Industry Buzz: Spike TV’s ‘Gym Rescue’ to Premiere in August

Frank Shamrock. Photo courtesy of Spike TV/Atiba Jefferson.

Peruse your local TV Guide and you’ll notice a myriad of shows “rescuing” restaurants, bars, homes and more. But until August, no TV network had set out to specifically rescue gyms.

In two months, Spike TV will step up to the plate in this endeavor with the three-episode series Gym Rescue, hosted by MMA legends Randy Couture and Frank Shamrock.

On Sunday, August 10, viewers will watch the duo attempt to save three different gym businesses located in Colorado and Florida, though the specific clubs won’t be revealed until the show’s airing.

Shamrock, a retired MMA fighter, told me over the phone that he was excited to get the opportunity to help gym owners turn their businesses around.

“People open gyms to help people, which is what everyone should focus on,” he said. “Helping the people that are helping [members] — that’s what did it for me. I walked away from the show feeling good about it.”

According to Shamrock, one of the biggest problems viewers will see among the gyms he and Couture helped was a general lack of business acumen. Although the gyms had good intentions, Shamrock explained many owners were at a loss as to how businesses should be run.

“Most people get into the business to help people, but they forget to help themselves,” said Shamrock. “So we helped them put a business structure in place.” In addition to simplifying procedures, the MMA legends helped gym owners revise their marketing strategies, renovate outdated equipment and fix reoccurring issues. At the end of every episode, the new gym is revealed.

“One of my specialties is helping people make their businesses more effective and efficient,” said Shamrock.

Overall, Shamrock thought hosting the show was a great experience, and he hopes viewers enjoy watching each gym’s transformation.

“I thought [Gym Rescue] was a great idea,” he said. “Gyms are a great place to have drama and interest. There was a lot of confrontation that happened. We had to make some tough decisions, and those conversations were hard … Seeing the [gym owners’] struggles and then the payoff was great. To see the hope in their eyes after the reveal, that’s the biggest thing for me.”

Rachel Zabonick is the assistant editor for Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@clubsolutionsmagazine.com. Reach out to her about exciting events or programs your club has implemented, or to share the amazing accomplishments of a member.