Why Most Gyms Fail (and How to Build One That Lasts) — With Fitness Industry Veteran Rob Krizanovic

In this episode of The Visionary CEO, I sit down with fitness industry veteran Rob Krizanovic — founder of RK Fitness Consulting and co-founder of Fit Connector. Rob brings over 20 years of real-world experience building, turning around, and scaling fitness businesses across the Middle East and beyond.

 

We dive deep into why most gyms fail, how to truly define your ideal client, the critical mistakes new gym owners make, and how automation and AI are shaping the future of fitness businesses. Rob also shares the story behind Fit Connector — a groundbreaking platform helping independent coaches thrive without getting lost in the chaos of running a business.

 

If you’re a gym owner, online coach, or personal trainer who wants to grow profitably, retain more clients, and future-proof your business in 2025 and beyond, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

 

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Rob’s journey from athlete to entrepreneur

• (04:00) Big box gyms vs boutique studios: Key differences

• (06:50) The #1 mistake gym owners make

• (09:40) Building Fit Connector and empowering coaches

• (22:00) Why marketing and sales are where most gyms fail

• (27:00) The biggest automation opportunities in gyms

• (31:00) How AI will transform fitness businesses

• (35:00) Client retention strategies gyms must focus on

• (38:40) Rob’s #1 piece of advice for profitable growth