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HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness


The HALO Talks podcast is hosted by Pete Moore, the Managing Partner & Founder of Integrity Square, the leading boutique investment bank in the HALO sector (Health, Active, Lifestyle, Outdoors.) HALO Talks are a collection of the fitness industry’s most recognized and respected founders and key executives seeking positive change through the products and services they deliver.

The podcast focus is the vision and mission behind the business, how the guests found their purpose, lessons learned along the way, and expectations for the future.

Mar 18, 2024

Monica Marder, a dynamic entrepreneur with a penchant for wellness innovation, embarked on a transformative journey in 2018 when she founded her first fitness studio. Struggling to find a workout regimen that was both low impact and incorporated functional strength training, but distinctly different from traditional Pilates, Monica envisioned an alternative that combined intensity with a result-driven atmosphere.

Her previous corporate job required extensive travel, allowing her to scout fitness trends across the country, enriching her understanding of what the market lacked, especially in her home base of New York. Recognizing a significant gap, Monica leveraged her insights to craft a unique fitness experience.

Driven by both a personal quest for the ideal workout and an entrepreneurial spirit, Monica Marder's studio became the embodiment of her commitment to innovation in the fitness industry, offering a sanctuary for those seeking a cutting-edge, impactful exercise journey.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: "You have to value what you have, know what you built, know your worth, and, you know, trust in the process and continue to attract what you see for your vision as an entrepreneur."

Key themes discussed

  • Opened studio in 2018 to meet a previously unaddressed need. 
  • Focused on unique approach, coaching and growth.
  • Transitioning to hybrid training model for coaches.
  • Low-impact fitness helps prevent injury, reduces intimidation.
  • High-end fitness studios maintain prices despite competition.
  • Premium experience, avoiding ClassPass, staying true to self.

A few key takeaways:

1. Form 50 Fitness emphasizes low-impact, functional strength training using reformers to deliver high-impact results in an upbeat, supportive environment. The studio offers a unique fitness experience with a strong focus on coaching and education.

2. Despite facing challenges during COVID-19, Form 50 Fitness has demonstrated resilience by expanding to multiple locations. This expansion showcases their ability to navigate adversity and grow their brand.

3. Monica highlighted numerous success stories of clients achieving physical transformation and emotional healing through Form 50. The studio's offerings have positively impacted individuals coping with physical injuries, weight loss, and emotional distress, showcasing the holistic benefits of the fitness program beyond "just" physical results.

4. Form 50 Fitness invests significantly in its instructors, providing robust training programs and transitioning to a hybrid training model to enhance talent acquisition. The studio values its coaches and provides selective opportunities for full-time employment, highlighting the studio's commitment to coach development and career growth.

5. Form 50 maintains a premium brand image and avoids price discounting strategies. The studio offers promotions such as a two-for-one intro deal and a two-week unlimited trial but emphasizes the value of the premium experience, with Monica emphasizing the importance of maintaining pricing integrity and value.

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