What 10,000 Fitness Consumers Want From Your Gym: Les Mills Reports on Strength Training Confidence Gaps, Onboarding Importance, and Gym Culture & "Vibe" (S6 E5)

Strength training has never been more popular, yet millions of people still feel unsure about where to begin. In this episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, JT sits down with Ryan Hogan to unpack the findings from the latest Les Mills Global Fitness Report. Drawing on feedback from 10,000 fitness consumers worldwide, Ryan shares what gym owners need to know about the growing strength training confidence gap, the importance of onboarding, the role of club culture and "vibe," and why human connection may be the industry's greatest competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world. Take the Next Step: \- Become an FBP Insider (7 days free) https://fbpinsiders.fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/ \- Free live online events for fitness leaders https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/onlineevents \- Have a say in Season 7! https://fitnessbusinesspodcast.com/season-7/ \- Les Mills Report: https://www.patreon.com/FitnessBusinessPodcast/posts/les-mills-2026-161197132 Timestamps (00:00) What 10,000 fitness consumers told us (04:26) The three biggest trends gym owners need to know (05:38) Why members are intimidated by strength training (08:21) The onboarding gap costing gyms members (11:05) What creates a great gym vibe? (13:45) Why group fitness spaces need to evolve (16:06) Mental health is changing the fitness industry (17:49) Why exercise feels like a chore (20:14) The motivation business mindset (21:42) The one investment every gym should make (24:12) Les Mills x HYROX explained Our guest, Ryan Hogan: \- Website: https://www.lesmills.com.au/ \- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanedwardhogan/  REX Roundtables: \- Website: www.REXRoundtables.com \- Email: [Eddie@REXRoundtables.com](mailto:Eddie@REXRoundtables.com) Thank you to the partners who support The Fitness Business Podcast: \- ABC Fitness Solutions: Simplifies operations, amplifies marketing and sales efforts, and enables a dynamic member experience. https://abcfitness.com/ \- Lionel University: Provides online degree and certificate programs in Exercise Science and fitness education. https://www.lionel.edu/ \- Atlantis Strength: Designs and manufactures professional strength equipment for gyms and athletes. https://atlantisstrength.com/ \- HireBob AI: Provides AI employees for fitness businesses for sales, support, and retention. https://hirebob.ai/ About Our Guest: Ryan Hogan is the CEO of Les Mills Asia Pacific and a senior and strategic executive with a proven background leading businesses in the global fitness industry. Ryan is recognised as an experienced leader who specialises in driving organisational culture, change management, strategy. Please note: We only recommend products we care about (affiliate links support our free content). Thank you for your support!