In this episode of Gym Mastery, Nathan steps in for Ty to share the latest evolution of Level Method Digital Displays — and why this direction is such a game changer for gyms and coaches.
You’ll learn how gyms can now build custom maps, how coaches can create personalized maps for individual clients, and what the release of new beta categories (API 3, Rings, Vertical Push, Horizontal Push, and Power Cleans) means for training and progression.
Nathan also lays out the long-term vision — deeper personalization through bloodwork integration, beta categories, embedded education, and continuously refined assessments — all designed to give coaches and gym owners tools that simply don’t exist anywhere else.
It’s the evolution from a static wall chart to a living system that adapts to your gym, your clients, and the future of fitness.
Today, we're excited to welcome back AJ Davila, who you might remember from episode #47, Maximizing Level Method in Your Gym. AJ exemplifies leadership and dedication in the fitness world. He’s a husband, father, and the owner of CrossFit Hogback. With 15 years of experience in the CrossFit industry—7 as a gym owner and 12 as a coach—AJ brings an incredible depth of knowledge and expertise.
Since our last conversation, AJ has continued to make an impact not only at his gym but also on a global scale, contracting with CrossFit events worldwide in leadership roles to facilitate logistics and event flow. For over four years, CrossFit Hogback has thrived as a Level Method gym, utilizing its structured progression system to create excitement and results for members.
In this episode, AJ shares insights about balancing progression, embracing the ups and downs, and the power of cycles in training. We’ll also discuss the rewarding moments of coaching, the importance of continuous learning, and how adaptability plays a key role in thriving within small groups and communities. Let’s dive in!
Get in touch with AJ: Email: crosssfithogback@gmail.com
Instagram: @aj_hogback @crossfithogback
Facebook: CrossFit Hogback
AJ lives by the motto 'Communication is key,' a principle that has undoubtedly guided his success as both a coach and a business owner.
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use. Go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
As promised in the episode, here's the info for Elias' upcoming Submission Jiu Jitsu Match:
https://submissionprotour.com/upcoming-events/
In this episode of the Gym Mastery podcast, I interview the Anderson brothers, Elias and Laird, who recently opened a Jiu-Jitsu academy. They discuss their background, their professional fighting careers, their philosophy regarding business, and more. The Anderson brothers share their journey into martial arts, including their father's influence and their training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They also talk about the challenges of opening a gym and the importance of providing a high-quality training experience. Additionally, they discuss their band, Negative Association, and their passion for music. We talk about Elias and Laird's pro careers in Bellator and Jiu-Jitsu. They talk about the importance of building confidence and taking the time to develop as martial artists. They also share their experiences in starting their own gym and the lessons they have learned along the way. They emphasize the value of hard work, creating genuine relationships with their students, and being willing to take on challenges.
Bobby Baum, a massage therapist and serial entrepreneur, joins the Gym Mastery Podcast to share his insights on improving gyms. Bobby emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and social environment in gyms, where members can slow down and focus on their individual goals. He believes that gym owners should prioritize the well-being of their members, especially those in their 40s who are looking to lose weight and improve their overall health. Bobby also discusses his various businesses, including his massage therapy practice, fitness equipment company, beef business, and gold business. In this conversation we discuss the importance of scaling and modifying movements in CrossFit to prevent injury and ensure individual progress. We also highlight the benefits of functional training for everyday activities and community engagement. Bobby shares his methodology as a therapist, focusing on identifying dysfunction. He emphasizes the need for networking, automation, and tackling challenging tasks in business. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the significance of ambulatory function and prioritizing health.
Baum Therapy -https://www.massagebaum.com/https://www.massagebaum.com/
Musclestache (IASTM tool) - https://www.instagram.com/the.musclestache/https://www.instagram.com/the.musclestache/
Today, we're joined by Michael Plank, owner of Underwood Park CrossFit. We discuss metrics for measuring success, the importance of having a mentor, pricing strategies, curating gym culture, the role of technology in gym operations, and thoughts on the CrossFit fee increase. In this conversation, Michael shares his experiences and insights as a gym owner. He discusses the mistakes and decisions that have contributed to his financial success and stability. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the impact it has had on his business. Michael also highlights the value of time and the benefits of using Level Method for programming. He shares his thoughts on multi-location expansion and the importance of knowing oneself and one's values as a gym owner. Finally, he offers his top pieces of advice for other gym owners.
Today, we've got Kevin Ogar. Kevin's a gym owner, a red-shirt CrossFit Seminar trainer, an incredible athlete, and a CrossFit Regional Affiliate representative.
Kevin has talked to thousands of gym owners, and has seen common threads common to all the most successful gyms. He's also learned through the experiences of running his own gym. He shares his incredible insight with us. This episode includes immediately actionable advice along with some long term strategies for success. So make sure to listen to the entire episode to squeeze all the goodness out of this one!
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
Today, we're thrilled to feature Jason 'Fern' Fernandez, a veteran gym owner, esteemed CrossFit seminar staff member, and co-owner of "Best Hour Of Their Day."
Fern brings a fresh approach to gym growth, shifting the traditional focus from lead generation to member retention. He firmly believes that the quickest path to substantial gym growth lies not in acquiring new members, but in prioritizing and retaining those already on your roster. This episode delves into his unique "value first" methodology, which places member satisfaction and loyalty at the heart of a gym's operations.
We also explore the reasons behind some gyms' failure to become indispensable in their members' lives. With Fern's expertise, we shed light on these common pitfalls and offer actionable strategies that gym owners can implement to change their members' perception and enhance retention rates.
And that's not all. The episode concludes with a simple yet impactful homework assignment designed to challenge your current business strategies and catalyze improvement. Listen through to the end for these transformative insights and actionable takeaways. Don't miss the opportunity to revolutionize your approach to gym ownership!
Get in touch with Fern:
https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/contact
Instagram: @besthouroftheirday
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/besthouroftheirday/
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
Today, we've got a health and fitness rockstar, Nicole Aucoin! Nicole owns a CrossFit affiliate in Florida, HSN CrossFit. She's also a registered dietician and has been perfecting her product, Healthy Steps Nutrition, for over a decade. And that product is available to you today! We talk in-depth on the WHY and HOW of providing your members with a very valuable nutrition product.
Get in touch with Nicole: Email: nicole@healthystepsnutrition.com Instagram: @healthystepsnutrition Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growyournutritionbusiness Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mjip7C87kbmOe6JISCHCe?si=6f6eb4b5b81f4678 Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
Today, we're joined by a guest who embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and family. A husband, a father of three, and owner of CrossFit Initiative since 2009 - Mr. Ty Jones.Ty is not just a gym owner, but also a tech wizard, having worked as a software developer since 2002. He's brought his technological prowess to the fitness industry, creating innovative solutions at Level Method for several years now. This year marks his 27th wedding anniversary, a testament to the same commitment and perseverance he puts into every project he undertakes. His kids, aged 13, 15, and 17, are a constant source of inspiration and motivation to him.
Get in touch with Ty: Email: ty@levelmethod.com Instagram: @crossfitinitiative @jones_ty_c Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossfitinitiative Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aWis3guVHdxA4qIsHuakP?si=abeb1bf3a04e41b8 Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
Today we'll be discussing the foundational concepts behind level method group programming and our approach to solving the massive challenge of delivering a quality service to a wide number of gyms.
Get in touch with Nathan:
Email: nathan@levelmethod.com
Instagram: @thelevelmethod
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelevelmethod
Webpage: https://levelmethod.com/
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
With a background in exercise science, long-time gym owner Derek Batman dedicates much of his time to a coaching class, working with clients directly, and being part of the Hardbat Athletics community. Today we have a great conversation focused primarily on the onboarding process and also where the "suffer at all costs" mentality that's commonly found in functional fitness gyms comes from, and also why it can be so unproductive, so let's get to the show
Get in touch with Derek:
Email: Derek.hardbatcrossfit@gmail.com
Instagram: @Coach.Batman @Hardbat_Athletics
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HardbatAthletics
Webpage: www.hardbatathletics.com
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
In the final installment of this Special Edition series of the Gym Mastery Podcast Level Method CEO Nathan Holiday takes a dive into the last tage of the COPE system Engage, how to actually get your work done.
Get in touch with Nathan:
Email: nathan@levelmethod.com
Instagram: @thelevelmethod
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelevelmethod
Webpage: https://levelmethod.com/
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
In the fifth installment of this Special Edition series of the Gym Mastery Podcast Level Method CEO Nathan Holiday takes a dive into planning your week -- Part 2 of the PLAN phase of COPE.
Get in touch with Nathan:
Email: nathan@levelmethod.com
Instagram: @thelevelmethod
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelevelmethod
Webpage: https://levelmethod.com/
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
In the fourth installment of this Special Edition series of the Gym Mastery Podcast Level Method CEO Nathan Holiday takes a dive into planning your day -- Part 1 of the PLAN phase of COPE.
Get in touch with Nathan:
Email: nathan@levelmethod.com
Instagram: @thelevelmethod
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelevelmethod
Webpage: https://levelmethod.com/
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
In the third installment of this Special Edition series of the Gym Mastery Podcast Level Method CEO Nathan Holiday takes a dive into the importance of clearing your inbox (Organizing) and how the Capture and Organize disciplines lay an unbreakable foundation of security -- the cure for stress and overwhelm.
Get in touch with Nathan:
Email: nathan@levelmethod.com
Instagram: @thelevelmethod
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelevelmethod
Webpage: https://levelmethod.com/
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
In the second installment of this Special Edition series of the Gym Mastery Podcast Level Method CEO Nathan Holiday takes a dive into the importance of the Capture Habit and how it may be a cure for stress and overwhelm.
Get in touch with Nathan:
Email: nathan@levelmethod.com
Instagram: @thelevelmethod
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelevelmethod
Webpage: https://levelmethod.com/
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
In this Special Edition of Gym Mastery Podcast Level Method CEO Nathan Holiday overviews a system to defeat overwhelm and get more done with less stress.
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
AJ Davila is the owner of CrossFit Hogback in Klamath Falls Oregon, a father of 5, a college professor of behavioral communication, a marine veteran with 2 combat tours under his belt, and a long-time lover of Level Method. Before we started recording the call, the conversation was already so good that I just hit record with no warning, so as we get started just keep that in mind, here we go.
Get in touch with AJ:
Email: crossfithogback@gmail.com
Instagram: @aj_hogback, @crossfithogback
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossfithogback
Website: www.crossfithogback.com
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
Jon is a believer, a husband, a father of 3, and a gym owner/coach. After working for a notable guitar manufacturer for close to 13 years, Jon saw the value and personal fulfillment in coaching others to be the best version of themselves through the vessel of CrossFit. Jon decided to move back to his hometown and start a totally new life designed around opening a gym, having full autonomy with his time, and removing almost all financial obligations by being debt-free. Having the freedom to spend time with his family while doing what brings purpose in service has lead to a rich life with a small focus on financial success and a big focus on sovereign freedom and utility.
Get in touch with Jon:
Email: strongjonharris@gmail.com
Instagram: @jon____harris, @crossfitgallatin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jontheredbeard, https://www.facebook.com/crossfitgallatin
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/whoisjonharris
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
Before becoming a gym owner, Per Mattsson worked as a teacher, leadership consultant and school principal. He continued to serve as a principal for many years after opening CrossFit Norrtälje, one of the first CrossFit gyms in Sweden.
Get in touch with Per:
Email: per@crossfitnorrtalje.se
Instagram: @Crossfitrektor, @crossfit162west, @crossfitnorrtalje
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossfit162west, https://www.facebook.com/crossfit.norrtalje, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1494709694151375
Webpage: http://www.crossfit162west.com/, https://www.coachescongress.com/
Level Method provides experienced gym owners with a visual, step-by-step fitness progression system that’s fun, engaging, and easy-to-use go to https://levelmethod.com to find out more.
