13 Jun 543 AI and Future-Proofing Your Gym in 2025
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In this episode of the Fitness Business Podcast, host Justin ‘JT’ Tamsett is joined by AI and digital marketing expert Shama Hyder and brain fitness pioneer Dr. Patrick Porter to deliver actionable insights for fitness business managers and owners aiming to future-proof their operations. The discussion with Shama tackles common myths about AI artificial intelligence in the fitness industry, with Hyder demystifying AI’s role and offering a practical playbook for leveraging AI to boost revenue, streamline operations, and create standout customer experiences. In a special segment of the episode, Dr. Porter shares science-backed strategies for optimizing brain health and performance, emphasizing the critical link between quality sleep and business leadership. Listeners will learn why embracing AI is essential to avoid being left behind in a rapidly evolving market and how to implement simple, effective changes that drive real ROI for fitness clubs and studios.
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Shama Hyder is a tech-forward business leader and award-winning founder who turned a $1,500 startup into a global marketing and digital transformation firm. Today, she keynotes worldwide on AI, leadership, and change, translating complex innovation into practical advantage. Recognized by Forbes and Inc. as a top entrepreneur, Shama blends real-world experience with engaging storytelling to equip audiences with ready-to-apply frameworks for growth.
Dr. Patrick K. Porter, PhD, is an award-winning author/speaker and the Founder of BrainTap®. He has dedicated his life to studying neuropsychology with the goal of bettering a billion brains. For years it was believed that we have a set number of brain cells, that our intelligence quotient is fixed, and our brains do not change. Dr. Porter’s clinical experience and research told a different story, revealing that the human brain is, in fact, plastic, making it capable of change, improvement and expansion.
key takeaways
- Shama Hyder debunks AI myths and explains how gym owners can use AI to analyze sales data, bridge the sales-marketing divide, and create revenue-driving customer experience.
- Dr. Patrick Porter reveals the science of brain fitness, including practical sleep strategies to enhance decision-making and leadership performance for fitness professionals.
- The episode provides a step-by-step challenge for fitness leaders to experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT, plus tips on optimizing your website and online reputation to ensure your gym stands out in AI-driven search results.
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Our favourite quotable moments:
“AI is not going away anytime soon…you ignore it at your own peril.” – Shama Hyder
“If AI is cheating, gosh, sign me up – because if calculators are cheating, look how much progress we’ve made.” – Shama Hyder
“Deep sleep is critical.” – Dr. Patrick Porter
RESOURCES
- Be an FBP Insider on Patreon
- Fitness Business Podcast’s LinkedIn Community
- Mystery Shopping for Fitness Businesses – Website
- Shama Hyder – Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook
- Health and Fitness Association – Website
- Momentum by Shama Hyder
- IDEA World – 17 to 19 July 2025 – Register Here and use FBP25 for an exclusive discount
- Free Online Live Events
Wise words
- Dr Patrick Porter – Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram
- Dr Patrick Porter’s Book – Thrive in Overdrive
- Buy Your Headset Using our Link!
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MEET OUR HOST
Justin “JT” Tamsett is a seasoned fitness industry veteran and passionate advocate for promoting physical activity. His mission is to reduce the health care costs across the globe by having more people move and move more often. JT’s hope is that his daughter Zoe can grow up in a world full of opportunity rather than one where governments and communities don’t have the burden of an ageing and sickening population. With over 30 years of experience, JT has owned gyms, coached fitness classes, and now specialises in business coaching for fitness entrepreneurs.
Through his company, Active Management, JT provides guidance and support to gym owners worldwide, empowering them to build successful businesses and contribute to a healthier society. He also leads 8 REX Roundtables in the US and Australia, spoken at over 40 conferences in 23 countries, and consulted with gyms worldwide. JT’s commitment to improving health extends beyond his professional endeavours, as he has also dedicated himself to coaching various sports and actively participates in industry organisations.
