Episode Summary:

What does it take to run a thriving fitness club for 20 years? In this episode of Beyond the Studio, I sit down with two powerhouse women in the fitness industry—Betsy Long and Courtney, co-owners of Olympia Fitness Clubs in Salisbury, Maryland. With nearly three decades of combined experience, they share their journey from employees to owners, their secrets to retaining members for years (even decades!), and how they navigated the challenges of COVID while keeping their gym community engaged.

We dive into the power of relationships in business, why Olympia prioritizes in-person experiences over digital convenience (but is finally embracing online sales!), and how they continue adapting to industry shifts. Plus, you won’t want to miss their creative approach to keeping members connected during lockdown—including a hilariously named online series. If you’re a gym owner, fitness entrepreneur, or just someone looking for inspiration in community-driven business success, this one’s for you!

Episode Highlights:

[2:15] – Meet Betsy & Courtney: Their background and journey at Olympia Fitness Clubs

[6:48] – The history of Olympia Fitness Clubs and what sets it apart from chain gyms

[11:02] – The key to their incredible member retention rate (some have been there since 2005!)

[15:30] – Navigating the challenges of taking over ownership & maintaining a loyal client base

[20:45] – How they kept their community engaged during COVID (spoiler: it involved game shows!)

[26:10] – The biggest challenges they face today in adapting to industry trends

[30:27] – Advice for aspiring gym owners on leadership, team-building, and growth

Links & Resources:

🌐 https://www.olympiafitnessclubs.com/

📸 Instagram: @olympiafitmd