Escape Your Limits

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 o

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 wear

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 p

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 possib

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. Integrati

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

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 bra

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 y

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/

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,

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

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 S

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:

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 me

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. =======================================

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 new

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-uk

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

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 ex

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