Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

ESCAPE YOUR LIMITS: Inside the minds of fitness industry influencers. Find out what drives, fuels and motivates the leaders in health and fitness. Each episode of Escape Your Limits reveals the mental, physical and emotional ingredients involved in standing out above everybody else. Discover why successful people keep going when most people stop, and what keeps them going day after day. It’s not about shortcuts for dreamers; these people prove that constant hard work fueled by the right frame of mind is what makes dreams a reality. Join Matthew Januszek, co-founder of Escape Fitness, as he delves into the mindset of leadership and success. LIFTS: Every week, our intrepid hosts Matthew Januszek of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal of SweatWorks will discuss the breaking fitness industry news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations. All delivered in a quick-fix, approximately 30-minute podcast.

EYL Ep 343 - My Crazy FBI Arrest Story That Changed Everything! | Owen Hanson 09/07/2025

EYL Ep 343 - My Crazy FBI Arrest Story That Changed Everything! | Owen Hanson 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: To buy Owen's book, click here: Check out Owen's new protein ice cream business click here: ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/36539965

LIFTS Episode 88 - From Bond Trading to Fitness Tech: Lauren Foundos' Journey 08/31/2025

LIFTS Episode 87 - From F45 to Strong Pilates Going Global | Michael Ramsey’s Journey 08/24/2025

LIFTS Episode 87 - From F45 to Strong Pilates Going Global | Michael Ramsey’s Journey 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: 👉 Learn more about Michael Ramsey: Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: 🛒 Shop gym equipment: 📘 View our full catalog: US – UK – Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/37898400

LIFTS Episode 86 - Inside the Running Boom and Smart Footwear Revolution with Royi Metser 08/17/2025

LIFTS Episode 86 - Inside the Running Boom and Smart Footwear Revolution with Royi Metser 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: 👉 Learn more about Avelo Running Kickstarter: 👉 Learn more about Royi Metser: Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: 🛒 Shop gym equipment: 📘 View our full catalog: US – UK – Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/37824425

LIFTS Episode 85 - Trump Brings Back Presidential Fitness Test and National Wearable Data Integration 08/10/2025

LIFTS Episode 84 - Wellness, Hospitality, and Recovery Trends and Events Popular with Gen Z | Star Sage of Hyperice 08/03/2025

LIFTS Episode 83 - FISA Insights, Tariffs, Trends & Planet Fitness Growth with Sal Pellegrino 07/27/2025

LIFTS Episode 82 - Building Gyms for Longevity, Not Just Muscle | Rod Hill of Zenergie 07/20/2025

LIFTS Episode 81 - Connecting the Dots in Wellness: From Recovery Shoes to Artificial Dyes | Brian von Ancken 07/13/2025

LIFTS Episode 81 - Connecting the Dots in Wellness: From Recovery Shoes to Artificial Dyes | Brian von Ancken 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: Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: 🛒 Shop gym equipment: 📘 View our full catalog: US – UK – Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/37357610

LIFTS Episode 80 - Edward Hertzman: Disrupting the Fitness Industry from the Outside In 07/06/2025

LIFTS Episode 80 - Edward Hertzman: Disrupting the Fitness Industry from the Outside In 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: 👉 Learn more about Edward Hertzman: Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: 🛒 Shop gym equipment: 📘 View our full catalog: US – UK – Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/37287335

LIFTS Episode 79 - Fitness Meets Healthcare: Where Are We Headed? | Athletech Innovation Summit 2025 with Emma Barry 06/29/2025

LIFTS Episode 79 - Fitness Meets Healthcare: Where Are We Headed? | Athletech Innovation Summit 2025 with Emma Barry 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: Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: 🛒 Shop gym equipment: 📘 View our full catalog: US – UK – Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/37128610

LIFTS Episode 78 - Wearables, Subscriptions & Data: A Deep Dive with Ben Foster 06/22/2025

LIFTS Episode 77 - AI Coaches, Cheap Pilates Reformers & Supra Human Fitness with Debra Strougo 06/15/2025

LIFTS Episode 77 - AI Coaches, Cheap Pilates Reformers & Supra Human Fitness with Debra Strougo 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: Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: 🛒 Shop gym equipment: 📘 View our full catalog: US – UK – Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/36885100

LIFTS Episode 76 - Ring Wars, Sleep Hacks & The Future of Fitness Tech 06/08/2025

LIFTS Episode 75 - The Truth Behind Profitable Fitness Studios | Julian Barnes of BFS 06/01/2025

LIFTS Episode 75 - The Truth Behind Profitable Fitness Studios | Julian Barnes of BFS 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: Use discount code "LIFTS" to get $50.00 off your copy of the report. ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/36766020

LIFTS Episode 74 - Revolutionizing Self-Care: The Social Wellness Movement | Dr. Jonathan Leary, Founder | Remedy Place 05/25/2025

LIFTS Episode 73 - Can Gamification Make You Healthier? The Surprising Power of Play | FIBO 2025 05/18/2025

LIFTS Episode 72 - AI in Fitness: Industry Leaders Discuss Practical Applications Beyond the Hype | FIBO 2025 05/11/2025

LIFTS Episode 71 - Beyond the Hype: Tim Gray on Biohacking’s Real Impact on Health | PerformX LIVE 2025 05/04/2025

LIFTS Episode 70 - The Rise of Budget Boutique Fitness in Europe – What’s Driving the Boom? | EHFF "Live" at FIBO 2025 04/27/2025

LIFTS Episode 70 - The Rise of Budget Boutique Fitness in Europe – What’s Driving the Boom? | EHFF "Live" at FIBO 2025 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: ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: (US) (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/36317090

LIFTS Episode 69 - Future Fitness: Tech Meets Wellness at EHFF 2025 04/20/2025

LIFTS Episode 69 - Future Fitness: Tech Meets Wellness at EHFF 2025 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: ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: (US) (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/36228645

LIFTS Episode 68 - Personal Training is Shifting Toward Holistic Health Coaching | Richard Boyd at PerformX 2025 04/13/2025

LIFTS Episode 68 - Personal Training is Shifting Toward Holistic Health Coaching | Richard Boyd at PerformX 2025 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: To learn more about PerformX Live, click here: ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/35850280

LIFTS Episode 67 - Beachbody’s Secret to 25 Years of Fitness Success with Carl Daikeler | Connected Health & Fitness 04/06/2025

LIFTS Episode 67 - Beachbody’s Secret to 25 Years of Fitness Success with Carl Daikeler | Connected Health & Fitness 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: To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here: ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/35996095

LIFTS Episode 66 - The Rise of Recovery, Retention Strategies, and Fitness Tech | HFA 2025 03/30/2025

LIFTS Episode 66 - The Rise of Recovery, Retention Strategies, and Fitness Tech | HFA 2025 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: ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/35916620

LIFTS Episode 65 - Recovery, Tech & Innovation: The Fitness Landscape Transformed | HFA 2025 with ABC Fitness 03/23/2025

LIFTS Episode 64 - MIORA by Life Time: The Future of Longevity & Peak Performance | PerformX 2025 with Jeff Zwiefel 03/16/2025

LIFTS Episode 64 - MIORA by Life Time: The Future of Longevity & Peak Performance | PerformX 2025 with Jeff Zwiefel 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: To learn more about PerformX Live, click here: ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/35667270

LIFTS Episode 63 - Everlast’s Secret to Staying Ahead in the Fitness Industry | PerformX 2025 with Dan Summerson 03/09/2025

LIFTS Episode 62 - Gabby Reece’s Holistic Wellness Formula: Sun, Nutrition & Sleep 03/02/2025

LIFTS Episode 62 - Gabby Reece’s Holistic Wellness Formula: Sun, Nutrition & Sleep 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 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: ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/35491915

LIFTS Episode 61 - FSA/HSA & Data-driven Wellness Decisions | Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2025 | Part 2 02/26/2025

LIFTS Episode 61 - FSA/HSA & Data-driven Wellness Decisions | Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2025 | Part 2 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: ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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] /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/35434145

LIFTS Episode 60 - Personalized Health & Fitness: The Next Big Trend from the Connected Health & Fitness Summit 02/23/2025

LIFTS Episode 60 - Personalized Health & Fitness: The Next Big Trend from the Connected Health & Fitness Summit 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. 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 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: ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: Shop gym equipment: View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) ====================================================== Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: 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 /episode/index/show/escapefitness/id/35387400

Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

TOPICS