In a world overflowing with diet plans and workout routines, one crucial element often goes missing: consistent, personalized support. Enter Adam Gilbert, the founder of MyBodyTutor, who's built a 7-figure business by filling this exact gap.
While most fitness companies focus on selling products or short-term programs, he took a different approach. Inspired by his father's health struggles, he created a service that provides daily accountability and personalized coaching—a model that's helped thousands achieve lasting health transformations.
But his journey wasn't always smooth sailing. From quitting a cushy corporate job to navigating the challenges of scaling a highly personalized service, his path to success was filled with "oh shit" moments and valuable lessons.
In this exclusive Hampton interview, Adam pulls back the curtain on his 17-year entrepreneurial journey, revealing:
- How a personal tragedy sparked the idea for a revolutionary fitness coaching model
- The unconventional growth strategies that helped MyBodyTutor expand to a team of 75 coaches
- Why he believes human connection will triumph in an AI-dominated future
- The books and resources that shaped his business philosophy
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone fascinated by unique business models, his story offers a treasure trove of insights.
Hello! Who are you and what business did you start?
Hey there! I’m Adam Gilbert, the founder of MyBodyTutor. I started this business out of my passion for health and fitness. At MyBodyTutor, we’re all about helping people stick to their health and fitness goals through daily accountability. The idea came from my own experience watching how important health is. I saw my dad's health decline, and it made me realize I wanted to do everything I could to stay healthy and help others do the same.
At MyBodyTutor, we offer a program that provides clients with personalized nutrition and exercise plans, but what really sets us apart is the daily support and accountability we offer. We work with all sorts of people, from busy professionals to anyone who’s tried everything and is tired of starting over with their fitness goals.
Today, we’ve grown into a business with 75 amazing coaches who help clients achieve real, lasting change. We’ve been at it for 17 years now, and it feels like we’re just getting started. Seeing the transformations our clients go through is what it’s all about for me. It’s the most rewarding job I can imagine, aside from being a dad!
What's your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?
My journey into health and fitness started from a very personal place. I grew up watching my dad struggle with his health. He had a heart attack when I was in the seventh grade and was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Seeing him hooked up to monitors and dealing with health issues was really scary, and it made me realize how important health is. Without it, nothing else really matters.
From an early age, I was passionate about health and fitness. I’d come home from school or basketball practice and work out in my room, reading every muscle and fitness magazine I could find. I loved seeing how my body changed and the confidence it gave me, and I wanted everyone to experience that feeling.
The idea for MyBodyTutor came when I noticed that even though people had plans they liked, they struggled to stick with them. I was the go-to guy for health advice among my friends and family, and I kept hearing the same story: "I love the plan, but life got in the way." That’s when the light bulb went off for me. I realized that daily accountability was the missing piece to help people follow through on their goals.
I knew this was the right idea because it addressed a problem I kept seeing. People didn’t need more information; they needed support to take consistent action. That was my "aha" moment—realizing that I could help bridge the information/action gap with daily accountability.
When I started, I already had a background in health and fitness from studying it informally for years. I’d also been coaching friends and family, so I knew firsthand what people really needed. To validate the idea, I began with just a few clients, mostly college students getting ready for spring break. They got great results and started referring others, which helped the business grow organically.
At the time, I was working at Ernst & Young, but I was miserable. I had a good job and was living in New York City, but it just wasn’t fulfilling. I didn’t have a concrete "freedom number," but I knew I wanted to give myself six to nine months to make MyBodyTutor work. I had some savings, and I was young and willing to take the risk. Quitting a safe and secure job cold turkey was scary, but I felt compelled to pursue my passion and turn it into a business. And here we are, 17 years later, still helping people change their lives!
Take us through the process of building and launching the first version of your product.
Starting MyBodyTutor was all about creating a service that really met people’s needs. The core concept was accountability, and I knew it had to be personal and consistent to make a real difference. I started by designing the service around daily check-ins. The idea was for clients to log their meals and workouts every day, and their coach would provide feedback and encouragement. This daily interaction was unique and really set us apart.
The first version of the service was pretty straightforward. I used email and AOL Instant Messenger to communicate with clients. I wanted to keep the technology simple so we could focus on personal connection and accountability. The MVP was all about proving that daily accountability could help people stick to their plans. I didn’t worry too much about fancy interfaces or complicated features. Instead, I focused on making sure the service delivered real value.
When it came to startup costs, things were pretty lean. I didn’t need much initial investment since there were no manufacturing costs—our product was a service. I put some money into building a basic website and focused on marketing efforts, like reaching out to college students who wanted to get in shape for spring break.
For the launch, it was all grassroots. I reached out to college students and offered them the chance to try the service for their spring break preparation. The real turning point came when satisfied clients started referring their friends and family. Word of mouth was incredibly powerful, and it was exciting to see our first wave of clients come in. I also got a lucky break when Good Morning America featured us, which brought in a lot of attention. It took some time, but within the first year, we started seeing a steady stream of clients, proving that we were onto something special.
Since launch, what growth channels have been most effective for you?
When it comes to growing MyBodyTutor, the most effective channel has always been word of mouth. Our clients are our biggest advocates. They experience real results, and their enthusiasm naturally spreads to friends, family, and colleagues. That’s why our focus has always been on providing exceptional service. When you deliver tangible results and a great experience, people talk about it. So, my first piece of advice to other founders is to focus on creating a product or service that genuinely helps people and exceeds their expectations.
Another big growth channel for us has been PR and media exposure. Early on, we got featured on Good Morning America, which gave us a huge boost in visibility. We've also been mentioned in books, blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, and articles, which really helps build credibility.
For other founders looking to use PR effectively, I recommend crafting a compelling story around your product and reaching out to friends, channels, podcasts, journalists, or any other media outlets that align with your niche. It’s all about finding the right angle and making it easy for them to share your story.
Social media has played a role for us, but it’s not our primary focus. We use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share client success stories and motivational content, which helps reinforce our brand message. But, we don’t rely heavily on paid social media ads. Instead, we focus on organic growth and engagement. I’ve found that authentic stories and testimonials resonate more with our audience than ads. For other founders, I’d suggest using social media to build relationships and trust rather than just pushing for sales.
We’ve also invested in SEO to ensure our website is easily discoverable by those searching for solutions to their health and fitness challenges. Content marketing has been a part of this strategy, with blog posts and articles that provide value and showcase our expertise. SEO is a long game, but it pays off by bringing in a steady stream of new clients who find us through search engines.
To keep existing customers engaged, we focus on delivering consistent value through our service. The daily accountability and personal connection with their coach keep clients motivated and committed. Additionally, we have a newsletter that shares tips, success stories, and updates, which helps maintain a strong relationship with our community.
Overall, the key to our growth has been a combination of delivering exceptional service, leveraging word of mouth, and strategically using media and content to reach a wider audience. For other founders, I’d recommend focusing on building genuine relationships with your customers and consistently delivering value. That’s what creates loyalty and keeps people coming back.
Did you ever have an "oh shit" moment where you thought it wouldn't work?
There have definitely been some challenging moments along the way with MyBodyTutor. One of the most memorable “uh-oh” moments was in the early years, when we were struggling to scale the business. I was trying to figure out how to transition from being the sole coach to managing a team of coaches who could deliver the same level of service. It was a huge challenge because our reputation depended on the personal touch and quality of coaching we provided. I worried that expanding too quickly might dilute the quality and derail everything I’d worked so hard to build. I had to prioritize and invest in what truly mattered: improving our service and ensuring our clients were happy.
Another tough milestone was reaching that first million dollars in revenue. It felt like we had plateaued for a while, and I wasn’t sure if we could break through that ceiling. I had doubts about whether we could scale the model effectively and still maintain our core values and service quality. But I reminded myself why I started MyBodyTutor in the first place: to help people live healthier, happier lives. That mission kept me motivated and gave me the perseverance to push through the tough times.
What really encouraged me to keep going was the incredible feedback and success stories from our clients. Hearing about their transformations and how we’d impacted their lives was incredibly fulfilling. It reminded me that we were making a real difference, and that gave me the energy to tackle whatever challenges came our way. Surrounding myself with a supportive team and network also made a big difference. Having people who believed in the mission and were dedicated to our vision was crucial during those tough times.
Can you break down the keys to this business model for us? What makes it work? And What do outsiders typically not understand about your industry?
Alright, let me break down the MyBodyTutor business model and explain what makes it work so well. At the heart of it, we’re a service-based business, so we don't have the typical costs of goods that a product company would have. Our main expenses come from paying our amazing team of coaches and covering operational costs. This setup gives us pretty solid gross margins since our biggest cost is human capital, but it’s scalable because each coach can handle multiple clients effectively.
One of the key things that keeps our business healthy is keeping customer acquisition costs (CAC) low. We rely heavily on word of mouth and referrals, which are not only cost-effective but also incredibly powerful. Our clients are our best marketers because they love sharing their success stories. We do invest in some targeted content marketing and SEO to drive organic traffic, and that helps keep CAC manageable in the long run.
We do use some digital advertising, mainly on Facebook and Instagram, to reach new audiences. But, really, these campaigns are about amplifying our message rather than being our main growth driver. The return on ad spend (ROAS) is something we watch closely to ensure we’re investing wisely.
Customer lifetime value (LTV) is a big focus for us. Clients often stick around for months or even years because we’re all about building long-term relationships and delivering consistent results. That high LTV is a testament to the trust and value we build with our clients.
On the website front, our conversion rate is strong because we’ve made it easy for people to understand what we offer and how we can help them. Visitors to our site tend to stick around, which shows they’re engaged with our content. We bring in traffic through organic search, referrals, and some paid campaigns, which keeps things balanced.
Everything is sold directly through our online platform, so we don’t deal with Amazon or brick-and-mortar stores. This model works well because it aligns with our focus on personal coaching and digital interaction. We’ve streamlined our operations to support this, with a team of 75 coaches and support staff who manage client interactions and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Now, a lot of people from the outside might think the fitness industry is just about providing workout plans or diet tips, but it’s so much more. The real magic happens with behavioral change and accountability, which are at the core of what we do. Many businesses in our industry miss the mark because they focus on short-term results or fads instead of sustainable lifestyle changes. Plus, they often overlook the personal touch that’s essential for long-term success.
As for our goals, in the short term, we're focused on refining our coaching model and enhancing client engagement. Long term, we want to expand our reach and potentially offer accountability services outside of health and fitness. Our mission is to be the go-to name in accountability-based coaching.
What platform/tools are absolutely crucial for your business?
At MyBodyTutor, we rely on several key tools to keep things running smoothly. Word of mouth is huge for us, so we use REVIEWS.IO to collect client testimonials. When someone has a great experience, we want the world to know about it. These reviews are incredibly powerful because they show potential clients the real impact we can have on their lives. There’s nothing quite like seeing genuine success stories from people who’ve been in your shoes.
For our client email series and newsletter, Drip is our go-to tool. It lets us send targeted emails to clients, addressing the specific challenges they might face along their journey. These emails, combined with the daily support from their coach, help clients push through obstacles and stay motivated. It’s all about giving them the right information at the right time and backing it up with consistent support.
Our website is another critical piece of the puzzle. We recently partnered with LuckyMedia to make sure it’s fast and user-friendly. A smooth, seamless website is crucial for making a great first impression and helping potential clients understand what we’re all about. LuckyMedia did a fantastic job, and I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking to improve their online presence.
And then there’s our coaching platform, which our awesome CTO, Jon, built in-house. All client and coach communication happens through our web and mobile apps, which are designed to be super easy to use. We handle hundreds of thousands of messages and meal photos, and this platform is key to our coaching business. Jon does an amazing job keeping everything running smoothly, ensuring our clients and coaches have a great experience. Having this custom platform lets us provide the level of personalized service that sets MyBodyTutor apart.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?
A few books and podcasts have really shaped how I approach both business—and life. One of the most influential books for me has been Start with Why by Simon Sinek. It emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose and understanding the deeper reasons behind what you do. This book has been invaluable in helping me articulate why MyBodyTutor exists and in making sure that every decision we make aligns with our mission to help people lead healthier lives through accountability. It really reinforces the idea that when you have a strong "why," everything else falls into place more naturally.
Another book that had a huge impact on me is The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. It’s all about how small, consistent actions can lead to big results over time. This idea really hits home with how we approach health and fitness at MyBodyTutor. We teach our clients that real, lasting change doesn’t come from drastic measures but from making small, manageable changes that add up. It’s a principle I live by in my own life and business, and it’s been amazing to see how powerful this approach can be.
I’ve really been inspired by Noah Kagan Presents. Noah has a knack for sharing practical advice and insights into entrepreneurship through his candid discussions with successful business leaders. His podcast always encourages me to think outside the box and take calculated risks. It’s all about learning and adapting, which is so important for both business and personal growth. Listening to Noah helps me stay on my toes and keep pushing forward.
Where do you see untapped opportunity in the market? What business do you wish someone else would build that would make your job easier?
Everyone’s diving into the AI space right now, and pretty soon, we’ll have hundreds of thousands of AI coaches, wearables, and workout plans to choose from. But you know what all of them will miss? Real connection. There’s going to be a huge demand for clients who crave that personal, human touch. Connection is what keeps people coming back. It’s the reason a customer will tell their friends about you. Being scalable is great, but focusing on what’s unscalable—that’s the untapped opportunity that will truly set a business apart.
Also, with AI content on the rise, things like SEO, social media, and advertising are going to lose a lot of their impact. Gartner, a research company, predicts that by 2025, half of the people will spend less time on major social platforms, and brands might see their organic traffic cut in half. So, what should businesses do to stand out? I think the key is making real connections with people who have a loyal following, no matter how big or small. Whether it's a tech guru, a malpractice lawyer, a real estate agent, or a finance blogger, these folks have helped us make big progress through word of mouth. If we could connect with even more of them, just imagine the possibilities. But the tough part for founders is finding the people, finding the time, getting out of their own way, and putting in the effort to build and maintain these connections.
What are some strong opinions you have about leadership, and how do you actually put those into practice in your company?
Leadership is all about setting the right example and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to do their best work. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that empathy is key. Understanding where your team is coming from and what they’re going through helps you connect and lead more effectively. At MyBodyTutor, I make it a point to foster open communication. I want everyone to feel heard and valued, and I believe that starts with me being approachable and genuinely interested in their thoughts and ideas.
To inspire my team, I focus on leading by example and being transparent about our goals and challenges. We have regular team meetings where we celebrate wins and discuss any obstacles we’re facing. I use these moments to reinforce our mission and remind everyone why we do what we do. I also make sure to acknowledge and celebrate individual achievements, which helps boost morale and keeps everyone motivated.
We’ve started using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and it’s been a game-changer for us. Brandon Turner, a client and close friend, introduced it to me, and it’s really helped us stay organized and focused on our goals. We have weekly leadership team meetings as part of EOS, where we review our scorecard, see what's working, identify areas for improvement, and make sure everyone’s on the same page. When it comes to rituals, nothing has been more important than these structured, weekly meetings.
Where can we go to learn more?
If you're interested in learning more about MyBodyTutor or connecting with me, here are some great resources:
To get in touch with me personally:
(516) 456-6248
Personally, I find being the CEO of a startup to be downright exhilarating. But, as I'm sure you well know, it can also be a bit lonely and stressful at times, too.
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