From Group Fitness to Global Leadership: Industry Insights with Rachel Young

Who Is Rachel Young?

Rachel Young is the Director of Business Development at Myzone® and a seasoned leader in the global fitness and wellbeing sector. With over three decades of experience, she’s worked at every level—from group exercise instructor to global business operator. Her influence stretches beyond gyms, into mental health, tech, inclusion, and leadership development.

At the heart of everything she does is a strong belief in the power of movement—not just physical, but emotional and mental. Whether she’s chairing inclusion groups, coaching executives, or speaking internationally, Rachel’s goal is to help people shift forward in life and work.

What You'll Learn from the Podcast

This episode offers practical takeaways and real-world reflections for anyone managing people, building a wellness brand, or leading change. Rachel shares her journey with honesty and warmth, touching on the highs of global success and the lows of burnout and bullying. What makes her perspective so valuable is how grounded it is in experience—and how focused it is on people.

Why Movement Means More Than Fitness

Rachel’s approach to movement goes far beyond treadmills and weights. It’s about creating momentum in people's lives. In her early career, she realised that group exercise wasn’t just about fitness—it was performance, community, and emotional connection.

That idea evolved into a broader purpose: helping people move mentally as well as physically. She believes businesses and leaders should focus less on targets and more on creating the right energy and culture. When people feel engaged and seen, progress follows.

The Fitness Industry Needs to Catch Up

Despite rapid changes in tech and consumer behaviour, the gym industry has struggled to grow. Rachel shares that gym membership in the UK has barely shifted in over 30 years, and she sees this as a failure of messaging and connection.

The sector has long leaned on outdated slogans focused on weight loss and appearance. Rachel argues it’s time for a more inclusive, lifestyle-focused message. Fitness should feel accessible and relevant to everyone—not just the already active.

The pandemic, she says, was a turning point. It exposed how undervalued health and fitness had become. While other businesses reopened, gyms were left behind. That, for Rachel, was a clear sign that the industry must redefine its role and value.

Language Builds Bridges—or Barriers

One of the most practical takeaways from the episode is how simple shifts in language can make a big difference. Rachel shares how even well-informed professionals in mental health found the idea of “working out” intimidating. But when she reframed the question—asking how they like to move—she unlocked real connection.

This insight shows the importance of adapting language to meet people where they are. In both fitness and business, inclusivity often starts with how we speak. Leaders need to be mindful of the words they use and how they invite people in—or shut them out.

Leadership Lessons from Experience

Rachel doesn’t sugar-coat her journey. She’s experienced bullying in the workplace and burnout from trying to push too hard for too long. These moments shaped how she leads today—with empathy, strategy, and clarity.

She’s also worked with leaders who made a lasting impression by caring about her as a person, not just a performer. That shaped her own approach: lead by building relationships, not just by setting goals. When someone feels truly supported, they’re more likely to step up, grow, and stay.

Another key idea she shares is knowing when to step away. Not every space can be fixed. “It’s not your dial to turn,” she says, pointing to the importance of recognising when your values and the environment just don’t align.

Bold Conversations Create Real Change

Rachel tells a powerful story about attending a leadership panel in Dubai. Feeling hesitant, she almost didn’t approach a woman from Saudi Arabia afterwards—but did. That seven-minute chat turned into a cross-border partnership that led to the first-ever women’s business dinner in Saudi Arabia.

Moments like this show how boldness and openness can spark real progress. For Rachel, this is a reminder that change often starts in conversations—not conferences. If you want to lead, you have to be willing to go first, to speak up, and to connect.

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

This podcast is a must for fitness professionals, business owners, and leaders who care about creating healthier, more human workplaces. Rachel’s experience bridges the gap between wellbeing and business in a way that feels both practical and inspiring.

Her reflections on burnout, inclusion, and creating real culture will resonate with anyone trying to lead better and live with purpose. She’s not offering theory—she’s offering tools, perspective, and hard-earned wisdom.

Rachel Young reminds us that real leadership is about movement—creating energy, progress, and connection. Whether that’s in a gym, a boardroom, or a tough conversation, people respond to authenticity and care. This episode is a powerful reminder of how much we can achieve when we focus on what matters: people.

Tune into The People Performance Podcast with Rachel Young and Tracy Roberts wherever you get your podcasts. Learn how to lead with purpose, support your people, and bring real energy to your work.