Articles

  • Fitness professionals and gym staff in a modern Boston gym environment.

    Whoop plans to add more than 600 jobs, primarily at Boston HQ

    WHOOP is launching a major hiring drive of 600+ roles across multiple functions as it doubles down on AI and product expansion in Boston. Key Takeaways: Read the full article here

  • Fitness professionals performing squats in gym setting, talent attraction for gyms.

    Is it just me, or is the active talent pool on LI completely thinning out?

    InMail response rates are significantly down despite strong job opportunities, creating a sense that LinkedIn engagement is declining. The current sourcing approach—using Apollo, phone/email outreach, and LinkedIn as a fallback—is proving inefficient, with low replies and slow connection acceptance. There’s growing interest in whether AI or automation tools can help improve outreach efficiency and reduce…

  • Gym staff and fitness professionals using smartphones, attracting top talent to gyms.

    Stop Hiring Warm Bodies: 15 Creative Ways the Smartest Gyms Attract and Recruit Top Talent

    The article outlines a strategic approach for gym owners and fitness entrepreneurs to solve chronic talent shortages by shifting from reactive hiring to proactive talent attraction. It emphasizes building strong workplace culture, internal development pipelines, and diversified recruiting channels to consistently attract, develop, and retain high-quality fitness professionals. Key Takeaways Read the full article here

  • Fitness professionals shaking hands, illustrating talent acquisition and hiring in 2026.

    2026 hiring outlook improves, but skills and AI are primary hurdles

    A January 2026 survey by Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll shows hiring is expected to rebound, but skills shortages remain the biggest barrier for employers. While most companies plan to increase headcount, many struggle to find candidates with relevant experience, highlighting a widening skills mismatch intensified by AI and evolving job requirements. Key Takeaways…

  • Fitness professional interview and talent acquisition strategies for gyms.

    Precision Over Scale: The New Rules of Hiring in 2026

    As organizations enter 2026, constrained hiring is no longer a temporary response to economic uncertainty — it has become a long-term operating model. Companies are restructuring work around AI, prioritizing workforce planning, internal mobility, and strategic hiring while redefining how talent acquisition and management function in the future of work. Key Takeaways: Read the full…

  • Couple jogging outdoors illustrating workforce planning and talent retention in the fitness industry.

    HFA Releases 2026 Employee & Compensation Benefits Report

    Health & Fitness Association released its 2026 Employee & Compensation Benefits Report, offering benchmarking data on salaries, benefits, turnover, and hiring trends across the U.S. fitness industry. The report helps operators make better workforce and talent retention decisions in an increasingly competitive labor market. Key Takeaways Read the full article here

William Coker, FIBR President and Co-Founder, fitness industry recruiting expert

William Coker

William Coker is President and Co-Founder of FIBR, a leading recruitment and talent advisory firm serving the fitness industry. A 27-year industry veteran, William has led recruiting, operations, education, and business development initiatives for fitness clubs, studios, and health and wellness brands across the U.S. Before launching his career in fitness as a Personal Trainer, he served 12 years as a U.S. Naval Aircrewman. William is passionate about helping fitness organizations build exceptional teams, create meaningful careers, and achieve sustainable growth through a people-first approach to talent and leadership. He regularly shares insights on recruiting, workforce strategy, and building high-performing fitness organizations.