Escape Your Limits

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. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.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/

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. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.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

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 t

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/ ===

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 hurdle

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 o

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 technolo

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

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

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

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

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 industr

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 th

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.

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

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 ve

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 m

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 impor

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. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.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:

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: Op