Escape Your Limits

As CEO of BRICK, Jarett Perelmutter is king of innovating on and adapting original ideas. He believes not only in the family of fitness, but also that a rising tide lifts all boats. Developing communities, his selfless sharing of knowledge has brought benefits to members’ bodies, minds and even other businesses, all for the greater good. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/rrq2COjAtY8 Spiritual and passionate, Jarett came from a martial arts background. As a child, martial arts taught him discipline and he quickly discovered the difference between having fun and stepping out of line. He’s a lifelong student of the fight game, whether he’s actively fighting, training relentlessly for fitness and enjoyment, or setting up business. Seeing trends emerging, JP got into the fitness industry at the right time to use his foresight for the benefit of bringing something new to the masses.  JP wanted his company to be different. Since learning about the “what’s your why” questions, he realised he was pu

Lee Haney has had an incredible career of repeat Mr Olympia success along with the greats – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Dorian Yates – the difference is that he’s won the bodybuilding competition eight times! It’s a record that’s only matched by fellow physical hero, Ronnie Coleman. Today, a mentor, author, motivational speaker and devout Christian, Lee uses his experience and understanding to better the lives of others in every way possible, whether that’s helping people stay fit at any age, keep injury free, or get a foot up in life after an unfortunate start. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/p3wPtgxjs7A Lee Haney first entered a bodybuilding competition aged 16 years old – Mr South Carolina. He didn’t know what posing trunks were at the time, so he bought a pair of standard underpants from Kmart. While Lee didn’t win the competition, it was a humble beginning that gave him the bug for competing. Years of inspiration followed, pushed harder by the incredible physiques of muscle ic

Steven Ward is a man who knows the route to the top, from intern to CEO, through dedication and continued personal growth. Today, with ukactive, he’s tackling real issues that will save a population’s future by getting more people, more active, more often. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/4ZK3BWQcDJA Like many children, Steve had dreams of being a professional footballer. While this didn’t work out, his huge passion for sport has stuck with him. Combined with a university degree in international policy and strategy, he’s created a specialism for sport and policy that will improve communities through communication and knowledge shares. With over a decade of industry experience, his time at every hierarchal stage within ukactive means he knows the company inside out like no other. He was the second employee in the public affairs and policy team, which has now grown to support members in understanding the stakeholder and policy landscape, and maximise the opportunities presented by the nation

Chris Long doesn’t work in his own gym – it belongs to his members. He may own the business, but this episode is all about what his work does for his clients. Chris’ business focuses on the importance of impacting people and benefitting others. While his training takes an incredibly practical approach, he’s also able to pivot in order to roll with the punches and deal with any challenges that may arise. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/lDPv0mgYUVc From a young age, Chris was always active, even having held a baseball bat from the age of two and a half years old. He’d played basketball and took to the track throughout school, but it was football that he fell in love with for its high energy and impact. Success followed his passion, although an injury called an end to his sporting career in arena football and Chris became a PT, working for a few companies before going it alone. One of these roles was a job with industry giant 24 Hour Fitness, where he was fast-tracked into management and gre

Eric Leija is the Primal Swoledier, Onnit’s senior kettlebell coach. From a background passion for MMA and UFC fighting, his workouts now bring fitness through flows, complexes and flair, mastering a tool that’s often overlooked for full body programmes. Inspired by former UFC commentator and podcast pro, Joe Rogan, Eric tells his story of mastering movement, mind-altering substances, and how Dragon Ball Z led him to taking up martial arts. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/1e59PokgnJQ At school, Eric Leija ate junk food and enjoyed being fat. However, it was the teasing that caused him to initially take up bodybuilding, informed and inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding book. Developing his interest in fitness, discovering the UFC’s mixed martial arts disciplines and even watching Dragon Ball Z led to Eric taking up Jiu Jitsu. However, he still kept his head down, before realising that his education had come at the expense of his social skills development.

Previously a stand-up comic, Tony Horton has always been used to proving that he’s worth the limelight. He was there at the birth of personal training as we know it and has since motivated millions, including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Billy Idol, through fitness, personal training and his exercise regimens with Beachbody.com and P90X. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/xt-ZW5C_JZY Born into a military family, Tony had moved a lot as a child with his father serving in the army. His first notable ventures into fitness came when he provided personal training to a professional at 20thCentury Fox, before offering PT services to movie stars and musicians, or representing fitness giants Thighmaster and NordicTrack.  Originally Tony moved to California thinking he’d become an actor. He’d wanted to be a cross between Jim Carreyand Brad Pitt, but has since said things turned out better for him, creating some of the most famous and effective workout programmes available. Today, Tony Horton is st

Co-founder of Fit Freaks and Fit In 5, Marvin Ambrosius set up Fit Freaks to inspire people to live an active lifestyle, no matter what time schedule they’re on. After reaching the heights of success in basketball and having his sporting career stopped abruptly by injury, Marvin struggled with his own weight until venturing on his own fitness and weight loss journey. Now he’s teaching others to lose weight, five minutes at a time. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/fkqKi2n5Hxs Growing up on a diet of music and basketball, Marvin was taught to work hard and put the dedication in to everything that he does, whether the workload is a marathon or a sprint. Hi basketball career saw him reach the top five players in the country. However, five ankle injuries before he was 17 meant that doctors advised against the sport. Despite returning back to full health, the straw that broke the camel’s back was another final injury that brought the end to Marvin’s NBA dreams. Marvin also embarked on a successf

Mike Rashid has spent years of dedication on growth, collectively in his physical appearance, social media following of around four million people and multiple businesses. Mike loves a challenge, whether that be workout-based or in the boxing ring having turned pro at 41 years old. Through brands such as IMSOALPHA and Ambrosia Nutraceuticals, Mike continually provides science-backed benefits for body and mind, which parallels his personality and appearance – the result of when extreme power meets serene eloquence. Mike Rashid is someone that always has to have the edge. Competitive nature aside, he’s not just all about full-on fitness and physicality, either. A huge part of his daily life is about instilling family values and staying true to his word despite a tough upbringing. Growing up, Mike’s mother married to biggest drug dealer in New York. With that came a high-rolling lifestyle. However, in Mike’s own words, that doesn’t last, and his mother’s partner was murdered. Following the killing, Mike moved in

A huge location with its gym, swimming pools, tennis, basketball and badminton courts, along with a football pitch for an all-inclusive approach to training for every member, Tera Wellness doesn’t disappoint. CEO Terry Woo knows what he’s providing to members, and this value is what’s important when it comes to getting new people through the door. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/p-2JY-j69qY Terry started off as a personal trainer for California Fitness before a succession of roles and promotions saw him moving all over Asia, from Hong Kong to Taipei, to Singapore, and back to Hong Kong. Here he found out what benefits come with being out of your comfort zone, as he was asked to head up a yoga project that meant he was taking on every aspect of running the business from front to back end.  This level of pushing personal boundaries for further growth is something that’s stayed with him to this day in his current venture. Now in Shanghai with Tera Wellness, Terry wants to bring energy into e

Petra Kolber is not only an author and motivational speaker, but also so much more. She’s an innovator of fitness trends in the days before social media that have been built upon for boutique popularity today. In this episode, you’ll hear from one of the most genuine, open and emotive guests we’ve had on the Escape Your Limits podcast. Through work with Reebok, Equinox and more, she’s built her brand and become the voice of positivity and overcoming anxiety for anyone, documenting her insight in keynote speeches and books such as The Perfection Detox: Tame Your Inner Critic, Live Bravely, and Unleash Your Joy. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/OGbOG0UZG-E From growing up in West Kirby, near Liverpool, Petra found freedom to get out of the house in developing a dance background that would serve as a profession before her move into fitness. While working as a cruise ship dancer, her responsibilities also included teaching Jane Fonda classes on the side. These were the days before step had tak

A lesson in opportunity and finding out whether you sink or swim under pressure, here’s another success story stemming from the 24 Hour Fitness, Mark Mastrov leadership machine. Randy Dobson and Dane Fort, chairman and CEO of CMG.ASIA respectively have revolutionised how gyms work in Vietnam, and continue to set trends with multiple brands in the East. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/PvHpdoyqie0 Randy came from a family business in agriculture before finding a job the travel industry, looking for a career path with longevity and opportunity. With a strong ethos of taking charge of his own life, he joined fitness industry in Seattle in a company that was soon acquired by 24 Hour Fitness, where he developed his profession and migrated to Asia. Dane was an athlete at school. Following a financial struggle throughout education, he joined 24 Hour Fitness in sales, before joining Randy in the journey to Hong Kong and Malaysia and eventually starting the business together in Vietnam. Together, t

Marco Ferdinandi, director of fitness operations at Pure Fitness in Hong Kong has spent over 25 years in the industry, listening to communities and drawing on experience to develop the best philosophies for anyone’s fitness journey. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/_bwxldHI6F8 On top of his graduation from Hong Kong University, Marco has gone on to receive further degrees in sports science, performance and management to bring an incredible background of knowledge and experience to everything he does. He joined the fitness industry in New York, but found its direction and approach falling by the wayside around the time of the financial crisis. Wanting to get out into the world, Marco originally looked for openings in Europe before work in Asia appeared as the perfect opportunity with Pure.  In his current role as director of fitness operations, Marco is always pushing the boundaries and trying new things with the support of the clientele, through community research and continual feedback. W

A founding member of Les Mills International, self-titled observer and catalyst, Emma Barry is known for delivering fitness magic both in terms of workout delivery with icons such as Equinox and also through business advice and knowledge shares. Since the birth and growth of high intensity workouts, she’s travelled the world to teach, learn and love life. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/OYHP4xNYGU4 Born in London and brought up in New Zealand before moving abroad yet again, Emma is no stranger to the fitness industry on any continent. She began teaching and personal training as a student, before joining the industry professionally in the early ’90s during the original days of step and circuit training popularity. Changing the history of fitness, she was part of launching Les Mills International and helped lead the exercise giant on its growth journey through the rise of pre-choreographed classes such as Pump, which later became Bodypump. After weighing up the pros and cons of the decision

Whether instructing, training, encouraging, recruiting or developing business, Barry Ennis has cemented his place in a niche of international fitness consultants. His meditative yoga background and business acumen brings a mindset to China that’s inspiring enthusiasm and growth in all things fitness. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/5cyug8kpQ7A Born in LA, Barry grew up playing baseball through college, making it far enough to play on professional scouting teams. His progressive coaches in baseball led Barry to undertake yoga. Not only was this the start of a new passion but, through shared interests, he ended up teaching his fellow students at college before becoming popular enough where it was time to get certified. Barry travelled to India to further study the discipline where it first originated. From Mumbai, he moved to Dubai where he helped create a bootcamp class business, and then moved on to work with the Flywheel Sports franchise, training the instructors before finding his new h

A hero of health education, Jeff Kreil is an expert in both fitness knowledge and business nous. He guides and enlightens the fitpros of tomorrow to not only reach their potential academically but go above and beyond to forge relationships with the industry, too. Through a holistic approach, he’s helping to build the fitness world of tomorrow, student by student. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/gg20jZgaopo Jeff started his professional fitness journey as a personal trainer, with a view to becoming a strength and conditioning coach for athletes. Soon, he fell in love with working with all kinds of people before joining 24 Hour Fitness. There for 10 years, he found a passion for teaching, so became part of 24 Hour Fitness University, developing talents through programmes before transitioning to APEX Fitness and working under nutrition guru, Neil Spruce. It took a while, but Jeff realised his life goal: To teach at a community college, helping employers find quality candidates and helping ca

Heralded by the press as creating of some of the hardest and best boutique workouts, Kevin Yates of TRIB3 has been there since the beginning of the fitness industry’s growth in the UK. His community-led work and welcoming attitude accompanies everything he does, driving for further success with some of the biggest operators around the world. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/P0KsBPPT3ec Before becoming a man of influence for multiple fitness businesses, Kevin’s profession spanned everything from playing football for Barnsley and Scunthorpe to undertaking a successful army career. In relation to the world of health and wellbeing, he worked for free for Fitness First to occupy his time and passion, as the army was still paying him, before being offered a paid job with the company later. There for 11 years, Kevin ended up as national fitness manager with 174 clubs under his belt. Along with many other big industry names, he also joined 1Rebel for three years before making his own boutique brea

In a one-two punch combo to the fitness industry, Andre Huseman and Vanessa Bourne are bringing customisation for combat sports to the masses, with BoxHaus. If you’re a fan of boxing, or even muay thai and kickboxing, you need to know about this place. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/lUTRhvIKIHE Mutual friends and an Ecuadorian background brought these two heavy hitters together to build their Newport Beach business. Vanessa has been in fitness for over a decade, having opened a successful Pilates studio and always had a passion for yoga, both personally and professionally. Andre was the source of a lot of hype within Orange County, having also been in the industry for over a decade with gym employment before a passion for boxing took over. His own training for fights and fitness began to seep into the service of training sessions for clients. An innovative approach along with merging previous business with BoxHaus meant that success was already ensured for both Andre and Vanessa. Their e

Adam Sedlack of UFC GYM has pioneered worldwide fitness with the biggest name in MMA to help people create, accomplish and win through fighting spirit. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/UmMS7--wxws Adam started out in a summer job straight out of college with Family Fitness that was later acquired by 24 Hour Fitness. From there, he stayed on board and rose through the ranks to move across three or four different clubs and become a general manager; then started travelling the USA as district manager, regional director, and eventually divisional vice president of the company. Through this loyalty and dedication, Adam benefitted from mentorship opportunities under the likes of Mark Mastrov and Jim Rowley to become a better version of himself within the industry. Not only did this give him the skills and understanding of what it takes to be successful and, more importantly, what members need, but it also forged the relationships that have led to his current achievement. Today, as president of U

Paul Chek of the C.H.E.K Institute has done it all. He’s not only served in the military but got to the point of being invited to join Delta Force. Today, his thirst for knowledge and imparting what he’s learned will leave you with the understanding of how to work with definitive and abstract ideas, appreciate values, and weigh up opportunity with financial benefit on a much bigger scale. That’s just the start… Watch the full episode on YouTube –https://youtu.be/_w1boV_cLrk From a background of sheep farming and manufacturing produce from wool in the family business, Paul juxtaposed the physical with the mental, training in meditation with monks following his mother’s influence as a yogi from an early age. Using this as the foundation of his developmental life, his close-to-the-earth, holistic upbringing set in motion a life of constantly having more energy than anyone around him. He started boxing at 12 before fighting competitively; it all started from there. Following his introduction to the ring, his work

Few people know the importance of tailoring your offering to a customer base better than Colin Waggett, CEO of Third Space. He’s the master of grasping opportunities at the ideal time to bring growth and new offerings to members interested in London luxury. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/fsHuhNOddj4 Colin’s professional background in hospitality, finance and casinos brought him to realise his passion for fitness is only matched by his ability to drive progress, implementing this wealth of experience. Since joining the industry, he’s headed up a £500m company to thrive in over 20 countries and, today, provides outstanding fitness spaces that members feel are their own. Following seven years at Fitness First as CEO, Colin went on to co-found a venture into the boutique market with Psycle. This enabled the entrepreneur of opulence to continue to learn about himself in a smaller, premium offering, including discovering the different challenges that every business goes through during growth t