On Castbox.fm — Justin Taylor | How to Run a Members-Only Competition

How can a members-only Parkour competition benefit both gym communities and business growth?

Find out how structured competitions drive engagement and long-term membership.

I realized: How is this benefiting me? I’m just throwing a competition for the sake of watching awesome athletes do awesome things. Which I have no problem with— that I have the West Coast Parkour championships for awesome athletes to come and push themselves. But that doesn’t push my gym, that doesn’t push my culture, that doesn’t help retain my students.

~ Justin Taylor (11:31)

The conversation explores the concept of members-only Parkour competitions designed to foster community, improve retention, and generate revenue within gyms. Unlike traditional competitions that attract elite athletes, these events focus on inclusivity, offering challenges that cater to all skill levels. Justin emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel accomplished, even those who might finish last. Through tailored categories and multiple opportunities for recognition, these competitions build confidence and engagement among participants.

The discussion also highlights how such events extend their impact beyond the athletes. Parents build friendships and deepen their connections to the gym community, while participants develop personal growth, resilience, and teamwork skills. By incorporating preparatory challenges in regular classes and promoting participation through a structured framework, gyms can create a sustainable model that supports both personal and professional growth for all involved.

Takeaways

Running members-only competitions — A gym-focused approach encourages participation and builds confidence among members.

Avoiding participation trophies — Alternative reward structures can ensure every participant feels valued without diminishing achievement.

Strengthening community bonds — Competitions create opportunities for parents and students to connect socially.

Improving retention — Regular, inclusive events keep members engaged and returning to the gym.

Introducing competition circuits — Successful local competitions can serve as a gateway to regional or national circuits.

Building personal growth — Challenges in competitions can foster resilience, sportsmanship, and overcoming fears.

Focusing on inclusivity — Age-specific and skill-level-based categories ensure every participant has a fair chance to succeed.

Resources

Firestorm Freerunning & Acrobatics — A series of Parkour gyms offering classes and competitions.

West Coast Parkour Championships — A competition series for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Parkour Professor — Instagram profile for consulting and updates related to Parkour.

FirestormFreerunning@gmail.com — Contact for inquiries and information.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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On Castbox.fm — Justin Taylor | How to Find, Hire, Train, Retain, and Fire Coaches and Staff

How can a growing gym effectively hire, train, retain, and manage staff to sustain long-term success and positive culture?

Developing a team culture strong enough to survive rapid growth requires meticulous planning and personal leadership.

[L]ead by example. Right? So that’s number one. I cannot ask somebody on my staff to do something that I’m not willing to do.

~ Justin Taylor (8:18)

The conversation covers the journey of expanding a gym business from a small operation into multiple locations with large staff. Topics include managing rapid growth, hiring processes, and establishing standard operating procedures to ensure consistency.

Cultural development is emphasized as key to long-term staff retention and gym atmosphere. The importance of leading by example and fostering a sense of community within the staff is highlighted. Personal experiences with hiring missteps and lessons from managing team dynamics illustrate the complexities of gym leadership.

Takeaways

Hiring process — A structured hiring process with standardized steps is essential to avoid legal issues and ensure consistent results.

Staff retention — Retaining staff requires creating a positive culture and treating employees as part of a community or family.

Cultural leadership — Leaders must lead by example, modeling the behavior they expect from their staff.

Scaling challenges — Rapid expansion introduces difficulties in maintaining organizational culture, requiring careful management and strategic onboarding.

Training systems — Developing standard operating procedures helps ensure new staff are trained consistently and effectively.

Personal responsibility — Business owners are ultimately responsible for the livelihood and well-being of their staff, reinforcing the need for careful leadership decisions.

Resources

Parkour Professor — A resource created by Justin Taylor offering mentorship and resources for gym owners.

Firestorm Freerunning — Justin Taylor’s gym brand encompassing multiple locations.

Movement United Gym — A gym in Michigan partnered with Justin Taylor for mentorship and operational support.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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