The Fitness Industry Has a Coach Problem: Bobby Westside on Pay, Power + Who Owns the Client

Fitness brands love to say their coaches are everything. The harder question is whether the business model reflects that. In this episode of WELL RUN, we sit down with Bobby Westside to talk about what a real career in fitness can look like now. We get into compensation, ClassPass, restrictive contracts, personal brands and the growing tension around who owns the relationship with the customer. Bobby has seen the industry from several sides, first as a coach and instructor and now as an entrepreneur. That gives us plenty to work with. We talk about where operators fall short, where coaches need to take more ownership of their careers and what changes when an instructor can build an audience outside the four walls of a studio. We also get into Adonis and why Bobby decided to build something around the problems he kept seeing. **What we're talking about:** - Why it can still be difficult to build a long-term career as a fitness professional - What operators may miss when strong coaches start looking elsewhere - Why compensation matters, but career path and ownership matter too - The ClassPass argument from the operator side - How social media has shifted leverage between fitness brands and instructors - Who owns the customer relationship when people are showing up for a specific coach - Why Bobby built Adonis and how he sees the role of the independent fitness professional changing There are some strong opinions in this one, including a few places where we push back. For owners and operators, this is really a talent question. If great coaches are driving retention, experience and demand, what makes them want to keep building inside your business? Send this one to an owner, operator or coach who has an opinion on where the industry is headed. Send us Fan Mail **WELL RUN: The Business of Fitness + Wellness** Hosted by Annie Adragna and Erin Schirack. **Connect:** @wellrun.podcast For more information or to work with us, visit WELL RUN on Instagram and send us a DM. **Email us:** wellrunpodcast@gmail.com **Annie Adragna | Oasis Consulting Firm** 25 years in fitness leadership. Advises owners and investors on profitable operations, talent strategy and product development. Website | Instagram **Erin Schirack | HIGH SOCIETY** Luxury wellness consultant and Pilates educator turning distinctive programming and brand experiences into revenue. Website | Instagram Enjoying WELL RUN? Follow the show, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Share an episode with a fellow owner or operator.