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LIFTS Episode 114 - The Future of Personal Training, AI & Human Intelligence | at Connected Health & Fitness 2026

Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

Release Date: 03/08/2026

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More Episodes

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.

πŸ‘‰ To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

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

πŸ‘‰ To learn more about our sponsor, EGYM, click here:

https://bit.ly/3JzsosR


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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