Author: Chris Cooper

In a patch of snow, an orange crocus with green leaves pokes through to symbolize rebirth.

State of the Fitness Industry: Rebirth

As a microgym owner, you face a lot of challenges. So what should your gym should look like in a year? Here’s Chris Cooper’s advice—consider it his “what I’d do if I were starting today” guide. Short version: Pivot or be left behind.

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With a magnifying glass, a man examines a single red pawn with a host of blue pawns on the left and green ones on the right.

State of the Fitness Industry: The Disappearing Middle

In “the middle” of the fitness industry, gym owners are charging more for group fitness classes and slowly being pushed out because they can’t move toward individualization. Chris Cooper looks at the spectrum in the industry and the threat to gyms in no person’s land.

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A brown-haired coach in a black tank top repairs a fitness bike surrounded by tools on a rubber mat.

State of the Fitness Industry: New Tools

Online spin classes, Zwift, remote trainers, bootcamps and Orangetheory—they aren’t your competition. They’re a breeding ground for your next clients. Here’s how to position your microgym for success in 2020.

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On a deserted, tree-lined street, a bus shack sign that reads "what would you put here?"

State of the Fitness Industry: Your Brand

Your brand is the way your service meets the world. In this article, Chris Cooper shares his top branding lessons from 2019. He also offers advice if you’re considering affiliating with CrossFit, deaffiliating or starting a franchise gym.

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A rubber hex dumbbell sits on the rubber floor of a microgym with golden sunlight streaming in through windows to the left.

State of the Fitness Industry: 2019

Change is happening faster than ever before in the fitness industry. In this series, Chris Cooper shares his insights into the industry data that matters to you. He’ll tell you what we know, what others know, and how it all affects your business.

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