Fitcarma Reviews 

14
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TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.5

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Fitcarma helps boutique fitness studios, group fitness instructors, and wellness brands build stronger brands, better class experiences, and more meaningful client relationships. Founded by Barry and Shay Kostabi, Fitcarma brings together decades of experience in brand strategy, fitness education, performance, music, coaching, instructor development, and studio growth. Our work is rooted in the belief that fitness businesses don’t grow by simply offering more classes or chasing the latest marketing trend. They grow by creating experiences people feel connected to, remember, and want to return to again and again. Through coaching, consulting, online education, workshops, and resources, Fitcarma supports fitness professionals in clarifying their message, defining their unique value, developing stronger instructor teams, and designing class experiences that create real emotional impact. We help studio owners and instructors understand not only what they offer, but why it matters to the people they serve. Our approach blends branding, consumer psychology, experience design, flow science, musicology, coaching and cueing, and leadership development. Whether we’re helping a studio reposition its brand, train its instructors, improve retention, or create more memorable classes, our goal is always the same: to help fitness professionals become more confident, magnetic, and sustainable in their work. Fitcarma exists to help the fitness industry move beyond selling workouts and start creating experiences that truly matter.


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4.5

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

14 reviews

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4.5

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3 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A Game-Changing Rebrand with Barry and Shay

Working with Fitcarma has been an absolute game-changer for my business. This is actually the second time I've worked with Barry, and I also joined Shay's Group X Conservatory. I recently went through a full rebrand from It Figures Philly to Pure Energie Fitness, and I honestly couldn't have done it without their guidance and support.

From day one, they helped me think through every detail, not just the surface-level branding, but the strategy behind it. Barry and Shay pushed me to clarify my vision and brought it to life in ways I didn't even know I needed.

The new website design feels like a true reflection of the energy and community we're building at Pure Energie.
It's clean, modern, on-brand, and actually converts.

Beyond the website, they also helped me build out a comprehensive instructor handbook that has completely elevated how I onboard, train, and develop my team.

Having that structure in place has been a huge weight off my shoulders and has set a new standard for the studio. They went above and beyond with class observation sheets, performance review tools, and so much more that has made running the business smoother and more professional.

What sets Fitcarma apart is that Barry and Shay don't just hand you tools and templates. They genuinely care about your success. Coming back to work with Barry a second time and joining Shay's Conservatory has only reinforced how much value this team brings. They take the time to understand your studio, your goals, and your community, and then tailor their guidance to help you actually get there. I always leave our conversations feeling more focused, more confident, and more excited about what's next.

If you're a studio owner looking to level up your business, whether you're rebranding, building systems, or just trying to find clarity, Fitcarma is the team you want in your corner. Thank you, Barry and Shay, for everything you've helped me accomplish with Pure Energie!

February 1, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Hallie, thank you so much for this. It's been incredible watching Pure Energie come to life. You've put so much thought, care, and intention into creating something truly special for the women in your community, and we're honored to have played a small part in helping bring that vision to life.

One of the things we appreciate most about working with you is that you never look for shortcuts. You're willing to do the hard work of getting clear on what you stand for, building systems that support your team, and creating an experience that genuinely serves your members. That's why we know Pure Energie is going to continue growing.

Thank you for trusting us not once, but twice, and for being part of the Conservatory as well. We can't wait to see where you take this next.

– Barry & Shay

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Before working with Barry

Before working with Barry, I struggled most with clarity.
I knew I was deeply passionate about movement, dance, and wellness, but I couldn’t clearly articulate who I was truly here to serve or how to communicate the value of my work. Everything felt scattered and burnout was evident. That lack of clarity created self-doubt and frustration, even though I knew I had something meaningful to offer.

Working with Barry was a powerful and affirming experience.
He didn’t try to mold me into a brand that wasn’t mine. Instead, he helped me uncover what was already there and bring structure, language, and strategy to it. Through thoughtful questions and deep listening, Barry helped me clearly identify my ideal client—midlife women—and understand why they are naturally drawn to my approach. The process felt collaborative, intentional, and deeply aligned.

As a result, my business now feels focused, confident, and true to who I am.
My offerings are cohesive, my message is clear, and I’m no longer trying to speak to everyone. I feel grounded in my purpose and confident in how I show up. I trust my voice, my instincts, and the direction I’m moving in. This work has brought clarity, alignment, and renewed excitement for this next chapter.

February 10, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Solange, I really appreciate you taking the time to share this.

Clarity is everything. When it is missing, even the most passionate, talented people start to doubt themselves. That was never the issue here. You always had something meaningful to offer. The work was simply about bringing it into focus so others could see it and feel it too.

One thing I respect about you is how honest and lived-in your work is. Your connection to midlife women is real. It comes from experience, empathy, and purpose. Once we named that and built the brand around it, everything started to feel lighter and more aligned.

This is what we believe at Fitcarma. When your brand reflects who you truly are and who you are truly here to serve, your business stops feeling scattered and starts feeling grounded, confident, and energizing again.

I am really excited for where you are heading next.

Thank you for trusting me with your vision.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Working with Barry was a deeply…

Working with Barry was a deeply reflective and powerful experience. He pushed me to think beyond surface-level branding and really dig into the why behind Hardkore Pilates—who I want to serve and what I want people to feel. Through thoughtful coaching, client interviews, and asking the right questions, he helped me turn what I felt into words people can truly understand.
He’s an expert at guiding, clarifying, and bringing meaning to life. He has a rare ability to take thoughts and emotions that are hard to articulate and transform them into clear messaging that people can connect with and digest. He helped define Hardkore Pilates as an experience—not just a workout—where clients can disconnect from everything else, reconnect with their mind and body, push past their comfort zones, and leave feeling accomplished, proud, and strong both internally and externally.
As a result of this work, I now feel a sense of clarity and calm that I didn’t have before. I finally have a clear understanding and explanation of my brand, which allows me to attract the right clients and communicate my mission with confidence. I no longer feel overwhelmed—when people visit my website or read my brand strategy, they’ll immediately understand what Hardkore Pilates stands for and what we’re about.
Most importantly, I now feel like I can let go and trust the process. With a clear brand foundation and a branding guide my instructors can follow, I know the Hardkore experience can be consistently replicated as we grow. This work has given me alignment, confidence, and the freedom to allow both my business and brand to evolve authentically.

December 31, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Hi Kristen!

Thank you for sharing this. Working with you on Hardkore was a privilege, not just because you have a strong point of view about movement, but because you genuinely care about how people feel when they are in your space. That intention is what makes the brand worth building.

I am glad the process helped bring language to things you already knew in your body, but had not fully articulated yet. That is my favorite part of this work: taking what is instinctive, intuitive, and emotional for a founder and turning it into something others can see, understand, and step into with confidence.

Watching Hardkore evolve from a great workout into a fully defined experience has been powerful. You now have a brand that can attract the right clients, give your instructors clarity, and scale without losing what makes it special. That level of alignment is what allows a business to grow with integrity instead of dilution.

You have something real here, and I am honored I got to help illuminate it. I cannot wait to see how Hardkore continues to unfold.

Barry

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Redefining brand, mission, vision, & beliefs

Before working with Barry, our biggest pain point was identifying our new “why” following an ownership change. We struggled to find clarity around our mission and vision statements—something we could then turn over to our staff so everyone knew what we were working toward. Without that clarity, it felt like we were floating, untethered, with employees unsure of direction and duplicating effort.

Working with Barry was an incredible experience. He is kind, thoughtful, gentle, and wise. He dug deep, asked the right questions, and consistently came back with clarity that was uncannily accurate. I felt both comfortable and challenged in the process, which made it incredibly productive and enlightening.

As a result of working with Barry, I feel much more grounded and confident in the decisions I make for the business. I now have a clear set of core beliefs to guide our choices, ensuring that we are always aligned with our brand. I’m genuinely excited to watch the business grow and thrive with this newfound clarity.

November 11, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Julie, thank you so much for sharing this. It means a great deal.

Working with you and your team was an absolute pleasure. Your willingness to dig deep, question old assumptions, and clarify what truly matters for labarre is exactly why the process worked so well. Brand strategy is always a partnership, and your openness and thoughtfulness made it possible to uncover the language and direction that already lived inside the business waiting to take shape.

I’m so inspired by the intention you bring to your leadership and to your community. Seeing you step into this next chapter with clarity, confidence, and alignment is exactly why I do this work. I cannot wait to watch labarre grow into the brand it is becoming.

Thank you again for trusting me with your story. It was an honor.

-Barry

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fitcarma helped me!

Working with Fitcarma and Barry has been a game changer for both me and my business. From our very first session, Barry engaged in conversations to better define my business and lead me to the results I was looking for. Through the Fitcarma program, I uncovered my true superpowers, clarified my “why,” and gained a deep understanding of my ideal client. Together, we crafted a powerful brand script and developed clear, aligned client offers that reflect the heart of my work.

We redefined my vision, mission, and beliefs so they feel authentic and purpose-driven—and then brought everything together through a complete website revamp that truly represents who I am and what I offer. For the first time, my message, brand, and marketing all work in harmony.

Barry has the ability to see both the big picture and the small details that make a brand come alive. If you’re ready to move from uncertainty to clarity and confidence in your business, I can’t recommend Fitcarma highly enough.

September 8, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Michael,

Thank you for the thoughtful review. It was a privilege to work alongside you. Your openness and follow-through made real progress possible. We clarified your superpowers and your why, defined your ideal client, and turned that clarity into a brand script, aligned offers, and a site that finally sounds like you. Seeing your message, brand, and marketing move in the same direction is exactly the outcome we aim for. Grateful for your trust and excited for what comes next.

Barry

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have loved working with Barry on my…

I have loved working with Barry on my Brand Script. Our calls were productive and inspiring. I'm looking forward to may call with Shay. This whole experience has really helped me put my story and vision into my brand, studio, and align myself and instructors.

October 16, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Hi Tricia! This review means so much to us. We're so happy that we've been able to bring your vision to life.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

💡 One of the most underestimated growth…

💡 One of the most underestimated growth levers in business? Refining your brand language.

We recently completed a full update of our copy, positioning, and website at The Ripple Club. What started as a marketing project turned into something much bigger—a strategic exercise in clarity and alignment.

Back in 2021, my wife and co-founder, Alicia Dedigama, led the transformation from Aqua Spin → The Ripple Club. That rebrand gave us a strong identity. But this year, we took it further by asking: How do we express not just what we do, but the deeper value we create?

With the guidance of Barry Kostabi from Fitcarma, we redefined our language to better capture our mission:

✨ “Where Movement Becomes Empowerment”
Reclaim confidence in your body with our low-impact, water-based classes that energise your body, calm your mind, and lift your spirit.

✨"Fitness For Limitless Possibilities"
In the pool, every movement feels possible and every effort feels supported.

The biggest takeaway?
👉 Clear, authentic brand language doesn’t just tell your story—it shapes how your team, clients, and partners experience your company.

If you had to describe your company’s mission in one sentence today, would it still resonate with your clients and team?

April 6, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Thank you Yannick! This means so much, and we're so proud of how much you've grown!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Chromacore Loves Fitcarma

My business partner (and daughter) Sara and I spent months creating a blueprint for our new brand. It resulted in a clear and excitingly new concept in fitness/wellness – understood very well by us. But we were not connecting with our target audience because our message was heavy on our product – the workout, the studio, the instructors, the experience. We did a fair job on what clients gain, but we missed the mark on capturing their emotional problem – what do they want to fix, accomplish, or avoid and why? This was the heart of our work with Barry. We looked forward to every meeting, prioritized our assignments, and really loved the breakthrough thinking that happened during our virtual one-on-ones. He has an uncanny way of suspending time and focusing mental energy to get stuff done! Because we participated in the development, it was easy to use the new messaging in our website, marketing materials, and even a Valentine letter to our staff! Our advice to other studio leaders: Barry can help you tap into client motivation and harness it. This is the way to differentiate yourself from the competition, and the competition is getting fiercer every day!

March 5, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Wow, thank you so much, Linda and Sara! Working with you both has been an absolute pleasure. Your dedication to creating a truly unique and transformative experience is something I rarely see. The level of detail you put into everything—from the chromatherapy to the intentional lack of windows and mirrors, the carefully selected equipment, the way you train your staff, and even the ritual with the doors—speaks volumes about your passion and vision.

I’m so excited to see Chromacore grow because what you’re building is truly special. It’s been an honor to be part of this journey with you, and I can’t wait to see where it takes you next!

-Barry

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Satisfied Clients of Fitness Career Mastery

The biggest pain point we as a team struggled with before Fitness Career Mastery came into our lives, was the mere fact that we didn't know how to bring out the best way possible to describe our Fitness program, nor how we were presenting it to our clients to convince them that we had something even more and better than Fitness alone.

The experience of working with Barry was outstanding, we noticed he values consistency and motivation, especially in health and fitness. Barry's ability to be organically creative with our business pertaining to Africa, was mind-blowing to us. This outlined his decisive, forward-thinking, and excellence in keeping our brand on point..
Barry is an empowering coach who challenged us to bring our best while keeping things vibrant and culturally rich.

We are glad to have brought Fitness Career Mastery to our rescue, because it has enhanced and changed the sound of our business tune towards more of our ethnicity and now everything we are offering, or speaking about resonates our African culture. This perfectly represents the exact business model we had wanted all along, because on our own we didn't know how to make it happen. We are truly satisfied clients of Fitness Career Mastery.

February 19, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Kukuwa and Cassandra, this means so much to me! Working with you both was an absolute privilege—not just because of the incredible fitness program you’ve built, but because of the heart, culture, and authenticity you pour into everything you do. Your brand is so much more than fitness; it’s a movement, a story, and an experience that people deeply need.

Seeing how you’ve woven your cultural roots into something that resonates so powerfully is rare, and I’m beyond grateful that I could help bring that vision to life in a way that feels truly you. Your energy, passion, and commitment to keeping your brand vibrant and culturally rich made this process so special.

I can’t wait to see how your message continues to spread and impact even more people. Thank you for trusting me to be a part of this journey!

—Barry

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

the best in the industry

I cannot say enough good things about Barry and Shay of FCM. Barry's VIP Day provided my team and brand with an invaluable amount of clarity and confidence as we relaunch our website. He articulated how we see ourselves (and hope others do too!) in a way that we could have only hoped to. Shay is a true master at creating not a service, but an experience. Her ability to get to the soul of people and connect on a deeper level is a true gift. The best investment in our business yet!

January 10, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Danielle, this means so much! Working with you was such an inspiring experience. Your passion, vision, and the incredible work you do made it easy to bring clarity and confidence to your brand messaging—it was all already there; I just helped shine a light on it.

I’m so happy to have been able to bring you this clarity, and I can’t wait to see how it helps you take the next steps in your business. Excited to see what’s ahead for you!

—Barry

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Before finding Fitness Career Mastery I…

Before finding Fitness Career Mastery I felt like I had a very clear sense of what I wanted my studio to feel like, but I had no idea how to translate those feelings into words, let alone an actual brand message. I knew that my brand wasn’t simply the style of exercise I teach, but I couldn’t figure out how to articulate what my brand was.

My calls with both Barry and Shay helped me drill down on exactly what is most important to me. We were able to uncover all my points of difference from other local studios, and then Barry turned that into language I can use to describe it while Shay made sure that my classes deliver on the promises my brand story makes.

Not only did this help crystallize what I’m trying to accomplish, but it also made working with a graphic designer on my visual branding easier because I had such a strong sense of who my client is and what my brand is.

My business now has exactly the vibe that I was going for and I am able to market directly to my dream clients, increasing my confidence and sales. I couldn’t have done it without Barry and Shay!

January 1, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Tate, this means so much to both of us! From the very beginning, it was clear that you had a powerful vision for your studio—you just needed the right language and structure to bring it to life. It was such an incredible process helping you refine your brand message, uncover what truly sets you apart, and ensure that your classes deliver on the experience you envisioned.

Seeing your studio come together so seamlessly, with a brand and experience that perfectly align, has been so rewarding. We’re beyond excited to see how your business continues to grow and attract the dream clients you’re meant to serve. Thank you for trusting us with this journey—we couldn’t be prouder of what you’ve built!

—Barry & Shay

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Experience!

I had a great experience with Barry and Shay and I was so pleased with the final product at the end of our sessions. Barry helped me bring focus to what I am doing and put that into clear messaging. He helped me understand how important it was to show the passion and purpose behind what I am doing and was very good at helping me find my why in what I do. Barry took the time needed and asked all the right questions to understand me and my vision and help me tell my story.

February 9, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Heather, this means so much! It was such a pleasure working with you and helping bring clarity and focus to your brand. Your passion and purpose were always there—I just helped put it into words so others can feel it as powerfully as you do.

I’m so grateful for the trust you placed in me throughout this process, and I can’t wait to see how your messaging helps you connect with the people who need what you offer. Your story is powerful, and I know it’s going to resonate with so many.

Excited to see what’s next for you!

—Barry

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Super Sharp & Specific Advice + Outstanding Materials!

It has been a pleasure to work with Barry! He is an outstanding communicator with a fine-tuned intellect.

My main struggles and challenges have been to communicate all that is in my mind and experience with those who would benefit.

Picture my somewhat chaotic state: I have hundreds of ideas on a daily basis about the Original Hot Bikram Yoga practice, I have been teaching 20+ years, I work with researchers around the country (in psychology, physiology, medicine, art, etc.), I have written a book on the practice, I have hundreds of dedicated local and international students, and have piles and piles of content to share.

Yet I have struggled to organize all of this and share it with those who would likely benefit.

I have felt challenged in how to connect the potential of this practice with those who need the results.

Barry really got to know the special mission of my yoga school over the course of our meetings. He has helped me reorient my thinking about communications in a way that will last well beyond our specific projects.

I have a lot to implement but now I feel like I know what to do. Less lost in what to do with my constantly-expanding excitement and content.

The resources provided are top-notch as well! I highly recommend working with him.

January 14, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Hi Ann!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and generous review! It has truly been a privilege to work with you and dive into the depth of your knowledge, experience, and passion for Bikram Yoga. Your dedication to this practice, your students, and the broader scientific and artistic communities is inspiring, and I’m honored to have played a role in helping you bring your vision to life in a more structured and impactful way.

I know how much you have to share with the world, and I’m thrilled that our work together has provided clarity and direction for organizing and communicating your message. Your ability to bridge tradition, research, and personal experience is rare and powerful, and I have no doubt that what you’re building will continue to change lives.

I can’t wait to see what you create next! Thank you again for your kind words and trust in the process.

—Barry

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Nailed my brand story with Barry!

I don’t usually work with someone after just one podcast listen, but after hearing Barry and Shay speak, I knew they were my people! I worked with Barry to refine my brand story and get my messaging on point, and wow—his expertise made all the difference. He really helped me find clarity and communicate in a way that feels authentic to me.

Funny side note: Barry’s voice is so calming, it’s like a meditation session while getting serious business advice! If you want someone who truly gets it and can guide you in nailing your brand, Barry’s your guy! Highly recommend!

January 14, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from Fitcarma

Wow, what an incredible review—thank you so much! It’s not every day I get compared to a meditation session while dishing out branding advice, but I’ll happily take it! 🧘‍♂️✨ I’m so glad our podcast resonated with you and that we got to work together to refine your brand story and messaging. Helping you find clarity and authenticity is what it’s all about, and hearing this makes my day. Thank you for trusting me with your vision—and for appreciating the zen vibes along the way! 😊 -Barry

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