Fitness Business Asia Podcast

Hosted by Jack Thomas

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Episodes

343

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Fitness Business Asia podcast, hosted by BASE founder and CEO Jack Thomas - a show with a strong and powerful mission to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. If you're an ambitious gym owner, fitness manager, investor in the wellness industry or a coach that wants to get into the business side of fitness, this weekly resource will help you raise your game.

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60 recent

October 26, 2026Episode 33516 min

335. The Truth About Vietnam's Growing Wellness & Fitness Economy

Vietnam is one of Asia's fastest-growing fitness and wellness markets, but where are the biggest opportunities, and what challenges do operators face? In the latest episode of our Asian Fitness Markets series, Jack Thomas is joined by Yves Preisser of YP Business Consulting to explore Vietnam's evolving fitness landscape. We dig into the established players and emerging concepts, to the challenges of finding talent, pricing strategies and the big opportunities for growth. We also explore the differences between Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang, and what fitness operators need to know before entering this exciting market. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Yves Preissler on LinkedIn YP Business Consulting SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

October 19, 2026Episode 33421 min

334. The Big Opportunities in Thailand's Fitness & Wellness Industry

Host Jack Thomas has been in Thailand for 22 years. Our guest Yves Priessler has extensive experience in the country's fitness and wellness scene. In this epsiode, they reflect on the big opportunities in Thailand fitness and wellness scene. We cover international gym chains shaking up the market to the modernisation of Muay Thai, as well as the fast moving fitness landscape in Bangkok, Phuket and beyond. We also discuss the gaps in customer service, staff training and gym operations, and why Thailand could be ready for a new generation of premium fitness and wellness clubs. Next week, we head to Vietnam - don't miss it! SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Yves Preissler on LinkedIn YP Business Consulting SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

October 11, 2026Episode 33318 min

333. The Truth About Bali's 'Booming' Fitness & Wellness Industry

Bali's fitness and wellness scene is now up there with the world's best. In the second episode of our Asian fitness markets series, Jack Thomas is joined by Yves Preisser of YP Consulting to explore Bali's booming fitness scene, emerging trends and what's next for the island's fitness and wellness industry. As well as the potential pitfalls of doing business there. If you're an investor, operator or coach in Bali, don't miss this one. Next week we'll be covering Thailand. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Yves Preissler on LinkedIn YP Business Consulting SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

October 7, 2026Episode 33216 min

332. The Big Opportunities in Indonesia's Fitness & Wellness Industry

Indonesia is one of Asia's biggest and fastest-evolving fitness and wellness markets. In this episode, host Jack Thomas speaks with Yves Preissler of YP Business Consulting to explore Indonesia's wellness landscape and opportunities. This is the first in a new Fitness Business Asia series taking a closer look at individual fitness and wellness markets across Asia. Next week, we head to Bali - don't miss it! SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Yves Preissler on LinkedIn YP Business Consulting SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

September 21, 2026Episode 33158 min

331. How a Heart Attack Transformed Andrew "Doza" Handosa's Life and Business

Andrew "Doza" Handoa was working 100-hour weeks, struggling to keep his gym alive. Years later, a heart attack at 40 completely changed how he thought about business and success. In this episode, Jack Thomas sits down with the founder of Geronimo Academy to unpack what actually makes a profitable gym business, from building a brand that avoids price wars to improving sales, labour efficiency and profit margins. Doza also shares how changing his own business from chasing revenue to chasing impact led to 10x growth, and why the gym owners who win over the next few years will think more like media companies than traditional fitness businesses. A practical, no- nonsense conversation on building a gym that makes money without taking over your life. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Andrew Handosa on LinkedIn Andrew Handosa on Instagram Geronimo Academy SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

September 7, 2026Episode 33023 min

330. Why Investors Are Betting Big on Fitness in Asia-Pacific, with Eric Falardeau of McKinsey

Asia-Pacific is becoming one of the most exciting growth markets in global fitness with huge opportunities for growth. In this episode, Jack Thomas sits down with Eric Falardeau of McKinsey & Company to explore the forces shaping the next phase of the fitness and wellness industry. They discuss why investors are increasingly interested in fitness, the shift towards market consolidation, and the rise of mass participation events and social wellness. Eric also shares his perspective on APAC, from increasingly discerning consumers to the real estate and localisation challenges operators face when scaling across the region. Filmed during Beyond Activ in Bangkok. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Eric Falardeau on LinkedIn SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

August 17, 2026Episode 32940 min

329. How Chris Wilson Built One of Australia's Most Premium Personal Training Gyms

Chris Wilson arrived in Australia in 2012 as a backpacker with almost no money. Today, he runs one of the country's most exciting boutique personal training businesses, with memberships costing up to AU$580 per week. Host Jack Thomas sat down with the founder of Chris Wilson Fitness Studio to discuss why hospitality beats traditional customer service and the mindset behind charging more. They discuss premium positioning, client experience, staff retention and the small details that create exceptional businesses and experiences. Filmed during Beyond Activ in Bangkok. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Chris Wilson on LinkedIn Chris Wilson Fitness Studio SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

August 3, 2026Episode 32834 min

328. How MOVE [REPEAT] Built Some of Singapore's Most Successful Fitness Brands

We sat down with Peter Thew, CEO of MOVE [REPEAT], the group behind Yoga Movement, STRONG Pilates in Singapore and REVL Training, to discuss the realities of scaling fitness brands across Asia. We explored the biggest mistakes businesses make when expanding internationally, why Singapore has become Asia's proving ground for fitness concepts, and some of the moves behind the company's huge success. Whether you're launching your first studio in Asia or expanding across borders, this episode is packed with lessons on brand, leadership and growth. Recorded at Beyond Activ Bangkok. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Peter Thew on LinkedIn Move Repeat Yoga Movement REVL Training SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

July 27, 2026Episode 32748 min

327. Asia's Fitness Trends: What 10,000 Fitness Consumers Told Les Mills, with CEO of APAC Ryan Hogan

The fitness industry has changed dramatically in Asia Pacific over the past five years, and few people have had a better view of that transformation than Ryan Hogan. Host Jack Thomas sat down with the CEO of APAC at Les Mills to discuss the company's new partnership with Hyrox, the biggest findings from Les Mills' latest global fitness report, why "vibe" has become one of the industry's most important competitive advantages, and where the biggest growth opportunities lie across Asia. From AI and human coaching to Indonesia's booming fitness scene and the future of group training, this episode is packed with insights for gym operators looking to stay ahead. SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Ryan Hogan on LinkedIn Les Mills SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram

July 19, 2026Episode 32629 min

326. Why the World's Leading Gyms Will Look Very Different by 2030, with Jarron Aizen of Hapana

What will separate the world's best gyms from everyone else by 2030? We welcome Jarron Aizen, CEO of Hapana, to discuss why the company rebuilt its software from the ground up, and how the next generation of gym technology will fundamentally change the way fitness businesses operate. From AI that can make operational decisions to unified data that gives operators a complete view of their business, this conversation explores the systems that could define the industry's next decade. Whether you lead a single club or a global fitness brand, this episode offers a fascinating look at what's coming next. Visit Hapana . SHOW SPONSORS Our sponsors are helping us to raise the standards of Asia's fitness industry. Show these great companies some support! Hapana , our preferred gym management software Ezypay , our preferred subscription and payment solution NEWSLETTER For fitness business tips, insights and news - subscribe to The Fit Guide Newsletter THE FIT GUIDE The Fit Guide helps you find and experience the world's best fitness clubs and studios; and helps clubs create incredible, five star client experiences every time. Visit The Fit Guide The Fit Guide on LinkedIn The Fit Guide on Instagram GUEST RESOURCES Jarron Aizen on LinkedIn Hapana SHOW RESOURCES Jack Thomas on LinkedIn Fitness Business Asia Website Fitness Business Asia Instagram