Escape Your Limits

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Anthony Geisler, CEO of Sequel Brands and one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the fitness industry.

From helping pioneer the boutique fitness movement to building and scaling some of the industry's most recognised brands, Anthony has spent more than two decades shaping the way people experience fitness. But as the industry continues to evolve, where does the next wave of opportunity lie?

Anthony reflects on the rise of boutique fitness, the lessons he's learned from franchising and entrepreneurship, and why longevity, recovery and preventative healthcare are set to become the next major growth areas for fitness businesses.

Together, they explore what makes a fitness concept scalable, why boutique fitness is far from finished, how operators should think about differentiation in an increasingly competitive market, and what the future holds for entrepreneurs looking to build the next generation of fitness brands.

In this episode, we cover: * How boutique fitness transformed the global fitness industry * The lessons behind building and scaling successful fitness brands * Why boutique fitness continues to evolve * The difference between boutique studios and big-box gyms * The "McDonald's" principle behind successful franchising * What makes a fitness concept truly scalable * Why longevity and preventative healthcare are the next major opportunity * What's next for Anthony Geisler and Sequel Brands

👉 Connect with Sequel Brands on LinkedIn.

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published:

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here.

Join the conversation at LIFTS: LinkedIn or Instagram.

Timestamps 00:00 The Man Who Built Boutique Fitness 09:45 The Birth of Boutique Fitness 17:52 Is Boutique Fitness Dead? 28:56 The McDonald's Lesson on Franchising 38:02 The Two Types of Boutique Fitness 45:41 What Makes a Fitness Brand Scalable? 52:48 Why Longevity Is the Next Big Opportunity 59:08 Building the Future with Sequel Brands 1:03:41 Final Takeaways

View Details

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Nico Varano, CEO of SWTHZ, one of North America's fastest-growing recovery and wellness brands.

Recovery has become one of the biggest growth opportunities in health and fitness, with consumers increasingly seeking experiences that help them reduce stress, improve performance and build healthier habits. But what does it take to build a business around recovery?

Nico shares his journey from becoming SWTHZ's very first franchisee to leading the company as CEO. Together, they explore why recovery is becoming a category in its own right, how contrast therapy is evolving beyond a wellness trend, and why hospitality, technology and habit-building are central to creating lasting customer experiences.

The conversation also looks at the role of AI, wearables and personalised data, the differences between private and communal recovery experiences, and what the future holds as SWTHZ continues its expansion across North America.

In this episode, we cover: * Nico's journey from customer to CEO * Why recovery is becoming a category of its own * Building a scalable wellness franchise * The rise of private contrast therapy experiences * How hospitality is redefining customer expectations * The role of AI, wearables and data in recovery * Why habit-building matters more than one-off experiences * The future of recovery, wellness and preventative health

👉 Connect with Nico Varano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovarano/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps 00:00 From Customer to CEO 01:23 Why Recovery Is Booming 06:03 Building the SWTHZ Vision 09:49 Why Recovery Is Its Own Category 16:20 Can Gyms Compete with SWTHZ? 19:31 The Power of Private Recovery 24:01 Wearables, AI & the Resilience Score 30:25 Taking SWTHZ Global 36:21 Growing Beyond Memberships 39:27 Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts

View Details

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Oliver Patrick, Co-Founder of Future Practice Ltd, Clinical Director of Pillar Wellbeing and one of the fitness industry's leading voices on longevity, preventative health and behavioural science.

As longevity becomes one of the fastest-growing trends in health and wellness, gyms, wellness operators and consumers are investing heavily in everything from red light therapy and hyperbarics to peptides, wearables, blood testing and recovery technologies. But are we focusing on the right things?

Oliver explains why the fundamentals of movement, nutrition, sleep and behaviour still outperform many of today's trending biohacking interventions, why genetics aren't the excuse many people believe they are, and how fitness operators have the greatest opportunity to become the front line of preventative healthcare.

Together, they explore how the fitness industry can move beyond selling workouts to delivering long-term health outcomes, and why behaviour change not technology remains the most powerful intervention available.

In this episode, we cover:

Why everything you know about longevity may be wrong
The difference between lifespan and healthspan
What the latest genetics research really means
Why lifestyle still has the biggest impact on long-term health
Whether red light therapy, sauna, hyperbarics and peptides are worth the investment
Why biohacking should never replace the fundamentals
How gyms can become the future of preventative healthcare
Practical advice for fitness and wellness operators investing in recovery and longevity

👉 Connect with Oliver Patrick https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-patrick-0b61776/ or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_olipatrick/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps 0:00 Everything You Know About Longevity Is Probably Wrong 6:53 The Biggest Shift in Longevity Right Now 10:37 Does Lifestyle Matter More Than Genetics? 18:29 Why the Basics Still Win 27:07 Before You Buy Wellness Technology... 36:04 Red Light, Sauna & The Future of Recovery 50:30 Oliver's View on Peptides & GLP-1s

View Details

Welcome to LIFTS (Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories), where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance.

While much of the fitness industry's attention remains focused on North America and Europe, one of the world's biggest growth opportunities is emerging across Latin America.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Maria Gonzalez, CEO of ClubFitness and Board Member of the Health & Fitness Association (HFA), to explore why Latin America is becoming one of the most exciting fitness markets in the world.

With gym penetration averaging just 2.15% and the market forecast to reach $7.5 billion by 2029, Maria explains why the region offers enormous potential for operators, investors and entrepreneurs. From the rise of Smart Fit and the HVLP model to the enduring strength of independent gyms, she shares the unique characteristics driving growth across Latin America.

The conversation also explores why community remains the industry's greatest competitive advantage, how innovation often emerges from constrained markets, and what fitness businesses around the world can learn from the entrepreneurial spirit shaping the region.

Together, they discuss why the future of fitness may not be where most people are looking.

In this episode, we cover:

Why Latin America is fitness's biggest growth opportunity
What 2.15% gym penetration really means
Why community is the industry's greatest advantage
Lessons from Smart Fit's remarkable growth
Why independent gyms continue to thrive
Could the next global fitness trend come from Latin America?
What every fitness operator can learn from the region

👉 Connect with Maria Gonzalez https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjpaisa/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod or https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps

0:00 Why Latin America Is Fitness's Biggest Opportunity 10:23 Community: Latin America's Competitive Advantage 23:05 Why Independent Gyms Continue to Thrive 27:07 The Rise of Smart Fit & HVLP 33:42 Can Gyms Compete with Free Fitness? 37:31 Could the Next Zumba Come from Latin America? 45:20 What the Global Fitness Industry Can Learn

View Details

Welcome to a special edition of LIFTS x Athletech, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance.

Recorded LIVE at Athletech in New York, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by five industry leaders to discuss how the world's leading fitness brands are adapting to one of the fastest periods of change the industry has ever experienced.

As consumer expectations evolve and AI, education, technology, partnerships and community continue to reshape the market, today's operators are rethinking everything from group fitness and member engagement to talent development and business strategy.

Joining the discussion are Joella Hopkins, Executive Vice President, Group Fitness at EōS Fitness; Lauren Maffei, Senior Director of Business Development & Partnerships at Purpose Brands; Warren Heffelfinger, CEO of ISSA; Pete Moore, Advisor to the Health, Active Lifestyle and Outdoor (HALO) sector; and Natalia Karbasova, Founder of FitTech Club.

Joella explains how EōS has reinvented group fitness by bringing boutique-style experiences into the HVLP model, why live instructors remain essential, and how innovative programming is attracting younger generations.

Lauren discusses how strategic partnerships are helping brands extend beyond the gym, strengthen member loyalty and create new revenue opportunities.

Warren shares why the industry's biggest challenge isn't a shortage of trainers but developing better ones, why soft skills matter more than ever, and how AI is transforming education rather than replacing coaches.

Pete introduces the HALO sector, explains why fitness should think bigger than traditional gyms, and shares his vision for creating stronger partnerships across the entire health and wellness economy.

Natalia explores the global FitTech ecosystem, startup innovation, investment trends and the technologies shaping the future of health and fitness.

Together, they explore how the industry's leading brands are responding to rapid change and what operators can do to build more resilient, innovative and future-ready businesses.

In this episode, we cover: * How the best fitness brands are adapting to industry change * The evolution of group fitness and boutique experiences * Strategic partnerships that drive growth * AI, education and the future of coaching * Why soft skills remain fitness's greatest competitive advantage * The rise of the HALO sector and cross-industry collaboration * Emerging FitTech trends and investment opportunities * Practical leadership lessons for fitness operators

👉 Connect with Joella Hopkins https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellahopkins/

👉 Connect with Lauren Maffei https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-maffei/

👉 Connect with Warren Heffelfinger https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-heffelfinger-925a851/

👉 Connect with Pete Moore https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteymo/

👉 Connect with Natalia Karbasova https://www.linkedin.com/in/karbasova/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod or https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps 0:00 Why Fitness Brands Must Adapt 1:04 Welcome to LIFTS x Athletech 1:35 How EōS Is Reinventing Group Fitness 7:16 Winning the Next Generation of Members 15:56 Building Partnerships Beyond the Gym 31:27 Why Soft Skills Beat AI 39:51 The HALO Sector Explained 45:58 Why Cross-Industry Partnerships Matter 51:30 The Future of FitTech & Innovation 58:41 Final Takeaways for Fitness Leaders

View Details

Welcome to a special edition of LIFTS x Athletech, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance.

Recorded live at Athletech in New York, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by five industry leaders to discuss the trends already transforming the fitness industry and what operators need to do to stay ahead.

As fitness, healthcare, AI, wearable technology, recovery and longevity continue to converge, today's leaders are redefining what a fitness business looks like. This conversation explores how operators are embracing innovation, leveraging technology, building stronger communities and preparing their organisations for the future.

Joining the discussion are Chris Griebe, Chief Operating Officer of VASA Fitness; Hussain Ahamed, Founder & CEO of Ultrahuman; Sean Hoess, Founder & CEO of Eudēmonia Summit; Eric Casaburi, Founder & CEO of Longevity Brands; and Brian Von Ancken, Founder of WGM.

Chris shares how VASA Fitness is reinventing the High Value Low Price model through boutique studios, recovery, AI-powered movement analysis and premium member experiences.

Hussain explains how wearable technology, continuous health monitoring and AI are enabling consumers to better understand and improve their health through personalised data.

Sean reflects on the evolution of wellness from a niche movement into a global cultural shift, and why community, experience and human connection remain central to the future of fitness.

Eric discusses why recovery, longevity and preventative healthcare represent one of the industry's greatest opportunities, and how fitness businesses are uniquely positioned to improve long-term health outcomes.

Brian shares why authentic relationships, collaboration and community continue to be the industry's greatest competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world.

Together, they explore one of the defining questions facing the industry today: what will the future of fitness look like, and how do we build businesses that are ready for it?

For founders, operators, investors, executives and fitness professionals, this episode offers practical insights into the trends, technologies and leadership strategies shaping the next generation of health and fitness.

In this episode, we cover: • The biggest trends reshaping the future of fitness • How AI is transforming coaching and member experiences • Wearable technology and personalised health • Why recovery is becoming fitness's next major growth category • The evolution of the modern gym • Community as the industry's greatest competitive advantage • Longevity, prevention and the future of healthcare

👉 Connect with Chris Griebe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgriebe/

👉 Connect with Hussain Ahamed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussainahamed/

👉 Connect with Sean Hoess: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanhoess/

👉 Connect with Eric Casaburi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcasaburi/

👉 Connect with Brian Von Ancken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianvonancken/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps 0:00 The Future of Fitness Starts Here 1:01 Reinventing the Modern Gym with VASA Fitness 14:10 Why Wellness Has Become Mainstream 22:21 The Business Opportunity in Wellness 32:11 From Fitness to Preventative Healthcare 39:30 Why Recovery Is Fitness's Next Growth Category 52:05 AI, Wearables & Personalised Health 1:00:05 How GLP-1s Are Reshaping Human Performance 1:11:58 Building Community in the Wellness Economy 1:24:50 The Biggest Takeaways from Athletech

View Details

Welcome to a special edition of LIFTS x Connected Health & Fitness, brought to you by Cascadia, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance.

Recorded live during an exclusive CEO Leadership Dinner at the Connected Health & Fitness Summit in New York, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by three industry leaders to discuss what it takes to lead through transformation in one of the world's fastest-evolving industries.

As fitness, healthcare, AI, longevity, and consumer expectations continue to converge, today's leaders are navigating unprecedented opportunities and challenges. This conversation explores how CEOs are scaling global businesses, embracing emerging technologies, building resilient cultures, and preparing their organisations for the future.

Joining the discussion are Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer, CEO & Co-Founder of EGYM and Co-Chairman & Co-Founder of Playlist; Brandon Dawson, Chairman & CEO of 10X Health System; and Frank Britt, CEO of Aescape.

Philipp shares the story behind the EGYM and Wellpass merger, explains how AI is transforming every function within the organisation, and why the fitness industry has an opportunity to shift healthcare from treatment to prevention.

Brandon discusses the future of human optimisation, personalised healthcare, and AI, while sharing the leadership principles that have helped him build and scale multiple high-growth businesses.

Frank reflects on his personal battle with leukemia, the turnaround of Aescape, and why recovery, robotics, and evidence-based innovation are creating an entirely new category within health and wellness.

Together, they explore one of the defining leadership challenges of our time: how to build organisations that thrive through uncertainty rather than simply survive it.

For founders, operators, investors, executives, and anyone leading through change, this episode offers practical lessons on leadership, innovation, resilience, and the future direction of the health and fitness industry.

In this episode, we cover:

Leadership lessons from scaling and transforming global businesses
The EGYM × Wellpass merger and the future of connected fitness
Why AI is changing the way organisations operate
Human optimisation, longevity, and preventative healthcare
Why recovery may become fitness's next major growth category
Building trust, culture, and resilient teams during periods of uncertainty
The future of health, fitness, and human performance

👉 Connect with Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipp-roesch-schlanderer-bb33137/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/playlisttechnologies/

👉 Connect with Brandon Dawson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmdawson/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/10x-health-system/

👉 Connect with Frank Britt:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fbritt/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/aescape/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps

0:00 Why Healthcare Needs Reinvention 1:17 Welcome to LIFTS x Connected Health & Fitness 3:06 Inside the EGYM × Wellpass Merger 4:38 Building a Global Longevity Business 9:36 The CEO Who Rebuilt His Life—and a Company 15:52 What Every Leader Learns Through Crisis 24:08 The Trust Formula Behind Great Companies 31:01 Why AI Will Change Fitness Forever 33:12 The Next Billion-Dollar Opportunity: Recovery 35:15 How CEOs Are Using AI Today 37:26 Final Leadership Lessons

View Details

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Aarti Kapoor, investment banker, fitness industry advisor, and one of the leading voices at the intersection of fitness, capital markets, and business growth.

This conversation explores how investors evaluate fitness businesses, what separates scalable brands from lifestyle businesses, and why some concepts attract capital while others struggle to generate interest.

Drawing on her experience advising fitness and wellness brands, Aarti shares how investors assess opportunities, the key metrics that drive valuation, and why factors such as brand strength, unit economics, market positioning, management teams, and growth runway often matter more than founders realise.

The discussion also examines some of the biggest shifts shaping the industry today, from the evolution of boutique fitness and lessons from SoulCycle, to the rise of high-value low-price operators, the growing influence of franchising, and what investors now expect from businesses seeking capital.

Aarti also explains why many founders focus on growth while investors focus on scalability, why clean financials and comparable data are essential, and how operators should think about preparing their businesses for future investment, acquisition, or expansion.

For fitness operators, founders, investors, suppliers, and industry leaders, this episode offers a rare look inside the investment playbook shaping the future of fitness.

In this episode, we cover:

What investors really look for in fitness businesses
The metrics that drive valuation and growth
Lessons from SoulCycle, boutique fitness, and HVLP operators
Why some fitness brands attract investment and others don't
The role of franchising in scaling fitness businesses
What founders should know before seeking investment

👉 To learn more about Aarti Kapoor, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarti-kapoor1/

👉 Follow Aarti Kapoor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aarti__kapoor/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps

0:00 Why SoulCycle's Decline Matters

7:11 The Investment Thesis That Changed Fitness

11:28 The 3 Metrics Every Investor Watches

14:27 What COVID Changed Forever

17:43 SoulCycle's Biggest Challenge

21:56 Why Money Is Flowing Into HVLP

26:55 How Investors Pick Winners

31:21 Can You Predict The Next Big Trend?

35:31 Why Franchises Get Higher Valuations

39:39 The Valuation Mistakes Founders Make

48:20 What Every Fitness Founder Should Know

View Details

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Dr. Paul Bedford, founder of The Retention Guru and one of the fitness industry's leading authorities on member retention, customer experience, and consumer behaviour.

After analysing more than 5.5 million gym member records worldwide, Dr. Bedford has spent decades helping operators understand one of the biggest challenges facing fitness businesses today: keeping members engaged for the long term.

This conversation explores why retention remains one of the most misunderstood metrics in the fitness industry and why many operators may be focusing on the wrong things. As consumer behaviour continues to evolve, the traditional membership model is being challenged by a new generation of fitness consumers who increasingly belong to multiple gyms, studios, communities, and wellness brands simultaneously.

Dr. Bedford shares insights into why members really leave, the critical role community plays in long-term engagement, and why every member interaction contributes to retention. The discussion also examines how operators can create more meaningful experiences and why positive experiences, not extraordinary ones, are often the foundation of long-term loyalty.

The episode explores the future of member retention, changing consumer expectations, and what fitness operators must do to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market.

In this episode, we cover:

• What 5.5 million member records reveal about retention • Why members really leave gyms • The rise of multi-membership consumers • Why community drives long-term engagement • The retention data many operators ignore • What fitness businesses must do next

👉 To learn more about Dr. Paul Bedford, click here: https://www.retentionguru.com

👉 Connect with Dr. Paul Bedford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaulbedford/

👉 Follow Dr. Paul Bedford on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retentionguru/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction 3:15 Why Retention Matters More Than Ever 8:22 What 5.5 Million Members Reveal 15:04 Why Members Really Leave 21:48 Sponsor Message: EGYM 22:20 The Future of Multi-Membership Consumers 30:11 Why Community Drives Retention 38:42 The Retention Data Most Gyms Ignore 47:18 Creating Positive Member Experiences 55:02 What Operators Must Do Next

View Details

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Mark Hartnett-Morgan (ATHX Games), Nicolas Denby (GymSync), Emily Leroux (DEKA International), and George Crook (HYROX Training Zones) to explore one of the most significant trends reshaping the fitness industry today: the rise of competition fitness.

What started as a niche category has rapidly evolved into a global movement. HYROX events are selling out around the world, DEKA continues to expand internationally, and more operators are beginning to rethink how they design facilities, build communities, and engage members through performance-driven experiences.

This conversation explores whether competition fitness is simply another industry trend or a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour that will permanently influence the future of gyms, fitness clubs, and training facilities.

The panel examines how competition-based formats are creating new opportunities for operators to drive member acquisition, improve retention, strengthen community, and provide members with measurable goals beyond traditional fitness programming.

The discussion also dives into the evolution of fitness events, the growth of dedicated competition training spaces, and the increasing role that challenges, races, and performance experiences play in motivating members to stay engaged over the long term.

The guests share insights from ATHX, DEKA, HYROX, and GymSync, discussing how operators can successfully integrate competition fitness into their businesses without losing sight of the broader member experience.

For fitness operators, gym owners, investors, coaches, and industry leaders, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the fastest-growing movements in the fitness industry and what it could mean for the future of gym design, programming, and member engagement.

In this episode, we cover:

Why competition fitness is growing so rapidly
The HYROX effect and its impact on gyms worldwide
Whether competition fitness is a fad or a long-term movement
How events drive member acquisition and retention
Why operators may need a competition fitness strategy
The future of training zones, fitness tourism, and performance communities

👉 To learn more about Mark Hartnett-Morgan, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hartnett-morgan

👉 To learn more about Nicolas Denby, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-denby

👉 To learn more about Emily Leroux, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-leroux-5ba26a13/

👉 To learn more about George Crook, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecrookperformance/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction: Is Competition Fitness a Fad? 4:18 Why Competition Fitness Is Transforming Gym Culture 10:00 The HYROX Effect: From 600 to 40,000 Competitors 12:10 Should Gyms Build Their Business Around Competition Fitness? 19:08 Why DEKA, ATHX & HYROX Are Growing So Fast 22:29 How Competition Trends Are Changing Gym Design 25:20 Sponsor Message: EGYM 25:47 Do Gyms Need Dedicated Competition Training Spaces? 35:43 How Events Drive Retention, Community & Member Growth 42:13 The One Thing Every Gym Operator Must Get Right

View Details

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Dr. Brent Anderson, founder of Polestar Pilates, physical therapist, educator, and one of the most respected voices in the global Pilates industry.

Pilates has become one of the fastest-growing categories in fitness. Participation continues to rise, studios are expanding globally, and demand shows little sign of slowing down. Yet despite its popularity, Pilates remains one of the most misunderstood modalities in the industry.

This conversation explores why Pilates has experienced such remarkable growth, whether the category is approaching saturation, and what operators, investors, and fitness professionals often misunderstand about the methodology behind its success.

Drawing on more than four decades of experience in rehabilitation, movement science, and Pilates education, Dr. Anderson explains how Pilates evolved from a niche practice used primarily by dancers and physical therapists into a global wellness phenomenon. He also shares why he believes the category still has significant room to grow.

The discussion dives into the growing role of technology, connected equipment, and performance data within Pilates, and examines how innovation can help operators improve outcomes without losing sight of the principles that made Pilates effective in the first place.

The episode also explores one of the most surprising trends in fitness today: younger consumers are increasingly embracing Pilates as part of a broader shift toward wellness, longevity, recovery, and preventative health. As wellness becomes a daily lifestyle rather than an occasional activity, Pilates is finding relevance across new demographics and markets around the world.

For fitness operators, studio owners, educators, investors, and wellness professionals, this episode offers a fascinating look at why Pilates continues to grow, what makes it so effective, and where the category may be heading next.

In this episode, we cover:

Why Pilates continues to grow globally
What most people misunderstand about Pilates
How technology is changing the Pilates experience
Whether the industry is approaching saturation
Why Pilates may become a pillar of wellness and healthcare

👉 To learn more about Dr. Brent Anderson, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrentpt

👉 Follow Dr. Brent Anderson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbrentpt

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction 3:02 Why Pilates Is Having a Moment 8:03 Technology, Data & The Future of Pilates 23:12 Sponsor Message: EGYM 23:37 Is Pilates Approaching Saturation? 37:24 The Global Expansion of Pilates 45:25 Can Pilates Be Standardised? 50:50 What Fitness Operators Need to Understand About Pilates 53:39 Final Takeaways & The Future of the Category

View Details

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Dr. Nestor Rodriguez for a deep dive into one of the biggest shifts happening across healthcare, fitness, and longevity: the move from reactive "sick care" to proactive performance medicine.

For decades, healthcare systems have largely focused on treating illness after it appears. But a new model is beginning to emerge - one centred around prevention, optimisation, diagnostics, recovery, and long-term human performance.

This conversation explores why consumers are becoming more proactive about their health, how wearable technology and biomarkers are reshaping the wellness landscape, and why the worlds of fitness, medicine, recovery, and longevity are starting to converge faster than ever before.

Dr. Nestor Rodriguez explains why the future of healthcare may look very different from the systems we know today. As consumers gain access to more data through wearables, recovery tracking, blood testing, and AI-driven health insights, expectations around health and wellness are rapidly evolving.

The discussion also examines the growing opportunity for fitness operators. As gyms continue evolving beyond exercise facilities into broader wellness and longevity platforms, operators may soon play a much larger role in preventative health, performance optimisation, and personalised wellness experiences.

The episode also dives into the limitations of the traditional healthcare system, the growing demand for personalised medicine, and why the next era of wellness may be built around continuous optimisation rather than reactive treatment.

In this episode, we cover:

Why healthcare is shifting from "sick care" to performance medicine
The rise of longevity, diagnostics, and preventative health
How wearables and biomarkers are changing consumer behaviour
Why fitness operators may become part of the healthcare ecosystem
The future of personalised wellness and human performance

👉 To learn more about Dr. Nestor Rodriguez, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nestorrodriguezmd

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction 4:32 Why Healthcare Is Still Built Around "Sick Care" 11:48 The Rise of Performance Medicine & Longevity 19:42 Sponsor Message: EGYM 21:03 Wearables, Biomarkers & Consumer Health Data 30:14 Why Fitness & Healthcare Are Starting to Converge 39:08 The Future of Human Performance & Preventative Wellness

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest fitness industry trends and stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Frank Britt, CEO of Aescape, for a deep dive into one of the most talked-about stories in wellness technology this year.

After reports emerged that Aescape entered insolvency proceedings following a reported $157 million shortfall, the conversation around recovery robotics quickly shifted from innovation to survival. But according to Frank Britt, the real story is far more nuanced and far from over.

This episode explores what actually happened behind the scenes at Aescape, why the original business model failed, and how the company is now attempting to rebuild around a completely different approach.

Frank shares why "robots as a service" created major challenges for the company's economics, how the business is restructuring around equipment ownership and platform services, and why he believes recovery robotics is still positioned at the centre of several long-term wellness trends including AI, personalisation, diagnostics, and labour shortages.

The discussion also examines the broader future of recovery within fitness and hospitality. As recovery moves from luxury amenity to everyday infrastructure, operators are beginning to rethink how bodywork, data, and personalised wellness experiences fit into the future member journey.

The episode also dives into the parallels between recovery technology and the adoption curves of other consumer technologies from GPS and streaming to wearables and connected health devices and why Frank believes recovery intelligence could eventually become as mainstream as strength or cardio tracking.

In this episode, we cover:

Why Aescape collapsed despite raising $128 million
The business model mistake behind "robots as a service"
How Aescape plans to rebuild and scale
Why recovery is moving to the centre of wellness
The future of AI-driven recovery and personalisation

👉 To learn more about Frank Britt, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fbritt/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction 5:58 What Really Happened at Aescape 11:07 The Pivot Away From "Robots as a Service" 17:59 Why Recovery Is Moving to the Centre of Wellness 33:28 The Future of AI-Driven Recovery & Diagnostics

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest fitness industry trends and stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most important shifts in the fitness industry today: technology is no longer just a support function, it's a core driver of growth.

Joined by Al Noshirvani, Executive Chairman of Alta Technology Group, the conversation dives into how operators should rethink their approach to AI, payments, and platform decisions.

While the industry is flooded with new tools and innovations, a deeper challenge is emerging beneath the surface. Many operators are investing in technology without clearly understanding whether it delivers measurable impact.

Al introduces a simple but powerful framework: every technology decision should enhance the member experience, increase staff productivity, or contribute to the bottom line. Ideally, it should do all three.

The discussion explores how AI is often overemphasised in customer-facing features, while the real opportunity lies behind the scenes automating operations such as collections, onboarding, and staff training. It also examines how payments have evolved from a back-office necessity into a strategic lever that impacts revenue, retention, and customer trust.

The conversation also highlights the growing importance of platform strategy. As businesses scale, operators must ensure their technology is configurable, flexible, and extensible otherwise they risk being locked into systems that limit future growth.

As the episode develops, the panel reinforces a critical insight: technology should not be pursued for its own sake. The operators who win will be those who focus on outcomes using technology to drive better experiences, stronger operations, and sustainable revenue growth.

In this episode, we cover: * The 3 tests every fitness technology decision must pass * Why most AI in fitness is missing the point * Where AI is actually creating operational value * How payments became a strategic lever in fitness * The risks of choosing the wrong technology platform * Why configurability, flexibility, and extensibility matter * How to think about technology as a revenue driver—not a cost * What operators should demand from their tech partners

👉 To learn more about Al Noshirvani, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alnoshirvani/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 4:41 Why Fitness Technology Is Now Infrastructure 9:25 What Operators Should Focus on With Technology 10:04 The 3 Tests Every Tech Decision Must Pass 11:08 Where AI Actually Works in Fitness 13:12 Get Them, Know Them, Keep Them 19:48 Click to Cancel, Trust & Member Experience 25:45 Sponsor Message: EGYM 28:23 Payments as a Strategic Lever 35:36 AI, Personalisation & The Gym Experience

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest fitness industry trends and stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most overlooked drivers of growth in the fitness industry: member frequency.

Joined by JJ Creegan, Principal at Creegan Co., the conversation dives into why many gyms plateau despite strong demand and continued industry growth.

While headlines suggest the fitness industry is thriving, with rising revenues and participation, a deeper issue is emerging beneath the surface. Many operators are still focused on acquisition and utilisation, while overlooking the single metric that ultimately determines long-term success: whether members consistently show up.

Drawing on experience from brands such as Planet Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, and Purpose Brands, JJ shares a practical framework for understanding where businesses break down as they scale. From reliance on "founder energy" to fragmented systems and inconsistent execution, the discussion highlights why early success can often mask deeper operational fragility.

The conversation also explores how operators can better understand their lead funnels, improve execution across teams, and build systems that drive behaviour, not just short-term results. JJ introduces his "SCREAM" framework as a way to evaluate business health across systems, culture, relationships, execution, action, and management.

As the episode develops, the panel reinforces a critical insight: growth is no longer just about getting more members through the door. It's about ensuring they stay engaged, build consistent habits, and remain active within your ecosystem.

For operators, founders, and investors, this episode provides valuable insight into the shifting dynamics of the industry, including the "disappearing middle," changing consumer behaviour, and the increasing importance of retention in a more competitive landscape.

In this episode, we cover:

Why frequency of visit is the most important metric in fitness
The hidden gaps in the lead funnel (book, show, close)
Why "founder energy" doesn't scale
The SCREAM framework for building stronger operations
The "disappearing middle" of the fitness market
How consumer behaviour is shifting towards performance and data
Why retention is becoming harder—and more important than ever

👉 To learn more about JJ Creegan, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjcreegan/ or https://www.instagram.com/jcreegan/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Shop gym equipment:https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:20 The Real Problem Behind Gym Growth 5:30 Why Frequency Matters More Than Members 10:15 Founder Energy vs Scalable Systems 15:00 The SCREAM Framework Explained 20:30 The Disappearing Middle of Fitness 26:00 Performance, Data & Changing Consumer Behaviour 31:30 Fixing the Funnel: Book, Show, Close 36:00 Retention vs Acquisition 40:30 Final Takeaways

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest industry fitness trends and stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most provocative ideas in modern health and wellness: what if aging itself is a disease?

Joined by Dr. Jonathann Kuo, founder of Extension Health, the conversation dives into the rapid rise of longevity medicine, peptides, and advanced performance therapies.

As concierge health models, diagnostics, and biohacking treatments move into the mainstream, a new category is emerging at the intersection of healthcare, wellness, and performance. However, as interest grows, so too does the gap between consumer awareness, clinical expertise, and real-world application.

The discussion explores how longevity medicine is being defined today, and how it differs from traditional healthcare, which has historically focused on treating disease rather than preventing it. Dr. Kuo shares his clinical perspective on using advanced diagnostics, peptide therapies, and regenerative interventions to optimise healthspan and address the underlying drivers of aging.

Matthew and Mo challenge the growing influence of social media and biohacking culture, where consumer demand is accelerating faster than regulation and scientific validation. The conversation highlights the importance of clinical experience, medical oversight, and responsible implementation in a space that is evolving rapidly.

As the episode develops, the panel reinforces a key message: while advanced therapies are gaining traction, the fundamentals of health, diet, sleep, and exercise remain the foundation of long-term outcomes, with newer interventions acting as an additional layer of optimisation.

For operators, this episode provides valuable insight into both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with integrating longevity and wellness services into fitness environments.

In this episode, we cover: • What longevity medicine is and why it's growing • The idea of aging as a disease and what it means in practice • The rise of peptides, biohacking, and advanced therapies • The difference between clinical care and influencer-led health advice • Why diagnostics and personalised data are essential • Risks around unregulated treatments and "DIY" biohacking • How AI is shaping the future of personalised healthcare

Guest 👉 To learn more about Dr. Jonathann Kuo, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathannkuo/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness. Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:05 What Is Longevity Medicine? 5:30 Aging as a Disease A New Perspective 10:20 Peptides Explained: Hype vs Reality 18:45 Fundamentals vs Optimisation 23:30 Mental Health & Neuro Reset Therapies 28:40 Why Diagnostics & Data Matter 33:50 The Rise of Concierge Health Models 38:10 Risks of Unregulated Biohacking 43:00 AI and the Future of Healthcare 46:00 Final Takeaways

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most talked-about topics in modern wellness: NAD and the rapid rise of longevity therapies.

Joined by Rachele Pojednic, Chief Science Officer at Restore Hyper Wellness, the conversation breaks down what NAD actually is, how it functions within the body, and why it has become such a focal point in energy, recovery, and healthy aging.

As wellness clinics, IV therapies, and performance treatments continue to grow in popularity, NAD has emerged as a central molecule in the conversation around optimisation and longevity. However, as interest increases, so too does the gap between consumer awareness, scientific understanding, and real-world application.

The discussion explores the biology behind NAD, including its role in cellular energy production, metabolism, and DNA repair, while also examining the different forms of NAD and its precursors, such as NR and NMN.

Matthew and Mo share their own experiences with NAD therapies, opening up a broader discussion around delivery methods, perceived benefits, and the difference between anecdotal outcomes and evidence-based practice.

As the conversation develops, Rachel highlights the importance of understanding not just the therapy, but the underlying molecule, and why factors such as dosage, delivery method, and cellular transport play a critical role in determining effectiveness.

The episode also addresses the wider challenges within the wellness industry, including the speed at which new therapies are being adopted, the influence of biohacking culture, and the growing need for scientific validation and safety data.

For operators, this episode provides valuable insight into both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with integrating longevity and wellness services into fitness environments.

In this episode, we cover:

What NAD is and how it works in the body
Why NAD levels decline with age
The rise of NAD and wellness clinics
The difference between NAD, NR, and NMN
Why delivery method and molecule selection matter
The gap between wellness hype and scientific evidence
Safety considerations, dosage challenges, and unknowns

👉 To learn more about Rachele Pojednic, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelepojednic/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising. opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

1:50 What is NAD?

6:15 How NAD Works in the Body

9:10 Why NAD Declines With Age

13:00 Can You Measure NAD?

19:00 NAD Therapy Explained

28:30 Wellness Hype vs Science

38:30 Safety & What We Don't Know

51:30 Final Takeaways

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this special episode recorded live at PerformX, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore why many believe the fitness industry is entering a golden era of fitness and wellbeing.

Joined by Giles Denning and Phil Learney, the conversation explores how fitness, wellness, longevity, and human performance are beginning to converge.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, gyms and operators are being challenged to think beyond traditional training models. Members are increasingly looking for guidance on mental fitness, recovery, sleep, and overall lifestyle optimisation — not just workouts.

The discussion explores why gyms may be uniquely positioned to support these broader health goals. From bringing people together through challenging training environments to creating spaces where community, purpose, and coaching intersect, the fitness industry has the potential to play a much larger role in supporting long-term wellbeing.

The panel also dives into the concept of cumulative stress and human capacity, exploring how factors such as sleep, travel, alcohol, environment, and recovery protocols influence overall health and performance.

As the conversation develops, Phil Learney explains why recovery and wellness practices must be prescribed with the same precision as training, highlighting the growing importance of evidence-based approaches as the industry moves beyond hype toward measurable outcomes.

For operators, this episode highlights a significant opportunity: as consumer demand shifts toward longevity, optimisation, and preventative health, gyms may become central hubs for supporting human performance across all areas of life.

This episode is Part 3 of a three-part series recorded live at PerformX, exploring the ideas shaping the future of fitness.

In this episode, we cover: • Why the fitness industry may be entering a golden era • The growing focus on mental fitness and men's health • Understanding cumulative stress and human capacity • Why recovery should be prescribed like training • The difference between wellness hype and evidence-based practice • How AI may transform coaching and performance programming • Why gyms may become central hubs for longevity and optimisation

👉 To learn more about Giles Denning, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilesdenning/

👉 To learn more about Phil Learney, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillearney/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

Timestamps 0:00 Welcome to PerformX 1:07 The Golden Era of Fitness & Wellbeing 4:08 Mental Fitness & Men's Health 6:13 Human Performance & Wellness Trends 10:01 Understanding Cumulative Stress 14:45 Recovery Should Be Prescribed Like Training 24:36 Final Takeaways: The Future of Fitness

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this special episode recorded live at the Coach360 After Party during HFA 2026 in San Diego, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with four influential leaders from across the fitness industry for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation on where the industry is headed.

Featuring insights from Bob Thomas, Sal Pellegrino, Pamela J. Brown (Crunch Fitness), and Marc Rodriguez, this conversation explores the shifting landscape of fitness, from emerging medical integrations and technology to generational changes in trainers, leadership, and culture.

In this episode, we cover:

The rise of GLP-1 medications and their impact on gyms, training, and member behavior.
The ongoing evolution of the fitness industry post-COVID and signs of renewed growth
Why culture, community, and human connection are more important than ever.
The generational shift in trainers and the growing communication gap.
How AI and technology are reshaping personal training and member expectations.
The importance of education, mentorship, and professionalism in long-term success.
Why longevity, health, and quality of life are overtaking aesthetics as primary goals.
The role of leadership in shaping the future of fitness organizations.

👉 To learn more about HFA, click here: https://hub.healthandfitness.org/hfa-show

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

00:00 Bob Thomas Introduction

06:50 GLP-1 and Fitness Industry

22:00 Sal Pellegrino Insights

37:40 Pamela Brown Culture Talk

47:00 Mark Rodriguez Training Evolution

01:01:50 Longevity Shift

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this special episode recorded live from HFA 2026 in San Diego, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with three of the most influential leaders in the global fitness industry to break down where the space is heading next.

Featuring insights from Mark S. Mastrov (24 Hour Fitness), Adam Sedlack (UFC Gyms), and Bill Davis (ABC Fitness), this episode dives into the rapid evolution of fitness business models, technology, member behavior, and the growing intersection between fitness, healthcare, and longevity.

In this episode, we cover:

How technology and AI are reshaping the modern gym experience.
Why the traditional membership model is evolving (and what comes next).
The rise of recovery, longevity, and performance-driven services.
How GLP-1s, peptides, and medical wellness are influencing gym usage.
The growing importance of personal training as a retention driver.
Why younger generations are entering fitness earlier and using gyms differently.
The shift toward multi-gym memberships and "share of wallet" behavior.
How brands like UFC Gyms are expanding into new modalities like jiu jitsu.
The increasing role of personalization, data, and AI in fitness platforms.
What separates top-performing gyms from the rest.

👉 To learn more about HFA, click here: https://hub.healthandfitness.org/hfa-show

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

00:00 Intro: Live from HFA 2026

02:03 Mark Mastrov Interview

04:30 Technology & Industry Shift

09:21 Free Membership Model Discussion

13:16 Personal Training & Retention

18:47 Multi-Gym Membership Trends

22:03 Adam Sedlack Interview

25:24 Jiu Jitsu Growth

30:50 Global Fitness Trends

38:23 Bill Davis Interview

43:13 AI & Data in Fitness

57:56 Closing Thoughts

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this special episode recorded live at PerformX, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most significant and rapidly evolving topics in health and fitness today: the rise of GLP-1 medications and what they mean for the fitness industry.

Joined by Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, GP, personal trainer, health coach, and one of the UK's leading educators on obesity management and lifestyle medicine, the conversation explores how these medications are reshaping the health landscape.

As GLP-1 treatments become more widely used across the US and UK, gyms are beginning to see a new type of members entering their facilities, individuals who may be starting their health journey for the first time and looking for guidance on building sustainable habits.

The discussion explores how GLP-1 medications work, the challenges around muscle loss during rapid weight reduction, and why strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle change are critical for long-term health outcomes.

The panel also examines how healthcare systems such as the NHS are approaching GLP-1 treatments, the risks of relying on medication alone, and why fitness operators may become one of the most important environments for supporting members during and after treatment.

From body composition tracking and behaviour change to collaboration between healthcare and fitness professionals, this conversation explores the growing role gyms could play in supporting sustainable health outcomes.

This episode is Part 2 of a three-part series recorded live at PerformX, exploring the ideas shaping the future of fitness.

In this episode, we cover:

Why GLP-1 medications are transforming the weight-loss landscape
The difference between weight loss and health gain
Why muscle preservation matters during GLP-1 treatment
How exercise can reduce the risk of rapid weight regain
What gym operators can do to better support members using GLP-1s
Why body composition matters more than the number on the scale
The opportunity for collaboration between healthcare and fitness professionals

👉 To learn more about Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hussain-al-zubaidi-402b141a7/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

0:00 Welcome to LIFTS Live at PerformX 0:46 Why GLP-1s Have Exploded in the US 3:05 The UK Obesity Challenge & GLP-1 Access 6:07 Why Exercise Matters During GLP-1 Treatment 8:45 Muscle Loss and the Opportunity for Gyms 11:01 Why the NHS Is Cautious About GLP-1 18:17 What Gym Operators Should Actually Do 33:38 Micro-dosing, Misuse & Industry Risks 42:04 The Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this special episode recorded live at PerformX, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most important shifts happening in the fitness industry today: the evolution of the gym into a health hub.

Joined by Jaclyn Hughes (Ultimate Training Solutions), Tim Gray (Health Optimisation Summit & The Biohacker), and Rez Barad (House of Fitness), the panel examines how fitness, longevity, biohacking, and preventative healthcare are beginning to converge.

As consumers return to gyms with wearables, health data, and a greater awareness of their own health, operators are being challenged to rethink the role of the fitness facility. Members are no longer just looking for workouts — they're looking for guidance on sleep, recovery, longevity, and overall health outcomes.

The discussion explores how operators can integrate health-focused services while still delivering the fundamentals that matter most: strength training, movement, recovery, and education.

The panel also dives into the growing knowledge gap between consumers and coaches, the rise of longevity-focused training, and how gyms could play a much larger role in the preventative health ecosystem.

From wearable data and biohacking trends to new membership models and health services, this conversation explores what the next generation of fitness facilities might look like — and what operators should prioritise as the industry evolves.

This episode is Part 1 of a three-part series recorded live at PerformX, exploring the ideas shaping the future of fitness.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why gyms are evolving into health hubs • The rise of longevity, biohacking, and preventative health • The growing knowledge gap between consumers and coaches • Why strength training, sleep, and recovery remain foundational • How wearable data is reshaping consumer expectations • The opportunity for gyms to play a role in preventative healthcare • Why operators may need to shift from tracking visits to tracking outcomes

👉 To learn more about Jaclyn Hughes, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclynhughes/

👉 To learn more about Tim Gray and Health Optimisation Summit, click here: https://www.healthoptimisation.com/

👉 To learn more about Rez Barad and House of Fitness, click here: https://www.houseoffitness.co.uk/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

==================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

0:00 Welcome to LIFTS Live at PerformX 1:40 The Gym as a Health Hub: Why the Industry Is Changing 6:30 Longevity, Biohacking & the Future of Fitness 10:15 Premium vs Accessible Health Services in Gyms 15:00 Biohacking Trends and the Evidence Debate 19:45 The Knowledge Gap Between Consumers and Coaches 23:00 The Foundations: Strength, Sleep & Recovery 30:00 The Opportunity for Gym Operators 33:30 The Future of Gym Pricing & Membership Models 40:15 Final Takeaways: Education, Health & the Next Era of Fitness

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Recorded live at Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2026, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with three industry leaders to unpack the convergence of fitness, technology, wellness, and human intelligence.

Guests include:

David Van Daff (NASM): A 30-year fitness industry veteran representing the National Academy of Sports Medicine, discussing certification evolution, AI in training, and the expanding expectations placed on personal trainers.
Jeff Yasuda (Feed Media Group): Co-founder of Feed FM, sharing insights on music, AI vs HI, ecosystem trends, and how human curation still powers engagement.
Julian Barnes (BFS): Co-founder of BFS and co-chair of Connected Health & Fitness 2026, offering data-driven insights on studio growth, mindset, and the role of people in an increasingly automated world.

Key Topics include:

How personal training evolved pre and post pandemic.
Why AI will not replace trainers, but trainers using AI may dominate.
The rise of ecosystem thinking in connected fitness.
AI vs HI: why human intelligence still matters.
The mindset separating scalable studio operators from everyone else.
Why tech must serve frontline staff, not overwhelm them.
The demographic challenge facing gyms and studios.
How coaches and trainers remain the most powerful influencers in fitness.

👉 To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026

👉 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here:

https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Don't miss a LIFTS update! Subscribe to our free Newsletter today: https://www.liftspodcast.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 – Intro & Personal Training Evolution

05:00 – AI and the Future of Trainers

11:30 – Career Pathways in Fitness

19:41 – Jeff Yasuda on Music & Ecosystems

25:55 – AI vs HI Debate

36:52 – Julian Barnes on Growth & Mindset

45:38 – Do Not Forget the People

53:43 – Technology, Labor & The Future

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this special live episode from the Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2026 in Los Angeles, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with four leaders shaping the future of performance, longevity, franchising, and workforce training.

Guests include:

Douglas Gremmen (HYROX): On building one of the fastest growing competitive fitness brands in the world and why purpose-driven training is the ultimate disruptor.
Dean Kelly (Extension Health): On physician-led longevity, advanced diagnostics, and the shift from conversation to clinical outcomes.
Julie Cartwright (PVOLVE): On scaling an omni-channel fitness brand and the emotional responsibility of franchising.

This episode explores the balance between AI and human intelligence, the rise of team-based competition, the evolution of longevity medicine, and how modern training systems are transforming frontline industries.

Key Topics Include:

How HYROX built a global competitive ecosystem without competing with gyms.
Why doubles competition is redefining community in fitness.
The difference between influencer-driven biohacking and physician-led longevity care.
The realities of scaling a franchise brand in today's market.
How AI-powered training systems are improving workforce performance.
The importance of human connection in an AI-native world.

👉 To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026

👉 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here:

https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Don't miss a LIFTS update! Subscribe to our free Newsletter today: https://www.liftspodcast.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Live from Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2026

1:33 Douglas Gremmen on HYROX Growth

3:46 Disrupting Fitness with Purpose-Driven Competition

8:46 The Rise of Doubles and Team Culture

17:46 Dean Kelly on Longevity and Clinical Outcomes

21:29 Making Longevity Accessible

29:21 Julie Cartwright on Building PVOLVE

36:56 The Realities of Franchising

46:00 Rachael Nemeth on Training the Frontline Workforce

53:12 AI, Learning Retention, and Business Outcomes

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Troy Taylor from Tonal to explore one of the most important shifts happening in fitness today: strength as the foundation of longevity.

Drawing on connected strength data from thousands of members, this conversation examines a surprising insight — in many cases, 60-year-olds are matching or outperforming 30-year-olds in relative strength gains. The difference isn't age. It's consistency, progressive overload, and measurable outcomes.

As the industry shifts from aesthetics and performance toward healthspan and preventative health, the discussion explores what truly matters as we age. From muscle mass and maximal strength to power and velocity, Troy explains why lower-body power may be one of the most important predictors of long-term resilience, fall prevention, and independence.

The episode also explores minimal effective dose training, advanced tools like eccentric overload, and the growing role of connected strength technology. For operators, this conversation challenges traditional KPIs such as check-ins and time-in-gym, making the case for tracking strength progression and real outcomes instead.

This episode moves beyond trends to examine what fitness operators, brands, and leaders should prioritise if the goal is not just participation — but measurable progress and long-term health impact.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why older members often outperform younger ones in relative strength gains • The real driver of progress: consistency and progressive overload • Why strength is becoming foundational for longevity • Muscle vs strength vs power — and why power matters most as we age • Minimal effective dose training and why 20–35 minutes works • Why lower-body power is critical for healthspan and fall prevention • Why operators must shift from tracking visits to tracking outcomes

👉 To learn more about Troy Taylor, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-taylor-4577bb38/

👉 To learn more about Tonal, click here: https://www.tonal.com/

👉 To download the Tonal State of Strength Report, click here: https://tonal-state-of-strength.myshopify.com/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

=====================================================

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

0:00 Why 60-Year-Olds Are Outperforming 30-Year-Olds 6:45 What Tonal's Data Reveals About Consistency 17:42 Minimal Effective Dose: Why Short Workouts Work 20:59 Muscle vs Strength vs Power (What Matters Most) 30:09 What This Means for Operators 41:39 Final Takeaways: Lower-Body Power & Longevity

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Sean Turner, CEO of Les Mills US, to explore one of the most persistent and misunderstood challenges in fitness today: member retention.

Drawing on decades of experience as both a club operator and global brand leader, this conversation examines why retention is not a content problem, but a human one. Sean shares how confidence, belonging, and experience design play a far greater role in long-term engagement than endless workout libraries or digital platforms.

As the industry continues to invest heavily in content, technology, and on-demand solutions, the discussion focuses on why fitness cannot be built like a streaming service and what actually drives consistency and behavior change. From group training and coaching quality to structured systems that scale, this episode highlights what operators often misunderstand about motivation and why members quietly disengage.

This episode moves beyond tactics and trends to highlight what fitness operators, brands, and leaders should prioritise if the goal is not just acquisition but long-term retention and meaningful participation.

In this episode, we cover: • Why retention is driven by confidence and belonging, not content volume • The "confidence gap" that prevents people from fully engaging in fitness • Why fitness isn't Netflix and why that analogy matters • How group training and coaching create long-term adherence • What operators misunderstand about motivation and disengagement • Lessons from Les Mills on building systems that drive retention at scale

👉 To learn more about Sean Turner, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seandturner/ 👉 To learn more about Les Mills, click here: https://www.lesmills.com/

See comments for how to access the Global Fitness Report - add link - To download a copy of the Les Mills Global Fitness Report 2026 click here: https://www.lesmills.com/clubs-and-facilities/research-insights/fitness-trends/2026-global-fitness-report-strength-and-wellness-to-drive-next-wave-of-member-growth/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

0:00 Retention, attrition, and why the problem hasn't changed 3:30 Why fitness isn't Netflix (and why content fails) 7:30 Systems, operators, and the Les Mills perspective 11:30 Sponsor: EGYM 13:00 Confidence, intimidation, and why people disengage 22:00 Group training, belonging, and behavior change 34:00 What operators misunderstand about retention 48:30 Final lessons on experience, systems, and retention at scale

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by industry veteran, longevity advocate, and former Life Time executive Jeff Zweifel to explore one of the most overlooked and urgent topics in fitness today: men's health and aging.

Drawing on decades of leadership experience in the fitness industry, as well as firsthand exposure to emerging longevity and performance technologies, this conversation examines what actually drives long-term health outcomes and where the industry often gets distracted by hype.

As biohacking, recovery zones, and medical-adjacent services continue to grow, the discussion focuses on why strength training, cardiovascular fitness, and sleep remain the most powerful predictors of healthspan, resilience, and quality of life, particularly for men over 40.

This episode moves beyond trends and optimisation to highlight what fitness operators, brands, and individuals should prioritise if the goal is not just living longer but living better.

In this episode, we cover: • Why strength and cardiorespiratory fitness are the true foundations of longevity • The critical role of sleep in hormone health, recovery, and all-cause mortality • How men's health has been historically under-served by the fitness industry • The risks and realities of peptides, recovery tools, and biohacking • Whether recovery zones drive real outcomes or simply attract members • How fitness operators can shift from amenities to measurable results • What it really means to age well, stay strong, and remain active long term

👉 To learn more about Jeff Zweifel, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzwiefel/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

00:00 Introduction 02:30 Why men's health and longevity deserve more attention 08:10 Strength, cardio, and the foundations of aging well 14:45 Sponsor: EGYM 16:45 Sleep, hormones, and recovery 24:50 Fitness vs biohacking: fundamentals before optimisation 33:20 Recovery zones, HVLP gyms, and real outcomes 41:30 Premium fitness, longevity clinics, and integrated care 50:10 Peptides, GLP-1s, and the future of men's health 57:30 Final takeaways for men and fitness operators

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Recorded live at the Los Angeles Pilates Journal Expo 2026, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with leading voices shaping the future of Pilates.

Guests include: Pilates experts Sean Bergara and Tracey Mallett, along with Reform RX founders Neal and Yvette McGaffin. In this episode, we explore: • How Pilates is evolving to meet modern strength and athletic demands. • Why men are increasingly embracing Pilates for longevity and performance. • The rise of fusion fitness and technology-driven reformers. • What it takes to innovate in a traditionally classical industry. • Lessons from decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and reinvention.

👉 To learn more about The Pilates Journal, click here:

https://pilatesjournal.com/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here:

https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Intro & Sean Bergara on aging, strength & movement

04:20 Why Pilates works for men

12:05 Inclusivity, language & industry barriers

17:50 Sean Bergara's journey & philosophy

22:45 Tracey Mallett on fusion fitness & early Pilates media

30:15 Pilates becoming mainstream & inclusive

34:05 Entrepreneurship, setbacks & resilience

38:30 Neal & Yvette McGaffin on Reform RX origins

42:50 Reimagining the reformer with technology

46:20 Safety, design & the future of Pilates

50:20 Closing thoughts

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by industry strategist and returning guest Debra Strougo, Founder of Row House and CEO of Fitizens to explore how the wellness consumer is everywhere and what that means for the future of fitness.

Drawing on insights from CES in Las Vegas, global industry conversations, and real-world operator experience, this episode discusses AI, Pilates, and large-scale operators like 24 Hour Fitness.

As wellness becomes a primary driver of consumer behaviour, the discussion looks at how:

AI is evolving from analysis to intervention
Pilates continues to grow as a cornerstone of wellness and longevity
Mark Mastrov's return to 24 Hour Fitness reflects broader shifts around scale, access, and relevance in the market

This conversation moves beyond hype and trends to focus on what fitness operators, brands, and leaders should actually be paying attention to as the industry continues to evolve.

In this episode, we cover:

The rise of the wellness consumer across fitness, health, and lifestyle
How AI is shifting from tracking and data to real-world intervention
Why Pilates aligns so closely with longevity, wellness, and behaviour change
What 24 Hour Fitness' next chapter tells us about big-box fitness
Key takeaways from CES and recent industry events
Why fundamentals still matter more than ever in a changing market

👉To learn more about Debra Strougo, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrastrougo/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod

00:00 Introduction 02:15 The wellness consumer is everywhere 08:30 AI moves from analysis to intervention 19:40 Pilates, longevity, and wellness-driven demand 31:10 CES insights and industry context 43:00 24 Hour Fitness and the role of scale 56:30 What matters most moving forward

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Recorded live at the Los Angeles Pilates Journal Expo 2026, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with four of the most influential voices shaping the future of Pilates and boutique fitness.

In this special multi-guest, in-person episode, we explore how Pilates is evolving, from inclusivity and accessibility to safety, innovation, equipment, and long-term industry growth. With Pilates experiencing a global boom, these leaders unpack what's working, what's broken, and where the method is truly headed next.

Featured Guests:

Khetanya Henderson | Founder of KKRU Pilates Studio & Wellness, discussing inclusivity, accessibility, and trauma-informed teaching.
Maria Leone | Owner of Bodyline Pilates, master instructor, and expert witness on Pilates safety and equipment use.
Andrea Speir | Celebrity Pilates trainer and founder of Speir Pilates, on contemporary Pilates, strength training, and market saturation.
Cie'Jai Zarb | Founder & Editor-in-Chief of The Pilates Journal, sharing insights on industry growth, community building, and the future of Pilates education.

Together, they break down the real conversations happening inside the Pilates industry: far beyond Instagram trends and explain why Pilates remains one of the most powerful modalities for longevity, performance, and mindful movement.

In this episode, we cover:

What inclusivity in Pilates really means (beyond buzzwords)
Classical vs contemporary Pilates: what's the difference?
Why safety, education, and equipment knowledge matter more than ever
The impact of influencers, algorithms, and social media on fitness programming
Pilates, strength training, aging, and long-term performance
Market saturation, studio retention, and what comes next for boutique fitness
How Pilates continues to evolve while honoring its foundations

👉 To learn more about The Pilates Journal, click here:

https://pilatesjournal.com/

👉 To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here:

https://bit.ly/3JzsosR

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Opening & Pilates Journal Expo Introduction

01:00 Khetanya Henderson on Inclusivity in Pilates

06:30 Why Pilates Matters for Men & Longevity

15:00 Maria Leone's Journey & Pilates Evolution

21:00 Contrology, Safety & Industry Responsibility

33:30 Technology, Equipment & Digital Pilates

41:00 Andrea Speir on Contemporary Pilates

47:30 Market Saturation & Studio Survival

59:00 Cie'Jai Zarb on the Future of Pilates

1:10:00 Where Pilates Is Headed Next

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with David Sherman-Presser to unpack why the fitness industry is rapidly becoming a media business, and what that means for gym owners, operators, and brands trying to stay relevant in a creator-driven economy.

They explore how attention, trust, and audience ownership are now just as important as equipment and square footage, why gyms are increasingly competing with creators rather than other gyms, and how platforms like YouTube are reshaping how fitness businesses are discovered, validated, and scaled.

From validating gym concepts online before investing millions, to understanding how long-form content builds trust at scale, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to build a modern fitness brand in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why gyms are becoming media companies.
How creators are changing the competitive landscape for fitness businesses.
Why YouTube is a critical platform for trust and discovery.
How gym owners can validate concepts digitally before scaling.
The role of long-form content in building audience and authority.

👉 To learn more about Structure Creation, click here:

https://structurecreation.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Welcome to LIFTS

1:10 Why Fitness Is Becoming a Media Business

3:09 Trust, Attention, and Audience Data

5:17 Why YouTube Dominates Fitness Content

10:16 YouTube vs TikTok Explained

14:17 Gyms vs Creators

19:20 Complementing Physical Gyms With Digital Media

25:00 Validating Fitness Concepts Online

31:09 YouTube Strategies by Gym Size

37:18 Building Repeatable Content Formats

44:34 Key YouTube Takeaways

53:59 Final Thoughts

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite‑sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode of, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Dr. Bill Andrews: molecular geneticist, inventor, and telomere pioneer to explore what actually causes human aging and whether it can be slowed, stopped, or even reversed.

Key topics covered:

What telomeres are and why they determine human lifespan.
Why aging isn't random, but biologically programmed.
The real relationship between telomeres and cancer.
How exercise, inflammation, and lifestyle impact cellular aging.
Why most anti-aging products fail scientific scrutiny.
The role of telomerase in extending cellular life.
What longevity influencers often get wrong.
Practical habits that may slow biological aging.

👉 To learn more about Dr. Bill Andrews' research, click here:

https://sierrasci.com/dr-bill-andrews/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Welcome to LIFTS

03:30 Introducing Dr. Bill Andrews

05:00 The Childhood Question That Sparked a Career

08:45 What Actually Causes Aging?

09:45 Telomeres Explained

14:30 Why Mice Are a Bad Aging Model

18:20 Telomeres, Cancer, and Mutation Rates

22:00 Gene Expression and Epigenetics

27:40 Inflammation, Wear & Tear, and Aging

33:45 Caloric Restriction and GLP-1s

36:30 Exercise, Endurance, and Longevity

42:10 Recovery Tech and Longevity Claims

47:30 Telomerase and Slowing Aging

55:00 Rapid-Fire Questions

56:30 Practical Longevity Habits

1:02:30 Final Thoughts

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this annual predictions special, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Anthony Vennare, co-founder of Fit Insider, to review how their 2025 fitness predictions performed and to forecast what's coming in 2026.

Key topics covered:

Which 2025 fitness and wellness predictions actually came true.
Why wearables and biometrics are becoming mainstream tools.
The rise of GLP-1 drugs and their industry-wide impact.
Why AI fitness apps may be heading toward a shakeout.
How local, premium wellness concepts are outperforming big brands.
Why strength training continues to dominate global fitness trends.
The shift from aesthetics to holistic health and longevity.
What 2026 holds for fitness, tech, and consumer behavior.

👉 To learn more about Fitt Insider, click here:

https://insider.fitt.co/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 – Introduction & 2025 Prediction Scores

3:01 – Big Tech & Wearables: Hits and Misses

9:35 – Healthcare, Biometrics & Wearables

13:21 – VR Fitness and CGM Predictions

19:02 – Small & Mid-Market Fitness Trends

29:49 – GLP-1s and Consumer Behavior Shifts

37:15 – Offline Fitness & Community Growth

43:19 – Functional Beverages vs Alcohol

51:20 – AI in Fitness: Bubble or Breakthrough

56:40 – The Big Wellness Themes for 2026

1:01:08 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite‑sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Mohit Kumar, Co‑Founder and CEO of Ultrahuman, to explore the explosive rise of smart rings and the future of wearable health technology.

Topics covered include:

Mohit's unconventional founder journey and early days in metabolic health.
Why smart rings are outperforming other wearables in growth.
Ultrahuman's approach to sleep, metabolism, and biomarkers.
The high‑stakes patent battle with Oura and the U.S. import ban.
What resilience really looks like for founders.
The future of AI, battery life, and ring‑based health tracking.
Why sleep is becoming the most important performance metric.

👉 To learn more about Ultrahuman, click here:

https://www.ultrahuman.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Welcome to LIFTS & sleep score discussion

1:45 The rise of smart rings in health tech

3:00 Mohit Kumar's founder journey

8:00 Why Ultrahuman chose the ring form factor

12:20 Competing with Oura and market positioning

15:45 Clinical‑grade insights and no‑subscription model

22:10 The U.S. patent ruling and import ban

27:00 Resilience, redesigns, and next steps

33:30 The future of smart rings and battery life

44:30 Rapid‑fire questions

49:00 Final takeaways and closing thoughts

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Dr. Nick Barringer, a former U.S. Army performance leader, tactical nutrition expert, and human performance consultant, to explore how tactical training principles translate to success in business, leadership, and everyday life.

With over two decades of experience working with elite military units, high-performance athletes, and executive leaders, Nick breaks down what it really takes to perform under pressure: from decision-making while sleep-deprived, to building resilience, discipline, and sustainable habits that carry over far beyond the battlefield.

This conversation bridges the worlds of fitness, leadership, mindset, and strategy, offering practical insights that entrepreneurs, executives, and high performers can apply immediately.

In this episode, we cover:

Why executives should think of themselves as "corporate athletes."
How sleep deprivation impacts decision-making and performance.
Tactical principles that improve leadership under pressure.
The role of fitness and conditioning in mental resilience.
Nutrition and supplementation strategies for high-stress environments.
What elite military training can teach us about business and life.
Why embracing discomfort is essential for long-term growth.

👉 To learn more about Nick Barringer, click here:

https://drnickbarringer.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 – Introduction 2:33 – Tactical Performance vs Executive Leadership 9:05 – Sleep Deprivation & Decision Making 13:25 – Consistency & Daily Schedule 18:52 – Creatine, Caffeine & Nitrates 20:02 – Ideal Day of Nutrition 24:19 – Managing Stress & UFC Fighters 33:52 – Mental Toughness Under Fatigue 37:32 – Elite Soldier Physical Standards 43:53 – Final Takeaways

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Jay Worthy, CEO of Myzone, and Vahid Zadeh, CTO of Myzone, to explore the real future of wearable fitness technology, human motivation, and behavioral science. With data fatigue growing across the fitness industry, this conversation reveals why more metrics don't always lead to better results and what truly drives long-term engagement. Key Topics Covered: • Why most wearables lose users after 3-6 months. • The real science behind motivation and habit formation. • Data fatigue vs. meaningful fitness insights. • Why effort beats steps, HRV, and raw metrics. • How Myzone uses behavioral science to boost consistency. • The truth behind the 10,000-step myth. • How Myzone Go removes barriers to entry for gym members. • Why community is the most powerful fitness motivator.

👉 To learn more about Myzone, click here:

myzone.org

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 – Episode Introduction 02:34 – Guest Introductions: Jay Worthy & Vahid Zadeh 05:15 – Are Wearables Creating Data Overload? 08:25 – Why Data Alone Fails to Motivate 11:30 – The Origin of the 10,000-Step Myth 14:50 – Motivation, Goals & Community 17:55 – Myzone Go Explained 21:40 – Effort as the Universal Fitness Metric 24:00 – Why Forgiveness Matters in Fitness Tracking 26:45 – Social Media Psychology & Behavior Change 30:30 – How Myzone Builds High-Quality Motivation 33:35 – Community as the Ultimate Engagement Tool 35:44 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

View Details

In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Will Brereton: longtime group fitness leader, Les Mills presenter, and founder of SH1FT Fitness.

They dive deep into how group fitness has evolved over the decades, why hybrid community is the new frontier, and how instructors, technology, and member expectations have transformed.

Will shares powerful insights from the front lines of group exercise across NZ, the UK, Europe, and the U.S. This episode is essential listening for club operators, instructors, boutique owners, and anyone passionate about the future of fitness.

Key Topics Covered:

• The five historical eras of group fitness and the new hybrid community era.

• Why Gen Z treats the gym like a social hub, even replacing nightlife.

• How meaningful interaction drives 2-3x higher retention.

• Why instructors are harder to find and how tech is filling the gap.

• The changing role of certifications and what members actually want.

• Where Pilates, strength, and boutique programming are heading next.

• Why big 'rock-star' classes faded and which events replaced them.

• How digital fits into real‑world class experiences today.

👉 To learn more about Will Brereton click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-brereton-991a0138/

👉 To learn more about SH1FT, click here:

https://sh1ftfitness.net/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Introduction

00:38 Guest Intro: Will Brereton

02:07 History of Group Fitness

04:43 Pandemic: The Biggest Inflection Point

09:55 Gen Z and the Social Fitness Shift

11:22 Why Group Fitness Drives Retention

15:00 Technology in Group X: Does It Help or Hurt?

20:24 Instructor Pay and Industry Challenges

25:00 Competency vs. Perfection in Teaching

28:44 Belonging vs. Progression in Group Fitness

30:55 Are Big Rock‑Star Classes Coming Back?

34:58 Hybrid, Digital, and Tech Trends

43:25 Where Group Fitness Is Heading Next

47:06 Final Takeaways

48:00 Closing Thoughts

View Details

In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew and Mohammed sit down with Hazlo founder Sam Moore to explore the cultural, psychological, and physiological shift away from alcohol.

They dive deep into the rise of sober‑curious culture, the influence of wearables on health behavior, the real effects of alcohol on mood and sleep, and the explosive growth of alcohol alternatives. Sam shares his personal journey from high‑stress corporate drinking culture to building Hazlo: a functional beverage designed to elevate mood, focus, and presence without the physical cost of alcohol.

Key topics include:

• Gen Z's 25% lower alcohol consumption and the rise of sober‑curious culture.

• How wearables like Oura are changing the conversation about alcohol's impact.

• Why alcohol affects sleep, mood, HRV, readiness, and long‑term inflammation.

• Sam Moore's journey from heavy social drinking to mindful performance‑based habits.

• The science behind Hazlo's functional ingredients and how they alter mood and focus.

• The future of THC beverages, kava, kratom, and the broader alcohol‑alternative space.

• How habit formation, ritual, and psychology influence drinking behavior.

• Why alcohol usage may eventually resemble cigarettes in regulation and perception.

• The shift toward "situational consumption" different drinks for different environments.

👉 To learn more about Sam Moore click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-e-moore/

👉 To learn more about Hazlo click here:

https://drinkhazlo.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Intro: Why We're Drinking Less

00:55 The Post‑Alcohol Generation

03:35 Meet Sam Moore of Hazlo

07:00 Matthew's Relationship with Alcohol

10:43 Sam's Early Drinking Culture Story

15:27 Wearables, Mood Tracking & Performance

19:28 Light Drinking vs. Dependency

22:50 Exploring Today's Alcohol Alternatives

28:07 What Hazlo Does in the Body

32:15 The Future of Alcohol, THC & Kava

41:33 Sugar, Nicotine & Addiction Parallels

44:30 How People Actually Change Habits

47:23 Final Takeaways

52:27 Where to Find Hazlo

53:05 Outro

View Details

In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with fitness technology veteran Leon Rudge for a deep dive into three major stories shaping the industry: the Basic‑Fit/Clever‑Fit mega‑merger, the Strava vs Garmin lawsuit, and Ladder's push into integrated nutrition tracking.

Leon also shares insights from four months immersed in Southeast Asia's digital‑nomad tech hubs.

Key topics include:

• Leon's experiences inside Southeast Asia's booming digital‑nomad tech scene.

• Why the Basic‑Fit acquisition signals a new phase for European fitness.

• The real story behind the Strava vs. Garmin lawsuit.

• Why integration, not features, is the new competitive advantage.

• How Ladder is using nutrition tracking to boost retention.

• The rise of AI across fitness products and ecosystems.

• Why culture gets lost as companies scale and how to prevent it.

• Predictions for global fitness technology in 2025–2026.

👉 To learn more about Leon Rudge click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonrudge/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Intro & Retreat Check‑In

01:26 Matthew's Immersive Retreat

03:05 Guest Intro: Leon Rudge

03:36 Why Leon Moved to Southeast Asia

05:24 Traditional Tech vs the New Tech Mindset

06:36 AI‑Driven Digital Nomad Culture

08:10 Story 1: Basic‑Fit Acquires Clever‑Fit

11:15 Tech Integration Challenges Ahead

13:57 Data Strategy & App Ecosystems

15:29 Story 2: Strava vs Garmin Lawsuit

17:34 Why Integrations Fail

24:32 Story 3: Ladder Adds Nutrition Tracking

26:14 Strength Apps & Measurement Challenges

32:00 Key Takeaways: Integration & Longevity

37:25 AI Boom or Bubble?

37:38 Closing Thoughts

View Details

In this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Dr. Sean Pastuch, founder of Active Life, to challenge the industry's obsession with recovery rooms and redefine what it truly means to treat fitness as healthcare.

From debunking lazy innovation to outlining a blueprint for gyms that prioritize people over gadgets, this conversation reimagines how fitness professionals can become the front line of real health transformation. Key topics include: • Why recovery rooms are the 'lazy man's innovation.' • The economics and illusion of retention in gyms. • How trainers can evolve into healthcare professionals. • The difference between preventative and responsive fitness. • How to attract and develop high-value trainers. • When AI should, and shouldn't-- replace human judgment. • Why fitness must specialize like medicine to truly grow.

👉 To learn more about Dr. Sean Pastuch, click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanpastuch/

👉 To get Sean's ebook "Turn Pro" for free, click here:

pro.activelifeprofessional.com/turnpro-free

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Intro & Tribute to Rick Caro

02:19 The Recovery Movement & Industry Data

05:00 Are Gyms Investing in the Wrong Things?

10:43 What the 'Wellness Industry' Really Includes

13:19 Retention, Training, and Investment Priorities

17:29 Who Actually Needs Recovery?

23:32 Fitness as Healthcare Explained

27:01 Why Physical Therapy Isn't Enough

30:12 Developing Great Trainers

33:03 Targeting the Right Clients

36:29 Specialization and Industry Evolution

39:08 What Belongs in a Modern Gym

41:22 The Role of AI and Technology

43:50 Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

View Details

In this special remote episode of the LIFTS Podcast, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Liz Clark and Anton Severin of the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) to unpack the 2024–2025 Global Fitness Report and explore the intersection of data, health, and the future of fitness.

Recorded across three continents, this conversation dives deep into how exercise is redefining healthcare, the evolving role of recovery and wellness, and what's next for the global industry.

Key topics discussed:

The new definition of obesity and its massive implications for public health.
How fitness must be recognized as preventative healthcare.
Global fitness market growth and emerging trends.
Why recovery and wellness are now the new anchors in gyms.
The rise of wearables, AI, and the need for standardized fitness data.
Bridging fitness with healthcare through credible evidence and policy.
The future of the FIT Act and global legislative momentum.
Recruiting and retaining qualified trainers and instructors.
Generational shifts: from aesthetics to mental health and longevity.
The evolving role of the Health & Fitness Association in shaping the industry.

👉 To get your copies of the Health & Fitness Associations Reports please use the links below: 2025 HFA Global Report:

https://www.healthandfitness.org/publications/the-2025-hfa-global-report/

👉 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report:

https://www.healthandfitness.org/publications/2025-fitness-industry-benchmarking-report/

👉 If you are an operator located in the US or Canadian markets, please also complete the Employee Compensation and Benefits Survey by Friday November 14, 2025:

https://www.healthandfitness.org/improve-your-club/industry-news/hfa-launches-2025-employee-compensation-benefits-survey/?utm_campaign=Weekly%20Newsletter&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=382837849&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9q93aA7aVbdZ0ioS8OU5WV9_A7sXCVpbPaRzF0dRRZyeTNCSGemc0vmtyxDE1e0ZuL4STwnFZG8brAtM7CbczQkfsO9hVdAH2AjrSozjEQkZtw7IA

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 – Introduction: Mo from Sydney

1:42 – Introducing Liz Clark & Anton Severin of HFA

4:27 – Obesity crisis and redefining fitness as healthcare

8:10 – The global fitness report and data insights

15:30 – Post-pandemic growth and changing consumer behavior

17:28 – Gyms as third spaces & the rise of recovery zones

26:27 – Recruiting trainers and the challenge of engagement

31:49 – Wearables, AI, and fitness data accuracy

39:04 – Turning fitness data into medical-grade insight

45:24 – From participation to impact: the next decade of fitness

46:05 – The FIT Act and global policy shifts

50:18 – Key takeaways from the report

53:49 – Upcoming HFA event & closing remarks

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Dan Uyemura, CEO and Founder of PushPress, to explore how AI and technology are reshaping the fitness industry while keeping the human touch at the core.

Key topics include:

Why boutique gym owners remain optimistic despite economic headwinds.
How AI tools like Gym Happy are changing client engagement.
The balance between human-to-human connection and automation.
Why churn and onboarding are the most important KPIs to track.
How AI adoption differs across generations and what that means for gyms.
The importance of trust, privacy, and protecting client data.
Predictions on how AI will evolve in fitness over the next few years.
Why execution matters more than optimism when running a gym.
How community and culture will always anchor fitness experiences.

👉 Learn more about Dan, click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danuyemura/

👉 Learn more about PushPress, click here:

https://www.pushpress.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome

00:03:40 Optimism in Boutique Fitness

00:06:20 Small Gyms Embracing AI

00:08:07 How Gym Happy Works

00:12:03 AI as a System of Action

00:16:52 Key KPIs for Gyms

00:20:19 Generational AI Adoption

00:22:15 AI Privacy & Trust

00:23:25 AI Accuracy & The Future

00:27:29 Key Takeaways from Mo & Dan

00:30:56 Closing Thoughts & Wrap Up

View Details

Join hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal for a special series of sit-down interviews recorded live at W3Fit North America.

From recovery trends to leadership lessons, these conversations uncover what's really shaping the fitness industry today.

Key highlights include:

Jarrod Saracco on the real ROI of recovery and why most clubs still can't monetize it.
Hillis Lake on 40 years of strength training evolution—from Nautilus to CrossFit.
Patrick Regan on leading with authenticity and casting the right culture.
Eric Weber on Woodway's legacy and the future of treadmill innovation.
Kent Lehnhoff on bridging fitness and nutrition with evidence-based supplements.
Hector Troncoso on bringing high-quality fitness to the Mexican middle class.
How HYROX and CrossFit changed how we view athleticism.
The future of education and recovery certifications.
The problem of misinformation in the influencer era.

👉 Learn more about W3Fit:

https://weworkwellevents.com/w3-fit/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 – Recovery Reality with Jarrod Saracco

17:20 – The Evolution of Strength Training with Hillis Lake

30:23 – Leadership & Legacy at Life Time with Patrick Regan

39:11 – The Performance Standard with Eric Weber of Woodway

51:03 – Evidence-Based Fitness with Kent Lehnhoff of DotFit

1:02:57 – Moving Mexico Forward with Hector Troncoso

View Details

Live from W3Fit North America, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with guests Star Sage and Loryn Huff to discuss the latest fitness industry trends.

From billion-dollar wearable valuations to AI-powered recovery and celebrity-backed fitness ventures, this panel explores the future of wellness.

Key Topics:

Oura’s $11B valuation and the future of wearables.
Closed vs. open data ecosystems in fitness tech.
Tom Brady’s AI-powered massage company and scalability concerns.
The evolving role of recovery as an essential moat for gyms.
Dua Lipa’s investment in Pilates and Gen Z engagement.
How premium clubs deliver longevity, not just sweat.
Celebrity partnerships vs. real consumer impact.
Industry identity, intentionality, and member retention strategies.

👉 Learn more about W3Fit:

https://weworkwellevents.com/w3-fit/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Intro & Welcome

01:14 Oura’s $11B Valuation – What It Means

07:37 Tom Brady & AI Massage Debate

14:37 Dua Lipa Joins Pilates Movement

18:32 Recovery as the New Fitness Moat

20:27 Intentional Member Experiences

21:57 Industry Takeaways

24:42 Ecosystems, Not Just Workouts

25:12 Closing & Thanks

View Details

Live from W3Fit North America at the Four Seasons Westlake Village, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal host a special onstage edition of the LIFTS podcast.

In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore the future of the fitness industry—from AI gyms and private equity consolidation to the booming recovery market and the resurgence of strength training.

Discussion highlights include:

What makes live podcasts unique compared to studio episodes.
First impressions of Fred Fitness, the AI-first gym.
The impact of mergers, acquisitions, and private equity in fitness tech.
How AI is reshaping software, business, and member experience.
Why recovery is the next big differentiator for gyms.
Programming and personalization in recovery spaces.
Revenue and retention gains from recovery add-ons.
Strength training, Pilates, and pickleball as the future modalities.
The cultural rise of run clubs and community-based fitness.
How fitness brands can innovate to stay ahead of shifting trends.

👉 Learn more about W3Fit:

https://weworkwellevents.com/w3-fit/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Intro & Live Audience Energy

1:30 What Makes W3Fit Different

3:00 Visiting Fred Fitness: The AI Gym

7:20 Industry Consolidation & Private Equity

16:20 The Role of AI in Fitness Businesses

19:20 Recovery & Wellness Trends

27:10 DIY vs. Service-Based Recovery Models

35:00 Future Modalities: Strength, Pilates, Pickleball

39:10 Strength Training’s Cultural Shift

44:30 Closing Thoughts & Tomorrow’s Follow-Up Session

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. This week, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Marco Benitez—former Taekwondo champion turned biomedical engineer and now CEO of rook, a health tech company that transforms wearable data into actionable health insights. Together, they explore how wearables are reshaping the future of fitness, healthcare, and personal health.

Key topics covered include:

Why your smartwatch might already know more about your health than your doctor.
How Apple, Samsung, and Aura are competing in the wearable health space.
The challenge of making sense of endless health data.
What FDA approval for consumer wearables really means.
How fitness coaches and gyms can use wearable data to improve client outcomes.
The differences in HRV tracking across Apple, Whoop, and Aura.
Wearables as a bridge between fitness and healthcare industries.
The future of implants, rings, and continuous monitoring devices.
Marco’s vision for rook as the middleware connecting all wearable platforms.

👉 Learn more about Marco Benitez:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcobzg/

👉 Learn more about ROOK:

https://www.tryrook.io/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Intro & Guest Introduction

0:45 Do Smartwatches Know More Than Doctors?

2:44 Wearables During COVID and Data Explosion

6:55 Why Coaches Must Use Wearable Data

10:00 Apple Watch as a Public Health Tool

12:30 Accuracy vs. Data Trends

15:00 HRV Tracking Explained

18:42 How Consumers Actually Use Apple Watch

20:41 Wearables in Latin America & Global Health

23:02 Apple vs. Samsung vs. Huawei

25:40 Future of Wearables – Implants & Rings

27:31 Rook’s Role in Cleaning Wearable Data

29:37 Wearables Are the Next Medical Device

31:14 Final Takeaways & Closing

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with entrepreneur and engineer Rami Alhamad, co-founder and CEO of Alma, an AI-powered nutrition companion. From his early days building PUSH, the pioneering strength-tracking wearable later acquired by WHOOP, to his mission with Alma, Rami shares insights on persistence, startup timing, decision-making, and the future of fitness technology.

Key topics covered include:

How persistence and decision-making frameworks shaped Rami’s entrepreneurial journey.
The origins of PUSH and its role in strength-tracking innovation.
Why timing is everything in startups.
Rami’s decision to sell PUSH to WHOOP and lessons learned.
The pivot from hardware to AI-powered nutrition with Alma.
Why ChatGPT is Alma’s real competitor.
Challenges in nutrition tracking and how AI is solving them.
Insights into branding, Nike, and the importance of offline communities.
Predictions for the future of fitness and consumer tech.

👉 Learn more about Rami Alhamad:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramialhamad/

👉 Learn more about Alma

https://www.alma.food/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Intro – Hosts and Guest Introduction

1:11 Persistence as a Founder’s Superpower

3:03 Decision-Making Frameworks and Philosophy

5:57 The Origin Story of PUSH

10:00 The Future of Strength-Tracking Technology

13:48 When to Sell a Startup

18:24 Pivoting to AI and Nutrition with ALMA

22:16 Obesity, AI, and the Case for ALMA

27:47 ChatGPT vs Nutrition Apps

32:38 Voice Logging and the Future of Nutrition Tech

37:26 Patents, Innovation, and Wearable Competition

40:38 Branding, Nike, and Reaching New Generations

44:49 The Future is Offline Communities

47:02 Generational Shifts and Technology

50:57 Final Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

View Details

In this special debate episode of the LIFTS Podcast, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by guest co-host Jack Thomas (Fitness Business Asia) to moderate a high-level discussion on the impact of ClassPass for boutique fitness owners.

Industry voices Jeff Bladt (ClassPass/Playlist) and Rachel Hirsch (Wellness Growth Ventures, The 2% Club, and studio owner) share opposing perspectives on whether ClassPass is a powerful growth partner or a dangerous dependency. Discussion highlights include:

The origin and evolution of ClassPass.
How ClassPass transformed consumer behavior in fitness.
Free trials, pricing power, and fairness for studios.
Parallels with aggregators in travel, dining, and delivery.
Revenue data showing both growth and risks for studio owners.
Strategies to avoid over-reliance on ClassPass.
How ClassPass affects women-led boutique studios.
Industry-wide calls for better collaboration between aggregators and studios.

👉 Learn more about Jack Thomas:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/

👉 Learn more about Jeff Bladt:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bladt/

👉 Learn more about Rachel Hirsch:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-hirsch-43b31265/

https://www.the2percent.club/

👉 Learn more about ClassPass:

https://classpass.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Intro & Hosts

4:21 Why ClassPass Matters

5:50 The Origin Story of ClassPass

10:30 Consumer Perspective with Rachel

12:46 Free Trials Debate

19:10 ClassPass as an Aggregator

23:05 Discounting & Devaluation Issues

27:40 Revenue Data Insights

33:44 Consumer Wins vs. Studio Risks

38:22 Women in Leadership Discussion

47:51 Final Thoughts & Takeaways

54:34 Closing Remarks

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we welcome Owen Hanson, a dynamic entrepreneur, former athlete and the ultimate example of crime to come back.

Once a USC football player with a bright future, Owen’s competitive drive led him to build a multi- million-dollar bookmaking business — but that success came at a cost. Drawn deeper into the criminal underworld, Owen became entangled with one of the world’s most dangerous cartels, running international drug operations while living a life of extreme luxury.

After his dramatic arrest by the FBI — helicopters, undercover agents, and all — Owen found himself locked in a 6x8 prison cell. But instead of giving up, he found a new purpose: fitness, mindset mastery, and even launching a protein ice-cream brand from behind bars.

In this powerful episode, Owen shares his jaw-dropping journey from national championships to Cartel connections, from extravagant spending to creative prison hustles, and ultimately to a path of personal redemption. He opens up about the dangerous allure of fast money, the brutal lessons of prison life and how he’s rebuilding his empire the right way.

Packed with raw insights, unbelievable stories and hard-won wisdom, this conversation is one you absolutely do not want to miss.

In this podcast, Owen discusses:

His arrest and FBI takedown.
The journey from USC athlete to businessman.
How business led to Cartel connections.
Prison life and survival hustle.
The birth of Kingpin Ice Cream (now California Ice Protein).
Extravagant lifestyle and excess.
Addiction, pressure and a strong mindset.
Reinvention and second chances.
Lessons for entrepreneurs.

To learn more about Owen Hanson, click here: https://www.instagram.com/theofficialcakid/?hl=en

To buy Owen's book, click here: https://www.thecaliforniakid.com/my-book

Check out Owen's new protein ice cream business click here: https://www.californiaiceprotein.com/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment:

https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro 0:30 Getting arrested and realizations 9:31 Finding hope and maintaining sanity 12:16 Football and early ambitions

16:08 Transition to bookmaking and business growth 17:27 Mathematical skills and business strategy 28:02 International expansion and logistics 36:53 Handing pressure and making decisions 42:17 Luxury and extravagance 46:33 Interactions with the Cartel 52:20 Post-prison business ventures 53:11 Building Kingpin, the ice-cream brand in prison 1:03:40 The importance of appearance and image 1:07:01 Overcoming challenges and building the brand 1:08:42 Lessons learned and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

View Details

In this episode of the LIFTS podcast, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Lauren Foundos, founder of Forte (recently acquired by Echelon Fitness).

Lauren shares her journey from Wall Street bond trading to becoming a pioneer in digital fitness, her lessons from building Forte, and her insights on the future of the fitness industry. Highlights: - How Lauren transitioned from Wall Street to fitness entrepreneurship. - The early challenges of selling digital fitness before gyms were ready. - Lessons learned from building and rebuilding fitness tech. - How content drives engagement and performance in gyms. - Why personal training is undervalued and how to fix it. - The explosive growth of Pilates and low-impact workouts. - How wearables and AI are reshaping fitness engagement. - The power of intellectual property in fitness tech. - Predictions for the future of gyms, training, and consumer behavior.

👉 Learn more about Lauren Foundos:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lfoundos/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Intro & Welcome

02:17 Lauren’s Background & Wall Street to Fitness

05:00 Building Forte and the Digital Fitness Shift

09:54 The Role of Content in Gym Success

15:00 Personalization, AI & Gym Programming

24:13 The Future of Personal Training

30:58 Pilates Boom & Low-Impact Training

35:00 Trends, Timing & Market Cycles

36:15 Oura vs. Ultrahuman – The Ring Wars

42:35 Pricing Digital Fitness & Business Models

45:19 US Fitness Habits & Data Insights

47:35 Final Takeaways & Closing

View Details

In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Michael Ramsey, co-founder of Strong Pilates, to explore the explosive growth of Pilates worldwide.

Ramsey shares his journey from F45 franchise success to launching Strong Pilates, a unique fusion of strength, cardio, and Pilates that has rapidly expanded across 14 countries. The discussion covers the evolution of boutique fitness, the importance of product innovation, franchise support, marketing strategies, and the controversial role of ClassPass.

Key Topics:

How an injury led Ramsey to discover Pilates.
The fusion of strength, cardio, and Pilates in Strong.
Franchise growth from Australia to the US.
Why boutique studios still win over big box gyms.
The critical role of innovation in fitness.
Marketing strategies and customer acquisition costs.
The challenges and opportunities of ClassPass.
Building trust and community in local markets.
Handling criticism from traditionalists in Pilates.
Future outlook for Strong Pilates and boutique fitness.

👉 Learn more about Strong Pilates:

https://strongpilates.co/

👉 Learn more about Michael Ramsey:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ramsey-89402033/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Intro & Host Updates

0:59 Guest Introduction – Michael Ramsey

3:55 The Global Pilates Boom

4:38 From F45 to Strong Pilates

6:18 Fusing Pilates, Strength & Cardio

10:00 Entrepreneurship & Timing

13:19 Boutique vs. Big Box Gyms

15:03 What Makes Studios Successful

16:22 Marketing & Cost of Acquisition

18:18 The Rise of Strength Training

20:00 Innovation in Fitness

22:01 Expanding in the US Market

25:00 The ClassPass Debate

30:00 Filling Classes & Community

33:49 Challenges Entering the US

35:13 Wearables & Stress Study

36:00 Closing Thoughts

View Details

Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal speak with Royi Metser, Founder & CEO of Avelo Running, about the explosive growth of running, the evolution of smart footwear, and how data-driven insights are changing the sport forever.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Gen Z and women are driving the second running boom.
Why running clubs are replacing bars as social hubs.
The challenges big brands faced in launching smart shoes.
How Avelo integrates cutting-edge materials with advanced sensors.
The importance of mechanical load monitoring for injury prevention.
Why Kickstarter backers snapped up Avelo’s first batch in under 20 hours.
Insights on running form myths and individual biomechanics.
The role of gyms and treadmills in the future of running.
How data can help every runner train smarter and safer.

👉 Learn more about Avelo Running:

https://avelorunning.com/

👉 Learn more about Avelo Running Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/avelorunning/avelo-meet-the-worlds-smartest-running-shoe

👉 Learn more about Royi Metser:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/royi-metser-6886a211/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Intro & Creatine Experiment

4:03 Creatine Gummies & Supplement Quality

6:28 Guest Introduction – Royi Metser

8:11 The Second Running Boom

12:13 Why Running is Timeless

14:56 Treadmills vs Outdoor Running

18:19 Running Clubs as Community Hubs

20:19 Why Big Brands Failed at Smart Shoes

25:21 The Materials & Tech Behind Avelo

32:23 Preventing Running Injuries with Data

32:41 Kickstarter Launch Success

34:34 Guiding Runners Beyond Guesswork

36:29 Debunking Running Form Myths

38:09 Host Takeaways

43:09 Closing Thoughts & Preorder Info

View Details

Matthew and Mo dive into this week’s hottest fitness topics — from personal diet experiments to the future of wearables in healthcare, political plays in fitness, market shifts in Pilates, and the explosive rise of Hyrox. This no-guest episode is packed with insights, debates, and predictions shaping the fitness industry.

In this episode:

• Matthew’s 5-week results on the Warrior Diet.

• Mo’s take on the White House wearable health initiative.

• The political and cultural impact of reviving the Presidential Fitness Challenge.

• Why Pilates is booming — and if it’s nearing saturation.

• Planet Fitness’ rumored acquisition of Basic-Fit.

• How Hyrox is becoming a lifestyle brand.

• Predictions for the next mega-brands in fitness.

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Matthew’s Warrior Diet Results

4:21 Mo’s Morning Routine & Nutrition

6:59 Hydration and Alcohol Effects

11:33 White House Wearable Data Initiative

18:19 Presidential Fitness Challenge Returns

23:25 Pilates Market Boom or Bust?

30:00 Planet Fitness Eyes Basic-Fit

33:47 High Rocks Becomes a Lifestyle

40:14 The Most Exciting Era in Fitness

View Details

In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal welcome Star Sage, a leading force in the recovery and wellness industry. Star shares her expertise from years at Hyperice and how recovery is now central to events, gyms, hotels, and even Gen Z culture.

Highlights include:

How Hyperice helped redefine recovery in mainstream culture.
The shift from cocktail hours to compression lounges at elite events.
Why hotels are investing in 24/7 recovery rooms.
The Gen Z obsession with wellness over nightlife.
How recovery boosts gym retention and member engagement.
Underrated recovery methods that need more hype.
New intersections between hospitality, entertainment, and wellness.
Star's predictions for the future of recovery.

👉 Learn more about Star Sage:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/star-sage/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 Intro + Travel & Sleep Hacks

03:51 Star Sage Joins the Show

05:11 Recovery at Events & Run Clubs

08:22 Gen Z, Foam Rolling, and Awareness

13:47 Hotels & the Recovery Room Boom

19:17 Business Travelers and Accessibility

23:44 Recovery Culture in Gyms

30:41 Wellness Tech vs Snake Oil

36:40 Wearables + Prescriptive Recovery

41:27 Recovery as Social Connection

43:07 Underhyped Recovery Trends

44:31 Final Takeaways + Sleep & Steps

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Sal Pellegrino, Executive Director of FISA, to uncover key trends shaping the fitness industry. From Gen Z’s influence on gym design to tariffs and global supply chain issues, this conversation delivers actionable insights for club operators, suppliers, and fitness professionals.

Topics include:

Origins and purpose of FISA.
Key insights from the FISA Trend Report.
Why Gen Z is reshaping gym design.
Strength training vs. cardio trends post-pandemic.
Impact of tariffs on fitness equipment pricing.
Growth and strategies behind Planet Fitness.
The influence of technology, AI, and social media.
Future predictions for gym models and wellness hubs.

👉 Learn more about Sal Pellegrino:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/salpellegrino/

👉 Learn more about FISA 2025 Fitness Trends Report:

https://fisana.org/market-trend-reports/2025s-top-fitness-trends/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 – Introduction

0:39 – About FISA and Its Mission

8:58 – Gen Z’s Impact on Fitness

15:00 – Tariffs and Supply Chain Challenges

25:00 – Planet Fitness Growth Story

34:54 – Echelon and Tech in Fitness

39:10 – Influencers, AI & Trends

45:00 – Biohacking and Wellness Hubs

50:00 – Final Takeaways

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this compelling episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal speak with fitness veteran Rod Hill about his latest venture, ZENERGIE – a revolutionary gym concept focused on longevity, functional health, and the 40+ demographic.

Topics include:

Why Rod believes the 40+ market is the most underserved in fitness.
Spain’s role as a rising longevity hub.
How AI and smart equipment are shaping personalized wellness.
Rod’s critique of pharmaceuticals vs. fitness in preventative care.
What ZENERGY offers that traditional gyms and wellness centers don’t.
The link between emotional well-being, strength, and VO2 max.
Franchising fitness for healthspan, not just lifespan.
Educating vs. intimidating: a new approach to member engagement.

👉 Learn more about Rod Hill:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-hill-9483506/

👉 Learn more about Zenergie Body & Soul:

https://zenergiebodyandsoul.com/zenergie-longevity-gym/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Intro & Hosts Catch Up

4:24 Matthew's Health Hack Experience

7:15 Welcome Rod Hill – Fitness Veteran

12:51 Why Spain is the Longevity Capital

20:40 The Untapped 35+ Fitness Market

22:41 Rod’s Vision for Longevity Gyms

29:56 Exercise as Medicine

35:43 AI & Personalization at ZENERGY

41:07 Business Model & Market Opportunity

50:29 Takeaways & Final Reflections

52:37 Living Your Last Decade with Strength

55:35 Final Thoughts & Closing

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Brian von Ancken, wellness entrepreneur and mastermind community leader, to dive into the future of fitness, biohacking, and collaborative innovation. From protein cold foam to recovery clogs, and even fecal transplants, nothing is off the table.

Key Topics Discussed:

Brian’s journey scaling brands like Tough Mudder, Barry’s, and Othership.
How his mastermind group connects over 200 wellness entrepreneurs.
Elite athlete fecal transplants: biohacking or bizarre?.
The explosion of protein products in mainstream retail.
Innovation in recovery footwear and smart shoes.
How to responsibly vet science and trends in wellness.
Why American foods still use dyes banned in Europe.
The rise of wellness as the new luxury experience.
Building a supportive and ethical health industry community.

👉 Learn more about Brian von Ancken:

https://www.joinwgm.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

0:00 Intro + Cold Open Topics

0:36 Catch-up with Matthew and Mo

1:06 Tonal Gains + Hume Health Scale

4:44 Matthew’s Fasting Protocol

7:56 Guest Introduction: Brian von Ancken

9:21 Wellness Silo Breakdown & Integration

11:40 Elite Athlete Fecal Transplants

17:15 Protein Goes Mainstream

25:04 Recovery Innovation: Super Shoes & Clogs

31:26 Wellness as the New Luxury

33:58 Science, Skepticism, and Marketing

36:16 Artificial Dyes and Food Ethics

38:54 Brian’s Final Thoughts

40:17 Outro + Final Reflections

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Matthew and Mo sit down with Edward Hertzman, founder of Athletech News, to unpack insights from last week’s Innovation Summit in NYC. From fitness industry disruption and wearable tech to rethinking health outcomes and branding, they explore where the industry is heading.

Key takeaways include:

Why the fitness industry may need a new name.
The dangers of unregulated TRT use and peptide clinics.
Tracking actual health outcomes instead of just gym check-ins.
The role of wearables in reshaping accountability and personalization.
How HVLP models like EOS and Crunch are thriving.
The strategic value of long-term thinking in event planning.
What disruption in fitness can learn from other industries.
The surprising power of fashion and discipline in health branding.
Opportunities for collaboration across wellness, hospitality, and tech.

👉 Learn more about Athletech News:

https://athletechnews.com/

👉 Learn more about Edward Hertzman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-hertzman-2401b38/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 – Welcome and Introductions

02:17 – Edward Recaps the Innovation Summit

06:44 – NAD, TRT, and Biohacking Trends

09:07 – Fitness Industry Identity Crisis

13:01 – Rethinking Health Metrics and ROI

18:13 – Why the Industry Doesn’t Collaborate

22:53 – Tracking Health Outcomes in Gyms

27:44 – Disruption and Outsider Innovation

32:17 – HVLP Growth and Private Equity

36:01 – What’s Going on with Orange Theory?

41:35 – The Rise of Wearables in Fitness

View Details

In this special LIFTS recap episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by fitness futurist Emma Barry to reflect on their shared experience at the Athletech News Innovation Summit in New York. From immersive biohacks to political debates, the conversation gets real, raw, and reveals what’s next for the fitness industry.

This episode covers:

Firsthand reviews of NAD+ infusions, ShiftWave, and the Immortal experience.
Debates around GLP-1 drugs, longevity trends, and influencer-led wellness.
Insights on turning fitness from a trend into front-line healthcare.
What Japan teaches us about childhood obesity – and why the U.S. is lagging.
Emma Barry’s call to arms: Prepare for disruption, or be left behind.
Big Pharma, Big Food, and the uphill battle for consumer health.
Why AI’s future in fitness lies in context and personalization.
The struggle to have real conversations when investors are watching.
Is wellness finally mainstream – or still misunderstood?
What made this summit different – and why it matters.

👉 Learn more about Emma Barry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmabarryistrouble/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 – Intro + Innovation Summit Debrief

02:30 – Biohacking at the Summit (NAD+, ShiftWave, Immortal)

10:30 – Keynote Highlights & Industry Disruption

14:30 – Political Tensions & Healthcare Reform

25:00 – Mo's Shocking Healthcare Statistics

28:00 – The Japan Model: Early Intervention and Respect

33:00 – Addiction, GLP-1s, and the Challenge of Change

36:00 – Influencers vs. Institutions: Who’s Leading Wellness?

45:00 – Big Themes & Final Takeaways

50:00 – Outro + Thank You to Athletech Team

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. This week, Matthew and Mohammed are joined by product strategy expert Ben Foster, former Chief Product Officer at Whoop. Together, they unpack the latest controversies in wearable tech, including Whoop 5.0’s backlash, fitness subscription models, and what it really means to build customer-centric products in the AI era. They also touch on celebrity-brand partnerships, data overload in fitness apps, and what the future of health optimization looks like. A must-listen for anyone building in fitness tech or navigating today’s quantified world.

👉 Learn more about Ben Foster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfoster/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 – Intro + Today's Topics

02:00 – Mohammed’s Workout Program Update

05:29 – Introducing Ben Foster

08:35 – Whoop 5.0 Controversy

13:00 – Reddit vs. Reality

18:30 – Subscription Models Explained

25:40 – Customer ROI & Business Value

27:29 – Mayweather Gyms & Celebrity Brand Risks

31:16 – Authenticity in Fitness Brands

34:27 – Weighted Vests & Equinox Collab

38:18 – Data Overload vs. Personalization

43:51 – Future of Data: One Metric to Rule Them All?

47:00 – Final Thoughts on AI & the Digital Twin

48:56 – Outro

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

This week, Matthew and Mohammed are joined by Debra Strougo (co-founder of Row House) to explore the cutting edge of wellness. From biohacking breakthroughs at the Dave Asprey conference to magnesium for sleep, AI coaches with empathy, and a viral $150 Pilates reformer from Aldi—this episode covers it all. Debra brings insights on stem cells, Airbnb's bold move into wellness, and how marketing voice defines success in high-ticket fitness.

A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of health and fitness.

This LIFTS episode covers:

Biohacking & Supplements – Insights from the Dave Asprey conference, including nitric oxide, magnesium, and stem cell supplements.
AI in Wellness – Exploring empathetic AI health coaches, personalization, and trust in tech like ChatGPT.
Wellness Tech & Data – How companies like Amazon, Apple, and Airbnb are leveraging user data to drive health and fitness experiences.
High-Ticket Fitness Programs – Discussion of Supra Human and the rise of identity-based, premium fitness coaching.
Mass-Market Fitness Trends – Aldi’s viral Pilates reformer and what it says about wellness going mainstream.

👉 Learn more about Debra Strougo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrastrougo/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

00:00 – Intro & Weekly Rundown

01:24 – Welcoming Debra Strougo

02:59 – Biohacking Conference Highlights

05:51 – Sleep Supplements & Magnesium

08:06 – Stem Cell Supplements

09:14 – AI Coaching with Empathy

12:14 – Trusting AI as a Wellness Coach

15:14 – Airbnb's Wellness Expansion

21:23 – Superhuman: Identity Transformation

27:18 – Aldi’s Viral Pilates Reformer

30:50 – Final Takeaways & Reflections

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

This week, Matthew and Mo dive deep into the evolving landscape of fitness tech. From the exploding smart ring market and wearables like Oura, Ultrahuman, and Bond, to the rise of sleep-focused products like AGZ and Athletic Greens, we examine what's real, what's hype, and how to stay ahead.

We also cover EOS Fitness's billion-dollar acquisition and what it means for the future of budget-friendly premium gyms. Don't miss this engaging breakdown of what's next in fitness, tech, and wellness.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 – Intro & Mo’s Harvard Update

2:00 – Matthew’s BrainTap Experience

5:30 – The Smart Ring Revolution

13:15 – ECG and Glucose Monitoring in Wearables

18:30 – Sleep Supplements: Innovation or Repackaging?

24:00 – EOS Fitness’s Billion Dollar Buyout

31:00 – The Rise of Interactive Strength

36:00 – OpenAI, Johnny Ive & the Next iPhone?

40:00 – Final Takeaways

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Julian Barnes, Co-founder and CEO of BFS.

Julian unpacks critical trends shaping boutique fitness—like the explosive growth of Pilates studios, the impact of tariffs on equipment pricing, and the secrets behind the most profitable studios. If you're a studio owner, investor, or just passionate about the business of fitness, this is an essential listen packed with actionable insights.

This LIFTS episode covers:

The power of hiring a full-time manager.
Studio profitability benchmarks and benchmarks.
Tariffs, supply chains, and pricing strategy.
The growing role of experience in member retention.
Why Pilates is outperforming other modalities.

To learn more about the 2024 BFS State of the Industry Report, click here: https://main.bfsnetwork.com/state-of-the-industry-report

Use discount code "LIFTS" to get $50.00 off your copy of the report.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Welcome Back to LIFTS

02:00 Introducing Julian Barnes

03:30 The BFS Network & State of the Industry

05:10 Breaking News: Exponential Fitness & Sequel

08:45 Studio-Level Performance vs Portfolio Models

11:20 The Impact of Tariffs on Equipment Imports

16:15 Rethinking Global Manufacturing Strategies

19:40 How Operators Can Sell Outcomes, Not Features

21:00 Profitable Studios Have One Key Role…

24:00 Trainer vs. CEO: What Studio Owners Must Become

27:30 FER: Find, Enroll, Retain

30:00 Aggregators like ClassPass: Help or Hindrance?

33:00 Pilates Is Booming—Here’s Why

37:00 What Actually Works in Boutique Fitness

42:00 Raise Prices, Raise Value

45:00 Takeaways: Fundamentals Over Fads

48:30 Disney-Level Client Experience? Why It Matters

50:00 Wrap-up & How to Get the Report

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Dr. Jonathan Leary, Founder and CEO of Remedy Place, to explore some of the most talked-about and most unconventional wellness trends shaping the future of health and fitness.

This LIFTS episode covers:

Unconventional wellness practices like mouth taping and jawline exercises.
Benefits and proper approach to cold therapy.
The concept behind Remedy Place, a social wellness club.
Importance of human connection for health and longevity.
Potential impact of AI and technology on healthcare.
Advocacy for holistic health approaches combining traditional and alternative medicine.

To learn more about the Remedy Place, click here:

https://www.remedyplace.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Introduction

02:43 Dr. Jonathan Leary’s Unconventional Routines

05:43 Cold Therapy and Its Benefits

10:21 The Vision Behind Remedy Place

13:20 The Role of Human Connection in Health

25:40 The Future of Health and Technology

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Host Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness attended FIBO in Cologne, Germany, joined by guest co-host Grace McNamara, Partnerships Director EMEA at Elfie.

In part 2 of this episode, Matthew and Grace are joined by:

Igor Krezić, Founder & CEO of Rolla.
Riccardo Turri, CEO of Starpool.
Marco Stefano Guiducci, VP International Sales at EGym.

This episode covers:

Redefining longevity as quality of life rather than just extended lifespan.
Democratizing the term "athlete" to include everyday people of all abilities.
Leveraging AI to provide personalized health and fitness recommendations.
Implementing proper cold therapy protocols with individual customization.
Using gamification to increase engagement in health and fitness activities.
Industry responsibility in providing accessible, evidence-based education.

To learn more about FIBO, click here:

https://www.fibo.com

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

03:35 Defining Longevity

06:03 The Role of Athletes and Everyday Habits

15:38 Gamification and Community

19:10 Cold Therapy and Personalisation

32:00 Education and Responsibility

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended FIBO in Cologne, Germany. (correct location?)

In part 1 of this episode, Matthew and Mohammed are joined by:

Gregory Gird, Marketing Manager of Octiv
Grace McNamara, Partnerships Direcetor EMEA at Elfie
Klaus Mueller, CEO at Wictory.ai

This episode covers:

Importance of data quality for effective AI implementation.
Evidence-based AI development and addressing historical bias in research data.
Privacy concerns, data governance, and building consumer trust.
Data sovereignty and regional compliance considerations.
AI's potential to accelerate personalised healthcare and fitness recommendations.
Strategic partnerships to enhance AI capabilities.

To learn more about FIBO, click here:

https://www.fibo.com

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro 06:14 AI and Generative AI in Practical Perspectives 12:19 Challenges and Ethical Considerations in AI Implementation 24:02 Privacy, Compliance, and Consumer Trust in AI 38:09 Future Trends and Exciting AI Applications

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended PerformX 2025.

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Tim Gray, Founder & CEO of The Health Optimisation Summit.

This episode covers:

Biohacking industry growth.
Balancing extreme practices with health fundamentals.
Tim's personal biohacking journey.
Limitations of traditional healthcare.
Importance of data-driven health decisions.
Potential for gyms to leverage health data.
Navigating health supplements and products.
Experimental biohacking practices.
Future trends in longevity and biohacking.
Crucial role of sleep in health optimisation.

To learn more about Tim Gray, click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-gray-biohacker-health-optimisation/

To learn more about PerformX Live, click here:

https://performx-live.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

01:11 The Role of Fundamentals in Health Optimization

06:58 Balancing Biohacking Labels and Practical Appointments

09:48 Trust and Credibility in Health Information

14:13 Leveraging Data and Technology in Fitness

28:07 Navigating Health Products and Supplements

35:37 Experimental Biohacking and Personal Experience

37:57 The Future of Biohacking and Longevity

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended EHFF 2025 in Cologne, Germany.

In part 2 of this episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by:

Michelle Dand, Head of Fitness Product and Programming of David Lloyd.
Benjamin Roth, Co-Founder and CEO of Urban Sports Club.
Jim Pisani, CEO and Board Member of Life Fitness Hammer Strength.
David Stalker, Ambassador for EuropeActive.

This episode covers:

Evolution of branded group fitness programming at premium clubs in response to boutique competition.
The rise of budget boutique fitness concepts in Europe and their rapid scaling approach.
Equipment manufacturing strategy and the renewed focus on both cardio and strength equipment.
Impact of global political climate and tariffs on fitness equipment production and pricing.
The industry's decade-long transition from fitness-focused to health-focused approaches.
The importance of offering multiple fitness modalities to meet diverse consumer preferences.

To learn more about EHFF, click here:

https://www.europeactive.eu/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro 02:36 David Lloyd’s Response to Market Trends 05:00 Challenges and Lessons from Standalone Boutiques 07:28 Budget Boutique Market and Its Impact 27:58 Life Fitness and Hammer Strength’s Evolution 41:35 Impact of Global Political Climate on Business 49:37 David Stalker’s Reflections on Industry Growth

50:55 Mentorship and Advisory Roles 52:09 Future of the Fitness Industry

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended EHFF 2025 in Cologne, Germany.

In part 1 of this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by:

Herman Rutgers, Ambassador at EuropeActive
Stefan Ludwig, Partner, Leiter Sport Business Gruppe at Deloitte Deutschland
Elaine Jobson, CEO and MD of Jetts Australia
Conor O'Loughlin, Chief Revenue Officer of ABC Fitness
Mike Escobedo, Chief Customer Officer, ABC Fitness

This episode covers:

European fitness market growth and trends, highlighting mergers, acquisitions, and membership increases.
Consumer behaviour shifts towards hybrid fitness, mental health awareness, and holistic wellness approaches.
Deloitte's comprehensive market report revealing key performance indicators and industry insights.
Impact of emerging technologies and personalization in fitness experiences.
International market expansion strategies and challenges for fitness brands.
Future fitness trends focusing on Gen Z and Gen Alpha expectations, technology integration, and comprehensive health solutions.

To learn more about EHFF, click here:

https://www.europeactive.eu/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

02:40 Consumer Behaviour and Mental Health

05:33 Deloitte's European Market Report

08:43 Key KPIs and Market Expansion

13:02 Consumer Fragmentation and Market Opportunities

19:01 Supply Side Fragmentation and Innovation

24:24 Jetts Fitness Market Strategy

31:40 Challenges and Opportunities in Franchising

35:41 Member Experience and Future Trends

39:08 ABC Fitness's International Expansion

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended PerformX 2025.

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Richard Boyd, Director or Global Wellness Designs.

This episode covers:

COVID-19's impact on personal training industry.
Shift in trainer authority due to increased consumer knowledge.
Balancing technology and human connection in PT.
AI integration in program design and PT's evolving role.
Expanding PT roles and compensation models.
Social media and influencers' effect on PT industry.
Trend towards comprehensive wellness services in gyms.

To learn more about Richard Boyd, click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-boyd-44034339/

To learn more about PerformX Live, click here:

https://performx-live.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

02:55 Shift in Trainer Authority and Consumer Education

04:35 Technology and Human Connection in Personal Training

06:41 Future of Personal Training and AI Integration

07:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Personal Training Education

12:06 Compensation and Role Evolution for Personal Trainers

15:57 Impact of Social Media and Influencers on PT Industry

20:00 Adapting PT Models to Meet Consumer Needs

25:12 The Role of Empathy and Assessment in PT

30:03 GLP-1 and Its Impact on PT Industry

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended Connected Health & Fitness Summit event in Los Angeles.

Thank you to our sponsor, Flex (withflex.com) of these LIFTS episodes. Flex is the holistic solution for accepting HSA/FSA. They work with their partners to navigate the regulatory and compliance landscape.

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Carl Daikeler, CEO of The Beachbody Company.

This episode covers:

Beachbody's founding and early successes.
Transition from VHS to digital subscriptions.
Creating effective, results-driven fitness programs.
Developing "Super Trainers" and 90-day program structures.
Disrupting lifestyle priorities.
Challenges of digital and subscription models.
Adapting to changing demographics.
Shift from multi-level marketing to direct-to-consumer.
Engaging different generations.

To learn more about BODi, click here:

https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/

To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

https://connectedhealthandfitness.com

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

03:14 Evolution of Beachbody and Digital Transformation

04:56 Challenges and Lessons Learnt in the Fitness Industry

07:42 Developing Super Trainers and Program Structure

12:33 Disrupting Lifestyles and Priorities

14:56 Challenges of Going Digital Subscription Models

21: 35 Adapting to Changing Demographics and Preferences

44:36 Transitioning from Multi-Level Marketing to Direct-to-Consumer

50:26 Personal Health and Wellness Habits

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, CSO of ABC Fitness attended HFA 2025 in Las Vegas. In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by: ● Kathleen Ferguson, founder and CEO of Coach 360. ● Jarrod Saracco, President/Owner of Health Club Doctor. ● Nicole Dunn, CEO of Dunn Pellier Media, Inc. ● Debra Strougo, Fitness Founder. ● Natalia Karbasova, Founder & CEO of FitTech Club. ● Julian Barnes, Co-Founder and CEO of BFS. ● Jarron Aizen, CEO & Founder of Hapana. ● Ross Campbell, Founder & CEO at Beyond Activ. ● Jolin Ma, COO at Beyond Activ. This episode covers: ● Challenges in emerging markets. ● Community building through industry events and gatherings. ● AI's role in fitness-enhancing efficiency but not replacing human connection. ● The value of community and diverse perspectives in the fitness industry. ● Women's strength training trends and the rise of female-focused equipment. ● Growing focus on women's health needs in fitness and media. To learn more about HFA, click here:

https://hub.healthandfitness.org/hfa-show

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

1:33 Kathleen Ferguson, founder and CEO of Coach 360

9:47 Jarrod Saracco, President/Owner of Health Club Doctor

21:01 Nicole Dunn and Debra Strougo

33:11 Natalia Karbasova, Founder & CEO of FitTech Club

44:38 Intro to Athletech News cocktail party

44:50 Jolin Ma and Ross Campbell of Beyond Activ

58:51 Julian Barnes and Jarron Aizen

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, CSO of ABC Fitness attended HFA 2025 in Las Vegas.

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Finn Hegarty, Chief Product Officer, ABC Fitness and Mike Hansen, Chief Growth Officer, SweatWorks.

Taking to the floor of the show, they discuss what they have seen at this year’s event and the key messages and themes within the fitness industry today.

This episode covers:

Wellness and Recovery Trends: Cold plunge to Red light therapy.
Shifting from fitness to wellness.
Recovery is becoming a primary fitness focus, not just exercise.
AI is revolutionizing fitness through data-driven personalization.
Women’s fitness equipment represents a significant market opportunity.

To learn more about ABC Fitness, click here:

https://abcfitness.com/

To learn more about HFA, click here:

https://hub.healthandfitness.org/hfa-show

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

01:00 Wellness Trends Exploration

03:50 Equipment and Innovation Landscape

06:45 Technology and AI in Fitness

09:50 Measuring Member Progress

12:30 Industry Standout Moments

15:37 Closing Reflections

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended PerformX 2025.

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director of MIORA Longevity & Performance at Life Time.

This episode covers:

Longevity and healthspan focus.
Consumer empowerment in health.
Evolution of personal trainer roles.
Lifetime's "healthy way of life" concept.
MIORA: Lifetime's longevity program.
Challenges in implementing longevity services.
Democratizing recovery across market segments.
Premium pricing for value-added services.
Scaling and staffing recovery services.

To learn more about Life Time, click here:

https://www.lifetime.life/

To learn more about PerformX Live, click here:

https://performx-live.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

04:56 Consumer and Business Perspectives on Longevity

07:02 Consumer Empowerment and Personalisation

10:11 Role of Personal Trainers in Longevity

11:55 Lifetime’s Evolution and Philosophy

17:10 Lifetime’s Longevity and Performance Program

21:06 Challenges and Learnings in Longevity Programs

24:02 Democratizing Longevity and Recovery

32:22 Managing Membership Prices and Value Addition

37:51 Staffing and Scaling Recovery and Rejuvenation Services

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended PerformX 2025.

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Dan Summerson, Managing Director of Everlast Gyms at Frasers Group.

This episode covers:

Dan's career progression to Everlast.
Everlast's hybrid fitness model.
Focus on younger demographics.
Modern environment and social media impact.
Innovation and open culture.
Wearables and data integration.
Boutique experience in big box settings.
Leadership approach and organizational dynamics

To learn more about Everlast Gyms, click here:

https://www.everlastgyms.com/

To learn more about PerformX Live, click here:

https://performx-live.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

05:55 Transition to Everlast and Hybrid Model

08:52 Economic Model and Retail Integration

19:32 Membership and Market Segmentation

23:53 Innovation and Relevance

27:29 Wearables and Data Integration

30:37 Future Vision and Strategic Planning

33:21 Building a Boutique Experience in a Big Box Gym

36:16 Leadership and Team Dynamics

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended Connected Health & Fitness Summit event in Los Angeles.

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Gabby Reece, Podcast Host and Keynote Speaker.

This episode covers:

Gabby Reece's career transition and challenges for women in the industry.
Evolution of women's health and fitness awareness.
Addressing needs of men vs. women in fitness.
Role of technology vs. intuition in training.
Developing self-awareness through practices like pool training and breathing.
Gabby's holistic wellness approach (mindfulness, sunlight, nutrition, sleep).
Practical tips on stress management and integrating healthy habits.

To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

https://connectedhealthandfitness.com

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

02:40 Pathway to Women’s Health and Fitness

05:54 Addressing the Needs of Men and Women in Fitness

09:20 The Role of Technology and Intuition in Training

16:31 Developing Intuition and Self-Awareness through Training

25:15 Holistic Approach to Wellness and Mindfulness

28:35 The Importance of Sunlight and Nutrition

30:07 Sleep Hygiene and Recovery Techniques

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In Part 2 of this LIFTS podcast, recorded live at the Connected Health & Fitness Summit event in Los Angeles, our hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks sit down with four industry disruptors.

Please welcome to this podcast:

Michael Susi, Director of Global Wellness at LinkedIn.
Troy Casey, the "Certified Health Nut."
Sam O'Keefe, Co-Founder & CEO at Flex.
Shane McCarthy, SVP Digital Product & Marketing at [solidcore].

In this episode, we delve into a wide range of topics, including:

‘The six tenets’ of wellness.
Utilizing wellness to create motivation.
Wellness in the corporate space.
Getting back to nature.
What opportunities do FSA and HSA programs present to gyms?
How can consumers and gyms benefit from integrated FSA and HSA programs?
The value in data-driven decisions, customer journey mapping, and integrating in-studio experiences with marketing.
Building community.
Challenges and threats facing operators.

To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

https://connectedhealthandfitness.com

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:52 Michael Susi | LinkedIn

14:51 Troy Casey | the "Certified Health Nut"

34:19 Sam OKeefe | Flex

1:06:14 Shane McCarthy | [solidcore]

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2025 event in Los Angeles.

In part 1 of this podcast episode, Matthew and Mo interviewed:

Eric Bormel, Director, Consumer Healthtech at Solomon Partners.
Gavin Jennings, CEO at C.H.E.K Institute.
Lauren Pufpaf, President and Co-founder at Feed Media Group + Jeff Yasuda, Founder and CEO.
Natalie Barnes, VP of Product Management & Product Design at Zumba.

In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics, including:

Shifts in the fitness tech industry, from inflated expectations to enlightenment.
Challenges in the fitness industry (high failure rates, lack of personalization).
Music's impact on wellness.
Consumer preferences for music in fitness.
Zumba's origin and evolution.
Zumba's use of AI for data analysis and personalization.

To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

https://connectedhealthandfitness.com

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

1:48 Eric Bormel | Solomon Partners

14:07 Gavin Jennings | C.H.E.K Institute

28:19 Lauren Pufpaf & Jeff Yasuda | Feed fm

44:39 Natalie Barnes | Zumba

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Troy Taylor, VP of Performance Innovation at Tonal.

This LIFTS episode covers:

Tonal's State of Strength Report findings.
Appeal to older adults in strength training.
Tonal's business strategy and market position.
Potential integration with traditional gyms.
Addressing common strength training challenges.
Effective strength training methods.
Insights from the Tonal Training Lab.

To learn more about Tonal, click here:

https://www.tonal.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro

03:56 Troy Taylor’s Background and Tonal’s Strength Training Report

09:58 Tonal’s Business Strategy and Market Position

16:27 Active Aging and Community in Fitness

21:29 Merging Home Fitness with Brick-and-Mortar Gyms

24:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Strength Training

28:59 Effective Strength Training Strategies

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Tori Johnston, President of goGLOW.

This LIFTS episode covers:

The evolution of the tanning industry.
Business models in the beauty service sector.
Consumer demographics and market trends in beauty services.
Pricing and competitiveness in luxury personal care.
Work-life balance for entrepreneurs.
Eco-friendly and health-conscious approaches to beauty services.

To learn more about goGLOW, click here:

https://goglow.co/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

01:13 Evolution of the Tanning Industry

03:20 Health and Skincare Considerations

05:23 Business Model and Franchise Strategy

07:03 Unit Economics and Franchise Visibility

16:38 Consumer Demographics and Market Positioning

19:12 Pricing and Market Competitiveness

22:08 Work-Life Balance and Entrepreneurship

View Details

This week on the Escape Your Limits podcast, we're bringing you a special midweek episode. We took the podcast to Fit Expo in Los Angeles, California, where we connected with industry leaders and explored cutting-edge ideas shaping the future of fitness.

During our time at the show, we interviewed some of the leading experts and athletes including:

Guy Cisternino Jr., 7x IFBB Pro Champ @GuyCisternino
Martins Licis, World's Strongest Man, 2019 @MartinsLicis
Jon Kodak, Body Architect/Stretch Artist/Entrepreneur/Actor - Instagram @worldofkodak
Billy Reilich, Competitive Bodybuilder - Instagram @billreilich
Joe Ventress, @Stillswolejv
Mark Harley, Fitness Coach @HellaMarkHarley
Keone Pearson, 2x 212 Mr. Olympia @keone_prodigy1
Lola Montez, IFBB Figure Pro 5x Olympian - Instagram @fit_lolamontez
Lexi Lutz, Bikini Competitor @lexinicolex

In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics, including:

Latest trends in equipment, training, nutrition, and social media.
Training Styles – From stone lifting to joint-friendly methods, with a focus on effective equipment.
Nutrition and Supplements – Diverse diets, from high-protein to vegan, plus key supplements.
Social Media Influence – Fitness figures use platforms for education, engagement, and transparency.
Beyond Bodybuilding – Athletes explore jujitsu, boxing, and new competition goals.
Coaching & Learning – Experts, podcasts, and coaches are essential for progress.

To learn more about Fit Expo, click here: https://thefitexpo.com/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:55 Guy Cisternino Jr., 7x IFBB Pro Champ

8:27 Martins Licis, World's Strongest Man, 2019

10:33 Billy Reilich, Competitive Bodybuilder

12:09 Joe Ventress

17:50 Jon Kodak, Body Architect/Stretch Artist/Entrepreneur/Actor

19:46 Mark Harley, Fitness Coach

29:06 Lola Montez, IFBB Figure Pro 5x Olympian

37:07 Keone Pearson, 2x 212 Mr. Olympia

40:02 Lexi Lutz, Bikini Competitor

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Join hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness, and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, as they dive into the world of AI, technology, health, wellness, and more.

This LIFTS episode covers:

Technology's Impact on Health and Fitness: The growing intersection of tech innovations and wellness solutions.
Artificial Intelligence Advancements: AI's expanding role in various industries, particularly health and fitness.
Wearable Technology Trends: The evolution and future of personal health tracking devices.
Home Wellness Solutions: New technologies aimed at improving health and well-being in the home environment.
Business Adaptation to Rapid Innovation: The need for companies to stay agile in a fast-changing tech landscape.
Future of Robotics: The increasing relevance of robotics in everyday life and various industries.

To learn more about CES, click here:

https://www.ces.tech/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

00:34 Evolving CES and Innovation Showcase

07:03 Nvidia’s Impact and Innovation

13:48 AI Agents and Digital Twins

25:09 Health and Wellness Innovations at CES

32:12 Advancements in Wearable Technology

36:31 Future of AI and Strategy

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we welcome back Kali Muscle, a powerhouse in the fitness world, entrepreneur and a motivational force.

Hailing from Oakland, California, Kali overcame a turbulent past, including prison time, to carve out a path of resilience and success. From bodybuilding champion to social media phenomenon, Kali’s journey is one of sheer determination, reinvention and grit.

After surviving a life-threatening heart attack, Kali took on new challenges, delving into extreme health practices like fasting, rediscovering his purpose and transforming the lives of countless others through his coaching and mentorship. Known for his “money and muscle” philosophy, he’s inspired millions to build not just physical strength, but financial stability and mental toughness.

In this compelling episode, Kali shares candid stories of his transformation, from battling demons to becoming a family man and role model. He opens up about the challenges of fame, navigating financial hurdles and the lessons learned from embracing a fruitarian lifestyle, entrepreneurship and fatherhood.

Packed with powerful insights, hard-hitting truths, and motivational moments, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

In this podcast, Kali discusses:

Watermelon and water fasting and a fruitarian diet.
Diet and lifestyle changes that occurred when recovering from a heart attack.
The impact of health on business.
Entrepreneurial lessons and the importance of financial literacy.
Overcoming adversity to build focus from prison to a life purpose.
The role of a coach, trainer and mentor.
Dealing with social media negativity and online haters.
Legacy building to support his family, now and for the future.
Faith and focus giving him the courage to change.

To learn more about Kali Muscle, click here:

https://www.instagram.com/kalimuscle/p/DBr97N7N0_K/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment:

https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:30 Watermelon fasting and health insights

14:50 Financial challenges and business setbacks

19:35 Growing health and wealth, muscle and money

25:21 Personal growth and mentorship

28:49 Turning points and personal transformation

32:46 Transforming a destructive headspace

34:37 Balancing personal and professional life

56:15 Crypto coin ventures and lessons learned

1:03:03 The importance of financial literacy

1:05:30 Family and future goals

1:15:45 Reflecting on personal limits and achievements

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Kinsey Livingston, VP of Sales at Mindbody and ClassPass.

This LIFTS episode covers:

Overview of the ClassPass annual report and its importance in understanding fitness industry trends.
The merger between ClassPass and Mindbody, including the acquisition and service integration.
Rise of Pilates as the top workout, with an 84% increase over the previous year.
Growth of low-impact training and holistic wellness experiences.
Influence of social media on making fitness more accessible.
Shift in ClassPass demographics towards older age groups.
Tuesday as the busiest day for fitness reservations.
Significant increase in body scan bookings and the growing interest in personalized fitness data.
Emergence of community-centered activities like soccer, volleyball, and paddleboarding on the ClassPass platform.
Future trends in fitness and wellness for 2025.

To view the report, click here:

https://classpass.com/blog/2024-classpass-look-back-report/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

02:04 ClassPass and Mindbody Merger

03:51 Overview of the ClassPass Report

05:46 Growth of Pilates and Low Impact Training

08:20 Influence of social media and Lifestyle Shifts

11:42 Popularity of Weekdays and Weekends

15:52 Body Scans and Personalized Data

18:25 Community-Centered Activities and Future Trends

View Details

Welcome to this episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Lauren Shroyer, VP of Product Development and Innovation at ACE (American Council on Exercise), the leading non-profit organisation certifying health coaches and exercise professionals which seeks to get people moving worldwide.

This episode focuses on the huge impact that AI is going to have on the fitness industry, and in particular, the frontline fitness professionals.

This LIFTS episode covers:

The role of AI in personalization and data management.
The shift towards online education post-pandemic.
The integration of AI tools for creating, and tailoring fitness programs.
Three key limitations of AI: Connection, Creativity and Common Sense.
The importance of human connection and creativity in fitness.
The challenges trainers face from gyms and the need to adapt to new technologies.
Lumin, a studio in Texas that harnesses the power of AI to provide ‘the world’s smartest fitness studio’.
How to integrate AI effectively, focusing on behavior change coaching and leveraging AI for efficiency.

To learn more about ACE, click here:

https://www.acefitness.org/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

2:43 Impact of AI on Fitness Professionals

10:18 Challenges and opportunities for Trainers post-pandemic

15:35 Embracing AI and technology within fitness

17:10 The three core things that AI cannot do

24:45 The role of AI in personalized fitness programs

29:29 The future of AI in fitness and ACE’s role

29:58 The potential of pure, AI-based fitness models

34:03 Final thoughts and future directions

View Details

Welcome to this extended episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Anthony Vennare, the founder of pioneering news aggregator Fitt Insider and Wellworthy to reflect on how predictions made about 2024 played out and to look ahead at the trends and innovations driving the future direction of the fitness and wellness industries.

This LIFTS episode covers:

A review of 2024 predictions and how they played out.
Trends and predictions for fitness brands, tech products and consumer preferences.
The growth in popularity and functionality of wearable tech.
A look at how emerging fittech giants like Oura, Levels and Apple has played out.
The impact of GLP-1s on consumers and the fitness industry.
The boom in strength training and Pilates.
The integration of fitness and healthcare.
Increasing consumer awareness around food and environmental impact.
2025 predictions: rising investment in health & wellness, consolidation and a focus on personalized and prescriptive health solutions.
Personal goals for 2025.

To learn more about Anthony Vennare, click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vennare/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

1:40 Reflection on 2024's predictions for big companies and big tech (Oura, Apple, Levels)

9:40 Reflections and Predictions: Small to Medium-Sized Fitness Businesses Predictions – Flexes And Fails

17:00 Trends Predications (GLP-1s, strength training, mixing modalities, Pilates)

25:08 Big Company and Tech 2025 Predications (connecting health clubs with healthcare, growth of peptide use, make America Healthy

36:03 Small To Medium Company and Tech Predictions (AI, women’s health, environmental awareness, reimagining the gym floor, vending)

46:20 General Trend Predictions (mental fitness to combat addictions and illness, evidencing health outcomes, consumers making incremental changes to improve health and longevity, attracting new investment

53:29 Final Thoughts and Personal Goals

View Details

Welcome to the last episode of LIFTS in 2024, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Giles Denning, Head of Marketing, PerformX.

Matthew and Mo are on the advisory board of PerformX Live, an event that is the business of fitness, a powerhouse environment and is taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 26th & 27th February 2025.

The conversation in this episode introduces listeners to the themes that will be discussed on the main stage at the event. Bringing in thought leaders from around the globe that will discuss digitalization, premiumization, AI, recovery and more.

In this LIFTS podcast, we discuss:

PerformX and the themes that will shape the industry in 2025.
Bridging the gap: the fitness industry's role in wellcare.
Digitalization, premiumization, and the evolving fitness landscape.
The biggest trends of 2024 and predictions of 2025.

To learn more about PerformX Live, click here:

https://beyondactiv.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

4.37 Theme One - Digitalization

8.28 Theme Two - Premiumisation

13.22 Theme Three – AI

18.53 Theme Four – Future of Recovery on the Gym Floor

21.57 Theme Five – Longevity and Bio-Hacking

25.56 The Fitness Industry’s Role in WellCare

32.58 Biggest Trends of 2024 and the Predictions for 2025

36.21 Brands to watch out for

View Details

In this special mid-week podcast, brought to you by Escape Fitness, we delve into the strategies that amplify a gym's digital presence and drive real business results with today’s guest, Dennis Yu, one of the world’s foremost authorities on leveraging digital marketing for success.

Here, Dennis shares his decades of expertise, delivering actionable insights on how gyms can build stronger community connections by collecting, curating, and sharing hyper-localized digital content. Whether you’re a gym owner or operator, this conversation is packed with invaluable advice to attract more members and deepen engagement with local populations.

Dennis Yu is the Chief Technology Officer at BlitzMetrics and co-author of the best-selling book The Definitive Guide to TikTok Ads. A seasoned international speaker, Dennis has presented in over 20 countries and worked with iconic brands like Nike, Red Bull, and the Golden State Warriors. His insights have been featured in CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NPR, and The Los Angeles Times. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Southern Methodist University and a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.

In this Episode, we discuss:

The ‘hidden’ data-value that led to the multi-billion dollar sale of Visio to Walmart.
The ‘dollar a day’ marketing strategy.
Google and YouTube as social media networks.
Reviews and recommendations – do they deliver value?
Hacks to encourage member reviews.
Setting up Google Pages for success.
Localization and personalization - the key to online visibility.
Successfully organizing content across multiple social media platforms.
Engagement and content strategy.
Traditional marketing vs. digital marketing – which works best?
The power of micro podcasts.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment:

https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:29 The ‘hidden’ data-value that led to the multi-billion dollar sale of Visio to Walmart

1:12 Using hardware as the gateway to data collection

2:21 Explaining the ‘dollar a day’ marketing strategy

7:10 Google and YouTube as social media networks

8:15 How influential are posted reviews and recommendations?

10:55 Hacks that encourage members to post reviews

13:06 Setting up Google Pages for success

18:06 Signals Google loves - localization and personalization

19:09 Organizing online information for optimal effect

25:17 How to organize content across multiple social media platforms

27:27 Engagement and content strategy

33:29 Traditional marketing vs. digital marketing – which works best?

34:49 The power of micro podcasts

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we are joined by Rick Valente, a legendary figure in the bodybuilding and fitness industry, best known as the co-host of ESPN's BodyShaping.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Rick discovered his passion for fitness early on, driven by a love for sports, martial arts and a determination to build a bodybuilder’s physique. Leaving behind a challenging upbringing surrounded by drugs, he made the life-changing decision to move to California in the early 1980s and train at the iconic Gold’s Gym.

His dedication led him to win Mr. Los Angeles and place second in Mr. California. However, a significant injury in 1987—tearing a pectoral muscle while lifting 500 pounds—marked a turning point, shifting his focus to coaching and personal training.

In this inspiring episode, Rick shares his journey from troubled beginnings to becoming a bodybuilding icon and TV personality. He offers timeless fitness wisdom, actionable advice for personal growth and stories of training alongside legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gregory Hines. This is a conversation packed with lessons on resilience, passion, and transformation.

In this podcast, Rick discusses:

Overcoming a troubled upbringing throughs sports and training.
The pivotal decision to move to California and train at Gold’s Gym.
The energy and culture of Gold’s Gym in the 80s.
Training with legends and the community spirit of old-school bodybuilding.
The art of posing and the aesthetics of bodybuilding.
Reflections on training methods and the evolution over the years.
Hosting the hit fitness TV show ‘BodyShaping’ and its influence on fitness culture.
Dealing with family tragedies, retirement boredom and finding new creative purpose.

To learn more about Rick Valente, click here:

https://www.rickvalente.com/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment:

https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

3:06 Influences in early life

5:47 Move to Florida and career beginnings

11:47 Gold’s Gym and celebrity encounters

20:13 Training techniques and workout memories

27:14 Bodybuilding competitions

32:11 “Body Shaping” and fame

42:08 Transition to writing and photography

43:36 Coping with boredom and personal growth

47:08 Advice for younger generations

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

This special episode was recorded live at Beyond Activ Australia APAC, where host Mohammed Iqbal attended to explore the cutting edge of fitness innovation.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Aleksander Dahlberg- founder of Sahha, Aaron Verasammy- Vice President Sales - North America at ABC Fitness Solutions, and Emmett Williams- MD at Myzone (APAC).

In this episode, topics discussed include:

Australian fitness innovation and global expansion of local brands.
Rapid growth of Pilates in gyms and boutique studios.
Unique fitness concepts combining multiple services.
Integration of health data technology in fitness offerings.
Challenges for international brands entering the Australian market.
Maturity and entrepreneurial culture of the Australian fitness industry.
Need for collaboration between fitness industry and government on public health.
Influence of Australian lifestyle trends (e.g., coffee culture) on the fitness landscape.

To learn more about Beyond Activ, click here:

https://beyondactiv.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

12:04 Aleksander Dahlberg

22:32 Aaron Verasammy

35:05 Emmett Williams

View Details

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Kevin Yates, CEO Lift Brands EMEA.

With more that 20 years-experience working in the fitness industry there are few individuals on the planet with more experience than Kevin Yates when it comes to building and operating boutique fitness brands. Currently heading up Lift Brands EMEA, which includes icon brands Snap Fitness and 9Round, Kevin also played a huge hand in the growth and success of European boutique brand, Trib3 and before that, the trailblazing UK boutique brand, 1Rebel.

In this LIFTS podcast, we discuss:

The evolution of boutique fitness.
The pivot to multiple modalities within a boutique offer.
The price vs value challenge facing HVLP fitness brands.
What component parts make a successful boutique fitness brand.
From HVLP 1.0 to HVLP 2.0 and the brands leading the charge.
What do boutiques have to do to maintain relevance in today’s market?
Trend predictions for the fitness sector.

To learn more about Lift Brands, click here:

https://www.liftbrands.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:25 RFK’s as Health and Human Services Secretary in the US. Good news or bad news?

2:50 Intro to Kevin Yates

5:06 The evolution of boutique fitness

9:43 The pivot to offering multiple modalities within a boutique offer

11:25 Adaptions HVLP fitness brands need to make to be able to charge more to cover rising costs

21:03 What component parts make a successful boutique fitness brand

25:17 The evolution from HVLP 1.0 to HVLP 2.0 and the brands leading the charge

33:00 What do boutiques have to do to maintain relevance in today’s market?

36:12 Trend predictions for the fitness sector

View Details

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, a quick snapshot into the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, get together to discuss recent health and biohacking trends, nutrition and supplements, strength training insights, tech and wellness integrations and emerging fitness trends including the latest from industry innovators Oura, F45, Samsung and Vasa Fitness.

In this LIFTS podcast, topics include:

Hostage tape; the viral sleeping trend.
Repacking your pre/post workout supplements.
Tips from Dr. Jim Stoppani on how to build muscle.
The new Oura nutrition tracking tool.
FS8, the new Pilates model from F45.
F45 teams up with Samsung to bring workouts to Samsung TVs.
Research results on benefits of ‘exercise stacking’.
Vasa Fitness adds boutique strength class to HVLP offering.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:54 Viral sleep trend of ‘hostage taping’

3:44 Exploring supplements and nutrition

10:00 The minefield that consumers face choosing nutritional products

13:27 The evolution of tracking apps

17:46 F45 introducing Pilates offering

19:33 F45 partner with Samsung to deliver Samsung TV workouts

21:23 Exercise snacking and strength training

27:44 Vasa Fitness adds boutique strength class to HVLP offering

30:53 Gym etiquette and social media impact

36:02 Final thoughts

View Details

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Yves Preissler, CEO of YP Fitness Consulting, an expert in turnkey and modular gym design solutions across global fitness, sport, wellness and recovery industries.

With 40+ combined years’ experience, Yves and his team of professional consultants have a wealth of global expertise creating high end finishes to create tailor-made concepts that deliver results for investors, developers and business owners.

This podcast episode explores the future of gym design, covering trending topics such as sustainability, AI technology and customer-centric experiences.

In this LIFTS podcast, topics include:

Customer-centric gym designs.
How wellness and luxury are transforming training.
Sustainability within the fitness industry.
Equipment: price vs. quality and sustainability.
Integrating AI and technological advancements.
Fred Fitness: the first truly AI-powered gym.
Designing gyms of the future.
Technology vs. human interaction.
The evolution of group fitness and personalized fitness.

To learn more about Yves Preissler, click here:

https://yvespreissler.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:30 Resetting the body while travelling

3:03 Alcohol and travel habits

4:19 Customer-centric design philosophy

7:03 How wellness and luxury are transforming training

9:25 Sustainability within the fitness industry

19:30 Technology integration into fitness

21:30 Fred Fitness: the first truly AI-powered gym

22:33 The evolution of group fitness and personalised fitness

31:41 Balancing technology and human interaction

31:59 Solving meaningful problems in fitness

View Details

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your snack-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Edward Hertzman, Founder & CEO of Athletech News.

On this week’s episode, recorded on November 5th, just ahead of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, we talk to one of the industry’s most trailblazing media mogul’s about the potential impact a change of political leadership might have on the fitness industry. We also explore the role of the media in reporting and curating the news that is driving decisions and shaping the sector.

Hold on to your hat, this one covers a lot of ground!

About Athletech News (ATN) founded by Edward Hertzman

With a mission is to provide the fitness and wellness industry with a dynamic and trusted platform that fosters innovation, collaboration and growth, Athletech News (ATN) serves a subscriber base of almost 100,000 that spans various verticals within the fitness and wellness industry and has been transformative in the speed and detail of news delivery.

In this LIFTS podcast, topics include:

Changes to news delivery within fitness and wellness.
Impact of the U.S. Election on the fitness industry.
The future of healthcare.
The impact of rising healthcare costs on business.
Staying true to the fitness industry’s core mission regardless of election result.
Is a healthy active lifestyle a political issue?
The role of media in shaping political opinion.
Industry events– creating unique events that deliver value.
The challenge of balancing sponsorship with content credibility.
The ingredients of a successful media outlet.
Final thoughts: media influence and the U.S. Election.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

2:36 Changes to news delivery within fitness and wellness

6:19 Impact of the U.S. Election on the fitness industry

10:12 What does the future of healthcare look like?

16:06 The impact of rising healthcare costs on business

17:08 Staying true to the fitness industry’s core mission regardless of the Election result

21:41 Is a healthy, active lifestyle a political issue?

23:14 The role of media in shaping political opinion

25:35 Industry events – cutting through the crowd and making meaningful connections

30:21 Balancing sponsorship with content credibility

35:38 The ingredients of a successful media outlet

39:13 Final thoughts: Media influence and the U.S. Election

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jim Stoppani, a renowned expert in exercise science, sports nutrition, and supplementation, with over 15 years of experience helping millions transform their lives through science-backed training and nutrition plans.

He earned his PhD in exercise physiology and a minor in biochemistry from the University of Connecticut and completed postdoctoral research at Yale University, focusing on exercise and gene regulation in muscle tissue. He was presented with the Gatorade Beginning Investigator Award by the American Physiological Society for his research.

After serving as Senior Science Editor for Weider Publications, he launched JYM Supplement Science in 2013, a pioneering sports nutrition company and has authored influential books, including The Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength and LL Cool J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle.

In this podcast, Dr. Jim Stoppani discusses:

New research into muscle growth.
Mathematical models for maximizing muscle.
Strategies for the fit vs. more unfit exerciser.
Weight loss, muscle gain and lifestyle change.
Optimal workouts for fat loss vs. muscle gain.
Testosterone, supplements and the anabolic window.
Full body vs Split body workouts.
Time under tension and its role in muscle building.
Muscle protein synthesis.
The benefits of intermittent fasting.
Creatine and protein intake guidelines.
How alcohol impacts sleep, muscle gain and recovery.

To learn more about Dr. Jim Stoppanni, click here:

https://www.jimstoppani.com/

https://jymsupplementscience.com/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment:

https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:20 New research into muscle growth

3:09 Range of motion and muscle growth

5:57 Stretching and muscle growth

6:58 Applying new research to workouts

12:49 Importance of time under tension

14:44 Scientific models and muscle growth

21:23 The ideal amount of muscle for health

26:57 Protein intake and essential amino acids

46:23 The benefits of creatine for performance

54:15 Balancing lifestyle changes

15:18 Full body vs. split body workouts

1:04:01 Exercises that trigger testosterone

View Details

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Dr. Ted Vickey, a fitness technology strategist, who is CEO of disruptive health technology company, FitWell and the author of a new, groundbreaking book: ‘'The Fitness Professionals Guide to ChatGPT".

Often referred to as the ‘most connected man in fitness’ Dr. Vickey also served as an executive director of the White House Athletic Center under two presidents and, in 2021, was named one of the most influential fitness tech people in the industry by the Fitness Industry Technology Council (FITC).

In this LIFTS podcast, topics include:

The impact of technology on the future of education.
Effectively using AI tools to optimize efficiency.
Is ChatGPT the best AI model?
How can AI be effectively applied in fitness?
Training AI and the various information sources available.
The importance of full disclosure.
What ROI can a PT expect from integrating AI?
Advanced features and the future of AI.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

02:22 Introduction to Dr. Ted Vickey

06:07 The future of Education

09:35 Effectively using AI tools to optimize efficiency

12:44 Is ChatGPT the best AI model?

14:03 How can AI be applied in fitness?

22:12 Methods of training AI and the information sources used

25:51 The importance of full disclosure

29:31 What is the ROI of using AI to a personal trainer?

33:21 Advanced AI features such as range of motion analysis

34:27 Final thoughts and takeaways

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories hitting the headlines.

On this week’s episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, lift the lid on some of the stories driving the fitness, health and wellbeing newsfeeds.

In this episode, headlines discussed include:

Josh Harris’s Acquistion of OneLife Fitness.
Weight Watchers relationship with GLP-1 drugs.
The decline in alcohol consumption.
The role of wearables in managing alcohol intake.
Athletic Greens partnership with Starbucks.
Greg Glassman's new venture, MetFix.
Reflections on the impact of A1 and GLP1s on the fitness industry.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:29 Mo Iqbal’s running injury and recovery

2:26 Josh Harris Acquires One Life Fitness

4:38 Weight Watchers and GLP-1 Drugs

11:32 The decline in alcohol consumption

16:44 The role of wearables in managing alcohol intake

19:25 Athletic Greens Partnership with Starbucks

23:47 Greg Glassman's New Venture, MetFix

30:05 Reflections on the impact of A1 and GLP1s on the fitness industry

Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks make no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks. Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third-party materials or on third-party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks make no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.

ESCAPE FITNESS LTD AND SWEATWORKS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Alex Alimanestianu, a seasoned executive and Angel Investor with significant experience in the fitness and wellness industry. He served for a long time as CEO of Talent Sports International, and in addition to his leadership there, Alex has been an active investor in the fitness technology space.

In this episode, the discussion centred on L Catterton’s recent investments in EGM and [solidcore]. Alimanestianu highlights the importance of early-stage investments in emerging markets and the advantages of being an early player in new concepts. He expressed concerns about the long-term viability of standalone boutique fitness studios, citing low entry barriers and increased competition. The conversation also covered the boom in Pilates and whether it had peaked, along with broader implications for valuation and investment trends in the fitness industry.

Key topics discussed include:

Opportunity vs. challenges in investing in start-ups.
L Catterton investing in Solid Core and EGYM.
Comparison with innovations across other industries.
Advantage of being the first of second player to a concept.
The shifting buying pattern of fitness equipment.
The boom of Pilates, but has it peaked?
Risk of boutiques only offering one modality.
The franchise model in boutiques.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

2:55 Alex’s opportunity to invest in Mirror

5:00 Investing in fitness industry start-ups

6:08 Advantage of being ‘the first or second player’ to new concepts

8:45 L Catterton’s investment in EGYM

13:01 Comparison with other fitness companies and industries

16:25 Integrating technology from a more medical perspective

17:51 The shifting buying pattern of fitness equipment

20:50 L Catterton’s investment in Solid Core

24:09 The breadth of Pilates formats available

26:21 The booming demand for Pilates

27:09 Risks of boutiques only offering one thing

33:35 The franchise model in boutique

39:54 Final thoughts and key takeaways

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is the final instalment of a three-part series recorded live at Beyond Activ, New York City – a fitness focused leadership, investment and business development event held in September 2024.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks get under the skin of the industry to explore where investors are placing their funding, new product innovations, the fate of the boutique fitness market and the evolution of HVPL clubs.

Today’s guests are:

Pete Moore, MD Integrity Square and Krissy Vann, Director of Content at All Things Fitness and Wellness.
Nicoline Roth, Founder, Nordic Strong plus owner & manufacturer of the Nordic Trainer.
David Weston, MD, HighPost Capital.
Yvette & Neal McGaffin, Co-Founders, Reform RX.

In this episode, the conversation covers:

Importance of strategic locations and lease terms.
The danger of trying to be all things to everyone.
The growth of Pilates and the success of [solidcore].
Emerging fitness trend: spotlight on Metabolic and New York Athletic Club's Squads.
Introducing the Nordic Strength concept, based around the Nordic way of life.
Future development :a studio and at-home integration.
Fitness investment strategies – where is it wise to invest right now?
The rise of 2.0 players: Crunch Fitness, EOS Fitness, Fitness Connection, Chuze Fitness.
The evolution from HVLP 2.0 to HVLP 3.0.
The rise of the social wellness club.
Solving the instructor talent problem.
What is driving the Pilates boom and can it last?

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:30 Pete Moore | Integrity Square

22:33 Nicoline Roth | Nordic Strong

35:45 David Weston | HighPost Capital

55:34 Yvette & Neal McGaffin | Reform RX

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is part-two of a three-part podcast series recorded live at Beyond Activ, a leadership, investment and business development event in September 2024.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, talk to four guests from both sides of the fence - the operator and suppliers within the fitness industry:

Adam Sedlack, CEO, UFC Gyms
Jack Daly, CEO, TRX
Jay Worthy, CEO, Myzone
Ashley Mills, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, obé Fitness and Mark Mullett, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, obé Fitness

In this episode, topics discussed include:

Impact of low-cost gyms setting new price expectations.
Disciplined growth plans important for sustainability.
Staying On-Trend with Functional Fitness to Grow Global Brand.
Focusing on functional strength in line with growing consumer interest.
Leveraging Wearable Data: The Future of Personalization, Insights and Behavior Change in Fitness.
The evolution of wearables and increasing role they will play in driving industry growth and health outcomes.
Opportunities to utilize wearable data through analytics to provide personalized, actionable insights for members.
Body Literacy and Women’s Health.
Funding and the economic environment.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Growth.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

2:33 Adam Sedlack | CEO | UFC Gyms

26:11 Jack Daly | CEO | TRX

47:15 Jay Worthy | CEO | Myzone

1:03:31 Mark Mullett & Ashley Mills | Co-founders | obé Fitness

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by Jack Thomas, Co-Founder of The Fit Guide, the only global, independent rating system for premium fitness clubs and studios.

This episode discusses The Fit Guides comprehensive report on fitness industry standards, evaluating global clubs across various modalities. This episode delves into exploring the importance of client connection, the continued boom in popularity of strength training, driven by consumer demand and research on longevity, and the opportunities that the boutique fitness sector has still to maximize.

Matthew, Mo and Jack debate learnings from other sectors who traditionally evolve and innovate more quickly than the fitness industry, training modalities and brands that are performing better than others and regional differences that impact fitness industries internationally.

Key topics discussed include:

Drawing learnings from the hospitality sector.
How CrossFit got more people into strength training.
The opportunities in the boutique fitness sector.
Peloton and Planet Fitness shift focus to strength training.
Strength training and its continued growth in popularity.
Gen Z; the most informed population in regards to health and fitness.
Opportunities within Yoga and Pilates modalities.
Breaking down the member journey to boost engagement.

To learn more about Jack Thomas and The Fit Guide, click here:

https://thefitguide.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/

https://www.instagram.com/jacktbase/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

2.44 Reports created by The Fit Guide

4.45 Current state of the Fitness Industry

6.10 Peloton and Planet Fitness shift focus to strength training

6.29 Global trend of strength training

13.45 Planet Fitness launch Strength Plus app

17.16 Impact of CrossFit and functional training

17.28 Boutique fitness and client connection

18.03 Regional differences in fitness modalities

20.22 The importance of connecting with your clients

26.42 Challenges and opportunities in boutique fitness

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by legend, John Brown, a trailblazing American bodybuilder who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite facing racism and discrimination in the sport, Brown achieved incredible success, winning the Amateur Mr. Universe title in 1981 and 1982, as well as the Mr. World title three times. John went on to raise three boys, all of whom inherited his sporting genes and, with the benefit of his support, experience and wisdom, went on to achieve success as NFL players.

In this podcast we take a walk-through Brown’s exceptional bodybuilding achievements, how he leveraged his unique performance approach to created wealth and his unconventional training techniques, diet and pre-competition preparations. We also explore how he has supported his three sons to become successful NFL players, whilst unpacking the grit and determination it takes to succeed. This conversation is all about challenging norms and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Buckle up - this one is a hell of a ride!

In this podcast, Brown covers:

The origins of Mr. Universe and Brown’s unique approach to competitive bodybuilding.
Building a bodybuilding business through questioning and entrepreneurship.
The overtraining fallacy and the importance of eating and sleeping.
Growing muscle without using steroids.
Coca-Cola – the secret sauce in training revival.
The influence of genetics and parental involvement on athletic success.
Eating dirty to gain athletic advantage.
Post bodybuilding diet and how the gym has become a necessary evil.
Designing performance sportswear that changed then world.
Disbelief: life’s biggest limiter.
Parenting, marriage, and financial regrets.
Achieving dreams and escaping limits.

To learn more about John Brown, click here:

https://www.instagram.com/johnbrownblackcoffee/

https://www.facebook.com/johnbrownmruniverse/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment:

https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US)

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:02 The origins of Mr Universe and other bodybuilding organisations

0:18 Brown’s career changing approach to bodybuilding competitions

9:46 Leveraging bodybuilding to build a business

19:52 Bodybuilding, Mr Universe and influencers

26:25 Charting a life path through questioning and entrepreneurship

32:04 No such thing as over training only under sleeping and under eating

37:16 Pushing through bad form to get stronger

37:40 Growing muscle without using steroids

40:33 weightlifting routine for muscle growth

48:23 Intense training for NFL athletes and Coca Cola – the secret sauce for training revival

51:31 The influence of genetics and parental influence on athletic success

1:00:40 Parenting and coaching children in sport

1:05:43 Bodybuilding, nutrition, and training philosophy

1:09:26 Eating dirty to gain athletic advantage

1:11:36 Changing diet and training routine post bodybuilding career

1:12:03 Gym training: after a30 years it’s become a necessary evil

1:15:00 Designing performance sportswear that changed then world

1:20:38 Disbelief: life’s biggest limiter

1:21:44 Parenting, marriage, and financial regrets

1:31:28 Achieving dreams and escaping limits

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by special guest, Anna Gudmundson, CEO of stress management technology company, Sensate.

This episode digs into the value of stress management and tuning into the Vagus Nerve tone in order to take a more holistic approach to mental and physical health. It dives into the emerging technologies in this field and the opportunity to integrate with established wearables and health trackers in order to help people gain a more data driven understanding of their personal health markers.

Key topics discussed include:

What is Sensate, who can benefitm, how does it work, and what does it deliver.
The mental health crisis and the value of self-regulation tools.
The growing acceptance of self-regulation and meditation as a necessary self-improvement strategy.
Integrating wearable technology, stress management, and wellness practices.
Link between stress and good physical health and performance.
Integrating wellness offers into homes, tourism and hospitality.
The benefits of wearable technology and personalized health data.
Mental health, wellness, and stress relief with a focus on the Vagus Nerve.

To learn more about Sensate, click here: https://www.getsensate.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

2:19 Introduction to Anna Gudmundson, CEO Sensate (Stress management technology)

3:05 The mental health crisis and the value of self-regulation tools

09:21 The acceptance of self-regulation and meditation as a necessary self-help strategy

14:02 Integrating wearable technology, stress management, and wellness practices

15:18 The link between stress and good physical health and performance

18:09 Integrating wellness facilities into homes, tourism and hospitality

23:34 The benefits of wearable technology and personalized health data

27:21 Mental health, wellness, and stress relief with a focus on the Vagus Nerve

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by special guest, Huw Edwards CEO of ukactive.

This episode explores the opportunities for ukactive to collaborate with the newly appointed Labour government in the UK, positioning the physical activity sector as a key player in addressing public health challenges. The discussion focuses on crafting innovative solutions, harnessing data-driven insights, and making facilities and services more accessible and inclusive. We also explore the rising trend of gym usage among young people, the urgent need to better support those with long-term health conditions and mental health issues, and the potential for a national patient care framework built through collaboration between the government, the physical activity sector, and the NHS.

Key topics discussed include:

How the physical activity sector work with government to improve population health and drive economic growth.
Beyond aesthetics: tapping into the broader health and wellbeing benefits of being active.
Population health as an economic driver.
The role of data in defining the sector’s value proposition.
The need for diversification of services to accommodate a wider range of health and wellbeing needs.
Engaging young people to tackle childhood obesity and create habits for life.
Leading with prevention: Collaboration between the physical activity and healthcare system.
Integrating the fitness industry with the NHS: challenges and opportunities.
The importance of storytelling to drive engagement.
The need for local delivery that feeds into a national framework.

To learn more about ukactive, click here: https://www.ukactive.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

02:49 How the physical activity sector can support the govt to improve population health and productivity

04:28 Focus on the wider benefits of being active beyond aesthetics and into broader physical and mental health and wellbeing

07:48 The economic benefits of a healthy population

12:24 The role of data in defining the sectors value proposition

14:48 Diversification of services to accommodate a wider range of health and wellbeing needs

18:31 Engaging young people to tackle childhood obesity and crate habits for life

26:30 Leading with prevention: Collaboration between the physical activity and healthcare system

30:51 Integrating fitness industry with NHS, challenges and opportunities.

34:31 The need for a consumer campaign driven by lived-experience stories

34:55 The importance of local delivery that feeds into a national framework

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Ross Campbell, Founder & CEO of Beyond Activ, one of the largest and most influential global networks for health, fitness, wellness, sports, hospitality and leisure businesses.

This episode discusses the evolution of fitness and healthcare conferences, with a focus on the recent Beyond Activ event in Saudi Arabia. They explore the impact of GLP-1 and AI on the industry, the changing landscape of boutique fitness and the growing competition in the wellness hospitality space.

Key topics discussed include:

Real life experiences and meaningful connection through events.
The crossroads for boutique fitness and wellness.
HIIT vs. strength and conditioning workouts.
Research by Dr. Stacy Sims that shows that HIIT could be detrimental to health.
The boom in popularity of Pilates.
Equinox signs up for Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic desert.
The focus on wellness-centric hospitality brands.
New developments in wellness, recovery and longevity.
GLP-1s as a disruptor to the industry.
Airlines and airports reinvesting in lounges and wellness.
Beyond Activ, New York, 17-19th September.

To learn more about Beyond Activ, click here: https://beyondactiv.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

4:13 The evolution of boutique fitness

5:12 HIIT vs. strength and conditioning workouts

8:10 The boom in popularity of Pilates

10:12 Fitness trends; strength, Pilates and wellness-focused hospitality

14:18 Wellness-focused hotels and their growth in Saudi Arabia

19:37 Wellness-driven residencies and GLP-1’s impact on diabetes monitoring

20:53 New developments in wellness, recovery and longevity

23:36 Growth and innovation investment opportunities in luxury markets

29:25 Fitness events in Asia and the US

View Details

Paul Chek, the absolute master of corrective and high-performance exercise kinesiology, stress management and holistic wellness has launched Spirit Gym, a concept he is calling ‘his greatest creation yet’.

For more than forty years, Chek has been applying his unique, whole-body treatment and education approach to positively influence the lives of his many clients and students, often succeeding where other, more traditional methods have failed. Chek is founder of the CHEK (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology) Institute and pioneer of the highly successful P~P~S Success Mastery Coaching Program. In addition to his practical work, Chek has also written several books, articles and blog posts.

Now, through Spirit Gym, Chek is taking people on a spiritual journey of self-discovery helping them to reconnect with their souls, discover who they really are, understand what they came here to do and providing the self-realization tools to empower them to solve seemingly impossible problems.

In this extended Escape your Limits Podcast, Chek explains the interplay between mind and body, exploring the role of spiritual development in personal growth and revealing how a connection with the soul unlocks freedoms that promote joy, wholeness, purpose and fulfilment.

Topics include:

● Personal training education vs. corporate interests.

● Balancing education and exercise on social media.

● Hormone supplements and their effect on mental and physical health.

● Self-care, sleep and personal growth.

● The dangers of synthetic vitamins and protein isolates.

● The relationship between money, health and happiness.

● How life experiences shape beliefs and behaviors.

● Looking at how you engage with money, love, mind and power.

● Religious interpretation and the need for personal spiritual development to understand God's true nature.

● Myths, spirituality and personal growth.

● The role of psychedelics in personal growth and spiritual exploration.

● Applying intent and consciousness.

● Tarot archetypes, their meanings and significance in self-reflection and personal growth.

● Energy, emptiness, form, and spirituality.

● The difference between real thinking and memorization.

● Applying contemplative meditation for clarity of thought and problem solving.

● Personal growth and development through physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual practices.

● Setting realistic goals and avoiding failure.

● Overcoming obstacles and finding success.

To learn more about Spirit Gym and Paul Chek, click here:

https://www.myspiritgym.com/

https://www.instagram.com/paul.chek/?hl=en

https://chekinstitute.com/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00:00 Intro

0:04:55 A multidisciplinary approach to healthcare with a focus on personal training education vs corporate interests

0:11:14 The importance of progressive training for functional exercise

0:17:38 Balanced education and exercise on social media channels

0:20:21 Why it’s vital to provide tailored fitness programs based on goals and needs

0:29:29 Self-care, sleep and personal growth

0:38:44 Hormone supplements and their effect on mental and physical health

0:43:44 Addressing underlying mental health issues before starting a workout routine

0:54:06 The dangers of synthetic vitamins and protein isolates

1:04:28 How digestion and elimination work, with emphasis on nutrient deficiencies and toxicity

1:13:43 The relationship between money, health and happiness

1:28:16 How life experiences shape beliefs and behaviors

1:39:05 The importance of embracing oneself and adapting to reality

1:50:11 Religious interpretation and the need for personal spiritual development to understand God's true nature

2:01:14 Myths Spirituality and personal growth

2:08:39 The role of psychedelics in personal growth and spiritual exploration

2:19:48 Applying intent and consciousness to change the form of physical objects

2:22:50 Tarot archetypes, their meanings and significance in self-reflection and personal growth

2:38:40 Energy, emptiness, form, and spirituality

2:42:06 Individual interpretation of archetypes

2:46:15The difference between real thinking and memorization

2:48:49 Using contemplative meditation for clarity of thought and problem solving

2:58:41 The importance of goal setting to personal growth

2:59:52 Personal growth and development through physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual practices

3:11:21 How to set realistic goals and avoid failure

3:14:23 The importance of incremental progress to success

3:24:26 Overcoming obstacles and finding success through self-awareness and guidance from mentors

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Dr. Paul Bedford, the "Retention Guru", researcher, international speaker and fitness industry expert on retention, attrition and customer experience.

This episode revolved around strategies to boost retention, from emphasising the importance of personalisation, empathy and tailoring experiences to your audience through to analysing the potential of technology to individualise the member journey, highlighting how vital it is to understand the needs and preferences of members in order to create a successful, sustainable fitness business.

Key topics discussed include:

Retention strategies for fitness businesses.
The importance of empathy and report.
Utilising data and analytical tools correctly.
The impact of ‘gymtimidation.’
Generationally designed gyms.
Whether wearables or AI can boost retention.

To learn more about Dr. Paul Bedford, click here: https://www.retentionguru.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

03:34 Retention strategies for fitness businesses

07:56 Data-driven strategies

12:32 Empathy and retention, focusing on analysis tools

16:47 Using data to motivate weight loss programmes

21:00 Gym intimidation and the impact of aesthetics on exercise

24:53 How fitness preferences and gym memberships change with age

33:51 Wearables and AI technology to improve retention

38:43 How fitness brands can compete with YouTube trainers

42:47 Personalised experiences and AI tools to boost retention

48:08 Customer experience in the fitness industry

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by special guest, former pro-athlete, serial entrepreneur and Chief Concept Officer at MADabolic, Brandon Cullen

This episode unpacks how new developments in entertainment, pharmaceuticals and technology are attempting to influence population behavior and encourage more people to engage with gyms. Specifics discussed include: DJ Diplo’s new 5k soundtrack, protein brands reacting to the GLP-1 craze and Superpower’s $4m investment to deliver bespoke preventative health care to the masses.

Key topics discussed include:

Parenting, Fitness and entrepreneurship.
Brandon Cullen – pro athlete and fitness entrepreneur.
DJ Diplo’s new fitness soundtrack – engaging beyond the 15 percenters.
Kabata – AI driven dumbbells. Is this the future of fitness?
The impact of GPL1s and new GLP-1 complimentary products entering the market.
Will GLP-1s drive gym engagement?
Preventative healthcare platform, Superpower, raises $4 million.
Creating a ripple effect.

To learn more about Brandon Cullen, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/playingguilty/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:22 Parenting, Fitness and entrepreneurship

1:26 Intro to Brandon Cullen and brief bio

3:47 DJ Diplo’s new fitness soundtrack – engaging beyond the 15 percenters

9:48 Kabata – AI driven dumbbells. Is this the future of fitness?

15:47 The impact of GPL-1s and new GLP-1 complimentary products entering the market

20:51 Will GLP-1s drive gym engagement?

23:18 Preventative healthcare platform, Superpower, raises $4 million

30:29 Creating a ripple effect

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Eric Durak, President and Founder at Medical Health and Fitness and an absolute wealth of knowledge and experience spanning 30+ years in the industry.

This episode is centered around healthcare innovation, from the latest Apple Watch innovations through to understanding opportunities around the boom of GLP-1s, with Eric Durak emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach combining technology and education.

Key topics discussed include:

● Apple Watch launch new Vitals App.

● Innovations in fitness tracking technology.

● Squared Circles secures $40million in funding to enable scaling of new health and wellness brands.

● Investment into AI versus revenue delivered.

● GLP-1 shifts increased consumer spending to the ‘wellness wallet.’

● Iceland and MyProtein launch world’s first frozen protein vending machine.

To learn more about Eric Durak, click here: https://www.medhealthfit.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

01:00 Weight loss with a focus on GLP-1s and Ozempic

3:13 Apple Watch updates, including vitals app and training load features

8:51 Sleep tracking technology and its accuracy

15:33 AI and GLP-1 investments, insights and potential for success

22:34 Using health savings accounts for weight loss medication

27:35 Integrating nutritional services into gyms through vending machines

31:30 Fitness technology and business strategies for gym owners

View Details

Welcome to a very special episode of LIFTS. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, meet with David Minton to discuss key takeaways from his pioneering ‘State of The UK Fitness Industry 2024 Report’.

David is founder of The Leisure Database Company, a market intelligence company that produces the UK fitness industry’s most valuable and comprehensive annual audit, The State of The UK Industry Report.

This year, for the first time, thanks to a commercial collaboration with many leading industry suppliers, The Leisure Database has made its annual industry report available to everyone, free of charge, to democratize fitness data in the interests of sector growth and prosperity.

In this special episode, we discuss the key report findings, explore the implications of these findings for the future of the sector and dive into how the sector might evolve to raise market penetration above its current level.

Topics discussed include:

Overview of the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2024.
Takeout trends from the report, focused on value growth, penetration and data.
Expanding the report to include more health focused data points.
Premiumization and cost variation within the sector.
Market penetration and the disparity between public and private sector.
Public sector segmentation.
Fitness industry trends, including gym openings and closings, demographics, and market growth opportunities.
The blueprint for a ‘dream gym.’
AI potential disruption and the democratization of education.
The evolution of the fitness industry: opportunities and challenges.

To download your copy of the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report, click here: https://www.leisuredb.com/publications

To learn more about David Minton, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-minton-5b094a19/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

1:00 Overview of the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report

10:15 Takeout trends from the report, focused on value growth, penetration and data

13:35 Expanding the report to include more health focused data points

15:27 Premiumization and cost variation within the sector

18:28 Market penetration and the disparity between public and private sector

22:42 Public sector segmentation explained

27:54 Fitness industry trends, including gym openings and closings, demographics, and market growth opportunities.

37:39 What does a ‘dream gym look like?

39:29 AI potential disruption and the democratization of education

44:26 The evolution of the fitness industry: opportunities and challenges

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by Shawn Ray aka ‘The Giant Killer’, former professional bodybuilder, 13-time Mr. Olympia Finalist and one of the most rebellious, outspoken athletes in the sport still to this day.

Not one to shy away from speaking openly and honestly, this episode takes a deep dive into the significance of performance in bodybuilding, ethical implications, overcoming setbacks, and balancing bodybuilding with other aspects of life. Shawn Ray talks openly about his experience and insights on the evolution of bodybuilding, the impact of social media, and the importance of mentors.

Ray also discusses the risks of injury, health problems, and death, as well as the growing trend of bodybuilders relying on teams of trainers, nutritionists, and other support staff. Ray emphasizes the need for balance and prioritizing self-reliance, personal responsibility, and appreciation in fostering meaningful connections.

In this highlights video, Shawn Ray talks about:

How the passion began with a magazine on a newsstand.
The role of self-doubt and ego in bodybuilding.
Rising to the occasion when things get tough.
The importance of a mentor in career success.
Breaking down ego and building up confidence.

To learn more about Shawn Ray, click here:

instagram.com/shawnrayifbbpro

buildwithpros.com

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

2:21 Manifesting bodybuilding dreams through self-belief

10:24 The benefits of having a mentor

13:06 The importance of posing in bodybuilding

18:33 Father-son relationship and entrepreneurship

25:05 Bodybuilding, Olympia and relationships

31:18 Ronnie Coleman’s rise to Mr Olympia

33:29 Bodybuilding career, goals and personal growth

39:23 The importance of balance between life and work

42:31 Sacrifices and health risks of being a bodybuilder

47:54 The ethics of supplements in bodybuilding

53:28 Drug use and the lack of accountability

1:01:53 Bodybuilding physiques and divisions

1:06:36 Challenging traditional bodybuilding norms

1:08:19 Bodybuilding prize money and promoter challenges

1:20:00 The benefits of social media platforms for personal branding

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guests, Austin Cohen, Founder and CEO, FlexIt and Justin Turetsky, part of the founding team and COO, FlexIt

This episode dives into the personalization and data-led fitness experiences taking New York City by storm! This fast-paced debate explores the ethics and safety of genetically modified foods and dissects the evolving dynamics of authenticity and pragmatism in marketing and influencer engagement. The session wraps up with a passionate conversation on the pursuit of excellence and the game-changing impact of surrounding oneself with exceptional people.

Key topics discussed include:

Fitness trends driving sector growth in NYC.
Consumer willingness to pay a premium for personalization.
Trends with staying power versus fads.
Genetically modified food – new trend or clever marketing of age-old processes?
NYC culture and its effect on consumer food choices.
Is influencer and social media marketing still a powerful tool?
The power of authenticity.
Entrepreneurship: the pursuit of excellence.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

3:35 Fitness trends in NYC, including premium offerings and high-end experiences.

7:01 Upward trend in consumer willingness to pay a premium for personalization

11:29 Trends with staying power versus fads

13:07 Genetically modified food – new trend or clever marketing of age-old process?

21:53 NYC culture and its effect on food choices

23:13 Is influencer and social media marketing still prevalent and relevant?

27:00 The power of authenticity

29:47 Entrepreneurship, product development and market execution

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Ty Menzies, global CEO of Lift Brands, an international franchise organization that is parent brand to Snap Fitness.

This episode discusses how the industry has had to adapt to the current hybrid work environment, fitness trends versus fads, GLP-1s as well as the barriers to fitness and the changes that the boutique industry has gone through and the shift towards digital solutions, including the integration of AI technology to hyper-personalize content and the member experience.

Key topics discussed include:

The change in consumer behaviour post-COVID.
The influence of a more educated consumer.
Digital versus in-person fitness demand.
How franchising is being impacted by mergers and acquisitions.
Fitness trends vs. fads that come and go.
Ozempic-specific foods and training programs.
Using AI to hyper-personalize and individualize content.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

4:42 Fitness trends, consumer habits and digital solutions

11:31 Snap Fitness’s strategies for differentiation and growth

15:24 Impact of mergers and acquisitions on fitness franchising

18:15 Fitness trends vs fads that come and go

19:58 Weight loss drugs and barriers to exercise

24:02 Using AI for personalized experiences and business operations

26:48 AI personalization and focus on consumer needs

View Details

On this AI-focussed episode of the LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Eric Malzone, founder of The Future of Fitness podcast, to discuss all things AI technology.

They debate the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI, the rapid pace at which the technology is not only evolving, but learning from us, and the impact that this level of smart technology can have on all aspects of the fitness industry.

Key topics discussed include:

● How AI has actually driven the need for more content.

● OpenAI striking a deal with Reddit to train its AI with posts.

● The impact of AI on creators and authenticity.

● The introduction of Pencil AI, a tool that makes ads with generative AI.

● The dual nature of AI’s influence on marketing.

● Kabata raised $5 million to further develop its AI-powered dumbbells.

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

07:53 AI advancements and their impact on content creation

14:15 AI’s impact on marketing and trust

22:41 AI-powered dumbbells and their potential in the fitness industry

26:36 AI technologies wider reach into other sectors

30:03 AI’s impact on creators, loss of identity and monetization opportunities

View Details

Discussing the current state of the commercial fitness industry, highlighting both volatility and evolution. Bryan O’Rourke, CEO of Core Health & Fitness joins us for the 31st episode of LIFTS with hosts Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks.

Throughout the interview they discuss the need for leaders to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve, with Brian emphasizing the challenges of maintaining profitability in a rapidly changing market.

Topics discussed include:

Near-term economic pressures and volatility in the fitness industry.
Consolidation trends in the commercial club and supplier sectors.
Evolving consumer behaviors and shifting motivations for fitness.
Removing barriers to entry through innovative business models and programming.
Long-term health and wellness macro trends despite short-term industry challenges.

ukactive Consumer Engagement Insight Report - https://www.ukactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Consumer-Engagement-at-uka-On-the-road-to-Vision-2030.pdf

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

4:24 State of the global commercial fitness industry

9:44 Impact on the rise in interest rates have on new openings?

16:32 Embracing shifting consumer behaviours with at home fitness

19:43 Macro trends: Health and Wellness

24:13 ukactive consumer engagement insight report - the barriers to joining gyms

27:34 Final Thoughts

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by Dr. Rand McCain, aka ‘The Longevity Doctor’ to explore whether death is predetermined by genetics or whether we can make informed lifestyle choices that extend health span and override the influence of our genes.

Dr. McClain earned his medical degree at Western University and completed his internship at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine Residency Program (U.S.C. California Hospital) and has spent his professional life redefining what it means to be in optimal health. Having established his own practice, Regenerative and Sports Medicine Dr. McClain supports his patients (many of which are A-List celebrities and world-class athletes) through the application of cutting edge treatments and philosophies including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, platelet rich plasma and stem cell therapies.

In his recent book, ‘Cheating Death: The New Science of Living Longer and Better’, Dr. McClain reveals fresh, science-backed approach to genetics, natural aging, and proactive medical treatments and discusses how to access to these therapies to jumpstart their body’s regenerative processes. Bolstered with research and recovery stories from real people, Cheating Death gives readers the tools to live healthier, longer lives.

In this podcast, Dr. McClain talks extensively about:

● Fitness trends and nutrition principles past and present.

● Biological age versus Chronological age.

● Key bio markers for predicting healthy longevity.

● Anti-aging supplements.

● The effect of NAD on energy and sleep.

● Polyphenols and their role in fighting inflammation and cancer.

● Sleep hygiene habits.

● Cold Therapy and heat shock proteins to boost health.

● Air quality's impact on health.

● Testosterone replacement therapy. Debunking myths.

● Fasting and its effects on cortisol.

The role of genetics and emerging tech in a long and healthy life.

To learn more about Dr. Rand McClain, click here:

https://drrandmcclain.com/

https://psrmed.com/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

0:33 Weightlifting for performance and aesthetics

2:38 The impact Schwarzenegger had on bodybuilding

3:53 Fitness trends and nutrition principles past and present

7:41 Verify the source: don’t believe everything you see or read

13:06 The misconception that body building icons are in competition shape 12 months of the year

17:26 The inspiration behind the book ‘Cheating Death’

19:06 Biological age versus chronological age

24:58 Key bio markers for predicting healthy longevity

38:26 Anti-aging supplements, including vitamin D3 and B

42:33 The effect of NAD on energy and sleep

46:06 Poly phenols and their potential to fight inflammation and cancer

49:07 Creating good sleep hygiene habits

56:52 The effects of growth hormones on sleep

1:00:05 Cold Therapy and heat shock proteins to improve blood flow and general health

1:02:40 Air quality's impact on health, with a focus on nitric oxide and its benefits

1:10:09 Testosterone replacement therapy and the risks

1:24:00 The effects of fasting on cortisol

1:30:52 The role of genetics in a long and healthy life

1:35:40 Emerging tech and therapies that will significantly impact health span

1:38:46 Regenerating nerves and recovering from paralysis using stem cells

View Details

Welcome back to the latest episode of LIFTS, this week Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks speak with John Ford, Chief Product Officer at EGYM. John has a vast knowledge of the fitness technology industry, he is a board member of the Fitness Industry Technology Council.

Our first topic this week is around the recent announcement from Planet Fitness, who for the first time in 26 years have raised their membership fees. This leads into a wider discussion around personalized fitness plans and assessments, incorporating technology to enhance user and member experience.

Topics discussed include:

The rationale behind Planet Fitness raising its membership fee for the first time in 26 years and its implications for the industry.
How gyms are incorporating technology to enhance user experience and differentiate their services.
The growing importance of personalized fitness plans and assessments in modern fitness regimes.
The role of professional management and executive changes in driving innovation and adaptability in gyms.
The expansion strategies of fitness companies like Whoop into new markets, such as the Middle East, and the impact on their growth.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

1:42 Planet Fitness increasing membership fees for the first time in 26 years

12:17 Technology and it’s importance to enhance the user experience

19:10 Whoop moving into the Middle East and the usage of wearable and data collection

27:24 Beachbody partnersghip with Dr B, a telehealth provider. The growing intersection of fitness and healthcare

36:27 Final thoughts

View Details

Welcome back to LIFTS, on this special episode, Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks discuss the recent changes at Xponential Fitness and the departure of Anthony Geisler with Jon Canarick, Managing Partner at North Castle Partners, they are the leading small cap consumer private equity firm focused in the Healthy, Active, and Sustainable Living sectors.

During this conversation, Jon offers his views on the potential impact of Anthony Geisler's departure from Xponential, particularly on brand acquisition efforts and the process of selling new franchises.

They delve deeper into insights around the lack of proof points and data available for potential franchises to properly assess the likelihood of success in a specific location.

Topics discussed include:

● Anthony Geisler's departure from Xponential and its potential impact.

● The lack of sufficient proof points and location-specific performance data provided to potential

franchisees before large-scale sales begin.

● Variability in boutique fitness studio build costs and revenue potentials.

● Lessons learned from Exponential and F45's rapid expansion strategies.

Outlook on the fitness industry and opportunities for brands.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

1:27 The changes at Xponential Fitness

09:20 Investment in brands and the impact of rapid growth

12:35 Boutique fitness models and build out costs

16:25 Lack of proof points and how to educate potential investors opening up in the fitness market

18:37 The regulations required by franchises

23:37 How the impact of the news from Xponential will impact expansion strategies

32:38 Final thoughts

View Details

On this week's episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks speak with Bruce Smith, Founder of Hydrow, the leading connected rower that brings the on-water experience of rowing straight to your home. They discuss Hydrow's recent developments, including the acquisition of a digital resistance training company aimed at transforming strength training. Bruce shares his vision of combining rowing, strength and other modalities into a single connected fitness platform.

He also offers his perspective on Peloton's challenges and potential paths forward under new leadership. They explore topics like motivation, incentives, and how technology can be leveraged to improve long-term user adherence. They also consider trends in the industry, such as the growing emphasis on whole health and wellness.

Topics discussed include:

● Hydrow's acquisition of a digital resistance company and plans to integrate strength training.

● Peloton's leadership changes and challenges.

● Using technology and data to better understand user motivation and incentivization.

● The growing trend of whole health and wellness among fitness brands.

● Predictions for the future of connected fitness, including potential consolidation in the industry.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

2:39 Who are Hydrow

6:59 New Strength Training Technology

12:19 The Challenges facing Peloton and how to turn it around with a North Star

17:42 Future Fitness Motivators

20:44 The role of celebrity endorsements

23:15 Science Daily – Research on immediate rewards increasing long-term activity

29:06 How important is it brands embrace Whole Health Living?

30:36 Final thoughts

View Details

On this week’s episode of LIFTS. Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks sit down one on one to discuss their thoughts on the changing landscape of the health and fitness industry.

They explore opportunities for partnering brands with the LIFTS podcast and examine challenges faced by companies like Stages. Matthew and Mo also dive into trends in wellness offerings, industry consolidation, and how brands can better serve evolving consumer needs. Tune in to hear their insights on navigating change and pursuing new opportunities for progress in this dynamic sector.

Topics discussed include:

● Partnering brands with the LIFTS podcast.

● New product launch of Escape Fitness' GLUTE BOX.

● Challenges faced by indoor cycling brand Stages during the pandemic.

● Trends in wellness offerings like recovery spaces and personalized programs.

Industry consolidation and how gyms and suppliers can differentiate their services.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

1:31 Why and How to be a part of the LIFTS podcasts

4:58 New Product Launch – the Escape GLUTE BOX

6:34 The Struggles of Stages in Indoor Cycling

13:32 Fitness Industry Consolidation and Innovation

19:18 Equinox partnering with Pumpkin Health to offer personalization

21:37 Trends in Wellness, Recovery, and Premium Offerings

30:50 Health and Fitness Association Report Insights

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks sit down with one of the industry’s most experienced strategic leaders, 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Mid-Atlantic and President & CEO for [solidcore], Mr. Bryan Myers.

In this podcast, we discuss our thoughts on the industry post-FIBO, as well as recent headlines making waves within the industry including the launch of HYROX365, findings from The Global Wellness Economy report, and the mental and emotional factors associated with weight and body image.

Topics discussed include:

The growth of FIBO as an international fitness trade show.

● The success of HYROX and the launch of HYROX365.

● Findings of The Global Wellness Economy report.

● The controversial advice from ‘fat activist’ Virginia Sole-Smith.

● The mental and emotional factors associated with weight.

● The challenges of parenting healthy lifestyles in modern society.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

4:23 The growth of Hyrox and its partnerships

9:41 Fitness and wellness entrepreneurship in the US

12:22 The Global Wellness Economy Report

15:12 US healthcare spending and outcomes

18:44 Mental and emotional weight in relation to body image

23:53 Challenges of parenting in modern society

28:46 Wellness, consciousness and investing in health

View Details

On this LIFTS podcast Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek sits down with one of the industry’s most forward thinking and straight talking physiologists and wellbeing consultants. In this episode, our guest shares his thoughts on a need to redefine ‘fitness’ and ‘wellness’ and move away from a focus on selling processes in favor of outcomes. He also discusses this take on the introduction of GLP-1s and shares the three health markers be believes to be the best predictors of longevity.

Join us in welcoming Oliver Patrick to LIFTS.

Topics discussed include:

● The need to redefine the language we use to describe the ‘fitness’ industry.

● The value in selling outcomes rather than process.

● Importance of benchmarking and tracking health and performance improvement.

● Three key measures of health: VO2 Max, Skeletal Mass and Mobility.

● Integrating fitness and healthcare, with a focus on GLP-1 and its impact on muscle mass and health.

Lobbying and its impact on healthcare policy.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, recorded live at EuropeActive Health and Fitness Forum in Cologne. Here, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks are joined by some of the industry’s most respected and successful influencers, insight experts and investors to talk about the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories shaping the future of the sector.

On this episode, our hosts dive into the detail with: Karsten Hollasch, Global Private Equity Leader Financial Advisory, Herman Rutgers Ambassador, EuropeActive, Ian Mullane, Founder and CEO, Keepme.ai, Utku Toprakseven, Chief Product Officer, 4Global, Eric Falardeau, Partner, Montreal Global Leader, McKinsey’s Fitness & Wellness Group and Jop Gerritsen, Partner, Amsterdam

Topics discussed include:

● Fitness trends at home, outdoors and in-club.

● The impact of VAT reduction on market penetration.

● Digital tools, wearables and the potential in the European market.

● 2030 European participation targets. Can we reach them?

● The impact of AI in the fitness industry.

● Using AI generated data in fitness industry, with a focus on privacy and value exchange.

● Data in evidencing the value of physical activity in a preventative health care system.

● Using social value as a metric to measure the health impact of physical activity.

● Three ways AI can support the fitness industry’s growth right now: Classical AI, Copilot (Chatbot) and Automated Content Generation.

● Decarbonizing the fitness industry, potential for cost savings and environmental impact.

● Do consumers make buying decisions based on the sustainability of the goods and services?

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

1:00 Karsten Hollasch & Herman Rutgers

22:56 Ian Mullane | CEO of Keepme.ai

40:57 Eric Falardeau & Jop Gerritsen | McKinsey & Company

1:06:41 Utku Toprakseven | Chief Product Officer of 4Global

View Details

In this week’s episode of LIFTS – your a bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories - hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by Lisa Kuecker, serial entrepreneur, public speaker and founder of international boutique fitness consultancy sensation, Studio Grow.

In this LIFTS podcast, topics include:

● GLP-1s move into mainstream via COSTCO prescriptions.

● The positive effect of exercise for those taking GLP-1s.

● Merger of Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands (Anytime Fitness).

● Fitness franchises and expansion strategies.

● Technogym’s impressive financial 2023 performance.

● The huge commercial opportunity presented by the sale of used equipment.

● Shift from hardware to service – The next play for fitness kit provider.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

02:45 Introducing Lisa Kuecker, founder, Studio Grow

04:28 The value of taking intentional time off work

06:21 Introduction of GLP-1 prescriptions by COSTCO

07:21 GLP-1’s move into mainstream

09:23 Reducing GLP-1 side effects through exercise

14:03 Merger of Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands (Anytime Fitness)

17:14 Fitness franchises and expansion strategies

23:26 Technogym’s impressive financial 2023 performance

24:40 The huge commercial opportunity presented by the sale of used equipment

26:52 Shift from hardware to service – The next play for fitness kit providers?

View Details

After a few weeks of broadcasting inspiring interviews with the movers and shakers at international events, welcome back to our regular L.I.F.T.S, a bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up debate.

In this week’s episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Andrew Kolman, Vice President of Global Product Development, Matrix Fitness at Johnson Health Tech. Conversation focuses on three news-busting stories: the merging of two brand titans - Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands, the acquisition of Bowflex by Johnson Health Tech and the raising of $1.8 Billion by Equinox.

In this LIFTS podcast topics include:

● The potential impact of a merger between Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands.

● The challenges and opportunities of merging two hugely successful brands.

● Leveraging fitness brands for cross-promotion and personalized experiences.

● The potential that drove Johnson Health Tech ‘s acquisition of Bowflex.

● Managing the fusion of fitness and entertainment.

● The impact of Equinox’s $1.8 billion investment on the wider industry.

● Designing fitness lines to address under-served market segments.

● Fitness industry trends, premium offerings, consumer behavior.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

1:32 Merger of Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands (Anytime Fitness)

2:20 Key role of data and analytics

4:26 Combining two franchise businesses for growth and the importance of a united leadership

7:20 Leveraging fitness brands for cross-promotion and personalized experiences

10:29 Johnson Health Tech’s acquisition of Bowflex

12:43 What made Bowflex such an attractive proposition

19:56 Managing the transition of fitness into the content and entertainment space

25:03 Equinox’s raising of $1.8 billion

28:10 Onyx: Designed to address under-served segments of the market

29:21 Fitness industry trends, premium offerings, consumer behavior.

View Details

With guests today located across all different time zones, welcome back to a truly international episode of L.I.F.T.S, a bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up debate.

In this week’s episode, ahead of FIBO and the European Health Futures Forum (EHFF), hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Jennifer Halsall-de Wit, a member of EuropeActive’s Inclusion Advisory Board, and Beau de Leeuw, a transgender advocate.

Through their work, both of our guests’ pioneer diversity, equity and inclusion research in the European fitness sector in order to empower everybody to achieve their full potential by uncovering hidden barriers, biases and systemic hurdles obstructing progress.

In this LIFTS, we discuss some topics that are really sparking debate including:

● Planet Fitness revoking a woman’s membership after she photographed a transgender member in the locker room.

● Inclusivity versus privacy in fitness environments.

● Safety for trans and non-binary individuals within gyms.

● Cases where situations have been exploited and politized unnecessarily.

● How the younger generations are redefining the process.

● The need to make uncomfortable decisions in order to progress.

● The media scrutiny of Andrew Huberman, his private life and cancel culture.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro

2:52 Planet Fitness’s policy amidst locker room issue

9:56 Gender identity and locker room comfort levels

11:22 Safety for trans and non-binary individuals

13:07 Gender-neutral changing rooms

15:00 Safety, culture and identity in a diverse society

21:26 Inclusivity in gyms and gender identity

25:05 Inclusivity in fitness industry and cancel culture

29:18 Media scrutiny of a public figure’s private life

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by John Jaquish, a doctor of biomechanical engineering on a mission to educate the world as to why traditional weightlifting is a waste of time.

Driven by an obsessive interest in bone health stemming from his mothers’ osteoporosis diagnosis, invented the X3® – a device that improves bone strength, whilst limiting the risk of injury, through the application of variable (adaptive) resistance.

Dr. Jaquish is absolutely committed to advancing oesteogenic load research and travels the world speaking about its implications. A number of his articles have been printed in medical journals and he has also written and published a couple of books: ‘Oesteogenic Loading’ and ‘Weight Lifting is a Waste of Time – And So Is Cardio. There’s A Better Way To Have The Body You Want’.

Whilst Dr. Jaquish is a disruptor and very happy to question the effectiveness of traditional weight training techniques, his findings are also supported by several independent studies. His methods are used in training the world's most elite athletes and associations such as the entire Miami Heat organization, various NFL and NBA players, as well as Olympians.

In this podcast, John talks extensively about:

● Strength training and maximizing muscle growth.

● Volume training, hypertrophy and stretch-induced training.

● Nutrition, Hydration and ‘The Carnivore Diet.’

● Semaglutide, weight loss and lifestyle changes.

● Big changes coming to Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

● Genetic outliers and impacts on training.

To learn more about Dr. John Jaquish, click here:

https://www.jaquishbiomedical.com/

https://primalmedical.net/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome to our exclusive podcast, recorded live at IHRSA 2024, in LA. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness is joined by Ian O’Dwyer, Co-Founder of Feel SOMA and Richard Boyd, Director of Global Wellness Designs, to discuss all things recovery and taking a more complete approach to improving lives worldwide in the Wellness, Health & Fitness Industry.

Topics discussed in this episode, include:

● Structuring the concept of recovery within fitness.

● Stress, inflammation and fluid flow and recovery.

● How eustress can actually build resilience.

● Debating cold therapy and cryotherapy.

● Importance of movement and mobility.

● Fascial mobility and how to train fascia in different directions.

● Integrating recovery into fitness spaces.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. In this episode, recorded live at IHRSA, the USA’s largest fitness industry trade show, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by two incredibly inspirational individuals whose vision, ambition and leadership is pioneering the evolution of the fitness sector.

Please join us in welcoming Anthony Geisler, Founder and CEO, Xponential Fitness and Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer, Founder and CEO, EGYM to today’s very special IHRSA inspired LIFTS episode.

Topics discussed include:

· The growth of Xponential Fitness.

· Fitness and wellness trends and the rise of the boutique market.

· Taking a macro rather than micro view of trends.

· Xponential's Lindora acquisition.

· Scaling business through acquisition and franchising.

· The birth and growth of EGYM.

· EGYM Genius –AI powered training.

· The power of Interoperability.

· The future of fitness for health: workout like a pill.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is part of a series of recordings live from the EMEA’s biggest Health, Fitness, Wellness and Sports Festival, Beyond Activ.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by industry heavyweight, Chris Clawson, recently appointed Chief Commercial Officer at EGYM and former Life Fitness CEO, to discuss the status of the fitness industry as well as the opportunities and challenges facing the future of fitness.

Topics discussed in this LIFTS episode, include:

· Looking at the fitness industry with a fresh set of eyes.

· The challenge of inbreeding within the fitness industry.

· Different market phases; laggards, leaders and drivers.

· The reasons why Peloton was so successful.

· From content creation to capturing, captivating and keeping the customer.

· Fitness Industry growth in the Middle East.

· AI-powered fitness technology and its impact.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is the second part of a two-part podcast series recorded live at the EMEA’s biggest Health, Fitness, Wellness and Sports Festival, Beyond Activ, Feb 20-22, 2024.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, dive into the opportunities that exist for operators, suppliers, investors and developers keen to establish a presence in the UAE.

Our hosts are joined by an eclectic mix of international industry disruptors, all finding their way and successfully developing businesses in the KSA and wider UAE region. Please welcome to this podcast, Adnan Alkhalaf , Leejam; Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, Red Sea Global; Herman Rutgers, EuropeActive; Dr. Dimitri Koutsoubakis, & Gareth Jones, Wellfit; David Stalker, Group CEO MyZone and Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi, Physique 57.

Topics discussed in this LIFTS episode, include:

· The impact of Beyond Activ in the KSA.

· Prevalent KSA population health issues tacked by an active lifestyle.

· A winning mindset for business success in the KSA.

· Responsible tourism and regenerative development in Saudi Arabia.

· Setting new standards and building sustainable Giga environments.

· How the KSA can learn from the rest of the world to drive growth and success.

· The importance of ‘network’ and ‘collaboration.’

· The challenges of educating a population.

The need to ‘love’ rather than ‘wow’ consumers.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is part-one of a two-part podcast series recorded live at the EMEA’s biggest Health, Fitness, Wellness and Sports Festival, Beyond Activ, Feb 20-22, 2024.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, talk to fitness and wellness operators experiencing huge success in the Kingdom of Saud Arabia (KSA) and take a deep dive into the reasons why, right now, the KSA is providing the perfect environment for culturally aligned fitness and wellness businesses to thrive. On this episode our hosts are joined by:

Abdul Mohsin, Brand Ambassador, Delta Fitness
Abbas Almas, Senior Director of Marketing, Sales and Business Development, Kun Sports
Ross Stewart Campbell, Founder and CEO, Beyond Activ
Shadan Alsagri, Deputy COO, Leejam Sports
Emlyn Brown, Global Senior Vice President, Accor
Jason Tubbs, CEO, Fitness First Middle East
Nathan Clute, CSO, Armah Sports Company

In this episode, topics discussed include:

· KSA's Fitness Business Blueprint: Components of success.

· Cultural considerations when hosting an event in the KSA.

· Saudi Arabia’s Active Vision 2030.

· Cultural evolution in the KSA and its impact on the fitness industry.

· Collaboration: key to creating luxury fitness and wellness environments.

· Building sustainable giga environments.

· The talent challenge: recruiting and training quality personal trainers.

· Cultural challenges: Importing western brands into the KSA.

Why 1Rebel did not succeed in the KSA.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, this is part one of two podcasts live from the Connected Health and Fitness Summit in Los Angeles, interviewing some high caliber guests to debate the interesting topics, trends and conversations hitting the fitness industry headlines.

In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by Evelyn Webster, CEO of SoulCycle, Calley Means, Co-Founder of TrueMed, Dean Kelly, CEO of Gainful, Mark Watterson, CEO of iFIT and Emma Forrest, Consumer Portfolio Director at Kisaco Research.

In this episode, topics discussed include:

Why SoulCycle stepped back from ties with social issues.
The ‘sick care' system; incentivizing sickness to subsidize recurring revenue.
The healthcare budget scandal as large outlay goes to pharmaceutical products.
The rise of chronic health care conditions and the metabolic health crisis.
The triangle mix of content, hardware and software.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.

This week L.I.F.T.S comes live from the Connected Health and Fitness Summit in LA. Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by Joe Vennare, Co-Founder of Fit Insider, the premier source of news and analysis shaping the fitness industry.

In this episode, live from the show, they debate about:

· ● Challenges facing brick-and-mortar gyms in low utilization, data analysis, and engaging customers beyond workouts.

· ● Nike expanding into wellness festivals and experiences to directly connect with consumers.

· ● Samsung launching a smart ring, are they falling behind in innovation.

· ● Potential for market saturation in fitness industry at 25% penetration.

· ● Rapid rise of GLP-1 prescriptions and impact on fitness industry.

● Concerns about excessive data overload stressing consumers.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.

This week’s episode discusses the latest launches, acquisitions, collaborations and expansions, as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by Jack Thomas, Co-Founder of The Fit Guide, host of the Fitness Business Asia podcast and Founder of Base Bangkok.

In this episode, they debate about:

● Fitness growth and opportunities in the Middle East.

● Planet Fitness launches PF Media Network; an omnichannel advertising strategy.

● New connected, AI digital studio experience from Lumen Fitness.

● STRONG Pilates ramps up global strategy with 50 studios planned for Japan.

● The expansion of ROWFORMER, a concept2 rower built into a Reformer Pilates bed.

● WaterRower acquires CITYROW in connected fitness consolidation.

● How Adidas and Bumble have united to disarm gym intimidation.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

For this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we headed over to Fit Expo, Los Angeles to check out the latest innovations and get involved in the conversations shaping the future of the global fitness industry.

During our time at the show we interviewed some of the leading experts, influencers and disruptors including Michael Myers and D’Juan Woods founders of Ultimate Athlete Bootcamp (UAB),Stan Morisseau weight loss specialist and founder of IMBULKY, celebrity trainer, Ramona Braganza and global dance and health coach Andrew ‘Dance Fever’ Jones

In this episode we explore a diverse array of topics including:

The importance of self-belief, mental toughness and resilience
Building a 1 million following on Tik Tok
The distracting impact of multi-tasking
The power of sleep and the role of technology in wellness tracking
The power of Self Actualization

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.

This week’s episode discusses data from the industries latest research reports, The 2023 IHRSA Global Report and The 2023 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by Pamela Kufahl, Senior Director of Communications with IHRSA, and Melissa Rodriguez, Market Research Advisor for IHRSA.

By digging into the data of these reports, the team get into discussions about:

IHRSA’s three pillars; education, advocacy and research.
Market size and consumer behavior.
In-person and digital member touchpoints.
Training trends; Pilates, strength and treadmills.
Intersection of fitness and healthcare.
The holistic approach; recovery, mental health and longevity.
Fitness evolution and advocacy efforts.
Click-to-cancel regulations.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined Paul Byrne, an innovative leader whose focus on progression and innovation has been instrumental in shaping the fitness industry as we know it.

Today, Paul is a Partner at Harrison Co, a consumer-focused investment bank helping clients make the right strategic business decisions to capitalize on the rapidly changing consumer economy. Recently the company released a report exploring ‘The Impact and Opportunities of GLP-1s for the Fitness and Wellness Industry’.

In this podcast we dive into the detail, drawing on Paul’s extensive firsthand industry experience to understand how fitness operators can optimize the introduction of these new ‘miracle’ weight loss drugs.

Paul is perfectly placed to comment, thanks to his extensive experience of driving innovation and growth in the fitness industry. Over the course twenty years, Paul transformed Precor from a ‘one trick pony’ into a multi-product world renowned fitness company over the course of a twenty-year period. In addition to bringing to market iconic equipment innovations including the elliptical (EFX®) and the adaptive motion trainer (AMT), during his time as President, Paul also kick-started the gym floor technology revolution with the introduction of Precor’s Preva - a personalized fitness technology providing tailored workouts, popular apps and live tv to cardio machine users.

There are few people who know more about the need to adapt to changing market conditions or the value in keeping a head of the curve with products and services relevant to the ever-changing needs and wants of the consumer.

In this podcast, Paul talks about:

The rationale behind the report.
Defining GLP-1s – how they work, what benefits they deliver.
How GLP-1s can be accessed.
The disruption GLP-1s will cause to the fitness, wellness, weight loss and other industries.
Whether GLP-1 use will drive more or less people to gyms.
The need for gyms to adapt to accommodate GLP-1 users.
A call for specialist coaches who understand GLP-1s.
The fusion of fitness and wellness with traditional healthcare.
The global adoption of GPL-1s.

To learn more about Paul Byrne click here https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-byrne-a930408/

To request a free copy of the Harrison Co report entitled: “The Impact and Opportunities of GLP-1s for the Fitness and Wellness Industry’, visit Harrisonco.com

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.

This week’s episode covers some big headlines as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, discuss some of the fitness, health and wellbeing stories hitting the headlines.

Every week, our hosts discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations.

In today’s slightly extended episode, discussions cover:

Muscle Centric Medicine and its link to longevity.
IKEA’s entry into the home fitness market and the potential impact.
Apple acquiring Peloton – insights, feasibility and impact.
Patent infringement in the Fittech and Wellness industries.
Apple’s brand image versus its commercial objectives.
Diversity, Equality, Inclusion (DEI) – can brands be everything to everyone?
Bryan Johnson’s anti-aging Blueprint project.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we head straight to the beating heart of innovation, walking the floor at CES 2024, Las Vegas, the most powerful tech event in the world, to interview thought leaders and put some of the industry’s most exciting new products and ideas to the test.

From digital strength training, smart yoga mats and air-quality monitors, to infrared light therapy devices, complete solutions and office wellness products that generate power as you work, CES 2024 did not disappoint.

From the show floor, we caught up with industry experts including Barry Warrington, CEO at The EnergyLounger, David Araica from Ergomotion, Jørgen Solstad, Head of Consumer Products at Airthings, Jordan Mascaro, Marketing Manager with LifeSpan Fitness, Vinod Ajjarapu, CEO & Founder of Wellnesys and Cheng Chieh Wu with Guangzhou Yuandong Smart Sports Technology.

Discussing what each expert is pioneering, supporting and recognizing in the fast-moving world of fitness, this podcast highlights:

The EnergyLounger, a cutting-edge, ergonomically designed full body red and near-infrared light therapy device.
Yogifi, a smart yoga mat which learns from instructors to better guide users through content and personalized feedback.
Ergomotion, a complete sleep solution with smart technology to allow users a better, deeper knowledge of the body during rest.
The importance we should place on the air we breathe with Airthings, creators of smart air quality monitors and purifiers.
Office wellness products that generate power while you work from LifeSpan Fitness.
Digital strength training equipment from Guangzhou Yuandong Smart Sports Technology.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome to this week’s LIFTS, live from CES 2024, the most powerful tech event in the world, showcasing the latest innovations in AI, connected fitness, healthcare and much more.

On this week’s episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, take to the show floor to interview some exciting start-ups breaking onto the scene as well as established businesses taking the future of fitness by storm.

They speak with Connor Holowachuk, Co-Founder of Eigen Fitness, Debra Strougo, fitness industry expert, speaker and advisor, Fritz Desir, CEO of Proxie Health, Gary Simpson, Founder of Myrow and Steffan Weiss, CEO & Founder at Straffr and Julian Barnes, CEO and Co-Founder BFS

In this episode, the team discuss;

Eigen Fitness’ new innovation ‘Node’, an AI powered wearable which quantifies and personalizes strength training.
The future of single device wearables.
Dialling up the market with passion projects from small, incubator founders.
Proxie Health, a new care analytics and coordination platform.
Myrow introducing a 22-inch, Peloton-style display for Concept2 rowers.
Smart resistance bands and suspension trainers from Straffr.
The role of tech in solving the global public health crisis.
Driving profitability in boutique businesses.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Eric Uresk, a man on a mission to help people empower their strength, gain unshakeable confidence and master their mindset.

Despite a JiuJitsu and Judo Black Belt, with over 20 years of martial arts and mindfulness experience, Eric has not had a free ride to success. As a teenager, he became a character of violence in order to survive and feel safe, transcending into a life of crime and addiction. Homeless, and facing close brushes with death due to his lifestyle, he turned to the 12-step program at age 23 and began a ‘journey of truth’.

Eric transformed his life, becoming a World Champion Mindset Coach, holding Black Belts in JiuJitsu and Judo, now driven to help transform the lives of others through radical honesty, personal responsibility and his signature Martial Arts Mindset program.

In this episode of the Escape your Limits Podcast, Eric talks about:

Fighting addiction; a disease of isolation and separation.
Finding a feeling of safety in building a violent character.
Believing that in order to survive, people needed to fear him.
Hitting rock bottom and building back up through the 12-step program.
Challenging yourself regularly in order to progress and evolve.
Pursuing strength, both physical and emotional.
The importance of healing relationships and finding balance.
Discovering focus, awareness and presence through martial arts.
Channeling your energy, the highest currency we have as humans.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up debate.

This week’s episode covers some big headlines as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, come together with Krissy Van, the Director of Content at All Things Fitness and Wellness (ATFW), to discuss what’s hitting the fitness industry headlines.

Each week, our hosts discuss the latest news, providing their own viewpoint on the headlines to open up the debate, all delivered in a snackable, bite-sized 30-minute podcast.

Today’s discussion is driven by the following news agenda:

New advert from Planet Fitness featuring Grammy-award winner Megan Thee Stallion as ‘Mother Fitness.’
Saudi Arabia NEOM Investment fund to hold 6% in Technogym.
NEOM’s focus on improving lifespan and healthspan.
Equinox to offer training program for clients using GLP-1s.
Resolutions and trends for the New Year.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Dr. Mike Wasilisin, a chiropractor-come-social-media-influencer, who turned his MoveU social media into a platform to bring his movement practice to the masses.

Through a refreshing combination of visual body art, humor, and ergonomic education, Dr. Mike Wasilisin spearheads a unique, entrepreneurial approach to free people from pain. His methodology focuses around the importance of positional presence, alignment awareness and activation exercises.

A man on a mission, he strongly challenges traditional methods of treating the symptoms instead of the root causes, and empowers people to take back the control of their own bodies and pain by improving the way they move through exercise and throughout their lives.

In this episode of the Escape your Limits Podcast, Dr. Mike talks about:

Why everyone has it in them to live a pain-free life.
Frustrations over the current healthcare system.
Anatomy artists, humor, and ergonomic education.
Positional presence, alignment awareness and activation exercises.
Building a career around your strengths, personality and the lifestyle you want.
The challenges and opportunities of having ADHD.
The drive to be the best in the world at something.
Pain ultimately being a construct of the mind.
The importance of breathwork.
“Wedge-ucation”; his entire sleep concept.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by two of the industry’s most sought after thought leaders; Anthony Vennare, successful entrepreneur and Founder of Fiit Insider, and Mo Iqbal, Founder and CEO of Sweatworks, to take a look back at the fitness industry ‘Flexes and Fails’ of 2023 as well as discuss 2024 predictions and future trends.

The fitness industry has been through a tumultuous time. A time of change, challenges and opportunities. Some innovations have received rocketing success and yet others have fallen by the wayside. Technology has seen a surge in advancements from connected fitness, to AI and AR/VR experiences whilst consumer demand has become more modernized and personalized.

The industry is in a moment of great development, but knowing which innovation, technology or trend to follow presents its own problems.

In this episode of the Escape your Limits Podcast, Matthew, Mo and Anthony discuss 2023 ‘Flexes and Fails’ and debate the predictions and future trends for 2024.

Topics include:

The ‘Flexes and Fails’ of big tech and mid-sized companies.
Experiential versus digital experiences.
The questionable hype of connected fitness.
The value of community and the in-person model.
The focus on wellness, health and longevity.
Mental health, resilience and recovery.
Predictions and future trends set to take 2024 by storm.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Roald Tromp, CEO of CBD Sports.

Having exposed his body to many years of competitive sports from baseball, tennis and skiing to CrossFit and MMA, Roald developed a knee injury that resulted in chronic pain. He learnt to live with the pain which not only hampered his athletic performance but also limited his ability to carry out everyday tasks and made it almost impossible to get a good night’s sleep, slowing recovery.

Whilst working at a sports exhibition, Roald was encouraged to try a CBD product to help him cope with the knee pain and to get him through the long days. This encounter changed his life and set him on a new journey into the world of cannabinoid products.

In 2018, Roald founded CBD Sports, the world’s largest one stop platform offering a range of CBD products specifically for athletes. Roald advocates that any athlete – pro or amateur can benefit from CBD supplements as part of their daily routine. Benefits include faster recovery, less muscle and joint pain and tackling inflammation.

In this podcast, Roald talks about:

His personal CBD journey.
Types of cannabinoid products and their legal status.
The three applications of Cannabis (recreational, medical & supplementation).
CBDs impact on performance, sleep, recovery, pain relief and mental resilience.
The use of THC.
Dosing CBD.
Global regulation of CBD.
The challenges of marketing CBD.
THC versus alcohol.

To learn more about Roald, click here. https://www.linkedin.com/in/roaldtromp/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Jay Worthy, a hugely accomplished corporate leader who, at the height of his success, swapped life in the boardroom for life as a self-employed, high-performance coach.

Few in the industry have climbed the corporate career ladder as fast as Jason. Having entered the fitness industry as a personal trainer, Jason flipped to supplier side, joining Technogym in a sales role before, in 2012 accepting a position as GM for EMEA with Life Fitness.

This moved marked the start of a meteoric rise through the corporate ranks which included significant stepping stones such as MD UK, MD EMEA, VP of Innovation and CTO, leading to the appointment as President and CEO in 2018. In this role, Jason successfully led the separation of Life Fitness (a $1BN division of Brunswick Corporation) from parent company by way of a sale to KPS Capital Partners, then reset the global growth strategy to safeguard the company’s future.

In 2022, Jason returned to operations as CEO of leading franchise business, Anytime Fitness UK, before making a surprise move out of the corporate environment into a new role as a non executive director, author and life coach, driven by a desire to help individuals and companies optimise the link between human health and nature.

On today’s podcast, Jason talks about:

The importance of remaining loyal to one’s authentic self.
Cultural changes presenting opportunities to the fitness industry.
Burnout, a ‘do or die’ culture and imposter syndrome.
How nature pulled him back from crisis point.
Microdosing and the power of marginal gains.
How the pandemic reset the fitness industry.
The strength in simplicity and collaboration.
The role of technology in wellness.
Commercial challenges of building a community-focused brand.
Reconnecting with personal values.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Kevin Yates. With a wealth of industry experience, Yates was COO at 1Rebel, the CEO & Founder of TRIB3, a 2022 Great British Entrepreneur of the Year winner and has recently been appointed by Lifts Brands to its EMEA Leadership team as COO, tasked with driving the operations of franchised fitness operator Snap Fitness in the UK and Ireland.

Kevin is known for being an innovative trailblazer, responsible for helping drive the big boutique fitness boom in the UK. He is experienced in business turnaround and development, both in the UK and in emerging markets and is a specialist in bringing creativity, discipline, efficiency and focus to business with his hands-on approach and strategic outlook.

In this episode of the Escape your Limits Podcast, Kevin talks about:

Facing mistakes head-on and taking learnings from them.
Differences between owned and franchised businesses.
The massive push on boutique fitness growth.
Opportunities that the European market still has to offer.
Riding the rollercoaster of a post CV-19 comeback.
The legacy of the UK fitness market.
Removing complexity for business success.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up debate.

This week’s episode covers some big headlines as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, together with special guest, Joe De Sena, Founder and CEO of Spartan Race, discuss the breaking stories shaping the fitness industry.

Every week, our hosts discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix, 30-minute podcast.

Today’s discussion is driven by the following news agenda:

UFC CEO, Dana White gives in to cancel culture in Peloton tirade.
Tonal announces retail expansion, now available at Best Buy.
Beyond Meat is struggling and plant-based meat industry worries.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is James Balfour, founder of the iconic, trailblazing, boutique fitness brand, 1Rebel.

When the brand entered the market in 2014, it reimagined fitness, offering an endorphin-rich, community drive experience that combined beautifully quirky, high-end environments with quality programming, instruction and community. This was arguably the start of the boutique fitness revolution.

In this podcast, James Balfour gives a very candid account of the brand’s pandemic survival strategy, its strategic pivots to remain relevant, strong and sustainable through changing market conditions and a glimpse at the brand’s future ambitions. James’ also talks about his personal experience of the pandemic. As an eternal optimist, he always believed the storm would eventually pass, which it did, but at what cost? James talks about the collateral damage and harsh lessons learned about the importance of family and friendship.

In this podcast, James talks very frankly and honestly about:

Adapting the 1Rebel business model in response to COVID.
Evolution of boutique fitness.
Experience driven marketing.
Values vs. marketing messages.
Creating community-driven environments that promote unity.
Nurturing and supporting freelance instructors.
Adapting the model in response to changes in consumer behaviours.
Growth strategies, franchising and international expansion.
The impact of emerging technology on the fitness industry.
Fitness trend predictions.
Personal lessons from the pandemic.

To learn more about 1Rebel, click here.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up debate.

This week’s episode covers some big headlines as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, together with special guest, Glen Stollery, CEO Les Mills IMEA, discuss the breaking stories shaping the fitness industry.

Every week, our hosts discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix, 30-minute podcast.

Today’s discussion is driven by the following news agenda:

Gym Nation’s separation from JD Sports.
F45 Founder Rob Deutsch’s move to The Yard.
The evolution of boutique fitness.
Oulu’s attempt to sue Ultra Human for copying Oura ring tech.
The launch of Lifetime Fitness’ wellness brand Miora.
The integration of wellness services into the traditional fitness offer.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guests are Vishal Amin and Daniel Chappell, Co-Founders of UNTIL, a member’s club and workspace spinning the industry on its head.

A business launch with an ambition to fix a broken industry, UNTIL is liberating freelance practitioners and small businesses by providing them with access to premium facilities, digital products and expertise to help them grow their business.

Vishal has spent his career unlocking business opportunities from early stage start-ups to global organizations whilst Daniel has a wealth of experience working in the world of fitness and sport that spans over a decade.

In this episode of the Escape your Limits Podcast, Vishal and Daniel talk about:

Shaking up an archaic industry.
Empowering practitioners to know their ‘brand’.
Consolidating a fragmented industry.
Being a ‘petri-dish’ for practitioners.
Having a proactive mindset to health and fitness.
Creating a high-quality, supportive community of professionals.
How communication drives a better service of care.
Why hybrid is here to stay.

To learn more about UNTIL , click here.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.

This week’s episode is hot off the press as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, together with special guest, Jim Crowell, sought after fitness industry investor and advisor and Managing Member from Sage House, deep dive into the headlines rocking the fitness world.

Every week, our hosts discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix, 30-minute podcast.

Today’s discussion is driven by the following news agenda:

The launch of the new Apple watch.
Apple disrupting healthcare.
Spartan Arabia distancing itself from Founders comments.
UFC President slamming Peloton.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is James Griffiths, founder of Wild Training, a hugely successful and growing fitness brand.

Having established a franchise business in 2010 that went on to successfully operate 27 franchises under the Wild Fitness brand, James moved his attention to the creation of Wild Training Gym, a unique training facility based in the UK that coaches everyone from beginners to pro athletes.

Applying the unique Wild Training philosophy James works with his team of coaches to help athletes maximize power, endurance and control across the full range of natural movement.

The learnings, knowledge and experience used by James to fuel Wild Training come from an insatiable curiosity and drive to absorb and apply as much information as he can from the experiences of other successful coaches, athletes and business leaders.

Through adapting elements of established training systems including CrossFit, HYROX and even the ancient art of Capoeira plus the integration of specialist training equipment such as Indian Club and aerial silks, James creates bespoke training programs that help people feel better and live their best life.

In this podcast, James talks about:

His training for HYROX.
His Kilimanjaro workout and Guinness World Record attempt.
The Wild Training philosophy.
Launching the Fit2UK Campaign to get more people active.
Creating an effective and scalable training philosophy.
Learnings from working with strongman, Lawrence Shahlaei.
Relationship between physical and mental health.
Capoeira, the ultimate longevity training modality.
His perfect training environment.

To learn more about James Griffiths, click here.

To find out more about Wild Training Gym, click here.

To learn more about Fit2UK, click here

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.

This week’s episode is jam-packed with news as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, together with special guest, Debra Strougo, fitness industry advisor and founder of Row House, dissect the headlines rocking the fitness world.

Every week, our hosts discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix, 30-minute podcast.

Today’s discussion is driven by the following news agenda:

The rebranding of Nautilus.
Anytime Fitness’ collaboration with Apple.
HYROX and Centr’s partnership.
Lifetime Fitness’ move to offer member injectable weight loss drug.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Todd Payette, champion Bodybuilder, renowned prep coach and praised author of ‘Shoulder Down’, a book detailing his journey seeking the ultimate in physical perfection while battling his inner demons.

After finding his father’s body shortly after his suicide, a six-year-old Todd battled to find a place in the world from an early age. Channeling a subsequent fear of death to drive his passion for health and fitness, setting out on a quest to be a bigger, faster and stronger version of himself, ultimately building an amour around himself.

Despite his success as a bodybuilder, Todd took a difficult road through life, facing both physical and mental abuse, homelessness and incarceration along the way. Having learnt some impactful life lessons, he now champions positivity, not letting your past hold you back and never giving up.

In this episode of the Escape your Limits Podcast, Todd talks about:

How is fear of death drove his passion to reach physical perfection.
The impact of finding his father after his suicide at six years old.
Learning his own coping mechanisms.
How bodybuilding saved his life.
Recognizing when bodybuilding can become an unhealthy obsession.
Being incarcerated and hitting rock bottom.
Rebuilding a life and finding solace in the gym.
Owning your past and choosing positivity and success.

To learn more about Todd Payette, click here

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to the fourth episode of L.I.F.T.S., bringing you the latest industry fitness trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.

This week, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by industry expert, entrepreneur and Founder of Endorphinz, Mike Hansen to deep dive into the latest fitness news making the headlines.

In today’s episode of LIFTS, we’re talking about:

Beachbody receives notice of NYSE Trading Share Price Listing Rule Non-Compliance
F45 files ‘restated’ financials reporting a $372M Loss
Bhout successful in raising 10 million euros to spread its ultra-smart boxing bag and gamified studio concept
Johnson Health Tech launches a digital studio in the UK
Escape Fitness partnership with Hyperice

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Ugo Amobi.

As Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Nano Genesis Labs, a 4-year-old bionanotechnology company, Ugo is one of the world’s leading pioneers in this new and exciting science.

Working with his team of engineers and scientists, Ugo is investing in and developing the application of nanotechnology to affectively administrate natural carbon molecules with healing equalities to tackle some of the world’s most prolific health inhibitors including inflammation, chronic pain, cancer, suppressed immunity and brain function impairment.

In addition to his commercial, nanotechnology research and development company, Ugo is also investing in microgrids and energy creation technologies with the aim of electrifying the entire continent of Africa with its 1.2 billion citizens. This will substantially increase the living standard for everyone, creating jobs and business opportunities that cannot exist without a reliable and dependable supply of electricity.

Today, Ugo talks about:

The journey into space that made a groundbreaking discovery and inspired a Nobel Peace prize.
How the discovery of carbon molecule C60 is changing the world.
Curing a hangover using nanotechnology.
Tackling inflammatory diseases, chronic pain and ‘brain fog’ through nanotechnology.
Vaping for good: using the application to administer C60 and improve lung function.
The huge pain management market.
Natural pain management solutions: an alternative to opioid use.
Using nanotechnology to speed up recovery and improve athletic performance.
Applying nootropics to expand the mind.
Producing energy from sand.

To learn more about Nano Genesis Labs, click here

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to the third episode of L.I.F.T.S. bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.

LIFTS is back to delve into this week’s news and delivered by hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks,. This week, the pair are joined by Jessica Yarmey, Founder of franchise kickboxing studios, KickHouse. Jessica is also in the process of launching new boutique fitness concept, FlexSociety.

Every week, our intrepid hosts discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix, 30-minute podcast.

Today’s discussion is driven by the following news agenda:

The intersection between fitness and health with a focus on tech.
The Potential Impact of weight loss drugs on the fitness industry and beyond.
Peloton offers live NBA and WNBA game from its entertainment hub.
Gym Shark partners with Google Cloud AI to improve customer experience and drive growth.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Jim Huether. With a deep-rooted interest in technology, innovation and building global business success, Jim Huether joined Hyperice in 2014. At the time the company was achieving sub $1 million in annual sales. By 2020, under Jim’s leadership, the brand was raking in more than $200 million per annum in global sales and had firmly established ‘recovery’ as an exciting new growth sector.

Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of 500 fastest growing companies in America four years on the trot, Hyperice has carved its place as a market leader not just in recovery but now in the wider Performance and Wellness Technology Space.

This month also marks the start of a partnership between Escape Fitness and Hyperice to deliver to market the new MARS Mobility and Recovery Station, offering gyms a full, in-gym recovery solution. So, great timing on this podcast!

In this episode, Jim talks through Hyperice’s journey from startup to global leader in an emerging market. Topics covered included:

The challenges of developing a start-up business.
Shifting from a compression to a technology brand.
Growing the brand beyond hero products.
Attracting the right investors.
Pro athlete engagement.
Breaking into new, complementary markets.
Apply data to improve performance.
Engagement with the gym sector.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalogue: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome back to the second episode of L.I.F.T.S. bringing you the latest industry fitness trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.

Building on the success of last week’s launch, LIFTS is back to delve into this week’s news and for this episode hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by special guest Debra Strougo Frohlich, Founder of Row House.

Every week, our intrepid hosts will discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix, sub 30-minute podcast.

Nike have been making some big moves recently and play a big part in today’s debate. Today we’re discussing:

Nike partners with Dimension 6 Fitness for launch of Nike Strength
Nike unveil Nike Studios, a network of boutique fitness studios
Barre3 acquires The Barre Code, hitting the 185-location mark
Sports Illustrated Resorts to expand across US with active lifestyle at their core
CorePower Yoga partners with Matthew & Camila McConaughey Foundation

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Mia Finnegan, an internationally respected wellness and leadership expert, transformation coach, teacher and mentor.

Alongside her husband, Ritch, Mia owns Finnegan Wellness, a multifaceted company specializing in health and wellness accountability coaching and transforming people’s lives spiritually, mentally and physically.

Mia is no stranger to success. By age 8, Mia was a competing gymnast despite her dad telling her she’d never amount to anything. Proving him wrong, her self-drive and positive mind set continued to lead her to numerous athletic achievements including Ms. Olympia Fitness 1995, Ms. Galaxy Fitness 1995/96 and Ms. Natural Universe 1992 to name just a few.

Now also a Personal Trainer to the stars, Mia states she is in the ‘results business’ NOT the ‘fitness business’ and leads with a nutrition first approach.

In this podcast, Mia talks about:

Debunking the myths surrounding women’s fitness.
Maximizing health before menopause hits.
The training being just 20% of the equation.
Holding her clients accountable to the truth.
Positive mental state, self-believe and self-esteem.
Becoming the best version of yourself, no-one else.
Promoting strong, not skinny physiques for women.
Therapy and battling the grief of losing her son.

To learn more about Mia Finnegan, click here

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Welcome to the very first episode of L.I.F.T.S (Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories).

This week sees the launch of a brand new snackable podcast, hosted by two of the fitness industry’s most informed and curious innovators, Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks.

Every week, our intrepid hosts will discuss the breaking news making the headlines, providing their own perspective on events and developments whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix sub 30 minute podcast.

To celebrate the launch, this week our hosts are joined by special guest, Emma Barry, CEO & Founder at Trouble Global and author of the best-selling book: Building A Badass Boutique.

Together, the three take a dive into the latest developments, including:

● The appointment of Bryan O’Rouke as CEO, Core Health & Fitness.

● Lululemon signing Peloton content deal and shutting down its Mirror service.

● Xponential Fitness announcing the unveiling of its VR App for Meta Quest 3.

● Interactive Strength, owner of FORME, acquiring CLMBER to target B2B fitness market via distributor, Woodway.

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Larry Nolan. Having narrowly avoided slipping into a life of crime during tough, poverty stricken, teenage years, Larry Nolan has gone on to build an impressive fitness empire.

In addition to launching Hardcore Fitness Gyms supporting more than 20 franchised sites and recognized by Inc Magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in the US, Larry is founder of Hardcore Nutrition and creator of I.L.I.F.T Technology, a digital coaching system that supports people safely and effectively through group exercise routines. He is also the owner of Bulletproof Fitness, a company creating quality, no compromise, multi-use fitness equipment.

Throughout his career, Larry has overcome many hurdles to retain his position as one of the fitness industry’s most resilient disruptors and accomplished innovators.

In this episode of the Escape your Limits Podcast, Nolan talks about:

Steering Hardcore Fitness Gyms successfully through the global pandemic.
The growth in popularity and practice of strength training.
The importance of personalized training even in a group training environment.
Challenges of running a franchise business.
Recovering from a post pandemic membership turndown.
Adapting after the demise of social media lead generation.
Building a fitness equipment brand.
Fighting off equipment innovation copycats.
The power of community.

To learn more about Larry Nolan, click here

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Ivan Ivanov, Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler and world silver medalist turned renowned and respected coach, CEO and Founder of fitness tools and training methods company, Suples and Inventor of the Bulgarian Bag.

Having been recruited by the United States by USA Wrestling in 1999 to assist with its national and Olympic wrestling programmes, Ivanov soon made the decision to stay and became the Head Coach of the TAC Wrestling Club in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he developed multiple US National Greco-Roman and freestyle champions.

After this success, Ivanov was appointed Head Greco-Roman Wrestling Coach at the Training Centre in Michigan where he developed several Olympic medalists from 2002 to 2009.

Building on this, Ivanov was inducted with highest honors into the USA National Wrestling Hall of Fame in the category of Lifetime Distinguished Service and Achievement and just last year, Ivanov was appointed as General Manager of US Greco-Roman Programmes for USA Wrestling.

Now, as CEO and Founder of Suples, and a highly experienced, and respected coach, Ivanov continues to help aspiring athletes through his successful style of coaching, focusing on control and structured programs, and driving his athletes to find the self-motivation and determination required to be the best they can be.

We caught up with Ivan at the Bulgarian Bag World Championships which took place in Boise, Idaho last month. In this podcast, Ivan talks about:

Coaching through control and structure.
The difference between talented and coachable athletes.
Sparking the light in his athletes.
Why it’s key to find your own style of coaching.
Integrating the Bulgarian Bag into his training.
Always accepting the challenge.
Preparing for competition.
Learning from every experience.

To learn more about Ivan Ivanov, click here

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalogue:

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog

https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Kat Barefield, a certified personal trainer, life coach, registered dietitian and VP of Nutritional Services at Dot.fit on a mission to ‘empower people to create lifelong habits to support optimal health and longevity’.

With a love of sport, having been a competitive athlete growing up, Kat developed an interest in how athletes maximize their nutritional fueling to achieve their goals. She followed this passion, achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from San Diego State University, a Master of Science degree in Sports Nutrition from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and completing her official registration as a dietician with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Bringing with her more than 25-years’ experience working in the fitness industry, Kat is also a successful author, the creator of several weight management programs and education resources for fitness professionals around the world.

In this podcast, Kat talks about:

Nutritional myths and misinformation.
The ever-evolving nature of nutrition.
The importance of correct execution.
The vicious cycle of emotional eating.
Why protein needs to be a priority for all.
How the wrong diet can lead to ‘fat overshooting’.
Approaching any program with real intention.

To learn more about Kat Barefield, click here

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalogue: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Tara Dillon, one of the most experienced and influential people in the UK fitness industry.

Tara has dedicated her entire career to pushing up professional standards within the leisure sector.

Following many years in operations and public sector management roles, Tara took on the role of Executive Director at the IQL UK – driving professional standards in water safety, before being appointed as CEO of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

CIMSPA is the official professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. Having gained Chartered status in 2012 - a feat many thought impossible to achieve let alone maintain - Tara has established CIMSPA as a core systems partner in the delivery of Sport England’s 10 year Uniting The Movement strategy, fully committed to supporting the sector’s collective ambition to get more people, more active more often.

Tara is an approachable, passionate professional, who leads by example. With Tara at the helm, CIMSPA has grown from a handful of dedicated employees to an expanding workforce that is in the middle of a large recruitment drive. With CIMSPA officially recognized as a Best Companies 3-Star World Class company and awarded #1 best company to work for in the not-for-profit sector, Tara has created a company culture that supports everyone to be the best they can be.

Today, Tara Dillon talks about:

The role of CIMSPA and how it came about.
The achievement of Chartered status and its significance.
The challenge of being heard by government.
The importance of data.
Cracking the Treasury.
The value of a preventative health strategy.
How people are loyal to people.
Engaging the older population.

To learn more about CIMPSA: https://www.cimspa.co.uk/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalogue: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Paul Lubicz. Over the last 25 years, Lubicz has traveled the world, applying his unique Wellbeing Management Strategy to inspire happiness and health. His clientele includes some of the most influential people on the planet from Hollywood superstars to international royalty and multi-national CEOs.

Lubicz’s philosophy is based on a belief that peace, balance and vitality all stem from within and can only be achieved through actively seeking to understand and connect with one’s ‘self’.

Having been on his own journey of self-discovery that has involved trekking through some of the most inhospitable environments, Lubicz has developed a simple and meaningful process that combines mindfulness and wellbeing practices to unlock infinite possibilities that have an overwhelmingly positive and lasting effect.

Today, Paul Lubicz talks about:

Controlling the controllables.
The merits of plant medicine.
The value in shifting perspective.
An inward dive into belonging, awareness, purpose and presence.
The power of hope and love.
The impact of natural psychedelics on creativity.
Experiencing Ayahuasca and 5-MeO-DMT (toad venom).
Connecting with a higher power.

To learn more about Paul Lubicz, click here

To listen to Paul Lubicz inaugural Escape Your Limits Podcast: “Motivation to find faith and trust in yourself” (Episode #85), click here

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalogue: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

Get ready to unlock the secrets of peak physical and mental performance. On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Miguel Guajardo, aka, the Torture Room Guy.

Having spent many years studying and hands-on experience, Miguel has become an absolute master in massage therapy. Through specialist techniques including the ancient Japanese art of Gua sha and a deep understanding of muscle vibration, energy and blood flow, Miguel uses aggressive massage therapy to not only treat physical conditions such as fascia dysfunction and muscle knots but also as a means of achieving mental good health and enhancing body aesthetics.

Residing at Flex Lewis’ Las Vegas gym, Dragon’s Lair, Miguel has established The Torture Room his own brand massage studio which is gaining global recognition both through his treatment success and his growing social media following.

Prior to training as a massage therapist, launching The Torture Room and becoming a master of healing, performance and wellness, Miguel worked as a prison officer whilst dedicating many hours to his own training as an amateur body builder.

Today, Miguel Guajardo talks about:

· His journey from the bottom of life’s barrel to global recognition as the Torture Room Guy.

· Meeting Flex Lewis and launching the Torture Room.

· Muscle vibration, energy and blood flow.

· Massage techniques and how they work.

· His thoughts on foam rollers and massage guns.

· Gua sha.

· The benefits of stretching.

· The importance of drinking water.

· Improving body aesthetics through massage therapy.

· Quantum healing through frequency vibration.

To learn more about Miguel Guajardo, click here:

https://www.instagram.com/torture_room/?hl=en

https://www.thedragonslairgym.com/torture-room

======================================================

Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalogue: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is ‘The King of Consistency’, Danny Hester.

From an early age, Danny used discipline to excel at an early age at school and in sport where he enjoyed wrestling, gymnastics and martial arts. A self-confessed ‘lone wolf’, he rates hard work and consistency as the key to success and prides himself on a competitive mindset which has forced him to face life head on.

Pursuing his passion, Danny moved to Venice to follow a career in bodybuilding and quickly became more interested in perfecting the symmetrical ‘classic’ physique rather than the ‘mass monster’ look. He dedicated his training to this, and after winning a number of competitions, became the first to take home the title of Mr. Olympia Classic in 2016.

A man on a mission, and keen to make lasting positive change, Danny is now focusing on goals he has in law enforcement and politics.

In this podcast, Danny talks about:

● Why life is the biggest stage on which to win.

● Competing to learn, until you’ve learnt enough to win.

● Why hard work and consistency are the secret to success.

● The depression that came after winning Mr. Olympia.

● The debate on drugs, Trenbolone and mental health.

● Why he will never say he’s retired.

● His aspirations in law enforcement and politics.

To learn more about Danny Hester, click here:

https://www.instagram.com/dannyhester/

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Pete Koch.

Retired NFL player, actor, fitness model, YouTube host, public speaker and successful personal trainer, who has pioneered his own training system, in the field of ‘fitness’ there really isn’t much that Pete ‘Swede’ Koch hasn’t tackled and conquered.

Pete spent an impressive 6 years playing in the NFL, then post retirement transitioned into fitness, modeling and acting where he worked alongside Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds, racking up appearances in more than 10 Hollywood Productions.

A man who always does his research, treating every day as a new opportunity to learn, Pete’s principal goal now is to help as many people as he can, training clients of all ages and abilities to help them achieve their goals.

In this podcast, Pete talks about:

His battle against the pharmaceutical industry
His struggles with social anxiety growing up
Acting alongside Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds
The importance of always doing your research
Playing in the NFL and battling injuries
Why fitness will always be his anchor

To learn more about Pete Koch, click here

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalogue: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Dan Metcalfe. Known as “The Senior Champion’ due to his refusal to let society’s rules of aging limit the possibilities of those who truly want to live longer and better, Dan Metcalfe is recognized around the world as a leading balance and mobility expert.

Having created, almost by accident, the complete 60uP Balance System including the product and a range of workouts, Dan Metcalfe launched to market. Within 12 months, 60uP had become a multi-million-dollar company, delivering his complete Balance System to consumers around the globe, enhancing balance and strength for everyone, but particularly focused on older ‘old adults – ‘60uP’.

Dan has an incredibly diverse back story, one that is filled with challenges and achievements. He has performed at the highest level as an athlete, a dancer, a Hollywood actor, a coach, a public speaker and an entrepreneur.

In this podcast, Dan talks about:

· The importance of goal setting.

· Aligning your ‘why’ to your ‘passion’.

· The influence of the brain on performance.

· How much of performance is mental.

· The difference between a winner and a champion.

· The effect of good brain health on physical health To learn more about Dan Metcalfe, click here https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-metcalfe-58390321/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we headed to LA for Les Mills Live. The ultimate training festival returned jam-packed with epic music, off the scale energy and the debut of the newest innovations presented by the next generation of trainers.

From the show floor we caught up with industry experts Dan Cohen, Program Director at Les Mills, Stuart Wells, VP Marketing & Content from adidas Runtastic, Amber Taylor, Chief Digital Product Officer at Les Mills, Clive Ormerod, Group CEO at Les Mills and Kaylah-Blayr Fitzsimons-Nu’u, Les Mills Presenter & Instructor to talk fitness trends, industry innovations and how best to attract, and retain, the Gen Z population.

Discussing what each expert is pioneering, supporting and recognizing in the fast-moving world of fitness, this podcast highlights:

● Maintaining relevance in a changing market

● How Les Mills is utilizing A1 to boost experience

● Understanding what makes each generation tick

● Importance of dialogue and listening

● The importance of addressing mental health

● Core values; healthy people, healthy planet

● Helping consumers make real change

● Offering a more well-rounded, holistic offer

● How Les Mills is utilizing A1 to improve the mover experience

● Measuring intrinsic and extrinsic behaviors

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalogue: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Sophie Lawler, one of the most recognized CEO’s in the fitness industry whose name is synonymous with the recent success of multisite brand, Total Fitness.

Sophie joined Total Fitness as CEO in 2018 after gaining the bulk of her fitness management experience at multisite middle market operator, Fitness First. Having successfully steered Total Fitness through the pandemic, the brand is financially strong, turning a significant profit for the first time since 2015. With a £6.5 million load recently awarded by OakNorth Bank to invest facility improvements, the brand is going from strength to strength.

During her time as CEO, Sophie has built the brand on the belief that ‘everyone is better when they’re fitter’ whilst developing and implementing a leadership culture that flows through all levels of the business.

In this episode, Sophie talks about:

· Addressing the training needs of women.

· The ‘secret’ formula on which Total Fitness was originally built.

· Steering the company through COVID and driving the business forwards.

· Creating a successful business through cultural leadership.

· The role of technology.

· The impact of social media on gym behaviors.

======================================================

Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalogue: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest, Jarrod Saracco, is known as the Health Club Doctor, a 28-year veteran of the health and fitness industry whose company helps big box to boutique gym clients improve their bottom line.

In this week's episode we discuss:

· Recent media stories tying extremism to fitness.

· Integrating inclusion, diversity, and acceptance into the gym.

· Taking a stand on your principles as a C-suite executive.

· Should the fitness industry wait for the government to enact change or take its own initiatives?

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/escape-fitness

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is one of the fitness industry’s most recognizable and influential contributors, David Stalker.

As CEO of Myzone EMEA, president of EuropeActive and with a seat on the council for the World Active Forum, there are very few individuals serving the industry with a deeper understanding and experience of the global fitness market.

Formerly, CEO of UKactive and Chairman of CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute For The Management of Sport and Physical Activity), Stalker has played an instrumental role in the growth and development of the UK fitness industry, laying the foundations of an industry that is now contributing a record high £5 billion to the UK economic and employing a workforce of more than 600,000 people.

Known for his outspoken willingness to challenge the norm and push the boundaries of what is possible, Stalker joined us at the 2023 Escape Growth Summit to share his views on:

· The need for the industry to transition its mind set from fitness provider to health delivery partner.

· The power of ‘community.'

· Evidencing success through data.

· People of determination.

· Top criteria for choosing a gym.

· The power of engagement (through tracking and gamification).

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

======================================================

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/escape-fitness

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we debate the shifting trends of gym design with industry experts Candace Pettit from Advantage Sport & Fitness, Edgars Bercis from G-Fitness, Gina Kerstye from AKI Fitness in Dubai, Yaw Mograbi from Watertree in Ghana and Mohammed Shammaa and Osama Aoun from Delta Fitness in Saudi Arabia.

Discussing what each expert is noticing across their individual markets, and placing predictions for future trends of note, this podcast highlights:

Increased fitness consultancy at the architectural design stage.
The shift from traditional cardio to free weights and functional.
The rise of the corporate gym for workforce wellbeing.
Why trainers are essential to promoting community.
An increase in women training in gym spaces.
The fitness boom taking Dubai by storm.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Oliver Patrick, a leading lifestyle management expert and physiologist who is reengineering traditional health screening models into a contemporary lifestyle medicine approach.

Patrick has spent years developing and delivering advanced health assessments, firstly for Nuffield Hospitals where he led the largest team of applied physiologists, wellbeing advisors and nutritionists in the UK and later for Viavi, a Harley Street based company he co-founded in 2009.

Patrick also co-founded the first lifestyle medicine gym, runs a corporate wellbeing consultancy service and owns a unique education platform, designed for the fitness sector, that drives practical coaching skills in all aspects of lifestyle.

In today’s podcast, recorded at the 2023 Escape Fitness Growth Summit, Patrick explores:

The limitations of traditional health screening models.
The benefits of a lifestyle medicine approach to wellbeing.
Defining the term ‘lifestyle’.
The product marketplace driving the treatment of dysfunctional symptoms.
The commercial benefits of gyms supporting people across their whole wellbeing journey.
A new approach to corporate wellbeing.

Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Roy Simonson. Whilst he may not be a household name, there are few gym-users who would not have seen or trained on equipment he designed or inspired.

Roy revolutionalized the fitness industry with his game-changing strength equipment innovations. Firstly, when in his early twenties, Roy sold his company, Eagle Fitness, to CYBEX, where as Head of Product Development, he introduced its highly acclaimed VR and VR2 lines and launched more than 100 new strength and cardio products.

Fast forward to 1999 and his cable-based weight stack machines, designed by his own company Ground Zero Designs, later renamed Freemotion Fitness, made it possible to train in multiple planes. This effectively launched the concept and application of ‘functional training’ to the masses. Since then, Roy has gone on to design for other major equipment brand including Resolute and Eleiko.

Alongside has professional success, Roy has enjoyed 30 years of competitive single speed track cycling, racing on a bike he designed himself.

Roy has very little interest in self-promotion which is why you won’t find him on social media.

Today, Roy Simonson talks about:

· How strength training products designed for CYBEX ended Nautilus’ market dominance.

· Creating machines that drive health, mobility, activity and fitness.

· The inspiration behind Hammer Strength.

· The launch of CYBEX’s best-selling VR & VR2 lines.

· The lack of good education in the industry.

· Snowboarding and how it inspired the design of Freemotion’s cable machines.

· Trends and predictions.

S Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is David Mariani, a Strength & Conditioning Coach for ATG (Athletic Truth Group), who has trained thousands of people around the world, with his main purpose to help get them pain-free.

David currently trains athletes in the NBA, NFL and MLB as well as pro’s around the world. He’s worked with individuals from age 6 up to 86, as well as working with many Doctors, Physical Therapists, Trainers and Coaches by training and educating them in ATG methodologies.

Today, David Mariani talks about:

The benefits of training backwards.
The importance of leaning into discomfort.
The emotional and psychological toll of injuries.
Best practice for training specific muscle groups.
Dealing with top athletes where mistakes are costly.
Rebuilding the ability to pain free.

To learn more about David Mariani, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mariani-1b4847bb/

Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is David Minton, Founder of The Leisure Database Company, leading specialists in the leisure sector, offering key market intelligence and analysis across the fitness industry.

The annual State of the UK Fitness Industry Report that The Leisure Database Company creates, audits the fitness space to provide an insightful overview of the ‘state of play’ and help businesses and individuals gather valuable intelligence needed to make key decisions.

Now nicknamed the ‘Daddy of Data’, Minton is recognised as one of the most insightful experts in the fitness space, a sought-after speaker who uses his expert industry knowledge to help businesses make key decisions and gain competitive advantage.

Today, David Minton shares insights from this year’s report including:

Why the industry is worth more than ever before.
The importance of personalistaion.
The boom of the luxury sector.
The impact of Covid, inflation and energy prices.
The need to collaborate and communicate in order to change.
Why the industry undervalues what it provides.

To learn more about David Minton, click here: https://www.leisuredb.com/david-minton

Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/escape-fitness

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is Billy Blanks, Inventor of Tae Bo, a martial arts-focused fitness programme that became one of the most successful home workout programmes in history.

Now taught worldwide, many Hollywood stars have utilised Tae Bo techniques at the Billy Blanks studio and Billy himself has starred in a number of films and TV shows, becoming a celebrity in his own right. Since then, Billy has become a keen businessman, extending his fitness offering, nurturing industry partnerships and in May this year, Billy hit the road again for a Tae Bo tour of America.

Today, Billy Blanks shares all about:

What it takes to be a rockstar trainer
Tae Bo as a lifestyle, not a trend
Why you should never use choreography
Creating community with your team and members
Why having dyslexia made him live in fear when he was younger
How to put on your daily power
Winning the hearts and minds of your clients

To learn more about Billy Blanks, click here: https://www.instagram.com/billyblanksofficial1/?hl=en

Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rIYVodUk6C8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/escape-fitness

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is Flex Lewis, nicknamed the ‘Welsh Dragon’ and an undeniable force to be reckoned with in the world of professional bodybuilding. From humble beginnings, he conquered the competitive landscape by creating a record-setting 7-time Olympia 212 Showdown Champion. His sculpted physique and undeniable charisma propelled him to the top, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of the sport.

Since retiring from professional bodybuilding, Flex has been busy taking his learnings from the sport into business with the opening of The Dragons Lair Gym, first in Boca Raton, Florida and more recently as a Las Vegas location.

Today, Flex Lewis shares all about:

· Challenges of opening ‘The Dragons Lair’ Gym amidst the global pandemic

· The importance of ensuring the right culture in a training environment

· The discipline to approach each Mr. Olympia as if it’s his first

· Working his way up to the top from humble beginnings

· What was behind his decision to retire from professional bodybuilding

· Why it’s key to never give up, stay committed to your path and have a moral compass

To learn more about Flex Lewis, click here: https://www.instagram.com/flex_lewis/?hl=en

Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/escape-fitness

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is known as the “real life hulk” due to his ability to go from a 6’6 310lb athlete to a 360lb mass monster. At a young age, Martyn Ford started out as an emerging cricketer, but his professional athlete dream was cut short when he faced a devastating injury. Little did he know that this would be his steppingstone to a successful career in the fitness industry.

His work ethic and mindset in training carried over to other pursuits that led him to be an internet sensation, a fitness influencer with over 4 million followers worldwide, an online fitness coach, and a successful actor. He has starred in Hollywood Blockbuster films such as: Fast & Furious 9, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and The Machine. He also signed a professional MMA contract with KSW.

Today, Martyn Ford shares all about:

· How he transforms his body for each role in the film industry using what he learned as a PT
· His methodology for bulking his body with a “eat 8x a day” program
· How he’s adapted his training routine to train the strongest and weakest parts of his body

To learn more about Martyn Ford, click here! https://www.instagram.com/martynfordofficial/?hl=en

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, Jerry Brainum is returning for his second interview by popular demand. He has a distinguished background as a competitive bodybuilder who trained alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger during the 70s.

Beyond his achievements in bodybuilding, he boasts over 30 years of experience in researching and writing about all aspects of fitness. His remarkable career includes serving as the editor of Muscle and Fitness magazine for a decade, as well as being an editor-at-large for Flex magazine and a regular contributor to Ironman magazine for 28 years.

In our last interview, he debunked the truth of steroids, bodybuilding, and the deathly effects of “safe supplements.”

Today, he passionately shares:

• The drawbacks of Ozempic and other fat loss burners as a weight loss solution

• The only drug that is known to extend lifespan even in middle-age people

• And the science behind creatine, where it comes from, and whether it is necessary to phase on and off the supplement

To sign up for Applied Metabolics, click here! https://www.appliedmetabolics.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest has more than 20 years of experience directing the fitness provision for some of the best known, high end multi-site operators including Holmes Place, Virgin Active, David Lloyd Leisure, and Aspria.

Rob Beale is currently the Fitness Director of Third Space, which is a collection of high-end, luxury health clubs in London. They strive to provide outstanding fitness spaces that members feel are their own with state-of-the-art amenities and experiences.

Today, he shares his expertise about:

• How to attract the best personal trainers in the world, and the experience/mindset they need to have to succeed and be qualified to work at the Third Space

• How premium operators are adapting their gym floor design to serve their clients’ needs

• And what new trends in health, wellness, and recovery will likely be popular in the next couple of years

To learn more about Third Space, click here! https://www.thirdspace.london/

View Details

On this week’s special midweek episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we were at the European Health & Fitness Forum where we caught up with people from the industry to get their thoughts on:

The state of the fitness industry today
What they think are the biggest challenges facing the industry
And what their predictions for the future

To name a few, we sat down with:

IHRSA’s CEO & President, Liz Clark
CEO of Anytime Fitness, Chuck Runyon
And CEO of SweatWorks, Mohammed Iqbal

Enjoy this week’s special midweek episode!

To learn more about EuropeActive, click here! https://www.europeactive.eu/

To learn more about IHRSA, click here! https://www.ihrsa.org/

To learn more about Anytime Fitness, click here! https://www.anytimefitness.com/

To learn more about SweatWorks, click here! https://www.sweatworks.com/

To learn more about Singapore Fitness Alliance, click here! https://sgfitnessalliance.com/

To learn more about Basic-Fit, click here! https://www.basic-fit.com/

To learn more about 4GLOBAL, click here! https://4global.com/

To learn more about Good Soul Hunting, click here! https://www.goodsoulhunting.com/

To learn more about Body Fit Training, click here! https://www.bodyfittraining.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we sit down with a prolific bodybuilder, actor, and Internet star. Whether it’s building his body or building a business, Kali Muscle is known for outworking everyone. Turning his life around after a prison sentence, he kicked his PT career off at 24 Hour Fitness before succeeding as a larger-than-life YouTube star.

With his success in bodybuilding, having over 3 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, and starring in several films and commercials, it comes as no surprise that his business ventures took him into the supplement and food industry.

In this week’s episode we talk about his recent heart attack and how it changed his outlook on life. We also cover:

• How his diet and supplementation has been altered drastically

• His open and honest discussion of his steroid usage and thoughts on performance enhancement drugs

• And how he’s adapted his training and eating habits to his new lifestyle

To learn more about Kali Muscle, click here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg_tz2iw7_-gf2xIL-DdM2g

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we continue our journey at FIBO by sitting down with prominent members of Europe Active at the European Health & Fitness Forum.

We were able to pick apart the brains of:

The Fitness Director of Armah Sports, Julio Papi,
The CEO of Exi, Grace McNamara
The Vice President Global Enterprise of Sports Alliance GmbH, Jennifer Halsall-de Wit
The COO & Owner of BlackBox Publishers, Kelby Jongen

The topics of discussion ranged from:

The movement for diversity, equity, and inclusion gaining tremendous momentum in the fitness industry
What the trends are in the fitness programming space
And why exercise plays a vital role in combating obesity, along with anti-pharmaceuticals and medication

To learn more about EuropeActive, click here! https://www.europeactive.eu/

To learn more about Armah Sports, click here! https://armahsports.com/

To learn more about Exi, click here! https://www.exi.life/us/

To learn more about Sports Alliance GmbH, click here! https://www.sportalliance.com/en/

To learn more about BlackBox Publishers, click here! https://www.blackboxpublishers.com/en

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we hit off our journey at FIBO in Cologne, Germany by sitting down with prominent members of Europe Active at the European Health & Fitness Forum.

EuropeActive is a 21 years old association that is ambitious to get more people, more active, more often.

We were able to pick apart the brains of the President Chair of Europe Active, David Stalker, the Founder & Executive Director of Les Mills International, Phillip Mills, and many more! The topics of discussion ranged from:

• How the fitness sector must develop effective strategies to attract and engage younger generations to encourage them to utilize their facilities.

• How digitalization is changing the landscape of the fitness industry.

• And the crucial shift from solely focusing on fitness to adopting a more holistic approach that prioritizes overall health and well-being.

Stay tuned for the upcoming release of thrilling new discoveries from FIBO in the following weeks!

To learn more about EuropeActive, click here! https://www.europeactive.eu/

To learn more about Les Mills International, click here! https://www.lesmills.com/

To learn more about European Parliament, click here! https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/home

To learn more about AUSActive, click here! https://ausactive.org.au/

To learn more about IDEA Health & Fitness Association, click here! https://www.ideafit.com/

To learn more about Deloitte, click here! https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en.html

To learn more about Basic Fit International B.V, click here! https://corporate.basic-fit.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we sat down with the man who has over 20 years of experience within the fitness industry. By diligently working hard and climbing up the ladder, he found himself as VP of 24 Hour Fitness, and worked in almost all major markets throughout the US.

Now, Adam Sedlack is the CEO of gym conglomerate, UFC GYM. Under his leadership, UFC GYM has quickly grown from a start-up to the 14th largest fitness business in the US. Internationally, UFC GYM has expanded into 28 countries with 541 gyms in development, and significant near-term growth prospects under both an owned and a franchised model.

Today, he shares with us:

• The way he navigates his business economics to continue expanding

• The value of the personal trainer model within his community

• And his top tips on how to stand out in a crowded fitness market

To learn more about UFC GYM, click here! https://www.ufcgym.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we delve into the latest developments in the fitness industry at IHRSA 2023. BFS (Boutique Fitness Solutions) hosted a one-day track that was specifically designed for boutique fitness businesses at all stages of development. Through 8 impactful sessions, boutique business owners, industry leaders, suppliers, and investors came together to discuss proven methods for successfully launching, managing, and scaling their businesses.

There, our co-hosts, Matthew Januszek & Emma Barry, sat down with various boutique fitness owners to find out what’s new in the boutique sector, how they’re future proofing their businesses, and more!

To learn more about BFS, click here! https://boutiquefitnesssolutions.com/

To learn more about GoSaga Inc., click here! https://www.gosagalife.com/

To learn more about Boutique Fitness Broker, click here! https://boutiquefitnessbroker.com/

To learn more about Jibe Cycling Studio, click here! https://www.jibecycling.com/

To learn more about Nimble Fitness, click here! https://www.nimblefitness.com/

To learn more about Sanctuary Fitness, click here! https://sanctuaryfitness.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, Escape Fitness had the opportunity to attend IHRSA 2023. The convention offered brand new learning experiences with featured speakers from various industries, giving fitness professionals the chance to discover parallels and innovations across a wide spectrum of expertise.

There, our co-hosts, Matthew Januszek & Emma Barry, walked the floor to find out what's new at the tradeshow, what the latest fitness trends hitting the market are, and what else is happening in the fitness world!

With so much to see, and so many new people to talk to, this event will have multiple episodes. Keep your eyes peeled over the next couple of weeks for more episodes!

To learn more about IHRSA, click here! https://hub.ihrsa.org/ihrsa-2023-tradeshow

To learn more about JK North America, click here! https://jkproducts.us/

To learn more about Myzone, click here! https://www.myzone.org/

To learn more about Precor, click here! https://www.precor.com/

To learn more about Life Fitness, click here! https://www.lifefitness.com/en-us

To learn more about Fit Truk, click here! https://fittrukkc.com/

To learn more about Technogym, click here! https://www.technogym.com/

To learn more about Hyperice, click here! https://hyperice.com/

To learn more about Total Gym, click here! https://totalgym.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast we sit down the hottest celebrity trainer in Hollywood. Best known for his work in transforming Michael B. Jordan for his lead role as Adonis Creed in Creed III. Corey Calliet’s expertise in sculpting physiques for the big screen, he has allowed him to enter the motion picture industry through major studios like Universal Pictures, Marvel, and Walt Disney.

Due to his bodybuilding physique, he was deemed as one of the 50 Most Fit men in the world alongside Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and Conor McGregor. He can also be seen flexing his transformation skills as Lead Trainer on Revenge Body by Khloe Kardashian.

Today he shares his secrets about:

· The techniques he uses to transform his clientele for movie ready status
· His bodybuilding background, and what it takes to build an impressive physique
· And the correlation between attitude and philosophies in training to help with real world success

To learn more about Corey Calliet, click here! https://bio.site/mrcalliet

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we sat down with a biomechanist and inventor who specializes in the study of human movement and locomotion. With his 20 plus years of expertise in the industry, he has in-depth knowledge of the feet in relation to athletic performance, and the natural human function of locomotive abilities.

David Weck is the CEO and Founder of BOSU Fitness where his inventions focus on building the rotational, pulsing, and coiling abilities of the athlete.

We had the opportunity to visit him at his WeckMethod Lab in San Diego where he spills his plethora of knowledge to us about:

• The exponential difference of being coiled versus being stiff/braced when working out

• His opinion about traditional power moves that are overused and disadvantageous

• And why the fitness community isn’t supporting his methods

To learn more about David Weck & The WeckMethod, click here! https://www.weckmethod.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest today has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, is an author, lecturer, and a successful Strength & Conditioning Coach with various online programs. The key elements of his programming include the ‘7 Pillars of Movement’ and the ’10 Principles of Exercise Progression’.

Dr. Pat Davidson’s philosophy is heavily grounded in biomechanics of human motion, identifying opportunities for training high-performance athletes, and improving the recovery rates of rehabilitation patients.

Today he talks us through:

The issues with functional movement tests, and how complex overall movement is
What the McDonald’s process is in fitness and how it can be beneficial in assessment
And what type of training you must do based on your skeletal build

To learn more about Dr. Pat Davidson, click here! https://www.drpatdavidson.net/

View Details

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast. To wrap up our series at the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, we sat down with Jon Canarick, a Managing Partner with over 20 years of consumer private equity investment experience.

Since joining North Castle in 2001, Jon has actively managed North Castle’s investments across a variety of Healthy, Active, and Sustainable Living sectors and across all job functions at North Castle. Having started his NCP career as an Associate, Jon has played a crucial role in the development of North Castle and many of its portfolio companies. Jon currently sits on the Board of Directors of Therabody, Five Iron Golf, Echelon Fit, CR Fitness, Encore Vet Group, The Escape Game, Barry’s, and SLT.

Today he tells all about:

· If the American economy is facing a recession

· Why the value of Peloton went down exponentially, and how fittech companies should avoid the same fate

· What trends are currently happening in the commercial equipment space along with the home space

To learn more about North Castle Partners, click here! https://northcastlepartners.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we continue interviewing multiple successful companies who have integrated tech into fitness and have changed the world of fittech with Emma Barry.

The Connected Health & Fitness Summit highlights the increased desire for a hybrid approach, demand for more holistic health offerings, and a preference for a highly personalized fitness experience.

Today, we had the opportunity to connect with prominent players in Equinox, Safe Sweat, The Wellness Program, and Fhitting Room.

They shared with us:

· The difference between creating a unique facility versus creating a community
· The new definition of fitness and wellness
· And why specifically targeting the “real beginners” in fitness is an untapped business opportunity

To learn more about Equinox, click here! https://www.equinox.com/

To learn more about Safe Sweat, click here! https://safesweat.com/

To learn more about The Wellness Program, click here! https://www.coachwelly.com/

To learn more about Fhitting Room, click here! https://www.fhittingroom.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we were very fortunate to be invited to The Connected Health & Fitness Summit, where our host, Matthew Januszek, had the opportunity to present on a panel. At this event, Emma Barry & Matthew interviewed multiple successful companies who have integrated tech into fitness and have changed the world of fittech.

The Connected Health & Fitness Summit highlights the increased desire for a hybrid approach, demand for more holistic health offerings, and a preference for a highly personalized fitness experience.

Today, we had the opportunity to connect with CEO’s & Founders of Oura Ring, BHOUT, and Swerve Fitness.

They shared with us:

How to position your brand/company to serve your consumer
Why wearables are the forefront in creating lifestyle changes
Why the future of fitness is a hybrid mix of technology

We will be releasing more interviews from the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, so keep an eye out for more! Enjoy this episode!

To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here! https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2024

To learn more about Oura Ring, click here! https://ouraring.com/

To learn more about Swerve Fitness, click here! https://swervefitness.com/

To learn more about BHOUT, click here! https://www.bhout.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, Escape Fitness wraps up its exclusive podcast partnership with the FitExpo in LA to bring to you Podcast Nation.

One of our guests today competed as a bodybuilder, and trained many people in the Hollywood film industry, corporate executives, and Royal Family Members. Brad Bose has worked with the Nike Corporation training their employees and doing seminars for “The Nike Connection”.

Furthermore, we are joined by a fitness panel filled with experts from the industry.

Today, we discuss:

· - The crucial aspect of mind muscle connecting during weightlifting

· - How to break the psyche of the younger demographic to enter fitness in a safe manner

· - And why most fitness influencers are damaging their bodies when training

To learn more about Brad Bose, click here! https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradbose/

View Details

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast. This is Part 2 of Podcast Nation in partnership with the LA FitExpo.

Today we sit down with three guests who have impacted the fitness industry in countless ways.

In the first interview, we sat down with 2016’s, Classic Mr. Olympia Winner, Danny Hester and his partner, Monique Hester. Together, they’ve been called one of the industry's “power couples” due to his partner singing while he poses on stage at bodybuilding competitions.

Our third guest is an elite celebrity trainer, with over 350,000 followers across her social media platforms. Venus Moore currently operates a thriving personal training business as a strength and conditioning coach and celebrity trainer.

Today we talk about:

Strategies for establishing attainable fitness objectives without succumbing to burnout
Essential attributes to consider when choosing a compatible partner
And the deficiency frequently observed among individuals embarking on a fitness journey

To learn more about Danny Hester, click here! https://www.instagram.com/dannyhester/?hl=en

To learn more about Monique Hester, click here! https://www.moniquemaffeihester.com/

To learn more about Venus Moore, click here! https://venusmoore.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast. Escape Fitness partakes in an exclusive podcast partnership with the FitExpo in LA to bring to you Podcast Nation. The FitExpo is one of the most exciting live fitness events within the US that gives attendees the opportunity to connect with various leaders in the fitness industry.

Today, we sat down with a prominent American actor and fitness personality, Billy Blanks. In the late 80s, he starred in several movies and soon ended up creating the Tae Bo program which contains components of martial arts and boxing. Later, he began to retain celebrity clientele to help them achieve their fitness goals.

We also had the opportunity to interview a renown, top chef in the United States military, and Master Sergeant, Chef Rush. In September 1996 he served as the Joint and Vice Chief of Staff for eight general officers and four Chief of Staff of the Army over the next three years. He has also worked in the White House and the Presidential Guest House.

Both share their insight on:

• Using the power of your mind and will to create healthy wellness patterns

• Why the pandemic has created a mental health pandemic

• And how to avoid listening to your 5 senses to achieve your goals

To learn more about the FitExpo, click here! https://thefitexpo.com/

To learn more about Billy Blanks, click here! https://www.taebonation.com/

To learn more about Chef Andre Rush, click here! https://chefrush.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we continue exploring and interviewing trailblazers in the fitness technology industry with Emma Barry. CES is the most influential tech event in the world — where a variety of global innovators introduce their breakthrough technologies to thousands of people.

Today, we were thrilled to sit down with Jillian Michaels, Blaise Ffrench, Mohammed Iqbal, and so many more!

They had the opportunity to share:

How the use of wearable technology and apps help individuals track their fitness progress and receive personalized workout plans tailored to their specific goals and abilities
Why data tracking and analysis allows individuals to better understand their fitness progress and make more informed decisions about their health
Technology creating easier access to fitness resources

Enjoy this week’s episode!

To learn more about Blaise Ffrench, click here! https://www.instagram.com/blaiseffrench/?hl=en

To learn more about iTOUCH Wearables, click here! https://itouchwearables.com/

To learn more about Mux, click here! https://www.mux.com/

To learn more about Nuralogix, click here! https://www.nuralogix.ai/

To learn more about Sweatworks & Mohammed Iqbal, click here! https://www.sweatworks.com/sw-about/

To learn more about Healium, click here! https://www.tryhealium.com/

To learn more about Withings, click here! https://www.withings.com/us/en/

To learn more about Lotte Healthcare, click here! https://www.lottehealthcare.com/kr/main

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we’re here attending CES at Las Vegas. CES is the most influential tech event in the world — where a variety of global innovators introduce their breakthrough technologies to thousands of people. Here, the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage.

We had the chance to talk to some innovators in the fitness industry including: CES Innovation Award Winners TrueKinetix, ZeroWheel, I-Percut, and many more.

They had the opportunity to share:

How they’re changing the fitness industry with their products
Why there’s nothing else like it on the market
And we were able to test some of the products out ourselves!

Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing the various companies we met with at CES, so keep an eye out for the exciting interview to come! Enjoy this week’s episode!

To learn more about CES, click here! https://www.ces.tech/

To learn more about TrueKinetix, click here! https://truekinetix.com/

To learn more about ZeroWheel, click here! https://www.zerowheel.fit/

To learn more about I-Percut, click here! https://www.i-percut.com/fr/

To learn more about Impact Biosystems, click here! https://www.thepact.com/

To learn more about Healables, click here! https://www.healables.io/

To learn more about Symbodi, click here! https://www.symbodi.com/

To learn more about Wondercise, click here! https://wondercise.com/en/

To learn more about Playfinity, click here! https://playfinity.com/

To learn more about Kingsmith Fitness, click here! https://www.kingsmithfitness.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we dive into our top guests of 2022. Out of all 52 amazing episodes that we released last year, we were able to narrow down our top six by going through hundreds of thousands of views, comments, and likes.

The Escape Your Limits Podcast was created to deliver on-demand, inspirational, valuable content to our audience. Each week, we connect with industry leaders on an ever-widening array of offerings on every topic imaginable.

Our host, Matthew Januszek, reflects on the top moments with each of these guests, and what key topics he took away from each episode. The guests included are:

Paul Chek
Gabrielle Lyon
Jerry Brainum
Danny Torgl
Bret Contreras
And Jon Jon Park

We hope that you enjoy this special episode. To help us continue sharing valuable information with you, feel free to tell a friend, like, and comment. We can’t wait to share everything we have in store for you in 2023!

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest today suffered from a traumatic brain injury in his early life which catapulted him into finding his passion in holistic health and fitness. At the start of Steve Jordan’s career, he became a personal trainer at the White House under the Clinton administration.

After his time at the White House, he became a celebrity trainer who helped coach and transform some of the world’s most influential people including A-list celebrities, professional athletes, titans of industries, and all those committed to improving their health and fitness. Recently, he released a book called “22 Ways to Optimal Health & Fitness.”

Today, we dive into:

Why HIIT training is the least effective way to exercise
The appropriate amount of exercise needed to get fit
And why longevity is the front runner for fitness goals

If you buy his book in the month of January, Steve Jordan is offering a 2 for 1 deal. Buy 1 and get the 2nd free! To purchase, click here! https://stevejordan.com/product/22-ways-to-optimal-health-and-fitness/

To learn more about Steve Jordan, click here! https://stevejordan.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we talk about metabolic health and how it can help regulate your sleep, appetite, weight, and energy. Although the concept of metabolic health isn’t new, the latest research concluded that it is one of the leading causes of infertility, diabetes, depression, and even erectile dysfunction.

By leveraging biosensors like continuous glucose monitors, this piece of wearable tech by Levels raised a total of $50M through high profile investors such as: Marc Randolph (co-founder of Netflix), Dick Costolo (former CEO of Twitter), and many more.

Today Dr. Lauren Kelley-Chew talks us through:

The ultimate guide to metabolic health, and its 5 key biomarkers
Why insulin resistance is on the rise, and how it can be detrimental to your health
And explaining why your appearance doesn’t determine how healthy you are

To learn more about Levels, click here! https://www.levelshealth.com/

View Details

On this to this week’s Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest today is a world-renowned expert with 39 years of experience in the fields of corrective and high-performance exercise, kinesiology, stress management and holistic wellness. Paul Chek is the founder of the CHEK Institute where they run four advanced certification programs and provide numerous training videos and courses to students worldwide.

In partnership with his expertise, he is the author and co-author of 11 books, articles and blog posts and the host of the popular podcast: Living 4D. He is also an international presenter and consultant for organizations such as the Chicago Bulls, and the US Air Force Academy.

Today he shares with us:

• Why biohacking is one of the biggest scams in fitness

• Everything you need to know about psychedelics helping you find your purpose

• And why the fitness industry isn’t as progressive as they believe they are

To learn more about Paul Chek, click here! http://paulcheck.com/

To learn more about the CHEK Institute, click here! https://chekinstitute.com/

To learn more about the the Living 4D Podcast with Paul Chek, click here! https://www.youtube.com/@Living4DwithPaulChek

View Details

Our guest to the podcast today is Oliver Patrick, a Physiologist and leading expert in lifestyle management. He speaks widely on the application of wellbeing strategies and consults to businesses and individuals around the world. Oliver was Head of Physiology at Nuffield Hospitals where he led the largest team of applied physiologists, wellbeing advisors and nutritionists in the UK. In 2009, he co-founded Viavi on London’s Harley St, to deliver the world’s most advanced health assessment and health evaluation service. Alongside advanced health assessments, he co-founded the first Lifestyle medicine gym in Oxford.

Oliver now runs a corporate wellbeing consultancy service and has founded an industry specific education platform to drive practical coaching skills in the broader undervalued areas of lifestyle particularly stress, sleep, toxicity and mindset.

Today, we discuss the 4 key things to change physically to reap the best biological benefits, the multifactorial approach to wellbeing – in terms of the physical, mental and emotional aspects and the opportunities the fitness industry needs to grasp quickly in order to better impact the lifestyles of its customers.

To learn more about Oliver Patrick, click here! https://www.oliverpatrick.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we welcome back Rob Moore, CEO at Fitness Deconstructed and Founder of the no.1 ranked business podcast, ‘The Disruptive Entrepreneur’. Rob is the definition of a man on a mission, he’s a successful property investor, mentor, entrepreneur and author of multiple bestsellers.

Having become a millionaire before turning 31, Rob is now a double world record holder public speaker, and helps entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses to success. He has also launched The Rob Moore Foundation to help young and underprivileged entrepreneurs kick-start meaningful businesses that change the world for the better.

We last spoke to Rob back in 2018 when we discussed taking dedicated decisions, learning at every opportunity and the constant need to keep your interest levels up in every respect.

Today, we cover the key topics of success, satisfaction, money, content and conflict. In particular, we reflect on the definition of success, discuss the paradox of satisfaction, debate the negative connotations around money and chat about taking the power back by becoming financially independent.

To learn more, click here! www.robmoore.com

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we visited the headquarters of Men’s Health and had the opportunity to interview Ebenezer Samuel. He has over a decade of training experience which allowed him to work alongside prominent NFL athletes, and leading track athletes across the nation. During that time frame, he was also a sports and tech columnist for the New York Daily News where he wrote various articles about the NFL.

Today, he is the fitness director of Men’s Health where he oversees all fitness aspects across digital, print, and video platforms. Men’s Health is the world’s largest men’s magazine brand, and the number one source of information for men who want better control over their physical, mental, and emotional lives.

Today, our guest shares

His definition of an “ultra-beginner” in the fitness world, and how he accommodates them in his training
His opinion on the latest home fitness trends that are deemed successful
And why men’s health shouldn’t revolve around physicality anymore

To learn more about Men’s Health, click here! https://www.menshealth.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we traveled to Escape Fitness NOW in New Jersey to interview the legendary Bill Parisi. He is an internationally recognized expert in youth speed training who shares his enthusiasm and passion for sports performance training through presentations to business owners, athletes and coaches every year.

Since 1992, more than 1 million athletes have trained through the Parisi Training System, in over 100 facilities and health clubs worldwide. In 2001 Bill built his flagship facility, that has been home to more than 250,000 athletes and hundreds of professionals in every major sport. By 2009, Parisi Speed School had expanded to over 50 locations in the US. The franchise would go on to be named to Franchise Times “Fast 55” list and one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 50 New Franchises.

Parisi has served as a consultant, and featured lecturer for several sports-related organizations, including the NFL, Nike, Reebok, and numerous sports industry associations. In addition to speaking, writing, and consulting, Parisi has been featured on ESPN, The Today Show, The New York Times, and many more!

Today, he shares with us:

The foundation an athlete should have to be a top performer
Addressing if a fantastic trainer can be a fantastic business owner
Some of the ways people are applying fascial training to become better athletes

To learn more about the Parisi Speed School, click here! https://www.parisischool.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast our guest today was a professional boxer between the years of 2009 to 2021. Throughout his fighting career, he won all 16 of his fights. His fitness experience and passion led him to create a facility for those who wanted to get in shape through boxing.

With the birth of EverybodyFights, he was able to develop a safe system for those who wanted to explore the world of boxing. George Foreman III is the son of a legendary businessman and former two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman Sr. where he managed his dad’s business for seven years. He is now the Founder & CEO of Craft Boxing Co.

Today, he shares:

• How his father helped build his entrepreneurial mindset

• The inspiration and development of Craft Boxing Co’s success

• And the number one thing that needs to be in the foundation of creating a successful gym

To learn more about Craft Boxing Co, click here! https://www.craftboxing.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest was the science editor of Muscle and Fitness magazine, an editor-at-large for Flex magazine, and a regular contributor to Ironman magazine for 28 years. His articles were the only articles read in bodybuilding magazines by 3-time Mr. Olympia champion, Frank Zane. He is the creator of Applied Metabolics, an in-depth newsletter about food supplements; exercise science; steroids, and much more.

Besides his writing, he has been a nutrition consultant for numerous elite, world-class athletes such as Floyd Mayweather Jr, Oscar de La Hoya, and Vassiliy Jirov. He was also a competitive bodybuilder himself and trained alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger at the original Gold’s gym in Venice, California in the 70s.

Today, he spills nothing but the truth about:

The biggest mistakes most bodybuilders make
The myths, truths, pros, and cons of steroids
And how a lot of safe supplements can have deathly effects

To learn more about Applied Metabolics, click here! https://www.appliedmetabolics.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we are recording from Downtown LA at the World Gym International Convention.

With a brand-new management team, they have identified what they think are some of the biggest trends they need to be investing in for their future. The event brought together over 200 business owners, entrepreneurs and suppliers including some top experts to talk about the future.

Escape Fitness was one of the event sponsors and allowed us to record a series of short interviews from some of the talented people speaking at the event that include:

Paul Bedford the retention GURU to share some of his latest research about about keeping people in gyms
Jarrod Sarraco talking about how to future proof your business
Dennis Yu discussing the recent changes in digital marketing world and sharing some of the new strategies very few people are utilizing
And finally Sal Pellegrino from Peleton Commercial who provides a manufacturers perspective on the changes we are seeing in the industry

Please enjoy this special episode from the World Gym Convention in LA.

To learn more about World Gym, click here! https://www.worldgym.com/

0:00 Intro

1:04 Jarrod Sarraco

7:32 Dr. Paul Bedford

21:51 Dennis Yu & Gavin Lira

40:16 Sal Pellegrino

52:14 Jeanie Jaber Chehayeb

1:00:50 Samuel Young

1:11:55 Nicole Vahey

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, to conclude our series at Bold 2022 at the MindBody conference, we bring to you a prolific woman who has created an international, full-service fitness design firm with over 200 successful clients across the globe. She was even able to sneak in a male stripper without anyone noticing to one of her studios due to her creating well thought out facilities.

From award-winning boutique studios to awe-inspiring gyms to hospitality projects, Barbara Chancey is the visionary behind many of the world's most beautiful and unforgettable fitness destinations. Regardless of size, scale, or location, each unique project is an exceptional piece of architecture that continuously strays away from the standard facility.

Today she shares:

The sex appeal around her studios which continuously entice people to return
How she designs a studio through the eyes of the attendees and instructors
And how she caters to her employees to help her studios succeed

To learn more about the Barbara Chancey Design Group, click here! https://barbarachanceydesign.com/

View Details

Today she shares:

The sex appeal around her studios which continuously entice people to return
How she designs a studio through the eyes of the attendees and instructors
And how she caters to her employees to help her studios succeed

To learn more about the Barbara Chancey Design Group, click here! https://barbarachanceydesign.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest today returns to our podcast to discuss how his business has evolved over the past 2 years. With influences from his fitness career, he has created one of the industry’s leading companies paving the way for others to look up to.

Randall Pich is the Founder & CEO of leading fitness apparel brand, Live Fit Apparel. He walked me through how his Traditional Fitness Apparel Brand has shifted and bridged the gap from the Physical to the Metaphysical and now generates a totally new revenue stream and marketplace for his business.

Today, he shares his personal research on:

Content suppression
Understanding the metaphysical world with a younger demographic
And how a regular business should step up to the challenge of WEB 3.0

To learn more about Live Fit Apparel, click here! https://livefitapparel.com/

To learn more about Randall Pich’s multiple, successful businesses, click here! https://www.randall-pich.com/

View Details

Today, he shares his personal research on:

Content suppression
Understanding the metaphysical world with a younger demographic
And how a regular business should step up to the challenge of WEB 3.0

To learn more about Live Fit Apparel, click here! https://livefitapparel.com/

To learn more about Randall Pich’s multiple, successful businesses, click here! https://www.randall-pich.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcasts, we continue interviewing founders of top fitness and wellness brands at Bold 2022 at the MindBody conference. This conference is an opportunity to meet and mingle with wellness, fitness, and beauty industry professionals who share the latest trends.

Our guests today are:

Thomas Drew, the co-founder of 1AND1
And Corey & Kiara Johnson, the founders of ATL Kula

Today they bring their thoughts on:

Bringing underserved communities together through fitness
Utilizing an ancient form of fitness to get younger generations moving
The sense of unity when people realize others struggle with their mental health

To learn more about 1AND1, click here! https://www.1and1life.com/

To learn more about ATL Kula, click here! https://www.atlkula.com/

0:00 Intro

0:45 Thomas Drew from 1AND1

21:35 Corey & Kiara Johnson from ATL Kula

View Details

Our guests today are:

Thomas Drew, the co-founder of 1AND1
And Corey & Kiara Johnson, the founders of ATL Kula

Today they bring their thoughts on:

Bringing underserved communities together through fitness
Utilizing an ancient form of fitness to get younger generations moving
The sense of unity when people realize others struggle with their mental health

To learn more about 1AND1, click here! https://www.1and1life.com/

To learn more about ATL Kula, click here! https://www.atlkula.com/

0:00 Intro

0:45 Thomas Drew from 1AND1

21:35 Corey & Kiara Johnson from ATL Kula

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, Emma Barry & Matthew Januszek attend BOLD 2022, MindBody’s annual conference. It is three days to meet and mingle with wellness, fitness, and beauty industry professionals, share the latest trends, preview what's next, and learn how to maximize every minute of every business day.

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be releasing a series of podcasts featuring everyone we’ve interviewed.

On today’s episode, Emma & Matthew sat down with:

John Motz- The SVP at MindBody
Amanda Carlson-Phillips- The SVP & Head of Performance Innovation at Exos
Lisa Star- A Spa Business Consultant at Wynne Business Consulting & Education

These guests discuss:

The changing world in AI
Why the brain is the most important asset in fitness
How the spa world is taking over in the wellness industry

To learn more about MindBody, click here! https://www.mindbodybold.com/

To learn more about Exos, click here! https://www.teamexos.com/

To learn more about Wynne Business Consulting & Education, click here! https://wynnebusiness.com/

0:00 Intro 4:46

John Motz: Why Consumer Behavior is Pushing Businesses to Use AI

33:15 Lisa Starr: Why Spa is Becoming Vital in the Wellness Industry

1:00:39 Amanda Carlson-Phillips: Why Coaching in Mental Health & Fitness Accelerate Growth In Athletes

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we introduce to you a special partnership with the FitTech Summit: Holy Health and Emma Barry. In this special series, we explore the role that tech plays in fitness with prominent founders who have changed the fitness space with their technology.

In today’s episode, we interview Greg Zinone. He is the is the founder of Pro vs GI Joe, now Joint Forces Initiative, and 514eSports. Founded in 2007 by Greg and his combat veteran wife Addie, Pro vs GI Joe puts on online and in-person esports competitions between professional athletes and celebrities, and troops stationed all over the world. Pro vs GI Joe was the first organization of any kind to bring online gaming to troops in the Middle East.

More recently, due to the reputation and relationships established from Pro vs GI Joe’s success, Greg founded 514 eSports, an ESports strategy and media company for top pro athletes, pro sport teams, celebrities and influencers to find and make their mark in the gaming space.

Recently, he moved into the Blockchain space with KLOUT, a platform built to house celebrity driven and created NFTs and in game playable tokens.

Today, he shares:

The defining purpose behind his multiple businesses
How e-sports has evolved over the years and why it is a booming success
His expertise in NFT’s, blockchains, and WEB 3.0

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest today was introduced to wrestling at a young age, and during his senior year, he finished the season 33-15 and was one match from qualifying for the D-I Ohio High School State Wrestling Championships.

Alongside this title, he also holds the Guinness World Record for walking on his hands.

Despite his tough upbringing in the foster care system, and facing mental and physical challenges, Zion Clark is still aiming to compete in the Olympics. What makes him truly inspiring is that we can take on these challenges, but he did so with Caudal Regression Syndrome- or having no legs.

Today, he shares:

• His drive and passion for life

• His mindset to persevere

• How he inspires people to escape their limits

View Details

On week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest today is the winner of IDEA World Convention for 2022’s Personal Trainer of the Year.

Dr. Rick Richey co-founded reCOVER, where he helps individuals through treatments that revolve around two dimensions of recovery: restoring your body & rebooting your mind. His team’s purpose is to be personal, intentional, and educated to facilitate a 5-star recovery experience.

He also hosts one of the most popular podcasts- The NASM-CPT Podcast with Rick Richey - where he takes listeners on an informative and engaging journey to help establish a solid foundation in their fitness path.

Today, he shares his thoughts on:

The transformation of personal training over the years, and why virtual training has become a hot commodity
Top tips to help get into a consistent workout routine
And the latest research on the combination of recovery & mental health leading to more fulfilled fitness goals

To learn more about RēCOVER, click here! https://www.recover.nyc/

To listen to The NASM-CPT Podcast with Rick Richey, click here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nasm-cpt-podcast-with-rick-richey/id1475113128

View Details

On this week’s Escape Your Limits Podcast episode, our guest today co-founded a gym which went on to become the 15th largest global fitness club chain with more than 150 clubs. He took this company public on the Saudi Stock Exchange in 2018.

Soon after, Fahad Alhagbani and his family sold the business, and they went on to create a Saudi-based trio of fitness brands. He had a vision for it to be built on a foundation of software and technology. By establishing this new business, Armah Sports, he created an experience that would be unique and ground-breaking on the world stage.

The CEO & co-founder of Armah Sports shares:

The challenges of mixing family with business
How visiting over 100 of the best facilities in the world helped educate him on the do’s & don’ts of fitness
And how he was able to physically embody the company’s branding into his facility

To learn more about Armah Sports, click here! https://armahsports.com/

0:00 Intro

6:19 Business Model's, Value Proposition, Milestone's Within a Business

19:58 Running a Family Business & How to Add People to Your Business

56:49 The Mindset Behind Designing the Best Gym

View Details

The CEO & co-founder of Armah Sports shares:

The challenges of mixing family with business
How visiting over 100 of the best facilities in the world helped educate him on the do’s & don’ts of fitness
And how he was able to physically embody the company’s branding into his facility

To learn more about Armah Sports, click here! https://armahsports.com/

0:00 Intro

6:19 Business Model's, Value Proposition, Milestone's Within a Business

19:58 Running a Family Business & How to Add People to Your Business

56:49 The Mindset Behind Designing the Best Gym

View Details

On this weeks episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we continue interviewing fitness founders and winners from the IDEA® World Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada where both fitness and wellness sectors come together to provide incomparable guidance for all fit-pros at all career stages.

We sat down with:

1). Mental Health Therapist & NASM Strong Mind, Strong Body Podcast Host, Angie Miller

2). The VP of Business Development of FIBR, R.C Hahn, and VP of Brand/Product Development of FIBR, Nelson Spruce

3). And Senior Director of Fitness of YouFit Gyms, Raphael Konforti

Our guests sit down and explain:

Why recovery and diet are the most important factors during any fitness journey
How partnerships can help personal branding expand, especially with personal trainers
And bridging mental health and fitness to build positive emotions

To learn more about the Strong Body Podcast, click here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-mind-strong-body/id1539692297

To learn more about FIBR, click here! https://www.fibr.fit/home/

To learn more about YouFit Gyms, click here! https://www.youfit.com/

0:00 Intro

0:32 Mental Health Therapist & NASM Strong Mind, Strong Body Podcast Host, Angie Miller

27:14 The VP's of Business Development & Branding of FIBR, R.C Hahn, and Nelson Spruce

43:02 Senior Director of Fitness of YouFit Gyms, Raphael Konforti

View Details

On this weeks episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we had the opportunity to attend the IDEA® World Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada where both fitness and wellness sectors come together to provide incomparable guidance for all fit-pros at all career stages.

Within the coming weeks we will be releasing episodes where we interview various fitness founders and winners from the IDEA Convention, so stay tuned to see what’s to come.

We sat down with:

1). The Owner & CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, Amy Thompson

2). And Ideafit’s Emerging Trailblazer Finalist, and Certified NASM Personal Trainer, Maricris Lapaix

Our two guests sit down and explain:

Why social media plays an important role in building your personal brand
How a holistic approach is being more embraced within the fitness community
The new vision for advocacy and compensation within the fitness and recovery realm

To learn more about IDEA Health & Fitness Association, click here! https://www.ideafit.com/

To learn more about Maricris, click here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-e4tM2LZWXZPnbC_ADO89w/featured

0:00 Intro

0:41 Owner & CEO of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, Amy Thompson

23:15 Emerging Trailblazer Finalist, and Certified NASM Personal Trainer, Maricris Lapaix

View Details

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is well known for leveraging evidence-based medicine and cutting-edge science to restore metabolism, balance hormones, and optimize body composition with the end goal of helping others discover lifelong vitality.

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon’s specialty of Muscle Centric Medicine has led her to be featured in Muscle and Fitness, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and Harper’s Bazaar.

In a year, she will be releasing her first book about muscle centric medicine, and she currently has her own podcast where she covers a variety of topics.

On this week’s episode, we cover several themes including:

•Why obesity is the #1 health issue in America, and her views on how to eradicate it

•The positive impact of protein to help with weight loss

•The trade-off between muscle growth and longevity

To listen to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon’s podcast, click here! https://www.youtube.com/c/DrGabrielleLyon/featured

To learn more about Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, click here! https://drgabriellelyon.com/

0:00 Intro

1:24 Muscle Mass

5:24 Fitness Professionals versus Medical Professional in Fitness

14:29 Does Protein Help with Longevity?

48:43 The True Definition of Protein & How Much Someone Should Take

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest today is the founder & CEO of Sweatworks, a global fitness agency that provides digital solutions to a range of clients that include: Nike, Bose, Spartan, Equinox, SoulCycle, Strava, and Samsung. Innovation sits at the heart of the brand and is the key ingredient that attributes to its success.

Back in 2010 Mohammed Iqbal started coding and this was the start of what today we know as Sweatworks. Mo’s ambition is for Sweatworks to be impacting the lives of millions of people and contributing to a fitter, healthier population. Through Sweatworks he wants to make people’s lives better through fitness.

In this week’s episode we discuss his 6-month project which he spent researching the metaverse, blockchains, NFTS, and crypto trying to understand how these concepts can be beneficial for Sweatworks & the fitness industry.

We cover several topics including:

Web 3.0 and what it means for your business
The significance of block chains and what it means for the fitness industry,
What the metaverse is and who’s using it

To learn more about Sweatworks, click here! https://www.sweatworks.com/

0:00 Intro

1:19 Defining Web 3.0: NFTs, Crypto, and Blockchains

12:27 The Decentralization of Finances and Data

21:23 Exploring the Metaverse and its Prominence with Companies

31:15 High Level Fashion in the Metaverse & NFTs

46:20 Virtual Reality in the Fitness Industry

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we have a special guest today who retells the story of one of the most prolific bodybuilders in history, Reg Park, through his own eyes. His son, Jon Jon Park followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming an Olympic athlete and former Mr. South Africa.

Born in Leeds, England, Reg Park became Mr. Universe, and a well-known actor. Apart from his many bodybuilding titles and successful movies, he is best known for being the idol and inspiration for Arnold Schwarzenegger. Reg Park influenced Schwarzenegger from everything including moving to America to his bodybuilding career, and to entering the world of movies.

In this week’s special episode, Jon Jon retells various stories of his father including:

Meeting Joe Weider
How Arnold emulated Reg Park throughout his career
The Reg Park 5x5 program for muscle gains

So please enjoy this special episode of Reg Park through Jon Jon Park’s eyes.

0:00 Intro

11:34: Meeting Joe Weider

20:52 Arnold Schwarzenegger's Story of Following His Idol

48:48 Did Reg Park Take Steroids?

1:18:19 Reg Parks 5x5 Program for Muscle Gains

View Details

On this weeks episode of The Escape Your Limits Podcast, we sit down with an ex- U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268, Dr. Erik Won. He became CTO of Medical at Boeing, a Fortune 50 company, for nearly a decade. Holding an MBA from USC Marshall School of Business and an MPH from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, he has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals.

Currently, Dr. Won is the President & Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, a biotechnology company developing innovative solutions for mental disorders like PTSD. These technologies utilize computational neuroanalytics and brain imaging to customize treatment protocols with the aim of restoring optimal neurological function.

Dr. Won goes into detail about:

Why HRVs are impacting the connection between the brain & heart
How creating a poor sleep pattern can be detrimental to your health
The significant role a brain scan can play to help mental health issues

To learn more about Wave Neuro, click here! https://waveneuro.com/

View Details

On this week's episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast x On the Edge, Emma Barry & Matthew Januszek continue their journey at IHRSA 2022 where they grateful to take part in the inaugural FitTech Club member event. There were over 90 members and special guests in attendance, and they had the opportunity to network and share their innovations at the convergence of health, fitness, and tech.

The FitTech Club is a global community of founders and executives in the areas of fitness, health, wellbeing and technology. With over 50 companies that already joined, they help the members to grow their business faster, together.

They sat down with some of FitTechs biggest innovators, including the founder of The FitTech Company herself, Natalia Karbasova.

In this episode, guests share insights on:

•how the metaverse and connected fitness will be impacting the fitness industry over the next five years

•the views from these venture capitalists about what things they believe are essential to ensure new start-ups succeed

•and how entrepreneurs are utilizing block chains to incentivize people to workout

To learn more about FitTech, click here! https://fittechsummit.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits x On the Edge Podcast, Emma Barry & Matthew Januszek take on IHRSA 2022 in Miami, Florida where they were fortunate to meet with many innovators, suppliers, and many more of the elite in the fitness industry.

Emma Barry is a global fitness authority advising the innovative edge of fit-tech, fit-trends, and fit-talent. Emma is a co-founder of Good Soul Hunting, a Senior Advisor to the FitTech Club for the USA, and a founding member of group fitness giant Les Mills, former Director for luxury-lifestyle brand Equinox, and consultant for the fastest growing value-based fitness chain in Europe - Basic-Fit.

IHRSA 2022 delivered an unparalleled opportunity and venue where exhibitors can reach the widest range of key decision-makers and product-purchasers from many segments of the fitness industry.

At this key event in fitness, the co-hosts sat down with various fitness innovators where they found a collective agreement of feelings of displacement, innovation, collaboration, competition, and change. They also pick up on key topics of recovery, connected fitness, and the metaverses role within the fitness realm.

0:00 Intro

1:03 Dan Mooney & Michael Chandler- Speede Fitness

9:01 Edward Zouroudis- Evolt

12:40 Edward Navan- The Covery Wellness Spa

24:41 Kevin Yates- TRIB3 INTERNATIONAL

34:09 Sean Turner- Les Mills US

42:59 Jeff Halevy- Altis Movement Technologies

53:21 Christa Dellebovi- CLIMBR

56:51 Jeffrey Morin- LITEBOXER

1:00:28 Kaumil Gajrawala- Credit Suisse

1:07:14 Bruce Smith- Hydrow

1:14:15 Matt Wright- The Forth Athletic Club

View Details

On this week’s Escape Your Limits Podcast, Matthew Januszek attended The Summit by BFS at the Westin in New York City, where the best and the brightest in the boutique fitness industry convene. It’s the only conference where the entire boutique fitness gathers in person.

Eli Walker pioneered a new genre of “yoga entertainment” in an otherwise individualist tradition, re-introducing yoga to the masses as an accessible, uplifting social experience. She took her mission to teach kindness and connectivity as vehicles of joy to create the internationally acclaimed company, Drunk Yoga.

On this week’s episode we cover several topics including:

The inspiration behind creating a unique business & why it’s different
Defining what the fourth wall and containers are & why it is essential to break down these barriers in fitness
How the adaptation of COVID lead to a successful business model

To learn more about Drunk Yoga, click here! https://dodrunkyoga.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest today is on Inc.'s Female Founders 100 list and the MO100 Impact list, has been featured on NPR's How I Built This, and speaks regularly on the topics of mindful leadership and the movement to redefine what success in fitness means.

Sadie Lincoln is the co-founder and CEO of barre3, a fitness company focused on teaching people to be balanced in body and empowered from within. Starting in 2008 with the flagship studio in Portland, Oregon, barre3 has grown to include more than 170 franchise studios powered by female entrepreneurs, plus an online-workout streaming-subscriber base in 98+ countries.

In this week’s episode we cover several topics including:

why diversity in the fitness industry helps improve mental health
why women are taking over fitness studios
how zoom creates thousands of dollars in revenue

To learn more about barre3, click here! https://barre3.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest today was hustling hard for fast-growing Saas Software companies. She was soon sidelined by a severe lower back injury that led her searching for workouts that were low impact, yet super effective. This concept led her to find the most underused machine in the gym- the rowing machine.

With this in mind, Helaine Knapp founded CITYROW. CITYROW is now the trusted and only true omnichannel approach to smart fitness. What started as one studio on the 15th floor of an office building in New York City, is now over 11 studios across the country (with over 60 more in development) and a booming digital fitness business.

In this week’s episode Knapp covers several topics including: when a business owner should decide to franchise their business & how to find a partner for it, deciding between creating an app versus creating a brick & mortar business, and how to market a digital fitness business.

To learn more about CITYROW, click here! https://cityrow.com/en-us/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest today, Richard Earney, has over 20 years of international experience within the fitness & wellness industry. Holding National & International club & executive operation roles within North American & European markets, he designed award winning fitness environments and implemented innovative programming experiences throughout Europe, Australasia, and North America.

Earney is currently the Head of Product for the prestigious Midtown Athletic Clubs. Throughout his 8 years there, he led the club through change management, developed a world class team, and implemented innovative programing, technology and education (Midtown U) to improve brand awareness, revenues and retention.

On this week’s episode we cover why mental health is taking over the recovery & wellness aspect of fitness, the number one reason why hiring up within a business leads to success, and the endless possibilities that technology has to positively impact the fitness industry.

To learn more about Midtown Athletic Clubs, click here! https://www.midtown.com/

View Details

On this weeks episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, Escape Fitness continues their journey at Sibec in Coronado, California where Matthew Januszek meets with multiple founders and CEOs of various fitness studios across the United States.

Sibec is an unparalleled way to do business. A key component to a successful business is the ability to develop a network of industry partners – suppliers who can provide products that can serve the best interests of the fitness and fitness club management from throughout the country to be able to network and share best practices. SIBEC creates the platform to foster these relationships--the event combines a forum of one-on-one meetings with great networking activities for the perfect combination to promote business relationships.

He was able to sit down with The Chief Strategy Officer of REGYMEN FITNESS & Co-Founder of The Covery Wellness Spa, Edward Navan, The President, CEO, and Founder of Fitness Project, Bryan Murphy, The Senior Director of Fitness of Fitness Formula Clubs, Jon Baraglia, and The Chief Operating Officer at World Gym International, Jarrod Saracco.

These guests explain why recovery centers are gaining more traction in the fitness industry, why interest in functional training has increased overall, and why social aspects are considered key in joining a gym.

To learn more about REGYMEN FITNESS, click here! https://regymenfitness.com/

To learn more about Fitness Project, click here! https://fitnessproject.us/

To learn more about Fitness Formula Clubs, click here! https://ffc.com/

To learn more about World Gym, click here! https://www.worldgym.com/

0:00 Intro

0:40 Edward Navan - REGYMEN FITNESS

18:55 Jon Baraglia - Fitness Formula Clubs

36:30 Jarrod Saracco - World Gym International

55:04 Bryan Murphy - Fitness Project

View Details

On this weeks episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, Escape Fitness was fortunate enough to attend Sibec in Coronado, California where we interview multiple founders and CEOs of various fitness studios across the United States.

We had the opportunity to interview Joel Tallman, the CEO & Founder of MUV Brands, Jeff Jeran, the Corporate Director of Fitness Services at Valley Health, Peter Jenkins, the Director of Fitness at Blink Fitness, And Robert J Shannon Jr, Global Event Director of Sibec Events,

These guests were able to share their desires to keep on expanding their fitness facilities through consumer research, why having an amazing team of employees contributes to the retention of memberships, and how affordability plays an essential role for returning customers.

To learn more about MUV Brands & Fitness, click here! https://www.muvfitness.com/

To learn more about Valley Health, click here! https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/

To learn more about Blink Fitness, click here! https://www.blinkfitness.com/

To learn more about Sibec, click here! https://www.sibecna.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, Emma Barry & Matthew Januszek continue their interviews with various founders, CEOs, and much more of boutique fitness studios at The Summit hosted by Boutique Fitness Solutions.

The Summit by BFS was created to bring like-minded individuals together to find solutions for their businesses, and to learn and create a better business for their consumers. Boutique Fitness Solutions is a peer-to-peer network & business education provider that guides, connects and empowers boutique fitness owners. BFS’ aim is to educate, connect and support boutique fitness business owners to enable them to grow profitable businesses that serve the evolving needs of their clients.

The On the Edge co-hosts speak to the director of marketing of FitCo, Kay Brawn, CEO & founder of Harlem Cycle, Tammecca Rochester, the CEO of THE DRIPBaR, Ben Crosbie, and CEO & co-founder of B/SPOKE Studios, Mark Partin.

Each of these guests covers topics including how they plan on expanding their businesses across the US, why technology is important in moving forward in boutique studios, and the heavy influence that an instructor has on their clients.

To learn more about FitCo, click here! https://www.fitcolatam.com/?utm_campaign=Consideraci%C3%B3n&utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=bio

To learn more about Harlem Cycle, click here! https://harlem-cycle.com/

To learn more about THE DRIPBaR, click here! https://thedripbar.com/

To learn more about B/SPOKE Studios, click here! https://bspokestudios.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, Emma Barry & Matthew Januszek continue their journey at The Summit hosted by Boutique Fitness Solutions where they interview various founders, CEOs, and much more of boutique fitness studios.

The Summit by BFS was created to bring like minded individuals together to find solutions for their businesses, and to learn and create a better business for their consumers. Boutique Fitness Solutions is a peer-to-peer network & business education provider that guides, connects and empowers boutique fitness owners. BFS’ aim is to educate, connect and support boutique fitness business owners to enable them to grow profitable businesses that serve the evolving needs of their clients.

The On the Edge co-hosts speak to the founder of Fhitting Room, Kari Saitowitz, April Berg the co-founder of the Aruna Project, the owner of Nomad Business Coaching, Josh Biro, Leizanne Ting, head coach from CrushCamp, co-owner Marci Resnick from inMotion Fitness & Wellness and studio manager Karin Walsh.

Our guests cover topics including the importance of building a business around the consumer, why collaborating with others in the fitness industry is a strength, and highlighting the significance of incorporating technology into the fitness world

Stay tuned for next week’s episode for Part 2 as Emma Barry & Matthew Januszek continue to interview these innovative individuals.

To learn more about Fhitting Room, click here! https://www.fhittingroom.com/

To learn more about The Aruna Project, click here! https://arunaproject.com/

To learn more about Nomad Business Coaching, click here! https://joshbiro.com/

To learn more about CrushCamp, click here! https://www.crushcamp.com/

To learn more about inMotion Fitness & Wellness, click here! https://www.inmotionfw.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we present to you the second episode of the On The Edge Podcast where Emma Barry & Matthew Januszek interview co-founders of Boutique Fitness Solutions, Julian Barnes & NT Etuk. The Boutique Fitness Solutions, a peer-to-peer network & business education provider that guides, connects and empowers boutique fitness owners. BFS’ aim is to educate, connect and support boutique fitness business owners to enable them to grow profitable businesses that serve the evolving needs of their clients.

Escape Fitness, was invited to The Summit by BFS, and there Emma Barry & Matthew Januszek were able to find out BFS’ top 5 business principles that they’ve identified to be successful, some of the biggest takeaways of the data within the fitness industry, and why many female CEOS are optimistic about the future of the fitness industry.

To find out more about BFS, click here! https://boutiquefitnesssolutions.com/

View Details

On this week’s Escape Your Limits Podcast, we got to sit down with the founder & GM of the Nike+ Lab and the Nike+ Accelerator who oversaw business development and partnerships, has spent nearly two decades building and scaling companies in sport, fitness and wellness- Brian Kirkbride. He is the co-founder and co-CEO of FitLab, the first fitness platform to connect every aspect of fitness lifestyle, from training to equipment to nutrition to clothing. The brands seen in FitLab Electric, Ragnar, Fitplan, McGregor FAST & XPT Life.

Brian clarifies how there needs to be a reinvention of the old business model into a tech-centric model while also describing what it takes to be successful in an integrated experiential fitness & retail model, and why brand partnerships are vital to global expansion within the business realm.

To learn more about FitLab visit here! https://www.fitlab.com

View Details

On this week’s Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest today is known as the “daddy of data-“ David Minton. He has been collecting and analyzing data from the fitness sector for the past two decades and reporting it to the public. He is also the founder of The Leisure Database company which is a leading independent specialist in the leisure sector, providing key market intelligence and analysis across the fitness industry in the form of an annual state of the industry report,

Due to the pandemic the last State of the Industry Report was conducted in 2019 so there is an eager anticipation surrounding the 2022 report which is due for public release this May.

Minton explains how the government has been unable to report on accurate data about the fitness industry due to inaccurate collection because of the pandemic which caused a struggle for facilities stay open. He also enlightens us on an untapped fitness opportunity with the older generation revolving around healthy movement, and the evolution of the definition of what a “low cost” gym is.

To learn more about The Lesiure Database, click here: https://www.leisuredb.com/

View Details

On this weeks episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, Matthew Januszek & Emma Barry interview the first female CEO of IHRSA in its 40-year history, Liz Clark, at the Connected Health & Fitness Summit.

Formerly a candy industry specialist, she previously lobbied government relations and advocacy at the National Confectioners Association (NCA). Serving as the industry’s voice in DC since 2011, Clark successfully lobbied to have confection manufacturing deemed “essential” during the pandemic.

A striking contrast from the candy industry, Clark set her eyes on fitness. Transitioning her talents from one industry to another, she is advocating to making a change on Capitol Hill for higher awareness of fitness and the power of movement, nationwide.

Clark highlights her first 100 days as CEO, her plans to evolve IHRSA, what role politics plays in fitness, and the importance of advocation for health representatives in Capitol Hill.

To find out more about IHRSA, click here: https://www.ihrsa.org/

View Details

On this weeks episode of the Escape Your Limits, we interview an ex investment banker turned fitness entrepreneur, Simi Williams.

She served different roles over 5 years within Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, spanning across equity capital markets and asset management. She then worked as an Investment Professional at Helios Investment Partners, Africa’s largest private equity fund.

Desiring a change of her finance lifestyle, she wanted to pursue a career that allowed her to enjoy life while she loved what she was doing. In 2019, she founded BEYOND fitness, Africa’s first boutique fitness studio and digital platform. An entrepreneur keen to shake up the underserved African fitness industry, she focused on creating an impact in wellness, finance, technology, and inclusion spaces.

Williams gives insight into the current state of Nigeria, and why growing a business is harder now than ever, what lessons she learned from her finance background that led to her success in fitness, and how she was able to be a successful entrepreneur while handling motherhood.

To learn more about BEYOND Fitness click here: https://www.beyondng.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we bring to you a new series with co-hosts Emma Barry and Matthew Januszek called the On the Edge Podcast. In this new series Matthew and Emma touch on a variety of topics that tie fitness into tech, fashion, etc. This week, the pair were invited to the Connected Health & Fitness Summit where they interviewed not one, not two, but five guests that each give their thoughts on the current state of the health industry and where they see it progressing in the future. These exclusive interviews cover a variety of topics including technology, business strategy and growth, the incorporation of science into fitness, health & well-being, and so on.

The Connected Health & Fitness Summit asks the question of how the new type of consumer chooses to engage with fitness tech companies and gyms alike will determine the future successes, and failures, of these interconnected industries.

Against this backdrop, in the past 18 months there has been a flood of investment into Fitness Tech; whether this be in the form of smart-fitness devices, fitness videos and tutorials, connected at-home fitness, or daily trackers and wearables.

To learn more about the Summit click here: https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit

View Details

This week, the pair were invited to the Connected Health & Fitness Summit where they interviewed not one, not two, but five guests that each give their thoughts on the current state of the health industry and where they see it progressing in the future. These exclusive interviews cover a variety of topics including technology, business strategy and growth, the incorporation of science into fitness, health & well-being, and so on.

To learn more about the Summit click here: https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we interview the managing director of 70 plus JD Gyms nationwide, Alun Peacock.

A former professional rugby union player turned health club operator, he blazed his way through the fitness industry by working for JJB Health Clubs. Peacock was with the business from their outset, joining in 1997 to manage the first JJB club and leaving the business in 2010 as operations director, looking after 68 sites.

By having the large backing of retail megabrand JD Sports, JD Gyms was able to execute their success by focusing on their consumers wants and needs. By revolutionizing affordable fitness with fair pricing and a sensational training environment, the success of JD Gyms is seen throughout their multiple locations.

He puts his input on why the fitness retail industry doesn’t dive into opening fitness clubs, what role social media played in designing JD Gyms, and the innovation behind creating a successful business in the fitness industry.

To learn more about JD Gyms, click here: https://www.jdgyms.co.uk/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we interview Neal Spruce, the CEO of dotFIT, and the former owner of the prestigious National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Growing up, Spruce was surrounded by fitness and turned his lifelong passion into his career. When owning the National Academy of Sports Medicine, he revolutionized the business by turning it into the global leader in providing evidence-based certifications, fitness solutions, and advanced credentials to health, sports- performance, and fitness professionals.

He moved on to wanting to help people find holistic solutions tin their fitness journey’s and created dotFIT, which focuses on filling nutritional gaps and providing evidence-based programs.

Spruce focuses on informing people how to fulfill their nutritional gaps, the differentiation between health span, life span, and play span, and growing a business in what one is passionate about.

Learn more about dotFIT here: https://www.dotfit.com/

Learn more about Fibr here: https://www.fibr.fit/home/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we interview Joe De Sena, the creator of one of the most mentally challenging races to exist, the Spartan Race.

Being raised around the mob during his formative years, De Sena took the lessons he learned and applied it to his life. In doing so, he created an entrepreneurial career for himself which led him to Wall Street, and soon to the fresh air of Vermont.

There, he was able to explore his passions- which include mentally and physically challenging the human race- and soon birthed the Spartan and Death Race.

De Sena explains his views on failure, career switching, and looking past fears and obstacles.

Learn more about Joe De Sena here: https://joedesena.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we interview the “Godfather of Glutes,” and the man who created the viral glute workout-the hip thrust- Bret Contreras. Wanting to understand the functionalities of the body more with certain workouts, Bret published over 50 peer reviewed articles that discussed his findings from everything between the effects crunches to doing higher reps with lower weights.

Contreras dives into the anatomy of the glutes, and the best way to train them. He also gives insight into building your muscles, and what some of the best practices are to see growth.

Due to his in-depth knowledge of the glutes, he has become known as the “glute guy,” and has trained hundreds of clients and transforming their bodies.

Learn more about Bret Contreras at: https://bretcontreras.com/

View Details

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we interview co-owner and president of one of the most transparent companies in the supplement industry, Mike McErlane. After starting his career for working with Joe Weider during the time where the fitness industry was transitioning from an all-men’s industry to being inclusive, Mike met Jim Stoppani. Together, these two men transformed the supplement industry, and uncovered may truths through science.

T]his combination of science and truth set up Jym Supplements to be one of the most prolific and honest companies in the industry.

Learn more about Jym Supplements at http://jymsupplementscience.com/

View Details

Dr. John Rusin is a sports performance specialist and injury prevention expert that has coached some of the world’s most elite athletes including multiple Olympic gold medalists, NFL & MLB All-Star performers, and professional athletes from 11 different sports.

In this interview, we focus on functional hypertrophy training for injury prevention and much more.

Learn more about Dr. John Rusin: https://drjohnrusin.com

View Details

On episode #226 of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we interview Elite Master Trainer, Danny Torgl, who has been transforming bodies for more than 40 years, earning him recognition as the ‘Master of Body Sculpting’.

Danny has been schooled by the best in the business. After a childhood growing up on a farm in Spain, where Danny was inspired by the muscular arms of his leather shoe maker uncle, he moved to The States and started bodybuilding. It was here that he was introduced to Vince Gironda, the ‘Iron Guru’.

This introduction changed Danny’s life and set him on a path that would establish him as one of America’s highest profile personal trainers.

View Details

On this week's Escape Your Limits podcast, we talk to Drew Manning, a well-known health and fitness expert, personal trainer and best-selling author of Fit2Fat2Fit.

In his book, Drew documents his purposeful weight gain and weight loss experiment in order to achieve better understanding and empathy with those that struggle to make a healthy lifestyle a habit.

Tune-in to learn about the physical, mental and emotional impact the experiment had on Drew and those around him, and hear about the unexpected life lessons and tried and tested training methods he learnt along the way.

View Details

On this week's Escape Your Limits podcast, we talk to Partha Unnava, founder and CEO of Lasso, a new wave of performance compression activewear to improve movement and recovery.

After becoming frustrated with his own rehabilitation path following an ankle injury playing basketball, Partha used his biomechanical engineering background and set out on a mission to bring to market products that changed what apparel could do for the body and its movement.

He is a successful and passionate entrepreneur who values authenticity, the importance of resonating with your community, leaning into your own uniqueness and unplugging from money to find fulfilment.

Tune in now.

View Details

Oliver Trevena is a Hollywood actor, investor, and serial entrepreneur whose passion has been a key component to his incredible success. His passion for health and wellness inspired a number of business ventures, including a new drink company called Cali Water, which he founded with Vanessa Hudgens. He also has investments in the cardio fitness machine Climbr and the exclusive personal training club Dogpound.

Throughout our interview, we dive into some fascinating subjects including:

• The healing power of breathwork and awareness

• Why you need to surround yourself with honest people

• How persistence pays off

• And the 3 P’s to success: People, Product and Process

Tune-in now!

View Details

To close out what has been an amazing year, we are going to dive into some of the most popular podcast episodes of 2021.

But first, we want to thank our loyal community of listeners, everyone who has watched on YouTube, commented, engaged with an episode, or shared their favorite segments.

The Escape Your Limits podcast was created to deliver on-demand, inspirational, valuable content to our audience. Each week, we connect with industry thought leaders on an ever-widening array of offerings on every topic imaginable.

There were even episodes that told true stories you couldn’t dream up if you tried. Given the wealth of options, it’s likely you missed a binge-worthy episode or two, even if you’re an avid listener or watcher.

Over the past year, the Escape Your Limits podcast has grown extensively, with episodes being downloaded, listened to, and watched hundreds of thousands of times by people from all over the world.

As you can imagine, it was hard to narrow down 10 outliers from the 52 episodes that we produced. Deciding which ones made the cut wasn’t easy. When looking at our top-performing episodes of the year, a lot stood out. We chose these podcast guests and subject matter experts because they pushed the form, hit on several broad perspectives, helped to process the world around us, resonated with our audience, and have shaped the vision for what it truly means to Escape Your Limits.

So, without further ado, here are 10 notable episodes that debuted in 2021 that we can’t stop talking about – each one is worth checking out.

Tune-in now!

View Details

Joseph McClendon III is a neuropsychologist, best-selling author, performance coach to celebrities, and lead speaker for Tony Robbins programs.

As a global leader, his tools and techniques have given millions of people around the world the competitive advantage to lead their best lives.

He literally radiates with positive energy and wisdom, and his remarkable influence continues to set the standard when it comes to achieving your wildest dreams.

If you want to reframe your perspective to live a magnificent life, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

Tune-in now!

Learn more about Joseph McClendon III: https://www.josephmcclendon.com/home

Follow him on Instagram: @iamjosephmcclendon

View Details

Ultra endurance athlete James Lawrence aka the "Iron Cowboy," has truly escaped the limits of human performance and endurance, both physically and mentally. He has broken multiple Guinness World Records and achieved what was once believed to be impossible by completing 100 triathlons in 100 days with "Conquer 100" to raise $250,000 for charity.

The incredible feat required strength, community, family support, and escaping his limits. Check out the Iron Cowboy's fascinating interview with our host Matthew Januszek.

Learn more about James Lawrence: https://www.ironcowboy.com/

View Details

Dr. Edythe Heus is a sports medicine and movement expert who developed Revolution in Motion. She is a renowned doctor whose groundbreaking balance, fascia, and proprioceptive training methods have radically optimized the athletic performance of professional and Olympic athletes.

At the intersection of physical and cognitive function, she invites you to explore the body’s interconnectedness and to challenge what’s possible.

During our interview, we discuss:

• How to injury-proof your body

• What it means to be in a “flow state"

• Ways to supercharge your core strength

• The link between healthy feet and a healthy brain

Learn more about about Dr. Edythe Heus: https://revinmo.com/dr-edythe-heus/

Tune-in now!

View Details

Alwyn Cosgrove is a best-selling author, speaker, 2x cancer survivor, and the owner of Results Fitness. He is also a member of the Nike Performance Council.

His gym was named one of the top 10 gyms in America by Men's Health magazine.

Joining us this week is also out co-host Pete Holman. He is an entrepreneur, inventor, product developer, and trainer who is a subject matter expert on the evolution of strength training and the farm strong movement.

Throughout this interview, we discuss these training philosophies as well as:

The reason strength training is both a competitive advantage and life advantage
Why good trainers design workouts and great trainers design programs
Heart rate variability
And the mistakes people make when it comes to bodyweight training

Tune-in now!

View Details

Superheroes aren't born, they're made. As you can imagine, making a superhero takes a hell of a lot of consistent, ass-kicking hard work.

New York-based trainer Don Saladino is one of the most sought-after celebrity trainers in the industry when it comes to getting Hollywood's finest insanely fit.

He's had his hand in more big screen role preps than just about anyone and is responsible for some of the most impressive—and unrecognizable—transformations. It’s not just all about lifting heavy weights and getting jacked.

For Saladino, it's about balance and consistency, both physical and mental. Getting actors into butt-kicking superhero shape deserves an Oscar in itself.

His star-studded clientele includes Ryan Reynolds, Scarlett Johansson, and Hugh Jackman.

In this interview, Saladino sits down with host Matthew Januszek to discuss:

• Why his #1 goal when training high-profile clients is physical and mental resiliency

• Invaluable lessons he’s learned from enduring business hardships

• Why nutrition is the most understood area of fitness

You’ll even get a behind-the-scenes tour of his gym!

Tune-in now.

Follow Don on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donsaladino/

Check out his website: https://donsaladino.com/

View Details

Mike Rashid is a business mogul, professional boxer, social media influencer, and serial entrepreneur who built a fitness empire from the ground up.

According to Mike, there's no limit (besides yourself) to what you can achieve. If you're interested in achieving entrepreneurial success, this episode is for you.

It covers everything from working with Mike Tyson, investing, his $1 million offer to fight Jake Paul, productivity hacks, mindset, taking psychedelics to boost focus and creativity, cryptocurrency, the rise of boutique boxing, and much more.

You don't want to miss this one. Tune-in now!

View Details

Do you know what leads one person to achieve success in life over another? What are the ingredients for unreasonable success and how is it achieved?

Our guest this week, Mr. Richard Koch, joins us to explain. Successful people typically don’t plan their success. Instead they develop a unique philosophy or attitude that works for them. They stumble across strategies which are shortcuts to success, and latch onto them. Events hand them opportunities they could not have anticipated.

Often their peers with equal or greater talent fail while they succeed. It is too easy to attribute success to inherent, unstoppable genius. Bestselling author and serial entrepreneur Richard Koch charts a map of success, identifying the nine key attitudes and strategies can propel anyone to new heights of accomplishment.

Richard is a former management consultant, entrepreneur, and writer of several books on how to apply the Pareto principle (80/20 rule) in all walks of life. Richard has also used his concepts to make a fortune from several private equity investments made personally. Richard’s investments have included Filofax, Plymouth Gin, the Great Little Trading Company and Betfair.

Learn more about Richard: https://richardkoch.net/

View Details

Legendary bodybuilder Tony Pearson AKA the "Michael Jackson" of bodybuilding is a 9x world champion winning Mr. America, Professional Mr. Universe, and World Mixed Pairs.

Throughout his life, he has faced impossible challenges — rising above poverty, abuse, and neglect to achieve incredible success. Tony's story is an inspiration to say the least.

At 63-years-old, he won the AAU Master's Mr. Universe. Today, he is a personal trainer in Las Vegas.

Check out his website: https://www.tonypearsonpersonaltrainer.com/

View Details

To say that the pandemic has impacted traditional gyms and the way people train would be an understatement. In-person training, group fitness, and big-box memberships aren't going to disappear but the adjustments that have been made during the pandemic are here to stay.

In our interview with Fitness First's Managing Director, Lee Matthews, he explains how traditional gyms like Fitness First are redefining and reengineering what it means to go to the gym.

Throughout our interview, we cover:

• Ways the boutique concept has evolved during the pandemic
• The big changes happening to traditional gyms
• How to successfully lead your team through crisis
• Why you need to reconfigure your gym’s layout and equipment to cater to the needs of shifting member expectations

Learn more about Fitness First: https://www.fitnessfirst.co.uk/

View Details

Do you know how to push yourself beyond your comfort zone and accomplish the things that matter to you? How do you eliminate self doubt and learn to love yourself?

In this interview, celebrity fitness trainer, Dolvett Quince, reveals some of the reasons and unconscious patterns that cause us to self-sabotage and explains what we can do to change them.

He encourages us to believe in ourselves to achieve freedom from self-doubt. According to Dolvett, "You're not going to be better until you start to challenge yourself to be better."

Dolvett is a most recognized for his seven seasons as a fitness trainer on the longtime hit TV show “The Biggest Loser.” He is also a NYT Bestselling Author and keynote speaker.

View Details

Did you know that you're constantly losing weight 24 hours a day just by breathing?

Most people think that body fat is converted into energy or heat. But this belief violates the law of conservation of mass, according to physicist Ruben Meerman.

His findings on this topic were published in the British Medical Journal and his TEDx Talk has received more than 10 million views. Ruben's fascination with breathing, carbon dioxide, and weight loss stems from the personal experience of losing 30 pounds and then wondering where all the fat had gone.

What his calculations revealed was surprising. In fact, fat breaks down into the elements of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen - 84% of the fat people lose is exhaled as CO₂ and the remaining 16% becomes water.

Basically, the lungs are the primary organ through which we lose weight.

In this fascinating interview, Ruben breaks down the biochemistry of weight loss.

View Details

Chris “Kiwi” Ashenden is the founder of Athletic Greens, a health and fitness expert, entrepreneur, and investor.

What began as a bold vision to create an essentialist nutrition product has become a multi-million-dollar company that is trusted by world-class performance athletes and everyday consumers around the world.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• His wellness journey and battle with sickness that led to the creation of Athletic Greens

• 4 pillars of health and happiness

• Entrepreneurship, habit stacking, and taking ownership of your life

• Building a healthy gut for optimum performance

Athletic Greens is a comprehensive, all-in-one greens powder engineered to fill the nutritional gaps in your diet and support your body’s nutritional needs across four pillars of health: Gut health, Immune support, Energy and Recovery! It’s packed with 75 vitamins minerals, whole food ingredients and combines the perfect amount of micronutrients, absorption and taste to jumpstart your daily routine.

Learn more: https://athleticgreens.com/

View Details

How do everyday people unleash their inner athlete?

Michael Piercy is a former pro baseball player, founder and owner of The Lab Sports, and IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year.

His specialty is identifying and developing the talent of elite and everyday athletes.

For Michael, successful high-performance coaching is about so much more than just balancing the win-loss record. It’s about people becoming the best version of themselves.

In our interview, we dive into:

• The importance of ongoing personal development

• Why consistent rituals and habits are the keys to success

• What everyday athletes should look for in a coach

• And much more

Tune-in now!

View Details

When it comes to mental health, a holistic approach considers how a person’s well-being is affected by their physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual condition.

Greg Schmaus is a highly recognized Paul Chek practitioner, the CEO of Healing 4D, and the creator of “Healing the Mind,” a 21-day holistic program.

His fully integrated approach is dedicated to helping people hit the reset button to make mental and physical health an urgent priority. A holistic approach to mental health treats considers all these elements as pieces of a larger puzzle that must be individually addressed to achieve healing, which is something that traditional medicine doesn’t always do.

The pandemic has pushed mental health to a breaking point, and Greg offers some simple ways to improve peoples' mental health (anxiety, depression, and stress).

In our interview, we discuss:

• The mental health risks of social media

• Why you need to clean up your diet, get proper exercise, and develop healthy rest and recovery habits

• Addressing your core addictions to enhance both psychological and physical healing

• And the simple things you can do to feel better every day

Learn more about Greg Schmaus and Healing 4D: https://www.healing4d.com/about/

View Details

Why do most weight loss diets fail? Why are you not losing weight? This week, we’re speaking with Amanda Nighbert, a registered dietician and creator of the LEAN program who specializes in weight loss nutrition.

She is a renegade in her field who has spent the last two decades helping more than 34,000 people take control of their health.

Chances are, you could be sabotaging your weight loss journey without even realizing it. In our interview, she reveals why most diets fail and the simple strategies you can implement to permanently lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Breaking the ‘all or nothing’ mindset

• How to achieve fasting success

• Why you should never mix alcohol with food

• The reason you need to stop fearing carbs

• Why sleep is the #1 thing that matters for weight loss

Amanda is passionate about motivating, supporting and educating people to meet their wellness goals. She promotes a balanced and realistic lifestyle, and focuses on teaching others on how to ditch the “all or nothing” mentality.

Learn more about Amanda and the LEAN program: https://amandanighbert.com/

View Details

What does McDonald’s have to do with gyms and how is Hussle getting the other 90% interested in fitness?

Hussle, the UK’s largest fitness network, recently partnered with McDonald’s to offer a fitness-based prize as part of its annual McDonald’s Monopoly game, which is played by more than seven million consumers nationwide.

The deal will give McDonald’s customers the chance to win access to any of Hussle’s 2000+ partner health clubs and leisure centres. At first glance, it may seem like a paradox but Hussle believes the collaboration is a great way to reach more people and help them become more active, more often.

Throughout this interview with Hussle CEO Jamie Ward, we discuss the McDonald’s partnership as well as:

• How to raise money for a fit-tech startup

• Advantages of working in the fitness marketplace

• Why gyms have a marketing problem

• The comparison between ClassPass and Hussle

• How to get a better return on your gym’s digital marketing efforts

View Details

Natalia Karbasova is the CEO of the FitTech Company and Founder of the FitTech Summit, the leading conference in Europe devoted to fitness technology and the future of wellbeing and healthy lifestyle.

Throughout our interview, she illustrates where technology is taking the fitness industry. Right now, health is the largest market in the world. And Silicon Valley now wants its piece of the action. In the race for gym members and subscribers, the fitness industry has been given a head start.

But Big Tech is catching up really fast – forcing brands to reimagine the gym experience or become obsolete. Big Tech’s move into fitness was always going to happen, pandemic or not.

But what does that mean for the traditional fitness industry? How will fit-tech influence gyms in the years to come? In this insightful talk, she shares her view about what the future holds.

View Details

Our guest this week predicts the future for a living.

Not peer into a crystal ball kind of future predicting. His role as a forecaster in the real world is concerned with future certainty. Prof. Dr. Carl Rohde looks at how hidden trends in the present signal direction changes for society, brands, and the world at large.

He doesn't tell us how we should think about the future; instead he lays out his own predictions.

What will delight your customers in six months, a year, two decades? What eco trends will influence the fitness industry? How will technology and A.I. shift ever-changing consumer expectations?

If you're eager to see into the future, check out this interview with Prof. Dr. Carl Rohde.

Prof. Dr. Carl Rohde is a cultural sociologist, a professor of Future Forecasting, Trend Watching and Innovation, and the founder of Science of the Time.

He conducts the biggest trend research, the Cool City Hunt project, with 47 universities and about 10,000 students worldwide. Together they construct local and global validated trends for brands such as Adidas, Bacardi, BMW, Canon, Coca Cola, Footlocker, Heineken, Levi's, Microsoft, Sony.

Learn more about the Science of the Time: https://scienceofthetime.com/

View Details

Kory Angelin has over 25 years experience in the fitness and business industries. He is an award-winning fitness expert, sales strategist, two-time published author, speaker, and podcast host of Rep It Up.

He has helped to elevate some of the biggest fitness companies in the world teaching brand experience and is the author of "#Sellout: How a Great Experience Can Help You #SELLOUT of Your Product."

In this interview, we cover:

• Should fitness studios still have sales staff?

• If you don’t have passion for your brand, you won’t sell a membership.

• You need to provide great member experiences and journeys.

• The key to operating a great studio is understanding your sales cycle.

• Why delivering an unbelievable onboarding experience is key to growth.

• What makes a great gym experience? • The difference between big box gyms and boutique studios.

• Digital marketing strategies your gym needs to be using.

• How often should fitness brands be shopping their competition?

•Why buyer personas matter and how they can help increase gym memberships.

• How to generate more business leads on social media.

Currently, Kory stands at the forefront of Volofit, a new HIIT fitness concept by Tough Mudder Bootcamp that is designed to challenge individuals through four areas of fitness, endurance, strength, power and agility.

Kory was featured in the Top 20 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2020 by The Chicago Journal and Top 20 Influential People of 2020 by New York Wire. He has worked with some of the top fitness brands in the world, including his current role with F45 and previously Lifetime Fitness, Equinox, and Les Mills.

View Details

Chris Voss is the former #1 Lead International Kidnapping Negotiator for the FBI.

He is the author of the bestselling book "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended on It," and the CEO of Black Swan Group.

He spent 24 years with the FBI and was the FBI’s hostage negotiation representative for the National Security Council’s Hostage Working Group.

His many years of experience in international crisis and high-stakes negotiations helped him to develop a unique program and team that applies these globally proven techniques to the business world.

Chris Voss was trained in the art of negotiation by not only the FBI but Scotland Yard and Harvard Law School.

His mission used to be to save people's lives. Today, his mission is to help people change their lives.

Tune in to this illuminating conversation as we discuss:

How to negotiate with a customer you can't afford to lose.
The two most critical skills to become a master negotiator.
What people tell you is really only 7% of what’s going on.
In a negative mindset, you're not as smart as when you're thinking positive.
How your personality type affects your negotiation style.
The power of being genuinely curious.
Why bargaining should be your last move in a negotiation.
Trust based influence vs. manipulation.
How can you tell if someone is lying?
The deal killer in the room is often as important as the decision maker.
What is tactical empathy and how can you use it to negotiate?
Why you're in so much trouble if somebody looks at you and says, “You're right.”

View Details

On this week's Escape Your Limits podcast, we interview Pete Moore, the founder of Integrity Square, which is the leading boutique financial advisory firm for the Health, Active Lifestyle, and Outdoor, or HALO, sector.

He is also an author, former investment banker, and co-founder of IRON Planet, a notable B2B auction site for used equipment that sold for $758 million.

For anyone interested in investing in the HALO sector, our guest this week is the go-to authority.

Episode Highlights.

Why he believes the bricks and mortar gym experience is here to stay.
Things people typically get wrong when investing.
How to turn your frustrations into a billion dollar business.
What private investors are looking for before investing in fitness startups.
Top 3 investment opportunities within the HALO sector right now.
Why health club operators need to stop competing on price.
Is recovery programming the next big thing in fitness?
How brands like Peloton have shaped what investors are looking for.
The do’s and don’ts within the HALO sector.

View Details

Gold's Gym first opened in 1965. At that time, there were only three gyms in the Southern California and Los Angeles area.

It became the mecca for bodybuilding. Today, there are more than 700+ Gold's Gym locations in 28 countries.

Our guest this week is Angel Banos, the President and CEO of Gold's Gym SoCal. From the very beginning, Gold's Gym was built on community — something that remains true to this day.

In our interview, we discuss:

• What the $100m acquisition of Gold’s Gym means for the franchise’s future.

• How Gold’s Gym's President put pressure on local government during the pandemic.

• The #1 business secret that's revolutionizing the Gold's Gym franchise.

• How Angel Banos uses goal setting to manifest success.

And much more!

View Details

On this week's episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we interview Shari Castelli, the Director of Industry Development at ClassPass.

ClassPass is a monthly fitness membership that connects members to thousands of fitness studios and gyms in 2,500 cities across the globe.

In its latest Series E round, the startup raised $285 million putting the company's valuation at over $1 billion.

So, what makes the ClassPass business model so successful? Tune in and find out.

View Details

Our guest this week is Rod Hill, the President of énergie Fitness Europe.

He’s an expert at navigating the ups and downs of international expansion and recently signed a master franchise agreement to develop 75 clubs in Spain over the next 10 years.

In our interview, we explore the influence of European gym design and what the rest of the world can learn from this emerging market, why you need to invest capital back into your trainers, and how your franchise could be missing the mark if you turn your back on Baby Boomers.

More Episode Highlights:

Navigating the ups and downs of international expansion.

How you could be missing the mark by turning your back on the largest and most affluent demographic.

The merging of fitness and wellness.

How changing market dynamics offer franchises new opportunities.

Want to be successful? You have to be authentic.

Ways in which the boutique space will continue to grow.

How brick and mortar gyms are integrating hybrid fitness models.

View Details

In 1976, Joe Gold founded World Gym International during the heyday of Muscle Beach in Venice Beach, California.

World Gym is where iron men like Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno worked out on the regular.

This week, we interview Jarrod Saracco, World Gym's COO. He is a 25-year veteran of the health and fitness industry with experience at every level of club operations.

We discuss:

• The history of World Gym

• What he anticipates the future of World Gym will look like

• Key essentials for running a successful gym or club

• What to know about gym equipment before you stock your gym

• Why gym design and member experience are more important than you think

World's Gym owners are projecting that the brand will grow to 500 locations by 2023.

View Details

Our guest this week is Troy Casey, a former Versace model turned Certified Health Nut.

His intriguing, unconventional approaches to biohacking the body and mind have earned him the reputation of a leading longevity authority.

He has helped millions of people restore their physical, mental, and emotional balance with holistic health practices.

In our interview, we discuss: How to get and stay ripped at any age, the purpose and meaning of legacy, why you should meditate and get more sleep, the art of sexual kung fu, and how working with indigenous tribes in the Amazon and participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies have awakened his consciousness.

View Details

Eric Fleishman aka "Eric the Trainer" is the go-to guy in Hollywood when it comes to burning fat and building lean muscle.

In our interview, this sought-after personal trainer shares his secrets to getting celebrities and musicians insanely fit for film roles and world tours.

Eric the Trainer can help you create the body of your dreams in just a matter of weeks. No fads, trends, or gimmicks — just unbelievably quick results.

Learn all about the four body archetypes, workouts and diets that get his clients ripped, why recovery and good sleep are important to accelerate body transformations, and what it's really like working with A-listers.

View Details

Dr. Stephanie Estima is an expert on metabolism, hormones, and body composition.

Using her framework, The ESTIMA Method™, she is particularly focused on distilling strategies in nutritional proxies, movement, posture, and mindset to actualize human potential, health span, longevity and achievement.

She is also the host of the podcast Better! With Dr. Stephanie and author of the best-selling book: The Betty Body, which offers a blueprint for readers to discover their best feminine health.

In this episode, we dive into the benefits of a supercharged sex life, the differences between men and women when it comes to testosterone and weight loss, the science behind the female menstrual cycle, and why keto diets boost brain health.

View Details

Are you looking for real secrets for success as an entrepreneur? This week's Escape Your Limits podcast episode featuring Snap Fitness founder Peter Taunton reveals his winning formula for dominating domestic and international franchising and expansion.

Peter went from owning a single gym to accumulating a net worth of over $100 million.

This entrepreneur got his big break after turning around a failing health club only to go on and found one of the largest wellness brands in the world, with over 6,000 franchises across 3 brands in 28 countries, including 9Round, Farrell’s, YogaFit, STEELE Fitness, and Fitness On Demand.

If you’re wondering how to become a successful business owner, Peter reveals how to develop a winning business model and mindset, why you need to plan ahead and have an exit strategy, and what he learned from a costly $40 million mistake.

View Details

In today’s episode, we reconnect with Frank Zane, 3x Mr. Olympia and one of the most admired and influential bodybuilders of all time.

He’s also one of our most popular podcast guests. Wondering how you can build a stunning physique like Frank Zane?

Well, this 3x Mr. Olympia legend is keen on sharing his wealth of wisdom and expertise.

During our interview, we discuss his cutting-edge training techniques, diet and nutrition insights, recovery, his commitment to excellence, and even answer some of his fans’ most pressing questions.

If you’re aspiring to achieve a Frank Zane body… here’s how he got it.

View Details

How do you know if you're getting enough sleep? How much sleep do you really need? Is your sleep not what it used to be? Do you wake up at 3 a.m. and struggle to fall back asleep? Are you feeling sleep-deprived no matter how many hours you spend in bed?

A good night’s sleep is incredibly important for your health. In fact, it’s just as important as eating healthy and exercising. However, according to the CDC, about 70 million Americans have chronic sleep problems.

Chronically bad sleep is more than just annoying. It weakens the immune system, reduces memory and attention span, and increases the likelihood of chronic conditions like depression, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Studies suggest that the less sleep you get, the shorter your life span.

Why sleep is so important is still a bit of a mystery, but Dr. Michael Breus a.k.a. the "Sleep Doctor" can help you determine your unique sleep needs and answer the most common questions to solve your sleeping problems and optimize your health.

View Details

The fitness business is a traditionally male-dominated space, but some women like our guest today have broken through the glass ceiling to rise to the position of CEO.

She’s calling the shots at one of America’s fastest growing boxing and kickboxing franchises, RockBox.

Since making the jump from Orange Theory, she has been an influential force in the expansion of the fight club meets night club brand.

With plans to expand the franchise internationally, this powerhouse executive has her sights set on making boxing accessible to as many people as possible.

How? You’ll have to watch and find out.

View Details

Paul Byrne is the former President of Precor. He's also a forward-thinking innovator who’s the reason every gym in America has an elliptical machine.

Under his leadership, he transformed Precor into a $350 million-dollar global supplier of home and commercial fitness equipment and was a key asset in its recent acquisition by Peloton.

Today, he serves as an industry advisor and is the author of two powerful prediction reports that will change the game for the health and wellness sector and continue pushing the entire industry to innovate.

What does the future look like for manufacturers? Where is the boutique segment headed? How do you go about being successful in an overly saturated consumer space?

Paul has the answers.

View Details

How do you start a wildly successful business with little to no money? What allows some entrepreneurs to bootstrap their business to success while others falter and fail?

The truth is: It takes remarkably little money to make money, if you're clever and work hard.

British entrepreneur Oliver Cookson should know.

He bootstrapped Myprotein, a successful sports nutrition business, in 2004 after borrowing £500 from the bank. No venture capitalists. No outside help or influence.

A few years later, he sold Myprotein to The Hut Group, maintaining 100% equity and earning a nine-digit exit.

During our interview, he highlights the advantages of bootstrapping a self-sustaining, self-funded business. Nothing is off the table, as long as it’s relevant to the customer.

Oliver was recently named the UK’s number one self-made millionaire under 40 with a net worth of £306 million.

His memoir, “Bootstrap Your Life,” which he began writing at the beginning of the first lockdown is due to be published in summer 2021. Oliver also hosts the podcast Bootstrap Your Life, which features 15-minute episodes that cover topics such as self-esteem, business advice, mental health, mindset, and investment.

Link to Oliver’s Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bootstrap-Your-Life-turn-million/dp/0349429197/ref=sr_1_1?field-isbn=9780349429199&qid=1620308719&refinements=p_66%3A9780349429199&sr=8-1

View Details

Elaine Jobson is a fitness industry veteran, with 25 years of experience working in executive positions for the world's largest fitness brands.

In this week's Escape Your Limits podcast episode, she talks about her industry experiences, how she has adapted Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to develop an award-winning, international fitness franchise, and shares real life lessons on how to lead people and transform workplace culture.

She is best known for teaming up with well-known industry entrepreneurs including Mike Balfour OBE, Founder of Fitness First, and Sir Richard Branson owner of Virgin Active South Africa.

Elaine is passionate about building successful companies through great cultures and growing exceptional leaders.

View Details

What’s the secret of Planet Fitness’s massive success?

Planet Fitness isn’t really known to attract members who are super in shape and is often the butt of jokes when it comes to the fitness industry.

Did you know that more than 40% of its current members had never even stepped foot in a gym before signing up?

Planet Fitness has a competitive business model, strong brand, and low-cost memberships, but that’s not necessarily how it became the leader in fitness franchising.

Many people believe it’s the no-frills atmosphere, simple selection of machines, and free pizza but there’s so much more to it than that!

The key to success in business is to not be afraid of doing things differently.

This week, we sit down with Victor Brick, the CEO of Planet Fitness Growth Partners, one of the largest privately owned fitness franchises.

He’s here to reveal the secret formula that makes Planet Fitness such a huge success. Victor also explains how to use other people’s money to finance business growth, why goal setting and dreaming big are essential, and dives into the pros and cons of being a franchisee.

Episode Highlights:

How to use other people’s money to finance business growth
The secret behind Planet Fitness’s massive success
Why Planet Fitness gives members free pizza
What makes the franchise so competitive
Importance of goal setting and dreaming big
The pros and cons of being a franchisee
Strategies for franchise growth
Gym inclusivity and affordability

About Victor Brick

Victor Brick has 35 years of success in the fitness industry and is CEO of Planet Fitness Growth Partners (PFGP), the largest privately owned Planet Fitness franchise with 80+ clubs in the US and Australia. He’s also an author and motivational speaker.

He co-founded the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation in honor of his brother, John, who struggled throughout his life with mental health, but was never once offered a holistic plan supporting his wellbeing. His brother suffered from schizophrenia and died of complications from the disease. The foundation’s goal is to change the way the world treats mental health.

Victor was also the co-founder of Brick Bodies, which is a chain of full-service health clubs in the Baltimore, Maryland area. He is still the Chairman of the Board for Brick Bodies. Brick Bodies Padonia was named as one the top 25 health clubs in the United States by Fitness Magazine.

He is a member of the board for the John Hopkins Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, the Board of Advisors for the Global Wellness Summit, and the Board of Directors for Defiance Fuel, which is the first structured water on the market.

View Details

When was the last time you thought about how you influence others — how you change minds, shape opinions, move others to act?

The ability to influence is one of the essential skills for not only success, but happiness.

The bottom line is that influence matters.

Jon Levy, a behavioral scientist and author, best known for his work in the fields of human connection, influence, and adventure believes the size of your life is in proportion to how uncomfortable you're willing to be and understanding the power of influence in today's connected world.

How can you make a consumer's entire experience with your brand, especially at the end, really special?

Want the secret to guaranteeing gym members are left with a positive impression when they leave your facility?

Do you know what the IKEA Effect is, why it’s important, and how to leverage it to improve your business model and build a loyal community?

Why is novelty important and how can you leverage it to be happier and more successful?

Our guest this week has all the answers.

Levy specializes in applying research to transform the ways companies approach marketing, sales, consumer engagement, and culture. He also founded “The Influencers," a secret dining experience and community, whose participants include more than 2000 leaders across industries, ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, and celebrities, to executives, editors-in-chief and royalty.

In 2016, Jon released his first book, "The 2 AM Principle: Discover the Science of Adventure," which explores the science of living a fun, exciting and remarkable life.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with the President and CEO of Self Made Training Facility, Miguel Aguilar. Two years ago, he was our guest on the Escape Your Limits podcast, where he shared his humble and inspiring story of his rise to success.

This time around, we caught up with Miguel at his Self Made headquarters to discuss how he managed to come out on top during an ongoing pandemic.

When things get tough, do you sink or swim? Miguel decided to swim. When thousands of gym owners reluctantly closed their doors in early 2020, hoping to reopen in two weeks when things went back to "normal," he never wavered. Instead, he banded together with other Riverside Country fitness facilities and stayed open.

His franchise owners educated the consumer while staying open and didn't give in to the bully tactics attempting to close down business. Miguel was able to put his head down and have faith that things would work out.

Throughout this interview, he reveals how Self Made became one of the most successful training franchises in America, operating 40 locations in 11 different states. Miguel also explains how they managed to stay open while countless other gyms were forced to shut down.

This is one interview you don't want to miss. One thing's for sure: You're going to walk away inspired.

Please welcome Miguel Aguilar back to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

View Details

How do you conquer life’s impossible challenges? Why is resilience more important now than ever before? How can you live your life with more purpose and authenticity?

Our guest this week is Stacey Copas. She is the author of the book How To Be Resilient, a coach, international keynote speaker, and facilitator on finding the opportunity in change and adversity.

At 12 years old, she broke her neck and almost drowned in a swimming pool diving accident and became a quadriplegic – needing a wheelchair the rest of her life. Stacey has created a framework of resilience based on her life experiences of overcoming adversity. By sharing her experiences of how she has coped, adapted, and thrived she hopes to help others overcome the challenges and setbacks they face.

There was a time when it felt like her world had ended, but she believes that accident was the best thing that could’ve happened to her.

This is her story. You’re about to be inspired like never before.

View Details

Dr. John Jaquish is an innovator, thought leader in the biomedical fitness market, and a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of the book "Weight Lifting Is a Waste of Time." His objective? To challenge you to rethink how you burn fat and add muscle.

That's what led him to invent OsteoStrong, a bone-density building medical device used to fight osteoporosis, which is now in 130 clinics in 8 different countries.

The X3 Bar is his most recent invention. At 6’0” and 240 pounds, he has a zero-carb diet and works out 10 minutes a day, 6 days a week. He claims that, along with an unconventional diet, by using the X3 for only 10 minutes a day you can have the body of someone who spends hours in the gym every week.

Tune in to our conversation as Dr. Jaquish dives into his research-based but controversial approaches to strength training, muscular development, and diet. He also addresses the criticisms he’s received online.

View Details

Should gyms be considered essential businesses? One of the more controversial aspects of the various shutdowns, lockdowns, and business closures was that of the extended closures of gyms and fitness clubs worldwide. In this week’s Escape Your Limits podcast episode, we speak with one of America’s leading health educators and exercise physiologists, Eric Durak.

He believes that gyms are, in fact, essential businesses and he’s here to reveal what gym owners need to do to make sure they remain essential, avoid closure, and take advantage of revenue opportunities by providing holistic solutions to their members.

Eric Durak is one of the nation’s leading clinical Exercise Physiologists and Health Educators and is the founder and president of Medical Health & Fitness.

He has a 35-year career in fitness, medicine, and health promotion and is now entering into medical fitness, population health, and precision wellness. Most recently, Eric developed the Healthy Stats Outcome software.

Eric has also logged thousands of hours in clinical care, wellness, and research and works as a Wellness Specialist at the University of California to promote wellness and manage workers compensation claims. He is the 1999 IHRSA Institute Aware Winner for the Cancer Well-fit Program. MedHealthFit is a visionary wellness company that looks at the profession of health promotion through interaction of research, data collection and outcomes.

Subscribe to get all the latest podcast-related content:

https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Connect with Escape Fitness online and on social below:

Website: https://www.escapefitness.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escape-fitness

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo, the husband-and-wife team who founded Row House, the highly successful indoor boutique rowing franchise and Xponential brand.

Through blood, sweat, and tears, they’ve discovered a way to do the work they love while also empowering people through community.

In this episode, they share how they manage to balance family and business, carve out time for wellness to achieve optimal health and performance, and how Row House continues to stand out in a crowded boutique studio landscape.

As entrepreneurs, they’ve had to be extremely committed to their vision and make intentional sacrifices to turn their dreams into a reality, but the plan was always to scale and sell Row House.

Please welcome Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video Version - https://youtu.be/W2ENJROerWs

Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo are the husband-and-wife team who founded Row House, the highly successful indoor boutique rowing franchise and Xponential brand. They met teaching on the NYC fitness scene. They followed their passion for fitness and grew two brands with their own pennies and a lot of blood, sweat and tears — creating security for their family of 5 and jobs that they love.

Row House has revolutionized the way people not only view the experience of rowing but also solved a problem and created a low-impact, cardio enhancing, full-body strength workout for the

70% of the population not working out.

Today, the franchise has plans to expand to over 250 locations throughout the US and Canada.

Row House was born in the Columbus Circle Neighborhood of NYC in 2014.

Co-founders and husband/wife team, Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo took the rowing machine out of the corner, and put it front in center. Born of the couple’s search for a workout that two individuals with varying fitness levels could do together, they created a workout that gives people of all different shapes, sizes, and abilities an efficient and effective workout.

Row House’s values are: Inclusivity, Rewarding, Camaraderie, and Authenticity.

About Debra Strougo

Debra left a life behind the desk to bridge her business acumen with her passion for fitness. She teamed up with her husband, Eric, and started to build the dream. Together, they balance their work and family — and have found a way to do the work they love and bring their vision for fitness communities far and wide. Debra is the Founder of Row House and EVF Performance. She owns and operates 5 NYC studios with her husband and business partner, Eric. Debra is a Goldman Sachs 10KSB scholar; in 2016 Row House was chosen as a company likely to have exponential growth. She has over 15 years’ experience teaching at NYC’s premiere gyms including Equinox, Crunch, SCLA and NYSC, and has consulted for numerous national fitness brands, including SELF.

About Eric Von Frohlich

Eric is a seasoned fitness pioneer, National Brand Founder, and national spokesman in the fields of health, exercise, and wellness. He is an expert on trends and techniques in fitness and wellness, as well as on what it takes to create a strong community. He owns and operates five NYC studios with his wife and business partner, while keeping his finger on the pulse of all things fitness, sport, and wellness to continue to help people. An avid 20+ year trainer and athlete.

Episode highlights

Why it’s crucial to stick to your vision.
Secrets to running a business with your partner and leveraging each other’s strengths.
The story behind creating a very inclusive, scalable brand that was designed to go global.
How to make intentional sacrifices for your business.
Regardless of how successful you are, there’s always more work to be done.
How they targeted 70% of the population that doesn’t work out.
The importance of approaching every problem and every solution with gratitude.
Accomplishing big things without sacrificing family, their values, or their core beliefs.
Celebrating the small victories.
Coming up with real solutions when you have limited resources, time, and money.
Being an entrepreneur is not all fun and games.

Join Matthew Januszek in powerful conversation with Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with Brendan Kane, a business and digital strategist who has worked with Fortune 500 companies, the world’s biggest brands, and high-profile celebrities. He is best known for gaining one million followers on social media in 30 days. If you’re interested in learning how to leverage social media to make difference for your brand, he’s the guy to turn to. In this week’s Escape Your Limits podcast episode, Brendan reveals how to cut through the noise and disrupt the pattern to earn the click or stop the scroll. He also offers insights on how he was able to grow his following so quickly, techniques you can use to make your content go viral, and explains why just because you have one million followers that doesn’t mean you’re reaching or engaging one million people. Tune in to learn how to crack the code that will lead to the best performing content you can put out into the world that will provide the most value. For more information, visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast Video version - https://youtu.be/9_9NLw_ktHg Brendan Kane is an out-of-the-box thinker for Fortune 500 corporations, brands, and celebrities. He thrives on helping his clients systematically engage new audiences that reward relevant content, products, and services with their attention and purchases. His greatest strength lies in unlocking value by transforming complexity into simplicity through tools and methods that amplify growth and enable execution. Having started his career at Lakeshore Entertainment, Brendan oversaw all aspects of the company’s interactive media strategy. He worked on 16 films that generated a worldwide gross of $685 million and also pioneered the first-ever influencer campaign to effectively promote Crank starring Jason Statham. He has since built social media applications and digital platforms for celebrity clients such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and pro skateboarder Ryan Sheckler. Brendan served as vice president of digital for Paramount Pictures and helped scale one of the largest social optimization firms in the world. Episode highlights - •99% of brands suck at creating content. •Just because you have one million followers doesn’t mean you’re engaging one million people. •You have to become a student of the game. •Are you learning or just consuming content? •You gotta get out of your own way. •Social media is meant for your audience, not for your brand. •There’s not one way to be successful, there’s multiple approaches. •The most important thing is that you test, test, test. •You can make any subject interesting or go viral, you just have to add value.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with Jan Spaticchia, a serial entrepreneur who has empowered millions of people to transform their lives through engagement with one of his fitness franchise brands. He is the Chair of énergie Group, Vice Chair of BMF, and Founder of Visivo.

As the world now moves into a new and exciting digital age, Spaticchia is already planning for the future and is on the verge of launching Visivo, a VR fitness club membership experience, the first of its kind in the world.

Are you ready to learn how to start up, build, sell, and buy back a franchise with one of the best in the game?

Please welcome Jan Spaticchia to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

Video version - https://youtu.be/1S8MhNoHbnY

Escape Your Limits homepage – https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Jan Spaticchia is the Chair of énergie Group, Vice Chair of BMF, and Founder of Visivo. He is also the founder of National Fitness Day.

As a creative visionary, Jan is passionate about finding ways to break the rules and stay innovative in the competitive fitness market. His franchise group is one the biggest and fastest growing in the UK.

In 2019, Spaticchia handed over ownership of the énergie Group, a hugely successful franchise business that he grew from scratch into the UK’s leading franchise operator. A year later, after the pandemic struck, Spaticchia found himself leading a rescue MDO, supported by RM Funds, to buy back the company.

During lockdown 1.0, 38,000 of the 140,000 énergie fitness members across the UK continued to support their local club and pay their membership fees. This meant the company was able to suspend franchisee fees during closure and also invest in a digital provision to enable the creation of a virtual platform to deliver at-home workouts to members.

During lockdown 2.0, énergie fitness did not apply a blanket freeze and instead supported members virtually towards the achievement of individual goals based around fitness, nutrition, and mindset offers.

Episode highlights -

The fitness market has changed forever.
We didn't do what everybody else did. We didn't freeze memberships.
Necessity is the mother of all invention.
If you don’t have fire in your belly for franchising, it’s doesn’t work.
You have to have a little luck on your side.
Local management is crucial for international expansion.
Taking a different approach to the rest of the market.
Franchises that are passionate and follow systems do best.
Importance of focusing on your staff and club members.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Jan Spaticchia.

View Details

The two most fundamental aspects of your health are diet and exercise. But chronic exposure to stress, sleep deprivation, sedentary behavior, and processed food are causing metabolic dysfunction in your body.

Jim Lavalle, an internationally recognized clinical pharmacist, author, nutrition expert, and founder of the Metabolic Code®, is here to shed some light on the underlying metabolic issues that stop people from feeling healthy.

Your body is constantly working as a complete metabolic system, signaling and telling your body what to do. When it gets out of whack, it can cause serious health issues.

Tune in to episode #177 of the Escape Your Limits podcast to learn all about how you can reach optimum levels of health and vitality, manage your stress hormones, avoid stress fractures, strengthen your immune system, and age better.

Please welcome Jim Lavalle to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/Zgy44D0RgdA

Jim Lavalle is an internationally recognized clinical pharmacist, author, nutrition expert, and founder of LaValle Metabolic Institute. He is best known for his expertise in metabolic and personalized integrative medicine and therapies.

Has an extensive background in natural products, drug/nutrient depletion, and the underlying metabolic issues that stop people from feeling healthy.

The author of more than 20 books, including, “Your Blood Never Lies,” “Cracking the Metabolic Code,” and “Nutritional Cost of Drugs.”

Jim Lavalle was named one of the “50 Most Influential Pharmacists” by American Druggist magazine. He has also developed health programs for the fitness industry (healthcare and professional sports teams) such as Orlando Magic, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Anaheim Ducks – to name a few. He has trained thousands of health care professionals on the value of predictive health.

Jim is an appointed faculty member and course educator for the Integrative Medicine postgraduate program at George Washington University School of medicine.

Previously, he was a correspondent on ESPN2’s No. 1 rated “BodyShaping” fitness program.

Visit www.jimlavalle.com to learn more about the underlying metabolic issues that stop you from feeling healthy.

Episode highlights

People deserve vitality at every stage in life.
It isn’t how hard you train. It’s how well you rest.
78% of the US population is overweight.
You can’t put a Band-Aid on a bullet hole.
If you’re getting stress fractures, you’re overtraining.
The more muscle you hold as you age, the better your metabolism will be.
If your resting heart rate is 10% above average, you probably need a day off.
Your immune system is the center of your aging process.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Jim Lavalle.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with Rita McGrath, a renowned Columbia Business School professor and premier expert on innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth strategies during times of uncertainty.

The pandemic is forcing every business regardless of industry to reevaluate their operations and to stay relevant while also staying on top of strategic inflection points.

According to Rita McGrath, the pandemic is offering businesses an opportunity to grow, or to stay as they are.

Her new book, Seeing Around Corners, helps leaders recognize the inflection points that could lead to innovation and success.

The pivotal changes taking place in business environments today are a wake-up call for leaders to not only define their cultural values, but to stay ahead of the tech game and get closer to the customer experience.

There's no substitute for the knowledge and expertise this week’s guest has to offer.

Please welcome Rita McGrath to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version - https://youtu.be/T2M2c3s4eT0

Rita McGrath is a best-selling author, a sought-after speaker, and a longtime professor at Columbia Business School.

She is known as The Entrepreneurial Strategist and a globally recognized champion of harnessing disruptive influences for competitive advantage.

Rita McGrath is widely recognized as a premier expert on leading innovation and growth during times of uncertainty.

As a consultant to CEOs, her work has had a lasting impact on the strategy and growth programs of Fortune 500 companies worldwide.

Rita is also the founder of Valize, an innovation platform whose mission is to help organizations build lasting innovation capability as the basis for long term shared prosperity.

Visit www.ritamcgrath.com to learn more about this Entrepreneurial Strategist and discover how to see business environment changes as opportunities.

Episode highlights -

Keep focused on your customers’ end state
You need to create something other people can’t copy
Treat your employees like human beings, not robots
Employee satisfaction leads to greater customer satisfaction
As a brand, focus on what’s true for you
Inflection points provide opportunities for innovation
The pandemic’s impact on the fitness industry
Arenas vs. industries
Staying on top of new technologies and changing lives
Three kinds of competitors to watch out for
Observations on leadership

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Rita McGrath.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with celebrity personal trainer Gunnar Peterson. He is a household name in the health-and-fitness industry. He is the guy responsible for shaping some of the most famous bodies in the world and has trained everyone from the Kardashians to Sylvester Stallone to the Los Angeles Lakers.

His dedication to fitness dates back to 1989. Today, he specializes in functional fitness and strengthening conditioning training with an emphasis on the basics and consistency. In his Hollywood gym, Gunnar works with his clients on movement to hit all three planes of motion to improve flexibility and improve cardiovascular conditioning.

In this episode, our host Matthew Januszek and Gunnar Peterson discuss everything from the future of traditional gyms to fitness data, the clients he trains, and the importance of recovery.

Please welcome Gunnar Peterson to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/RTnv0M_LmnY

Gunnar Peterson is a Beverly Hills-based personal trainer whose clients include celebrities, professional athletes, and everyday people. Gunnar was formerly the Los Angeles Lakers’ Director of Strength and Endurance. He is widely recognized for his expertise in functional training and his commitment to developing and implementing innovative fitness techniques.

With over 28 years in the fitness industry, Gunnar’s dynamic approach, boundless energy and (sometimes risky) humor only add to the effectiveness of the experience his clients enjoy.

Gunnar is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a graduate of Duke University. He is an editor and wrote a regular column for Muscle and Fitness magazine for over a decade, he is on the advisory board for Fitness magazine as well as contributor to Clean Eating magazine.

Gunnar is also regularly featured in Allure, Elle, In Style, In Touch, Us, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, and other magazines. His television appearances include The Today Show, Fox & Friends, CNN, CNN Headline News, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Extra, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Lala’s Full Court Life, Revenge Body and numerous shows for E! and VH1.

Visit www.gunnarpeterson.com to learn more about Gunnar and what sets him apart when it comes to personal trainers.

Episode highlights -

If you’re not growing, that’s a fast road to destruction.
What do you enjoy? Because that’s what will deliver results.
Training clients who come in, work hard, and are consistent.
Gyms returning when people move past the fear stage.
Is data giving you power or debilitating you?
Using social media as a tool for inspiration vs. distraction.
How to deal with adversity.
The importance of recovery.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with celebrity personal trainer Gunnar Peterson.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with Ed Harrold, an author, breath educator, and health, performance and leadership coach.

Breathing is the first and last things we do as humans. Did you know you breathe in and out around 25,000 times a day? But you might be breathing wrong and not even know it.

At a cellular level, oxygen is body fuel. It’s how you nourish your muscles and brain. So, what exactly happens if you’re breathing incorrectly?

The bottom line is that it can seriously affect your health.

For the past 25 years, Ed Harrold, a master in the science of mindful breathing, has been committed to helping people understand the importance of transforming the automatic and unconscious process of breathing to a deliberate conscious series of choices.

He invites you to consider the various dimensions of breath: length, depth, rate, and rhythm.

Are you ready to learn how to breathe for health and longevity, and not just survival?

Please welcome Ed Harrold to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/9CQjWI40Vds

Ed Harrold is an author, breath educator, and health, performance, and leadership coach.

He is a master in the science of mindful breathing to improve overall health, well-being, and performance.

Ed’s breathing practices are used in fitness & athletic training, stress reduction, performance coaching, and corporate settings.

A contributing wellness expert for: Huffington Post, HuffingtonPostLIVE, Thrive Global, Corporate Wellness Magazine, Mind Body Green, TRX Training, The Daily Love, and Wanderlust Journal.

Ed’s mastery in the science of breath has guided him to apply mindful, conscious breathing practices in the fitness & athletic industry, corporate wellness and organizational performance programs as well as lifestyle coaching for individuals. Ed's Breath AS Medicine continuing education trainings support the healthcare, health and wellness coaching, fitness, psychotherapy and medical fitness industries.

Ed blends the fields of neuroscience and the wisdom of contemplative traditions into effective strategies to improve health, performance and overall well-being. Ed’s fluency in mindfulness-based strategies combined with the belief in the human potential gives him the depth and understanding to meet individuals and group needs across industries and platforms.

Visit https://www.edharrold.com/ to learn more about Ed Harrold’s methods for rediscovering your breath.

Episode highlights -

Breath control is the first step to controlling your thoughts.
When we feel good, we think good.
As you get control of your breath, you gain access to your health.
Being in a flow state is one of the most optimal feelings of being in a human body.
Breathing for health and longevity, not just for survival.
The relationship between heart rate and breathing.
Bringing mindfulness and control to the activity of breathing.
Stress reduction and the pandemic.
The proper way to breathe during exercise.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with master breathwork coach Ed Harrold.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with Patrick and Talilla Henchoz.

Patrick is the founder of one of the great fitness chain success stories of the ‘90s, Esporta Health and Fitness Clubs.He was the first to build and sell a fitness chain in the UK. Growing the business to 38 clubs with over 200,000 members.

Talilla is a personal trainer and social media influencer who founded a global digital fitness brand called Club V from scratch in July 2020 during the pandemic. Her all-inclusive virtual fitness service is built on the five pillars of health: body, mind, nutrition, community, and sustainability.

Daily live-streamed workouts, which include HIIT, strength, low impact, core, yoga, and pilates, engage thousands of members across 50 countries. Club V inspires its community by reminding people to celebrate their body rather than simply what it looks like.

Together, Patrick and Talilla are at the forefront of an evolving industry—never forgetting that the most important person in the room is the customer. Home workouts are here to stay, and we’re excited to see how Club V continues developing its offering.

Please welcome Patrick and Talilla Henchoz to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/n0FPSUNXafI

Patrick Henchoz is the founder of Esporta Health and Fitness Clubs. He was the first to build and sell a fitness chain in the UK. Growing the business to 38 clubs with over 200,000 members.

Talilla, is a personal trainer and social media influencer who founded a global digital fitness brand called Club V. It’s not just another fitness plan designed to ‘burn fat’ and ‘detox’. Club V helps its members hit the RESET button and create sustainable changes. Working with top nutritionists, life coaches, physiologists, pilates and yoga instructors, Talilla provides her community with an all-inclusive offering.

To learn more about Club V, visit: www.weareclubv.co.uk

Episode highlights -

Fitness is more about mental than it is about physical.
Fitness is not just a quick fix.
It’s all about making the customer feel important.
Community is everything.
Nobody can predict how club membership will rebound.
Celebrate your body and what it can do rather than what it looks like.
You have to constantly pivot and see the potential.
Add value through high touch vs. high tech.
It’s about having passion and the ability to adapt.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Patrick and Talilla Henchoz.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with Ian Mullane, the Founder and CEO of Keepme, a business dedicated to increasing the revenue of health and fitness operators utilizing Artificial Intelligence.

He’s being working with AI for the past six years and is committed to better understanding why members leave the gym.

As the fitness sector is confronted with its greatest ever challenge, clubs worldwide are pulling out all the stops to keep their members active and engaged. Ian says operators need to rely on data and hyper-personalization to move into the future. It’s adapt or die, especially for the brick and mortar gyms and clubs.

Recently, he published a powerful white paper in an effort to spark conversations around the shift and disruption that’s currently happening within the fitness industry.

The truth is that the industry will never be the same. It will never return to how things were pre-COVID.

Are you ready to learn the six key rules for survival?

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/fbDsjylzYuA

Ian Mullane is the Founder and CEO of Keepme, a business dedicated to increasing the revenue of health and fitness operators utilizing integrated Artificial Intelligence.

Relying on years of data, he wants to show you how to stop guessing and offer a game-changing level of personalization for gym and club members. By reimagining the customer journey, operators have the opportunity to enhance their service offerings, engagement, product customization, and more.

Technology today has completely disrupted every business around the globe. The fitness industry is no exception.

The industry will never return to how things were pre-COVID.

If brick and mortar operators are not ready adapt and make the customer the center of all experiences when it comes to the personal wellness ecosystem, they may not survive.

Keep.me uses predictive and machine learning models, operators can hyper-personalise engagements with a commercial and operational perspective and increase response levels to benefit the business.

After 18 years of working with some of the biggest names in Fintech, including Thomson Financial and SS&C, Ian Mullane left corporate life as the COO of Sungard’s Asia Pacific business. Since then, he’s founded and grown a number of companies including Locowise.com, Vanda.fit and most recently, Keepme, an AI-powered membership retention tool.

Episode highlights -

Brick and mortar operations face big challenges ahead
You need to optimize for revenue and for retention
Apps are nothing more than vehicles to create experiences
5G will change how people consume fitness content
Adapt or die
You probably don’t know your competition
Personalization is the future of fitness
How to reimagine the customer journey
Effect of membership plans on retention rates
Making the customer the center of the ecosystem
How fitness will become like banking
Power of first-mover advantage

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Ian Mullane.

View Details

Today, we are speaking with Jason Stella, the National Education Manager for LifeTime Training and a podcast host who has more than 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry.

He’s an innovator who has dedicated his life to coaching and consulting the top fitness and nutrition companies in the U.S. and also developed the Alpha Training program. Jason is a firm believer in personal development and capitalizing on your strengths to reach your full potential, both in business and in life. Living by the 3 P’s (purpose, preparation, performance, and persistence) he’s been able to re-invent himself over the years and return to doing what he loves, which involves getting trainers to elevate the training industry.

From personal and small group training trends, the challenges and opportunities the global pandemic has presented, lessons learned from 2020, and best practices to take into the future, his insights will give you an idea of what to expect in the world of health and fitness in 2021.

Please welcome, Jason Stella, to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/kFAymkaR7g0

Jason Stella is the National Education Manager for LifeTime Training and a podcast host who has more than 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry.

He’s an innovator who has dedicated his life to coaching and consulting the top fitness and nutrition companies in the U.S. and also developed the Alpha Training program.

Episode highlights -

How to successfully take your personal training business online
Importance of having a vision and taking risks
Failure is not failure, it’s a learning experiences
Behavior modification and accountability
5 fundamentals every trainer needs to be successful
Why personal development is so important to him
How purpose, preparation, performance, and persistence bring out your potential
The essentials of creating a successful group training program
How the personal training business model is changing due to the pandemic
Consistency is the key to your fitness goals.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Jason Stella.

View Details

Today, we are speaking with a global health and fitness industry analyst who is committed to improving the health and well-being of society.

He is the Founder of Gymtopia, the award-winning platform distinguished for curating corporate social responsibility projects and authoring reports that analyze the fitness industry’s evolution.

With a mission to help purpose-driven, high-impact social enterprises be successful, he produces work that is both inspiring and influential.

His most recent report: Health Club Industry Active Ageing Report argues that the fitness industry needs to harness the opportunity of engaging an ageing society.

What do consumers really want? What does it mean to operate a purposeful business? How do you get the government to care about the fitness industry in this era of COVID? You’re about to find out.

Please welcome the Managing Director of UK-based Oxygen Consulting and Founder of Gymtopia, Ray Algar, to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/BqwKwbtllao

Escape Your Limits homepage – https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Ray Algar is a global health and fitness industry analyst who is committed to improving the health and well-being of society.

He is the Founder of Gymtopia, the award-winning platform distinguished for curating corporate social responsibility projects and authoring reports that analyze the fitness industry’s evolution.

Ray Algar is a UK-based strategic business analyst and adviser to the global health and fitness industry. His entire career has involved collaborating with organisations to encourage people to become healthier and more physically active. Fitness businesses have been started or scaled from the insights contained in his work. He is motivated by a deep sense of curiosity and a desire to produce work that has the capacity to move people.

With a mission to help purpose-driven, high-impact social enterprises be successful, he produces work that is both inspiring and influential.

Visit www.oxygen-consulting.co.uk to learn more about Ray Algar.

Episode highlights -

Let go of what’s no longer serving you.
Consumers don’t just want a product. They want a story.
Even world-class leaders make mistakes.
Big shifts in the ways consumers are interacting with physical activity.
Creating places of belonging within the industry.
Phenomenon of ‘gym substitution.’
Why biggest is not always best.
Having a compass in times of volatility.
Creating social impact.
Learning lessons COVID has taught the industry.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Ray Algar.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with the founder and CEO of one of America’s fastest growing fitness franchises, Bedros Keuilian.

He is a sought-after high-performance consultant and mentor, best-selling author, and self-made entrepreneur who has built multiple million dollar generating global brands and businesses.

His book, Man Up: How to Cut the Bullshit and Kick Ass in Business (and in Life), is a powerful guide for anyone who wants to grow a company, make a difference, or launch a new brand. He’ll teach you to be resourceful and use your purpose, passion, mindset, and determination to overcome any adversity.

He is a prime example of what it means to live the American Dream.

Are you prepared to learn how to MAN UP and dominate your goals?

Please welcome Bedros Keuilian to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Bedros Keuilian is the mastermind behind many of the most successful brands, businesses, thought leaders and best-selling authors throughout multiple industries. Odds are you’ve seen his international franchise Fit Body Boot Camp in your town, or his coaching and consulting clients on hit TV shows featured on ABC, NBC, Spike TV, in popular magazines, & on top of the New York Times Bestseller list.

Bedros Keuilian is the founder and CEO of Fit Body Boot Camp, which is one the fastest growing fitness franchises in the country. He is a sought-after consultant and mentor, a best-selling author, and a self-made entrepreneur. His rags to riches story is a powerful lesson in determination, resourcefulness, and what it means to not only survive, but to thrive.

His book, Man Up: How to Cut the Bullshit and Kick Ass in Business (and in Life), is a New York Times Bestseller and will teach you how to use your purpose, passion, mindset, and determination to overcome any adversity.

On a mission to shake things up, Bedros is the guy you want to be looking to for advice if you’re interested in growing a company, making an impactful difference, or launching a new brand.

There is such thing as living the American Dream. He is living it and wants to teach you how to do the same.

Visit https://bedroskeuilian.com/ to learn more about Bedros Keuilian.

Episode highlights -

No politician is going to put me out of business
Suffering and adversity mean you’re alive
Why you shouldn’t choose easy over hard
How the pandemic can make you a greater leader
The power in offering hope to your team
To succeed you have to be specific
Why businesses need to market their local community
Differentiate yourself to beat the competition

Join Matthew Januszek in powerful conversation with Bedros Keuilian.

View Details

In this week’s Escape Your Limits podcast Director and Host, Matthew Januszek, sits down with our podcast Manager, Wendy de Knoop, to discuss navigating the business through 2020 and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. Matthew also dives into what to expect from the Escape Fitness brand in the year ahead.

Additionally, this episode will present you with powerful and provocative real-life accounts of how some of the most influential and successful people in the world escaped their own limits to overcome mental, physical, and emotional hurdles to champion their highest potential.

It is our hope that their stories of self-development and discipline, leadership, getting into elite physical condition, and achieving what others said couldn’t be done will inspire you to tap into your own greatness and achieve your goals in 2021.

What does it mean to Escape Your Limits? You’re about to find out.

Tune in to this end of year compilation on the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/4YRw-9bFokk

Over the past 20 years, Escape Fitness has forged countless meaningful relationships with the world’s greatest business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry influencers.

Each guest featured in this end of year episode shares specific, actionable, real-life experiences and demonstrates how to champion your highest potential and make success happen for anyone.

You’re about to discover how to Escape Your Limits.

Episode highlights -

What you can expect from the Escape Fitness brand in 2021
The lessons Matthew Januszek learned about business and life in 2020
Fitness industry trends to look out for
How the world’s most influential people overcame adversity to escape their own limits
Inspiration to achieve your goals in the New Year
Achieving remarkable results not only in business but for the mind and body

Join us as we offer insights into what’s ahead for Escape Fitness and the industry in 2021 and get inspired by some of the world’s greatest leaders to achieve your goals and Escape Your Limits in the New Year.

View Details

Today, we are speaking with the Executive Director of a family-owned and operated company that has become the world’s largest group fitness provider.

What began as a single gym in Auckland, New Zealand, more than 50 years ago has evolved into a business with a network of more than 140,000 trained instructors who deliver exciting training programs to millions of members each week.

Driven by the defining philosophy to “make people fall in love with fitness,” he has spent decades dedicated to pushing the envelope to offer life-changing fitness experiences to the masses. This ambitious mogul opens up about how he harnessed technology to expand the market, dealt with setbacks and failure, and how digital fitness is shifting the club industry

Please welcome the founder and Executive Director of Les Mills International, Phillip Mills, to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video – https://youtu.be/HipEWhEWh0A

Phillip Mills heads up one of the most recognisable brands in fitness. More than 50 years since the launch of the company, he continues to drive the business forward on his father’s mission to “make people fall in love with fitness.”

In 1997, Phillip established Les Mills International, a separate company to Les Mills NZ, in order to take licensed fitness programming to the global market. Always one step ahead of the game, he was quick to realise the power of digital and the opportunities it created to engage and inspire.

A focus on enhancing the in-club experience through Trip, the fully immersive cycling experience, Phillip also began rolling out development for Les Mills On Demand. Hailed as the Netflix of Fitness, Les Mills On Demand provides anytime, anywhere access to quality group exercise classes – extending operator influence into homes and daily lives. The goal? To grow the market and drive participants back to their local club.

Today, LMI continues to drive a “fitter planet,” working with operator partners to engage even more participants across the world.

Les Mills International is on a mission to create a fitter planet. For them, that means helping people fall in love with fitness.

Visit www.lesmills.com to learn more about Phillip Mills and the world’s most popular workouts.

Episode highlights -

You do not freeze during a recession. You find ways to add value to your business.
30% of the world’s population are using some kind of gym.
Your best defence against the virus is to be fit and healthy.
You must do what you love and love what you do.
What your best defence against COVID-19 is
Marketing to the out of shape and deconditioned market
Why Les Mills built huge studios in their clubs
What makes Les Mills different than other fitness brands
The importance of music and group fitness
His views on failure and success

Join Matthew Januszek in this insightful conversation with Phillip Mills.

View Details

Today, we’re speaking with an author, psychologist, and educator who is passionate about helping you understand the mind-body connection.

Her TED Talk titled “How to Make Stress Your Friend,” has amassed a staggering 25 million views. In her latest book, The Joy of Movement, she explores how just 20-minutes of physical exercise can be a powerful antidote to the afflictions of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

The key takeaways from our conversation include why physical activity during the pandemic is absolutely essential and how it is strongly linked to mental health, the importance of collective joy, distinguishing dependence from harmful addiction, how movement and music fuel you for everything else that matters in your life, and the vital role of “hope molecules” in improving our levels of resilience

Please welcome the mind-body visionary, Kelly McGonigal, to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video – https://youtu.be/-MzvWIX_q0s

Kelly McGonigal, PhD, is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, and a leading expert in the new field of “science-help.” She is passionate about translating cutting-edge research from psychology, neuroscience, and medicine into practical strategies for health, happiness, and personal success.

Her latest book, The Joy of Movement, she explores why movement can and should be a source of joy.

Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University who is known for her work in the field of 'science help' which focuses on translating insights from psychology and neuroscience into practical strategies that support health and well-being.

Visit http://kellymcgonigal.com/ to find out more about this mind-body visionary.

Episode highlights -

You can’t practice happiness without exercise.
Just 20-minutes of continuous movement triggers a reliable change of brain chemistry to give you energy, reduce pain, decrease stress and anxiety, and increase optimism and hope.
Movement changes people’s lives. It’s as important as eating and sleeping.
Your capacity to release higher levels of adrenaline comes with your conditioning and fitness level.
We can actually use stress as a catalyst for things like courage, social connection, and growth.
Thinking about movement as a vehicle for experiencing joy in life, as opposed to something you have to get through in order to burn calories.
Stress is energy that you can harness.
Physical activity throughout this pandemic is strongly linked to mental health. It is essential.
Now is the time to invest in a relationship with an activity that really brings out a side of you that is important.
A harmful, destructive addition to exercise is when people never feel like they’ve done enough. They start to organize their entire lives around it to the point where it interferes with their job or their relationships.
Moving your body is good for your mental health, your happiness, your meaning in life, and your relationships with others.
Exercise and movement fuels you for everything else that matters in life.
Different forms of movement release a lot of the same chemicals as substances that people use recreationally or abuse.
Exercise is the only rewarding thing that upregulates chemicals in your body to make your brain more sensitive to joy.
When you exercise, when you use your muscles, you are giving yourself medicine. And it is medicine you can't access any other way.
Your muscles are this amazing pharmacy that are manufacturing and storing chemicals that have profound effects on your physical and mental health.

Join Matthew Januszek in this fascinating and in-depth conversation with Kelly McGonigal.

View Details

“Anything that comes at the cost of your peace, is too great an expense.”

As a speaker, author, consultant, coach, and mentor, Herman Siu helps both individuals and businesses find positive growth. As a 6th generation Shaolin Temple Descendent, Herman shares his ancient wisdom and practices to help better every facet of a person’s life. His mission is simply ‘to inspire you to live an abundant life full of simple solutions’ motivated by the belief that in order to change the world, we must change ourselves.

In this episode, Herman discusses how rebelling and playing sport helped him learn leadership skills, the importance of being a producer not just a consumer, how we all need to process at an elite level in order to also perform to our potential and the steps we can all take to embrace the hurdles in life and find greater peace.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video – https://youtu.be/yd8YJzdF5O4

Herman Siu is a 6th generation Shaolin Temple Descendent who shares his ancient wisdom and practices to help better every facet of your life.

Through his deep knowledge of Chinese medicine and nutrition, he's healing clients and audiences worldwide, helping them to rediscover their creativity and potential from childhood, before we were tainted by society, television, politics and other cultural influences and offering powerful messages of mentorship and advice to anyone in search of positive growth.

As a speaker, author, consultant, coach, and mentor, Herman Siu helps both individuals and businesses build their personal blueprint for continuous evolution and success. Herman's unique set of skills allows him to help his clients understand exactly what is holding them back, what their blind spots are, and what they can add to their strategy to get better results.

Every day our world is bursting with new information, but people are starving for more guidance and wisdom than ever before. Herman's understanding of the link between the metaphysical world and today's digitally-driven society in the urban jungle puts him in the upper echelon of today's East-meets-West humanitarians. Through his mission, Herman dedicates his days to helping others unlock their true potential.

Visit www.hermansiu.com to find out more

Episode highlights -

How curiosity can lead to greater understanding
How sport can teach valuable leadership skills
Understanding how important it is to feel a sense of purpose
Understanding the link between emotions, food and eating
How to become more of a ‘producer’ rather than just a consumer
How to find and maintain balance between work, health and family life
What small steps can be taken to start making meditation more of a regular routine

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Herman Siu…

View Details

What has Covid-19 taught us and how will its influence the industry moving forwards?

In our first interview with Martin, back in June 2020, Martin was based in the UK, overseeing LifeFit Group's six brands, including Fitness First, Barry's Bootcamp, elbgym, Smile X, The Gym Society and New Moove. He talked about leading from the front in a crisis and the challenges of reopening facilities after lockdown 1.0.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Martin Seibold

Today, as the world continues to deal with the effects of a global pandemic, Martin has moved back to his native Germany. In this episode, he talks very candidly about the challenges Covid has presented and its impact on business, plus how this current crisis will impact the industry moving forwards

For more information on the Escape Your Limits podcast visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/LtJFPGiWLeI

Martin was destined to map out a career in the fitness industry. He grew up in Germany, where, at a young age, he started working in a gym owned and managed by his parents. The gym became IHRSA’s first facility member and was acquired by Fitness First as part of the brand’s global growth strategy. Martin as appointed marketing manager and, within six years, the business had expanded to over 90 clubs.

Martin’s talents did not go unnoticed and in 2006, Fitness First’s Founder, Mike Balfour asked Martin to relocate to the UK to head up the brand in the territory.

Today, Martin is leading multi-brand strategies and teams around the world, implementing humble growth strategies for the long term success, not just of the Fitness First brand but for the entire LifeFit Group brand portfolio.

The LifeFit Group unites multiple fitness brands from the boutique, high-value-low-price and premium segments under one roof, including Fitness First, Barry's Bootcamp, elbgym, Smile X, The Gym Society and New Moove. The Group is committed to inspire and support its customers to live their best lives through personal, fun and focused health and fitness experiences.

For more information visit www.lifefit-group.com

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Martin Seibold…

Episode highlights -

How business leaders need to step outside of a situation, clear the diary and concentrate on a clear plan without interruptions
Why it’s important, as a leader, not to be sat in HQ but to be highly visible, out with the customers, the teams, the partners.
How the German and the UK governments differed in their management of the pandemic.
National versus regional lockdowns. Which is the favoured approach and why
Should gyms be allowed to open? A single Fitness First Club in Germany recently won a lawsuit which declared the club should have been allowed to open. The brand attracted a lot of international attention for its actions
It’s important to get decision makers and influencers into facilities to see how they operate and the safety measures in place
How the industry has been guilty of focusing on servicing the minority and how this has to change if we are to address some of the major global health issues affecting the population How we have to, as a population, focus more on creating positive lifestyle habits.
How presenting our industry as part of the COVID solution openly in marketing and promotion is resonating with people and influencing behavioural change
How do we turn the tide on inactivity? What population groups should we be targeting?
How adjusting the environment can attract new segments of the population. The answer to growth lies in diversity of offer rather than trying to convert people into ‘gym lovers’, offer them an environment they will enjoy
People enjoy human interaction and this is why coming out of the first lockdown, Fitness First saw such a healthy engagement amongst the membership. It also accounts for the fact that going into second lockdown there was no big spike in cancellations
How being upfront and transparent has resulted in a retention of 75% of revenue during second lockdown
How Smile X successfully plugged ‘white spots’ in urban areas across Germany
The challenges of creating and monetizing a digital product
Learn from the lessons and practices of other industries
As a leader, it’s important to preserve the business. This means making difficult decisions around staffing levels and cost management. This is one of the biggest challenges. The other challenge is how to keep staff engaged and motivated during times when they are not able to fulfil their day jobs.
How this pandemic will affect the industry in terms of number of facilities and percentage of population engaged
How the population’s heightened awareness of the need to maintain personal health will be a main growth driver for the sector post Covid-19

View Details

How to optimize training outcomes through heart rate training

Jesse N. Thomas MS CSCS, a self-confessed science geek, is one of the industry’s leading heart rate training experts.

Jesse has dedicated his life to helping athletes train for success. He has spent decades applying the vast array of knowledge gained from years of studying for multiple degrees in kinesiology and exercise physiology to helping coaches, instructors and athletes optimize training outcomes through the delivery of insight and education.

In this episode, Jesse discusses the merits of heart rate training and the important role of the coach in teasing out optimal performance from individuals training in a group setting. He also explores how heart rate monitoring can flag negative training outcomes and the necessity of applying training strategies that drive a specific outcome.

This is an episode not to miss for anyone looking to get the most out of their heart rate training

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video Version – https://youtu.be/xr6qxyFnmRY

Jesse N.Thomas MS, CSCS, has dedicated a lifetime to competitive sports. His coaching has helped high performance athletes all around the world to improve physical performance and increase mental strength.

Jesse studied for and achieved multiple degrees in kinesiology and exercise physiology, applying education to teach the importance of energy management and seeing the bigger picture of performance.

With years of experience developing master training teams around the world for globally recognised brands such as UFC, ICG and Life Fitness, he's now sharing this information in his book, The Ultimate Heart Rate Training Guide and has established himself as one of the world’s leading authorities in Heart Rate training.

Fitness Deconstructed is an exercise and fitness educational resource aimed at coaches, athletes, trainers and fitness minded individuals keen to enhance their understanding of Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology in order to optimize training practices.

Jesse also works with a diverse portfolio of international fitness brands – from equipment manufacturers - including MyZone and Life Fitness to commercial fitness operators, developing product and equipment specific training programs delivered via written content, presentations and workshops.

Through Fitness Deconstructed, Jesse has developed leadership and competencies of thousands of athletes, trainers and coaches around the world. Today, Jesse continues to fulfil his ambition to effect positive change through education and practical application. His passion is Heart Rate training and his book: ‘The Ultimate Heart Rate Training Guide’ is available now via Amazon.

Visit www.fitnessdeconstructed.com to find out more about Jesse’ coaching, education and content creation.

Episode highlights -

Why it was important to improve the accessibility and availability of heart rate training education
Most commercial fitness operators could get more out of their heart rate training equipment and programming if coaches and instructors were better informed
Training outcomes can be achieved in a multitude of different ways. Understanding cardiovascular dynamics and how the heart goes into cardiac remodeling when demand is placed on it will determine the effectiveness of the training application on the outcome.
How controlling training variables and applying consistency will lead to the attainment of goals in the shortest possible time frame
How heart rate monitoring can be a useful indicator of the effectiveness of recovery strategies.
Varying intensity - the ‘rollercoaster of diversity’ is the key to performance success whether training for an event or training for life
Why questions have been asked about the accuracy of Karvonen’s 1950s heart rate training zone equations and what this has means now for the application of heart rate training zones in populations where a maximal heart rate test is not appropriate
How training at an intensity as low as 68% maximum heart rate (in MyZone’s Blue Zone) can still be classified as High Intensity Interval Training
How the overtraining effect impacts heart rate
How steady state and HIIT training effects the neurological capacity of the heart
How the type of training undertaken translates into performance outcomes. Defining what you want the outcomes to be will determine the make up of your training regime. Individuals are the product of their training
The importance of personalized warm up prescription to effective training
If training for life, what is the ultimate mix of weight being shifted and time allocated to training
How regular interval training differ from HIIT training
How the ability of a coach to offer modifications impacts the effectiveness of training for individuals working out in a group setting
The role of education in helping participants to train smarter
Choosing the right heart rate monitor for your training requirements?
Most cardio equipment has a fat burning metric. How legitimate is this as an indication of the training effect
How inconsistencies in heart rate behavior can be indicative of underlying health issues

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Jesse N. Thomas

View Details

Long before Conor McGregor, today's guest was responsible for bringing mixed martial arts to the masses, inspiring an iconic era of growth for the UFC.

Fighting in the first MMA event to break one million pay per views, he also coached the first ever series of the Ultimate Fighter show and has been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Today you can see him on TV and the big screen in guest appearances and acting roles around the world, or most recently breaking up fights and de-escalating tension during Huntingdon Beach riots.

Please welcome former UFC lightweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer, Chuck Liddell to the Escape Your Limits podcast.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video Version – https://youtu.be/x8blHv2w3fU

Chuck ‘Iceman’ Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion instantly recognised by his trademark Mohawk. He has an extensive striking background in Kenpo, Karate, and Kickboxing, as well as a grappling background in collegiate wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Liddell had 23 fights in the UFC including two historic wins over Tito Ortiz and is widely credited with bringing MMA into the mainstream of American sports and entertainment. On July 10, 2009, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

Liddell holds a BA (Hons) Degree in Business Accounting, from the California Polytechnic State University, is the father of five children and is married to Heidi Liddell.

Chuck Liddell is one of the richest MMA fighters in the world, with an estimated net worth of $14 million.

Since official retirement in 2020, Chuck has dabbled in reality TV, appearing in Dancing With The Stars, and continues to enjoy his passion for acting. To date, Chuck has appeared in 30 TV shows and films from 1981 – 2020.

Visit www.chuckliddell.com to find out more about Chuck Liddell’s story

Episode highlights -

Pre competition preparation. How being ‘ice cool’ before a fight helps to focus the mind
How a determined mindset in the ring transfers to business and other aspects of life. The need to look for creative ways to achieve
How to become proficient enough to compete at the top level. Select core skill elements to focus on and become a master of these. Once the foundations are in place, build on these
Why skill evolution and continual learning is vital to success
How adversity drives success. Turning a defeat into a driver for achievement in the future
How much of today’s fighting is about strategy and how much is raw skill execution
How important is mindset? What role does mental attitude play in success? How being able to read fighters and know when the right time is to throw that killer punch
Why it is important to train across multiple disciplines and pick out what works for you?
Why John Hackleman, long term coach and friend, played no part in the final fight
Hard core fans enjoy great fighters compete but showboats like Connor McGregor help to attract new ‘casual fans’, growing the sport and turning a fight more into a party or an event
Is it more important to fight to win or fight to entertain the fans?
Was a highly competitive mindset something you were born with?
People who are really good at what they do work hard at what they do. Success has been the result of hard work, driven by a love of the sport
The strong work ethic that has driven success in sport translates into other areas of life and business but it’s not so easy
Failure only happens when you give up. If you want to think like a winner, be a winner, keep moving. Pick a direction and keep going
If you make a mistake you need to get over it quickly, get back to work.
Mental toughness is an everyday thing. It can’t be turned on and off. You have to focus on it. If you don’t, it can slip. You’ve got to believe in yourself.
Dealing with retirement was hard. The whole purpose in life disappeared. It’s been really important to find new things to focus on
UFC has changed. There is a lot more hype, more theatrical around the fights now. The main event should remain in the ring
The story behind the mohawk
How did a UFC Hall of Famer find the ‘Dancing with The Stars’ experience

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Chuck Liddell

View Details

An insight into the power of the mind to create positive, lasting change.

Crystal Dwyer Hansen Dwyer Hansen is a Transformational Life Coach with a belief that all people have unlimited potential for greatness if they only understand how to tap into their own inner resources. Through her years coaching, and as a Wellness/Nutrition Expert, she has seen people experience profound and lasting transformations in relationships, careers,
health and wellness.

In this episode, Crystal discusses the importance of mindset in creating lasting change, loving the foods which love you back and the launch of her new book ASK! The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/dG5Hd_S2HZQ

Crystal Dwyer Hansen started her career in real estate and modelling, obsessed with helping people improve their lives and to be their best through whatever means she could. Wanting
to better understand what it took to transform lives and improve both mindset and wellbeing for anyone, she made a huge pivot to study and research every opportunity she could.

She graduated from one of the largest providers of holistic healthcare education in the country, earning certifications in transformational life coaching, and clinical hypnotherapy.
Today, Crystal is an international speaker, researcher, author and entrepreneur with expertise in the field of human potential to help people use their minds proactively and evolve their consciousness to live a fulfilled, happy life.

Crystal’s personal coaching, speaking, CD and video programs, books, and articles have helped people all over the world. She is a Member of the International Coaching Federation, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, the founder of Crystal Vision Life, Ltd,
(crystalvisionlife.com) and Skinny Life™ a wellness company (skinnylife.com).

She travels the world with her husband, best-selling author and entrepreneur Mark Victor Hansen, speaking, inspiring, and teaching leadership and together they have released a new,
co-written book called ASK! The Bridge from Your Dreams to Your Destiny.

Visit www.crystalvisionlife.com to find out more about Crystal’s coaching, speaking opportunities and written work.

Episode highlights

● Why it is important to continuously ask honest questions, of yourself and others, in order to increase understanding, reward and joy.
● Why people have such a roller-coaster cycle when trying to maintain weight loss programmes and how to learn to love the foods that love you back.
● How to learn to love yourself and not wrap your own identity around your weight.
● Why doing subconscious, deep-mind work can help when working towards a permanent change in your weight and your awareness.
● Why a singular state of being shouldn’t negatively influence your personal identification. The importance of separating from this identity and how to start creating the new, positive persona and mindset.
● How negative messages that we receive through our lifetime can become self-defeating, how to go back and do a ‘mind excavation’ to identify where negative thinking started and how to stop this repeating by replacing it with a new thought process.
● How the idea of self-love and self-image are connected and the importance of appreciating your unique qualities.
● Why it is important not to compare yourself to others because the more you try to compete, the unhappier you will be. It’s about making it your business to care for yourself.
● Why you should look at food like you’re an artist - like you’re discerning and picky about what you’re going to fuel your body with.
● Why you need to stop thinking of exercise as pain and punishment and start asking yourself what activity you find fun.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Crystal Dwyer Hansen…

View Details

Lessons from a business leader with a reputation as a disruptor.

This week's guest on the Escape Your Limits podcast is a graduate from the University of Cambridge; he's held several roles in a number of top corporate institutions, most recently spearheading growth from 84 gyms to over 200 after overseeing a £600m company sale in his current role.

We hope you enjoy this passionate, professional and honest interview with the CEO of PureGym, Humphrey Cobbold.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video Version – hthttps://youtu.be/uYbjk5PckCs

Humphrey Cobbold is CEO of PureGym and a serial disruptor in business, responsible for a dramatic shift in pricing structure and offering members more flexibility.

He's an IRONMAN triathlete with a passion for both performance and recovery in and out of business. From building his breadth of experience in consultancy and other roles out of the fitness industry, he transitioned into a very different type of role as CEO of Wiggle where he took sales from £33m to £175m.

Today he's dealing with the challenges of PureGym locations being closed down in over 500 sites around Europe, while also representing the fitness industry to the media in fighting continued closures even after sanitisation and hygiene standards have been exceeded.

PureGym believes everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a fit and healthy lifestyle. They have made it simple, affordable and convenient for everyone to achieve their personal health goals.

With over 220 pieces of the latest gym equipment, personal trainers will also be on hand to provide you with advice and instruction to get the most out of your workout. Inside PureGym you will find a vibrant and spacious gym floor, excellent changing facilities, modern showers, and the brand's functional training zones. The team prides itself in maintaining the highest standards in every PureGym, while creating a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Episode highlights -

Hear the reaction of government decision makers as they toured gyms to get a better understanding of the fitness industry throughout the pandemic, and what percentage of them hadn't stepped foot in a gym for 20 years.
What the PureGym team is doing to track transmission rates throughout the fitness industry and feed results back to governing bodies.
Why governments and authorities don't really understand what the fitness industry does, and how we can impact and influence decision makers in each environment around the world.
How you can make your own luck from persistent hard work, and what you can do if the worst happens on your career path. A resilience-focussed mindset is key to getting through hard times, even if it's day by day.
What the difference is in a career path between trying to manage something that's inherently unmanageable or embracing opportunities as they arise.
What are the four things that you're truly responsible for as a chief executive, and how you can overcome the pressure of a new role in the first few weeks of the job.
How business strategies have changed in the past 25 years and what we can learn from the past to find sustainability, durability and success in the future.
What the importance is in fitness facilities and wellbeing environments to inspire confidence in both members and teams, regardless of whether the brand is low cost or luxury.
Why you need to understand where your strengths and weaknesses are, hire people better than you, and work together to complement each other as a team in every area of business.
How you can take time to think by blocking out space in your diary for concentrated effort for planning, strategy, understanding and finding new ways of implementing what you've learned.
What actionable changes can you make to your life to not only set yourself up in business, but support your wellbeing and family life in the most efficient way possible for true happiness.
Why distraction from your business life and daily activity is just as important for recovery and performance over time. Find what you love to do in your spare time and do it regularly so that you're not always head-down and on the clock.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Humphrey Cobbold…

View Details

Forget what you think you know about protein and muscle.

Dr Gabrielle Lyon is a medical doctor with a revolutionary approach to health, wellness and longevity called muscle-centric medicine. In this episode we break the stereotypes surrounding building muscle; we discuss good and bad protein choices, and we explore how to deal with obesity as a nation.

This is a lesson in what we can all do to improve the long term health of ourselves and our community.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Dr Gabrielle Lyon studied nutritional science for seven years and has a doctorate in osteopathic medicine. She specialises in helping patients and clients take control of their body and mind, through an innovative approach called muscle-centric medicine. This shifts the focus from fat loss to muscle gain, for better metabolism, reduced risk of disease and better long-term health.

Her knowledge and insight has helped everyone from entrepreneur Bedros Keuilian to elite military operators such as Navy SEALS to perform at their best.

Muscle-Centric Medicine is the most revolutionary aspect of Dr. Lyon’s methods. Her ground-breaking concepts eliminate unwanted body fat and build muscle, allowing for continued metabolism boosts and long-term wellness. The key is to eat the right kinds of protein, and enough of them, at each meal. This stimulates the body’s natural muscle-building process, called “muscle protein synthesis”.

HIGHLIGHTS

• What the science is behind brain activity, body composition, waistline and muscle mass.

• Why we're failing at addressing obesity issues, and how nobody knows what the optimal muscle mass is for anyone.

• Why progress in regards to muscle mass is all about improvement, as everyone has a different starting point to meet their physical, mental and longevity goals.

• How your diet is affecting your glucose levels and muscle mass, and what this means in relation to your protein, carb and fat intake.

• What effect concentrating on muscle first will have on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and other issues, compared to concentrating on more stereotypical or traditional focus points.

• How much protein you should be eating, where you should be getting it from, and why information you've heard already may not be reliable based on the balance of emotions and facts.

• What difference stress and recovery makes on testosterone levels, and how sleep disruptors such as alcohol affect your whole body.

• How modern medicine has a fundamental flaw that can be revolutionised by taking a different approach of prevention instead of treatment.

• Why researchers and healthcare professionals need to be OK with being wrong, especially when it comes to forwarding education and insight about new approaches to longevity.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Gabrielle Lyon…

View Details

Understand the science and specificity to outspend the competition and win.

On this week's Escape Your Limits podcast, CEO of Alloy Personal Training Rick Mayo talks about what it takes to build a global franchise and target a demographic that holds 70% of the nation's disposable income.

A pioneer of personal training and former trainer for Madonna, he's internationally recognised as an expert in systems and scaling, helping millions of members around the world through a mantra of assessment, accountability and actualisation.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video Version - https://youtu.be/1d3YbuCIjhc

Rick Mayo started out training people in their homes to pay his way through college, doing something he loved to do. He opened one of the first facilities dedicated to training, all one-on-one, and soon growing the business to a million dollars of PT a year.

Through circumstances such as staff leaving to set up their own studios, Rick's income went from $83k a month down to $12k a month. That became the birth of a systemised process to training, from welcome, through memberships, to programming and across the whole experience. With more rapid growth, Rick began using his model in other gyms, and soon it was in 2000 clubs worldwide.

Alloy Personal Training's mission statement is: Real people + alloy programs = real results. No one person is the same, nor is the journey toward a healthier, active lifestyle. So why should workouts be the same? Trainers tailor the Alloy programmes for all clients who walk through the doors — no matter their fitness level. From the first session with us, Alloy works to help clients reach their goals and become their best version of possible.

On the franchise side... Alloy offers a combination of personal service, effective technology, 30 years of experience and a formula for incredible results for both members and fitness franchise owners. The numbers prove it. Alloy's revenue per member and retention rates are among the highest in the fitness industry today.

For more visit alloypersonaltraining.com

Episode highlights -

How the studio within a larger gym model, or box within a box, started out. Also why creating a space and environment is key to member experience or maintaining revenue, but what's changed in recent years.
What the differences are between price points and member experiences for large gyms and studio models, and what you need to focus on as an owner or operator.
How operational commitment from general managers can support personal trainers to upsell members into coaching, even on a large scale.
Why success is like weight loss in that you have to change your expectations or change your habits. It takes hard work to get better, and some people don't want to do that if they're happy where they're at.
How a systemised approach to training, programming, service and experience gave Rick's business the rapid growth it needed to start interesting other gyms in using his model. And how this has created the opportunity to build his own franchise business off the back of it.
What the formula to profitability is, and how you can use it to outspend your competition even in a saturated market.
How you can look to the automotive market when it comes to marketing to an ageing demographic, as not many young people walk into a Porsche dealership.
Why the ageing demographic offers greater lifetime value and will give your business much higher retention rates compared to the stereotypical clientele of a gym.
How it's good advice if you have the assets to go digital, but it doesn't mean that it's a great idea for classes alone. The audience on the other end are going to hold you accountable.
What you should be scaling to as a personal trainer or bootcamp operator to make more money off fewer people while they pay less.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Rick Mayo…

View Details

This is why fitness needs an experience upgrade at every level.

On this episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast we meet Rob Barker, president of Precor. As well as heading up of one of the world's largest fitness equipment companies, Rob is also an exec board member of Amer Sports, the £3b global leader in sporting goods.

Rob's sharing real-time advice and information about driving the development of personalised health and fitness experiences that help people live the lives they desire.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video Version – https://youtu.be/hW6g8zcDKhw

Venturing into fitness as a career, Rob began in operations, running the equipment of YMCAs in the UK. He fell in love with the industry, wanting to make people healthier and happier.

He progressed and started in the supply sector in 1995, as a London sales rep for Precor. In his own words, he's been trying to be the best version of himself ever since, rising through the ranks of the business until he became president.

The Precor mission is to develop personalised health and fitness experiences that help people live the lives they desire. For over three decades, Precor has driven fitness forward with a passionate focus on ergonomic motion, proven science, and superior engineering.

The business constantly studies and anticipates the needs of the people and organisations it serves, and continually redefines the levels of innovation, quality, and service necessary to deliver the very best fitness experiences – all with the goal of improving the ways people improve themselves. Precor equipment is chosen by health clubs, hotels and spas, universities, and individuals all over the world.

Episode highlights -

What power is in owning your own development, staying humble, and working every day to be the best in whatever it is you're doing at the time.
Why happiness has to come before success, and why it's a choice that you can make regardless of your situation. Reference: Shawn Achor: The happy secret to better work (TED Talk on positive psychology) https://bit.ly/2GE3fvU
How you can energise yourself as a leader in the tough times even more than the enthusiasm you show during the good times.
Why a lot of operators will pivot from facility-centric to consumer-centric, with an omni-channel approach that better suits how the world has changed.
What results come from live tracking of over 120,000 connected pieces of cardio from all around the world in gyms, hotels and hospitality, with each machine getting an average of 23 minutes' workout time on it. How do these results compare to last year pre-COVID? Reference link: https://www.precor.com/en-us/preva-stats
Why the fitness industry needs to be working together even more closely to get the message across about being a safe space, and what other countries have done to change the mind of policymakers.
What positives have come from COVID and how the pandemic has given the fitness industry a real tail wind to ride on for future progress with a growth mindset.
How habits pre-coronavirus have been broken and why we need to help reestablish new fitness habits for members of the future.
What power digital has to create local familiarity across digital platforms, in addition to the digital advances that have already come into effect.
What are going to be some of the key trends that we'll see, both from a manufacturer and operator's side, in the coming months.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Rob Barker…

View Details

Hard hitting home truths that will improve your life and expand your potential.

David Meltzer is co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing, an agency he co-founded with the NFL Hall of Fame quarterback, Warren Moon. As an executive producer and main judge on Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch, David provides insights for thousands of businesses each year to help them focus on their company growth.

Host of The Playbook podcast, David also depicts the key principles to expanding your own potential in both business and life. This episode will have your head spinning with simple and practical advice.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/aHP_0_UGy0g

In his early 20s, David Meltzer quickly rose to the top of his game in the business world, becoming a millionaire. David lectured around the globe and saw rapid success in every business project he touched. But something was missing, and in his 30s as a multimillionaire, he went on a rapid downward spiral that ended in bankruptcy.

It was only then that David realised, in order to revive and thrive, he needed to 'codify' what had made him successful in the first place. Today, his entrepreneurial and philanthropic spirit has rewarded him with recognition as one of Marshall Goldsmith's top 100 business coaches in the world. David is also chairman of the Unstoppable Foundation, Variety magazine's sports humanitarian of the year, and host of the Top 5 podcast: The Playbook.

Sports 1 Marketing is a global sports and entertainment marketing agency that leverages over $20 billion in relationship capital and over 38 years of business experience, bringing athletes, celebrities and businesses together to make a lot of money, help a lot of people, and have a lot of fun.

If you'd like to learn more about the free resources that David is offering anyone for business and life improvements, email him at david@dmeltzer.com

Episode highlights -

How to deal with the worst of times, even to the point of losing $100m, a top golf course, ski mountain, 30 houses and a bunch of condos. It's all about the mindset and overcoming challenges.
What the positive effect of building values, principles and key disciplines will bring in your life no matter what stage of success you're at.
How to deal with bankruptcy and understand the enjoyment of the pursuit of your potential, regardless of what challenges face you.
Why pain is just an indicator that you've got lessons to learn. It's not a stop sign.
What your skills, knowledge and your desire is going to do for your journey to success.
How to understand the mathematical equation to luck, and how attention plus intention will equal coincidence that will allow you to take advantage of great opportunities.
Why you need to study every day what you have planned, what you don't have planned, what you're grateful for and what other areas you need to identify.
What the timescales are you need to concentrate on for your health, family, research, and studying your calendar.
How to improve efficiencies, practices and timekeeping to increase the amount of 'hours' you can achieve in the same time as anyone who's not weighting the balance of efficiency.
Why it's important to understand faith as an object of energy, and how we can do better to “understand what surrounds what surrounds you” (sic) for a better perspective of the universe.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with David Meltzer…

View Details

Everyone needs honesty, and everyone needs recovery.

Eric Leija is one of the fastest rising fitness influencers online with almost a million Instagram followers, his own online coaching business and a workout programme branded by Men's Health.

In this episode, the celebrity fitness trainer who specialises in unconventional training talks about what it took to develop and launch a successful fitness app, Primal Fitness, in the middle of a pandemic, and how COVID put him out of action for weeks, even as an elite athlete.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/_X3-BfV2TgQ

Eric Leija used to work in the ONNIT warehouse, packing supplements and shipping equipment off to customers. As the company started selling more kettlebells, steel maces and unconventional training equipment, they needed someone to show potential customers how to use it. Eric got certified and became one of the first coaches in the ONNIT gym.

He soon became a head coach for kettlebell training and created a new approach for his growing audience with kettlebell flows. Backing from a Joe Rogan shout out on social media and hard work behind the scenes meant that Eric was able to launch his own business, teaching kettlebell and animal flow workshops of his own.

With the guidance of Eric Leija, you will become proficient with tools below such as kettlebells, barbells, dumbbells, sandbags, the steel mace, steel clubs, or resistance training, mobility and durability in general, and other approaches that lead clients to live a stronger, healthier, and more optimal life.

Visit ericleija.com to find out more about the Primal Swoledier's online courses, customised training programmes, personalised diet plans, and unconventional workouts.

Episode highlights -

How having a business based online has helped Eric transition activity to still be successful through lockdowns and pandemic challenges.
Why workshops may not be a big generator of revenue, but is the best way to connect with the most valued members of your audience.
When you need to focus on hard and heavy training, when you need to focus on foundational fitness, and why the social media highlight real isn't the full picture.
How much time you should be spending creating content for social media, posting it on platforms and engaging with your community.
Where there's still space in the digital fitness and app market, and what further growth is going to have on current operators in the industry.
Why, even when someone is known for working with a particular bit of fitness equipment, any athlete's training regime is made up of so much more than solely what they specialise in.
How to deal with burnout from business, physique issues, creating content and lack of sleep, and why that left even an athlete such as Eric suffering from coronavirus.
What symptoms COVID can cause; the timeline of how they evolve over weeks, and how long it can take to recover.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Eric Leija…

View Details

Attract clients. Perfect your pricing. Retain members. Profit and prosper.

This episode is a lesson in how to bring more clients into your business and keep them longer, all while improving profitability. It's an art form that our guest has developed into a science.

With tips time-served by a client base of over 2000 thriving businesses, this strategy session can bring some impressive results. CEO of GymLaunch, Alex Hormozi, is making gym owners evolve their business to be better for their bottom line and members.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/8_qL5oB3BR4

Formerly a competing power lifter, Alex Hormozi didn't like the effect that the volume was having on his joints. He transitioned to more of a bodybuilding approach without feeling the need to get stage lean.

Professionally, Alex has gone from sleeping on the floor of his gym to discovering financial freedom, teaching other gym owners his success secrets and transforming over 1500 gyms on four continents. As host of the Gym Secrets Podcast he's also helping gym owners get more profit per member, increase retention and engagement, all while retaining your own personal life.

Alex is also host of the Gym Secrets Podcast. Subscribe at https://apple.co/3kHGF4g

The Gym Launch model has now transformed thousands of gyms spanning four continents. Gym owners work endless hours and sacrifice themselves for their customers, and still, many go home empty-handed. Gym Launch is dedicated to solving this problem.

For more information visit gymlaunch.com

Episode highlights -

How to build a consultative mind map of all the information that exists for success, and build a mentorship and educational community to leverage lessons that others have already learned.
Why the fitness industry continues to talk about the same challenges, and what it's going to take to start moving conversations forward.
How the virtuous or viscous circle of price can work for or against your business model through understanding value, profit and performance.
What your choice of equipment and classes will do to your business, and how the smallest accessory can ruin your profit line.
Why the passion in the fitness industry is often what kills the chances of a business' success.
What fitness trends are going to outlast everything else, and what to base a gym around for longevity. Plus the key points to what makes a good operator.
The five things you should be doing in order to retain members, and what to do if you're a struggling gym owner right now.
Why exercise digital programming will better serve members and clients through convenience than any live digital workout on Zoom will do.
How the difference between a good and bad operator is all in genuinely caring about your customers.
Why dual motivation is so powerful in getting to the gym, particularly when you think about hanging out with your friends and going for a workout.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Alex Hormozi…

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

View Details

Stress, recovery, repeat.

This week on the Escape Your Limits podcast we discuss a very different vision for the future of the fitness industry. Today's guest has consulted with some of the biggest brands in fitness, sharing his passion for movement with audiences from the likes of Equinox, Microsoft and Nike.

This conversation with Michol Dalcourt, CEO of the Institute of Motion, will challenge your thinking and open your mind to many of the great opportunities that still exist within the fitness space.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/zsboE_hhkxw

As CEO of the Institute of Motion, inventor of the ViPR PRO, and co-founder of PTA Global, Michol Dalcourt has spoken at hundreds of conferences on becoming unbreakable. He is a fitness visionary and shares his insight on the future of fitness for both bodies and business in his second appearance on the Escape Your Limits podcast.

The Institute of Motion is an applied health and human performance company. For over 20 years, the IoM has continued to provide innovative solutions in the arenas of health care, fitness and human performance through programming, coaching and education.

The mission is to help people improve their health so they can do whatever it is they love most. The IoM team get fired up about helping others enjoy the benefits of healthy choices, because we know health is what makes everything possible.

For more information visit instituteofmotion.com

Episode highlights -

How to implement lifestyle changes that will build your resilience in order to become unbreakable at any stage in life.
Why fitness doesn't necessarily equal health, and why some of the fittest people on the planet may not be leading a particularly healthy lifestyle.
What certain responses are the result of chemicals and processes within the body, and how you can leverage these to get bigger, stronger and faster, but also knowing what the cost to your body may be.
Why there's no binary good and bad, but health and human performance that is engineered for the individual.
How celebrities such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, Serena Williams and Roger Federer are trying to build capacity, balancing out the systems of the body.
What are the different types of training that will bring longevity and recovery to your body, and why cardio is not the killer of gains that people think.
Business model evolutions and ancillary revenue stream ideas that will offer longevity to your fitness offering long after HIIT training and current trends pass.
What the difference is between personal training and health coaching, and how fitness is likely to make way for lifestyle and behaviour change.
How recovery days in the gym may not look to others like you're doing much, but will leave you feeling bulletproof when you leave.
Why the fitness industry's experience has to be at the global table when it comes to longevity for populations around the world.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Michol Dalcourt…

View Details

How to build a community and keep it.

This week's Escape Your Limits podcast guest started out from humble beginnings in a family that depended on welfare and food stamps. Today he's earning millions of dollars, following a core belief system of mind, body and action.

Starting as a personal trainer in fitness, Dean Aguilar is now the founder of two real estate companies selling over $300m in real estate, as well as being the CEO of Digital Muse, an award-winning marketing agency.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version - https://youtu.be/ceqDJAoBOm4

Dean’s family immigrated to the US from Argentina (mother) and Pakistan (father) in 1972. From the age of 13, he began bagging groceries for $3/hr. At the age of 15 he fell in love with fitness and began sharpening his sales skills by selling personal training to clients at a local gym. Dean excelled so quickly, by age 21 he was running an entire fitness facility with 61 employees.

Today, whether heading up his real estate agency, his media agency, consulting, undertaking speaking engagements or any other business activity, Dean Aguilar knows the importance of online and social media. It's many of these insights he's sharing in this episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast.

Contact Dean for more information at instagram.com/realdeanaguilar

Dean Aguilar is CEO of Digital Muse Media, an award-winning, full-service digital marketing agency. His work has been featured in Forbes and Buzzfeed, and the agency was named the fastest-growing brand agency of 2019.

If you're looking for some of the latest strategies for growing your business and your personal brand, building a growing virtual community, and discovering trends in the digital marketing space, Dean is the man to contact.

Episode highlights -

What's causing people to truly appreciate how social media is a truly giant presence in our lives, and how platforms can be leveraged especially during tough times when gaining attention is vital.
How you can position yourself to deal with impending uncertainty, and why you should often prepare for the worst in business.
Why it's important to stay humble and be prepared to take a step backwards if you need to. Lose the ego and it will benefit your business.
What parallels and predictions you can draw from school situations and child attendance, with gym member activity and comfort in coming back to a regular routine.
How you can offer the best service and build a real community through digital channels in ways to satisfy members, offering value and longevity in times where your audience can't be physically social.
What effect the relationship between bricks and mortar and digital is going to be across difference sectors over the coming months.
Why 'pay to play' social media doesn't have to be about selling, and how it's more about connecting and being seen .
What social media strategies you can leverage to draw new audiences to your business, and what you can do to keep that attention.
Why it's important to be authentic and how trying to be someone else will not serve you well in the long term, whether it's personally or professionally.
What you can do to block out space and make time for social media activity and shooting videos as part of your personal brand.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Dean Aguilar…

View Details

How to ask the right questions for success.

This week's Escape Your Limits podcast is a lesson from positivity power couple Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of best-seller Chicken Soup for the Soul, and his wife Crystal Dwyer Hansen.

Together they're sharing important messages from their new book: Ask! The Bridge From Your Dreams To Your Destiny. Through understanding how to pivot and perform when faced with any challenge, these are the questions to ask to wake up opportunity during adversity.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video - https://youtu.be/8W35XFkzbSs

Inspirational speakers, authors and motivational specialists, Mark Hansen and Crystal Dwyer Hansen are passionate about positivity. Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Mark Victor Hansen has sold over 500 million copies and also holds the Guinness World Record for having the most books in the New York Times best selling list at the same time.

Crystal Dwyer Hansen is an international speaker, researcher, corporate consultant, author, and entrepreneur. Internationally-renowned as an expert in human potential, she has invested years of experience and insight into health and wellness.

Mark Victor Hansen has worked his way into a worldwide spotlight as a sought-after keynote speaker, and entrepreneurial marketing maven, creating a stream of successful people who have created massive success for themselves through his unique teachings and wisdom.

For more information visit markvictorhansen.com

Through her years spent as a Transformational Life Coach, and Wellness/Nutrition Expert, Crystal Dwyer Hansen has seen people experience profound and lasting transformation in relationships, career, health & wellness, by tapping into their own inner resources.

For more information visit crystalvisionlife.com

Episode highlights -

What difference the ability to ask will have on your opportunities, business and resulting success.
How anyone's success story isn't a one way deal, and is a journey of up and down that can, at times, look like the end of opportunity. Mark and Crystal explain how they have both overcome low points.
What tough questions should you be asking yourself in order to get out of challenging situations and get to where you want to be.
How you can put down your baggage, let it go and start your life anew every day.
What you can do when facing rejection, and what are the factors to indicate you're on the right path.
Why it's everyone's duty, responsibility and obligation to fulfill their destiny, become rich and be as healthy and happy as they can.
What you can do to pivot and reinvent yourself if you're facing the worst situation you've lived through. The only way is up, but you've got to ask the right questions.
What the most common things are that hold people back from their potential, and how to overcome them.
Why we're all master askers when we're born, wanting to know who, what, when, where and why about everything. And why we lose that initiative as we age.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Mark Hansen and Crystal Dwyer Hansen…

View Details

How to make strategic decisions when dealing with uncertainty.

Chris Clawson is passionate about fitness being seen by the world to help with longevity and wellbeing, long after the pandemic passes.

In this Escape Your Limits interview, he explains why the fitness industry needs better representation for public perception change, how to thrive in a climate of adversity, and why he rejoined Life Fitness as CEO shortly after parting ways with the company.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video Version – https://youtu.be/g7vjKusw5UI

View Details

Behind the scenes with leadership lessons from a pioneer of fitness in Asia.

Sincere and reflective, this Escape Your Limits podcast interview with Simon Flint is the kind of honesty that we need in fitness today.

Simon is the CEO of Evolution Wellness, a six-brand total port folio making $300m in revenue across 175 sites in six countries. He's leading his 7000 employees with compassion, communication and a camaraderie that will see the companies gyms and studios coming back stronger than ever.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video Version – https://youtu.be/-EbxHtqhulU

Simon Flint was born in the UK to hard working parents that instilled a mindset in him of continual growth and progress. He moved to south east Asia in 1994 and has put the hours in that's led to his 26-year veteran career, leading Asia's health and fitness industry.

Today as the CEO of Evolution Wellness, created from a $500m merger by the Fitness First Asia and Celebrity Fitness brands, his six-brand total port folio has been making $300m in revenue across 175 sites in six countries, with 7000 employees.

Established in 2017, Evolution Wellness is comprised of six brands: Celebrity Fitness, CHi Fitness, FIRE Fitness, Fitness First Asia, Fivelements, and GoFit. The brand reaches as far across Asia as Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

The vision is to build a comprehensive wellness ecosystem, and the company is focused on leveraging combined industry knowledge and the team’s global experience to extend reach across the vibrant Asian fitness and wellness scene.

Episode highlights -

How to cope with closures in multiple markets, and then deal with the organisation of some markets opening again, some staying closed, and some closing again after reopening.
What can change optimism into pessimism during dark times, and how to manage a business effectively with a realistic mix of both outlooks.
How different government approaches can affect business through standards of practice, communication and ministerial level access.
Why each member's needs different affects how a gym can react with space concerns and workout offerings if one aspect such as group exercise is prohibited due to COVID restrictions.
What the contrast is between trainers leading classes in person or instructing others through digital platforms, and why some may thrive on one medium over the other.
How a leadership team and perform at peak capacity during challenging climates through staying resilient and nurturing the team dynamic.
What both landlords and gyms can do to help each other and work together for mutual benefit in the future.
Why access to senior management and being able to communicate information is vital to the understanding, empathy and mental health of staff and teams throughout an entire business.
What trends are set to take over from HIIT workouts and the popular modalities of recent years, and what members are most looking to get back when the pandemic passes.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Simon Flint…

View Details

Post-pandemic plans and predictions from a CEO who's seen success all around the world.

An experienced and successful multi-brand professional at a global level, Ty Menzies has spent over 15 years forging growth in the fitness industry and founding multiple companies of his own.

Today as CEO of Lift Brands, Ty oversees a port folio of five operations: Snap Fitness 24/7, 9Round Kickboxing, YogaFit Studios, Steele Fitness and FitnessOnDemand.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/fYP63YmI_6k

Lift Brands is a collection of fitness-minded businesses that share a similar goal: creating comfortable, welcoming services that foster good health and wellness.

From individual personalised workouts to group fitness training, each company has its own unique specialty. For both users and owners, Snap Fitness 24/7, 9Round Kickboxing, YogaFit Studios, Steele Fitness and FitnessOnDemand serve as the foundations for a better life.

Episode highlights -

• Why lots of conversations with lots of people is the key piece to any puzzle in business, particularly around times of the pandemic and restricted access to job inductions, for example.

• What happens now that we're out of crisis management and into a triage stage to see how you can move your business forward.

• Why the member experience should take precedence when it comes to development in the coming months, and what you can do to enhance it.

• How to balance the rules and regulations around the world regarding COVID, and what you can do to work with franchisees in order to maintain safety measures for members.

• Why franchisee businesses today are more about the one, two or three-location operators instead of what it just to be with six, seven and eight-location franchisees.

• Why it's never been more important to work with every element of fitness in educating the general public about wellbeing.

• What the relationship is going to be between bricks and mortar gyms with digital initiatives, and how they'll complement each other long term.

• What the different franchise options are at low or high level, for single locations or multi-site operators across the Lift Brands portfolio.

• How the fitness industry is going to change over the next 12 months.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Ty Menzies…

View Details

Authenticity is key to long term success.

A DJ, TV presenter and radio host who found fame on the BAFTA award-winning Made In Chelsea, Ashley James is a regular face in the British media.

An articulate social commentator, activist and empowerment coach, she's using her platform for good, campaigning for body positivity, mental health and honesty on social media.

This is a lesson in how to stay true to yourself, no matter what others think.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/n-PdgfT-bz8

Ashley James always wanted to be a presenter but didn't realise it was an option for years. Her first mini break can after hustling for a radio job, doing teas and coffees for her local station when she was 16.

She went to university and did a graduate scheme with Abercrombie and Fitch. After moving to London and working various jobs, Ashley struggled with money but got her break with her first reality TV appearance on Made In Chelsea in 2012. She also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

Ashley had been swept up in the world of a celebrity, but soon realised that it wasn't fame that would make her happy. She's since been working hard to follow her passions and show authenticity throughout her personal and professional life.

A campaigner for mental health, body positivity and social media honesty, Ashley has appeared on both BBC News and Sky News to discuss topical issues and draw on her own past battles with self-harm, bullying and body dysmorphia.

She’s DJ’d internationally in Cannes, Ibiza, Marbella, Dubai and Thailand and at the Reading, Isle of Wight, Wireless, Citadel and Mighty Hoopla festivals in the UK. She’s even shared the decks with Groove Armada!

For more information visit ashleylouisejames.com

Episode highlights -

Why you shouldn't take negative feedback to heart, but continue to pursue your dreams and passions while taking constructive criticism on board.
How changes in opinions surrounding lockdown affected social media activity for influencers and personalities that may have had fear of posting about certain topics.
What the beauty is in owning your mistakes and why putting your hands up to something you don't fully understand is often the best way to overcome getting caught out.
How to navigate clickbait online, and how to cope when clickbait articles are written about you or your business.
Why you need to unfollow and mute people on social media, even if you like them in real life.
How to deal with the challenges around body positivity and mindset, and what lifestyle changes will shift old habits or cyclical behaviour.
Why it's important to be authentic online, especially when posting images, and why editing photos in certain ways only furthers the damage that our culture of snapshot social media can cause.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Ashley Louise James…

View Details

Evergreen business innovation tips from a world leader in sport technology.

Whether it’s a traditional school education or learning on the job, a growth mindset is key to personal development and discovering your strengths. This Escape Your Limits podcast guest has not only gone from student to teacher, but has educated himself on building a business along the way.

This episode is a lesson in what it’s like on the frontline of fitness at Loughborough University, with Mike Caine, professor of sports technology.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/fM9c3zqbeS4

Before becoming a professor, Mike Caine was a student of Loughborough University and decided to return later in life as an academic.

Studying maths, physics, and chemistry, he started falling in love with one particular field doing a degree in human biology. Mike followed his first-class degree with a scholarship to study for a PhD in sports science, while also starting his own company and embracing opportunities of taking a product to market.

During his study, he also launched a business, bringing a class one medical device to market that helped people to improve their breathing. From then on, Mike has embraced life as a professional at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, sport and fitness.

Progressive Sports Technologies operates from space in the Advanced Technology Innovation Centre at Loughborough University. Maintaining a small but highly skilled research and development team, they are primed to support unique project requirements through validation, research, and development support to the international sporting goods market and its related industries.

Offering both tactical and strategic support, Progressive is an on-demand R&D service to suit requirements, fast. When you need extra resource to successfully deliver your project Progressive is there to assist.

Episode highlights -

How to find your way through all the opportunities out there, developing your understanding through learning and discovering your passion for a career, post-education.
Why you’ll need to find your balance between working long days and ensuring that you make time for family and your own hobbies as well as business.
Why making money is often not the focus for product development, when there’s a chance to make a huge difference in people’s lives, especially in the medical sector.
How surrounding yourself with the right kind of support, whether that’s through colleague, family or friends, will empower you to learn and ultimately succeed in your chosen passion.
What different paths you’ll take if you’re open to trying something you may not have previously thought of, whether it’s in a professional sense or anything else in life.
What the most important attributes to success are, whether you’re an entrepreneur or employee.
How important building the right team is, and why complementary skills and interests will build momentum more quickly while also leaving you more fulfilled.
Why it’s OK to fail and be open about it in order to recognise both your strengths and weaknesses.
What’s wrong with the current state of education and university access, and what can be done to improve it so that more people can learn, progress and succeed.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Professor Mike Caine…

View Details

The secrets of a humble but passionate path to success.

Martin Seibold is a resilient business leader who has overcome many obstacles in fitness. Today he's overseeing LifeFit Group's six brands, including Fitness First, Barry's Bootcamp, elbgym, Smile X and The Gym Society.

Passionate about the fitness experience and the atmosphere of the gym, in this episode Martin teaches us how to lead in times of crisis, lessons from the rise and fall of one of the biggest fitness brands in Europe, and the highs and lows of reopening after COVID-19.

For more information on the Escape Your Limits podcast visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video – https://youtu.be/BaQfYlW4Lm8

Martin Seibold started out working in the family-owned gym of his parents. The facility was the first member of IHRSA in Germany, bought by Fitness First which took on the staff and achieved incredible growth both nationally and around the world.Martin's passion for fitness had been sparked. He joined as marketing manager and, within six years, the business has expanded to over 90 gyms.

Martin has been living in the UK since 2006 when Fitness First founder, Mike Balfour, asked him to move, following eight years of success with the brand in Germany.

Today, Martin is leading multi-brand strategies and teams around the world in implementing humble growth strategies for the long term success of the LifeFit Group.

The LifeFit Group unites multiple fitness brands from the boutique, high-value-low-price and premium segments under one roof, including Fitness First, Barry's Bootcamp, elbgym, Smile X and The Gym Society. The Group is committed to inspire and support its customers to live their best lives through personal, fun and focused health and fitness experiences.

For more information visit www.lifefit-group.com

Episode highlights -

What lessons Martin has learned as a business leader responsible for incredible expansion, and what he'd change if he could do it again.
Why looking after people and partners, both internally and externally, is the only way to achieve long-term survival. Expansion isn't the only goal and it's easy to forget how important relationships are to success.
How you can diversify your offering in the right places to ensure that the customer has exactly what they want in the right location, and ensuring a sustainable business.
Why you need to assign specific teams to specific responsibilities, and not spread your resource over too many different skillset needs.
How important it is to take interest in what your teams are doing in order to get the best out of them and support them.
What merging cultures, strategies and teams together is like in practice when a business is acquired.
Why buy-outs can be awful for members, leading to a worse service offering in the short term at least, but how it can also be used for good.
What multi-brand strategies can do to provide flexibility in an offering, and how you can decide which responsibilities are based centrally and which need to be carried out by local teams.
Why it's important to celebrate mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, but being open and honest, or even laughing about them, means that you can learn from them to ensure that a problem doesn't get bigger.
How you can manage and forecast in uncertain times, and what benefits there are to ensuring there's trust between operators and investors when it comes to a business model.
Why this is not the time for cutting percentages here and there, but making substantial changes to how you work and the structure of everything that you do.
How long will it take to get back to pre-COVID revenue levels after the pandemic passes.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Martin Seibold…

View Details

Using AI, this is how to stop someone cancelling their gym membership, before they even realise they want to.

Through integrated artificial intelligence and machine learning using years of data, Ian Mullane explains how every fitness operator can stop guessing about gym member activity and actively predict what's going to happen.

This episode was recorded before the pandemic. For more information on the Escape Your Limits podcast visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version – https://youtu.be/w5g2arKz57c

Ian Mullane has a background in financial engineering and financial software. Not the traditional fitness professional, he's ditched the field of the hedge fund field of corporate life to turn his expertise to another sector.

A passion for boxing was keeping him in shape. With some other likeminded enthusiasts, he wanted to open a 20,000 square-foot boxing club in a disused grandstand in the old Singapore Turf Club. His wife had different ideas, which turned out to be much more lucrative, and Ian was left with a 1000 square-foot to play with. Here, Vanda boxing club raised over $3m for charities through white collar boxing events, in one of the first boutiques in the city.

Today, Ian is overcoming traditional challenges of attrition and growth using data sets to explore predicability on whether or not members will stay or leave. Through this AI and machine learning expertise, he's able to help operators around the world drive revenue.

A revenue acceleration platform for the fitness industry, Keepme.ai is all about smarter member retention using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The platform identifies members who are close to cancelling and win them back before they even plan to leave.

Through SaaS expertise, Ian and his team exist to help health and fitness businesses retain more members. Regardless of whether customers are big box or boutique, pay as you go or contractual, Keepme.ai equips them with the ability to accurately target and engage members, implement behavioural science approaches, and allows operators to truly understand the people they serve.

For more information visit keepme.ai

Episode highlights -

What the simple explanations are behind AI and machine learning.
Why bringing a huge number of decision trees together with the right algorithm will bring high levels of accuracy in probability for any data set.
What the difference is in accuracy between statistical modeling and machine learning predictions.
What the importance is for revenue in segmenting data and providing the correct results for each member depending on what they need.
How far machine learning and predictive algorithms have moved on in recent years, and what the future holds for people with accurate data sets.
Why “dirty data” in the fitness industry will provide challenges for some operators, but what off-the-shelf tools can be used to overcome this.
How looking forward and being able to predict what's likely to happen is going to leave you at a better competitive standpoint than people only looking at historical data.
The importance of having an API on any software that you purchase, for future developments even if you don't think you need the function now.
How you can integrate your predictions with other sources such as purchase data to better understand everything about a member and supplement information.
How you can understand what members you will keep and lose, and what members you should be focussing your marketing on to improve retention rates.
Why better business isn't always about the upsell, and how downselling members at the right time will keep them in your business for the long term.
What partners such as Myzone can do to indicate when you need to intervene and interact with members to avoid their interest dropping off, leading to a member leaving.
How Google, Facebook, Amazon and other giants are going to make greater steps into fitness using data and machine learning than many traditional fitness businesses in future.
What you can do to predict your own health or apply preventative measures based on data from fitness trackers, accessories and apps.
How the offer weighs up for communities between the connected home environment of fitness compared to bricks and mortar.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Ian Mullane…

View Details

This is how to take control, turning negativity into positivity for good.

Jessie Pavelka is an internationally-recognised health and wellbeing expert, known for his expertise in extreme weight loss. He hosts Obese: A Year To Save My Life and was a trainer on NBC's The Biggest Loser.

In addition to his work helping people and businesses change lives, he's the ambassador for Cancer Research UK's Race For Life and England Athletic's Run Together initiative.

For more information on the Escape Your Limits podcast visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version - https://youtu.be/ZAS3Cq5e-44

Jessie Pavelka started out as a trainer in the early 2000s. He immediately knew that he wanted to be an independent changing lives instead of working directly for gym chains.

It didn't take long before his focus shifted to extreme weight loss with his business partner to help clients better understand their needs making changes beyond the physical alone.

Jessie also understood the importance of platform, and continued his journey as a fitness model to develop his personal brand and profile around his passion. In 2008 he got his first break on TV, adding production values and broadcasting experience to his list of abilities.

During the coronavirus uncertainties, Jessie Pavelka has been teaching his clients all about control, consistency and connection to cope with everything that's happening in the world. His pathway to a better understanding revolves around the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of us all to feel more grounded and in control.

In his business Jessie Pavelka believes that everybody can find true health through the four elements of: Eat, Sweat, Think, Connect. By disrupting your normal, Pavelka can help you achieve more than you dreamed possible.

Pavelka Wellness is a wellbeing partner for a range of organisations, including technology giants Cisco Systems, helping employees become more resilient and healthier in a fast moving, dynamic world.

Visit https://pavelka.co.uk and https://pavelkawellness.com

Episode highlights -

How lockdown and the issues around the COVID pandemic have been both challenging and opportunistic, and how anyone can react positively to both elements for a better business.
What the uncertainty of the coming months has meant for the majority of people who are looking for finish lines, and why you need to embrace 'different' as much as you can.
Why it's important to confide in people in your close circle to let them know how you feel during difficult times, but also to better understand yourself through their support.
How you can understand your connection to yourself, connection to your team, and connecting to something greater than you. Identify what they mean to you in your own life, and use that to do better in every relationship.
Why building your personal brand and profile in addition to following your professional passion is vital to not just personal development but long term business opportunities as well.
How to manage the conflicting values between making work about genuinely helping people and also building yourself as a professional personality. In particular, why the modern world of influencers can fall foul of achieving this.
What you can do to as someone struggling with weight or an entrepreneur struggling with burnout to understand the overall value of behaviour, both positive and negative.
How you can understand your baseline; the standard of living that you start off with every single day. This is how you stop making things too complex, slow down, simplify and define how you want to live your life at a base level.
How to shift mindset from reactive to proactive in business, and what you can do to improve your employees' mindset in addition to holding your own company accountable.
Why giving employees creative space for reflection in some level of solitude is much more important than preventing them from breaking up the day and clock-watching.
How you can show the human side of your business by not only looking after your people, but also understanding your customers' genuine needs and challenges, too.
What you can use to help other people if you've already had a transformation of your own.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Jessie Pavelka…

View Details

This is how to make LinkedIn generate more revenue for your business.

In this episode, Shay Rowbottom explains everything from content creation, missed opportunities in video, revenue generation and the LinkedIn secrets to growth on the social media platform that isn't as B2B as you think.

For more information on the Escape Your Limits podcast visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video version - https://youtu.be/0J8frpTL8u4

Shay Rowbottom started out as a musician trying to make it in the entertainment industry. She dropped out of college at 20 to focus on making art and performing, while holding down a waitressing job.

At the time, she was very naive to business and social media. Looking for an alternative pathway to success, Shay made the best decision that she had at the time, even though it sounds counterproductive... She gave up on her dreams.

Instead of music, Shay began working on video content as a freelancer for a very profitable blog and Facebook page, making money from Google ads. Here, she gained valuable experience and started to hone her newfound craft. She grew her company, gaining clients, learning the science of social media and licensing videos for an expanding group of entrepreneurs.

Today, Shay has founded and sold a start-up, before pivoting completely to LinkedIn and inspiring audiences and other entrepreneurs to optimise every bit of content for the biggest effect.

Shay Rowbottom Marketing is about more than just viral videos on LinkedIn.

Her team offer DIY programmes and online bootcamps to improve your LinkedIn activity, with coaching sessions that will help you transform your business and close more deals. Alternatively, SRM will take more of an agency role and run an entrepreneur's LinkedIn profile for them, which is ideal for busy professionals.

For more LinkedInformation or to schedule a call, visit shayrowbottom.com

Episode highlights -

Why content strategies from many social media platforms are more effective than you think when applied to LinkedIn, even if you think they're too informal in the traditional business world.
How LinkedIn is a cleaner feed to grow and cultivate meaningful business relationships as well as develop personally, compared to other social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook.
What content specifics, styles and treatments work in the newsfeed best when it comes to video on social media.
What regrets Shay has about turning fully introverted to focus on her business, and how her hard work has paid off to give her more freedom today.
Why if you're seeking approval from someone about the business decisions you make as an entrepreneur, you should probably cut your relationship with them in order to grow unrestricted.
• How you can address your confidence issues and discover your feeling of value that you can provide to help others.
What benefits LinkedIn offers for organic content with little competition, at levels that are unheard of on other social media platforms.
• Why your LinkedIn presence needs to be seen as a constant source for good, adding value to an audience instead of being a grab for instant return on investment.
What talking about your vulnerabilities and insecurities will do to your engagement and your business, even if you feel it may be to your detriment.
What will make your LinkedIn Sales Navigator and direct outreach spend more effective, and what is just going to annoy your potential leads and prospects.
How you can make subtle changes to your social media activity to get the best engagement and business opportunities from your activities.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Shay Rowbottom…

View Details

This is how to stop negativity in its tracks and keep progressing.

In this episode, Jerzy Gregorek teaches the art of embracing delayed gratification and accepting the hard choices that will make your life better in the long run by far.

A multiple world record holder, he came to LA in 1986 as a political refugee from Poland. Today Jerzy is helping celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs and everyone in between turn back the clock and become more youthful through mindful exercise and nutrition.

For more information on the Escape Your Limits podcast visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video episode – https://youtu.be/mR4ez4CCS3o

Jerzy travelled to LA in 1986 as a political refugee from Poland. He's won five world weightlifting championships, founded the UCLA weightlifting team, and leads as head coach with his wife.

Today he's helping people turn back the clock and become more youthful through a set of standards, teaching the understanding of how to make hard choices that benefit longevity and a positive lifestyle.

The Happy Body is a nutrition and training programme by Jerzy and Aniela Gregorek. With mindfulness and movement at its core, it helps people break free of diets, fitness fashions and contradictory advice. The goal is to remove the feeling of powerlessness and depression that many fitness concerns cause, and empower you to engineer your own weight loss within precise timeframes. The 30-minute routine a day will leave you less stressed, injury free, and with a happy body for the long term.

Visit www.thehappybody.com for more information.

Episode highlights -

Why it's important to be in the present moment and connect with what you're doing.
How you can stay positive, even under the pressures of challenging climates and stressful schedules.
What you can do to have patience, deal with irritations, control yourself and override impulses that lead to negative outcomes.
Which ways you can make the present moment work for you in order to adapt and make things better.
How transparency is the difference-maker in fitness, and why without it a business or entrepreneurial venture is just based on entertainment.
What having standards for yourself, such as your ideal body weight, will do for your lifestyle and progression towards goals.
• Why time is needed to achieve certain results, and why if you don't appreciate the time it takes, you'll never achieve the goal. Patience is key to progress.
How to set yourself up on the journey to becoming better, and how to engage with life so that you're able to move and motivate yourself at any age.
• What microprogressions and improvements you can make to keep yourself in the unknown and continually escape your limits.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Jerzy Gregorek…

View Details

It's about helping people think differently to help themselves.

In this episode, Tanni Grey-Thompson talks sport, politics, business, family inspiration and how we can make the most of opportunities in fitness post-COVID.

A global ambassador of sport, Tanni is most famous for her world records, London marathon wins and Paralympic gold medals. However, it's her work in UK government that's inspiring change at the highest level to improve lives and raise the bar of how good we can all become in business and every day life.

For more information on the Escape Your Limits podcast visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Video episode – https://youtu.be/nXoZianX7J4

Born with spina bifida and paralysed from a very young age of around six years old, Tanni grew up surrounded by a supportive family that always challenged her to try new things and explore the world. At 13, she found her love for wheelchair racing and went on to reap success after success in marathons, world record attempts, and multiple Paralympic Games.

Today' Tanni is an ex-athlete, proud Welsh woman, a mum, a wife, a Parliamentarian and an inspiration to many around the world.

Tanni has continued to be involved in sport and physical activity. She is chair of ukactive, and a board member of institutions including London Marathon, the Sportsaid Foundation, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Join In.

In 2010 Tanni became an Independent Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords, taking the title Baroness Grey-Thompson of Eaglescliffe in the County of Durham. As a working peer, Tanni uses her experience and knowledge during debates in the House and she has spoken on a range of issues including disability rights and welfare reform in addition to sport.

Episode highlights -

• How we can take the positive aspects of working from home in how we continue to work after the pandemic lockdowns are lifted.

• Why having an athletic mindset will enable to challenge yourself all the time and be better in other areas of life such as business.

• Why doing the boring stuff, whether it's training, working or writing speeches, will enable you to make the most of your time to make a difference, when competing, selling or speaking in public.

• What mindset you can take to appreciate the value of time in reaching your goals and working towards whatever your success metric for the future is.

• Why everyone should try new things before they decide if they want to pursue them or not, making decisions from an informed position.

• How even if you get stereotyped or stuck in one image from a previous success, there are more parts to what you can do and what you can achieve that people need to see instead of sticking with a single perception.

• What you can do to prepare your children for the world and inspire them to make a difference, even under challenging circumstances such as living with a disability.

• Why evaluation is key for any win, loss, success or failure. This will enable you to see where you made the most impact or where you may have missed an opportunity.

• What societal challenges Tanni Grey-Thompson has faced as a disabled women and how she's overcome these challenges, or changed attitudes to educate ignorance.

• Why fitness isn't taken seriously on a nationwide level and what the COVID-19 pandemic has done to highlight the need to embrace physical activity at all levels.

• Why we like to think we're a nation of sports lovers but we're actually a nation of people who like watching big sports events.

• How physical activity is more than just about gyms and leisure centres.

• What we can all do as industries and communities in changing the mindsets of people when it comes to fitness and physical activity.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Tanni Grey-Thompson…

View Details

Escape Your Limits: Recent Episodes

Escape Fitness