnership that puts your success first.
