Every January, gyms see the same trend. A surge of motivated joiners followed by a sharp drop-off only weeks later. In this episode, Krissy Vann speaks with Myzone’s Dr Heather McKee, a leading behaviour change specialist, to examine what behaviour science reveals about the January member retention problem and what gym owners can do differently.

Dr McKee breaks down where gyms lose the most members in the first 30 to 60 days, the early behavioural signals that predict disengagement, and how data or wearable feedback loops can help operators intervene before a member drifts. The conversation explores why belonging drives long-term adherence, how micro-communities can anchor new members, and what a behaviour-enabled environment looks like for operators focused on stronger member retention.

As gym owners shape their 2026 strategies, Dr McKee highlights the single behaviour-first initiative with the greatest potential to reduce the annual January drop-off and strengthen long-term retention.

A practical conversation for gyms and operators committed to improving member retention and driving lasting engagement.

#fitnessbusiness #gymowners #podcast

On this episode of This Week In Fitness, host Krissy Vann delivers a fast, news-driven breakdown of the major developments shaping the global fitness and wellness sector. Designed for industry leaders, operators and decision-makers, this week’s roundup covers equipment innovation, franchising disruption, community engagement, hospitality investment and the future of wellness travel.

In today’s headlines:

• Matrix Fitness responds to record strength-training demand with a new Magnum Plate-Loaded Range
• Pickleball Kingdom brings competition and franchising to reality TV with the launch of Paddle Battle
• Dubai-based elegant hoopoe enters the UK with an AI-governed franchise model designed to replace traditional manuals
• Planet Fitness supports Boys and Girls Clubs of America through a recent GivingTuesday match
• New York’s The AC demonstrates the scale and stickiness of social fitness with a 500-person community event
• Condé Nast outlines the top wellness travel trends for 2026 as the sector approaches 1.4 trillion dollars
• Equinox Hotel returns to the spotlight through a major real estate acquisition at 35 Hudson Yards
• The global gummy supplements market surges toward a projected 66.79 billion dollars by 2031

A concise, authoritative look at the shifts influencing fitness, wellness and consumer behavior — all in under five minutes.

What advocacy priorities will shape the fitness industry in 2026?

In this episode of All Things Fitness and Wellness, host Krissy Vann sits down with Zach Weston, Executive Director of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC), the national nonprofit representing roughly 7,000 facilities and seven million members across the country. While today’s conversation spotlights Canada, the themes reflect the globalpressures facing every operator, policymaker, and industry leader.

From preventive health legislation to affordability barriers and consolidation across North America, this episode breaks down the key advocacy questions defining the path to 2026.

We explore:
• Top advocacy wins from 2025 and what they signal moving forward
• How Canada is approaching preventive health policy and why it matters globally
• The push to reach inactive and underserved populations through policy
• Tax incentives, affordability, and the impact of legislation like the PHIT Act
• Where healthcare–fitness integration is gaining traction
• How consolidation may reshape the sector in 2026
• What operators across the U.S. and Canada can align on to strengthen fitness as essential infrastructure
• And the doors opened by having a fitness-sector advocate in Parliament

With a multidisciplinary background in kinesiology, business, and health system administration, Zach offers a rare, strategic view of the advocacy landscape as the fitness sector enters a defining year.

If you’re an operator, executive, policymaker, or part of the broader wellness ecosystem, this episode is your 2026 advocacy briefing.

Stay fit, stay informed, and keep your fitness business in shape.

Connect with The Fitness Industry Council of Canada: https://ficdn.ca/en/home/

Connect with Krissy Vann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissyvann/

Connect with Zach Weston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zweston/