Escape Your Limits

Welcome back to the third episode of L.I.F.T.S. bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.   LIFTS is back to delve into this week’s news and delivered by hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks,. This week, the pair are joined by Jessica Yarmey, Founder of franchise kickboxing studios, KickHouse. Jessica is also in the process of launching new boutique fitness concept, FlexSociety. Every week, our intrepid hosts discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix, 30-minute podcast. Today’s discussion is driven by the following news agenda: The intersection between fitness and health with a focus on tech. The Potential Impact of weight loss drugs on the fitness industry and beyond.  Peloton offers live NBA and WNBA game from its entertainment hub.  Gym Shark partners with Goog

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Jim Huether. With a deep-rooted interest in technology, innovation and building global business success, Jim Huether joined Hyperice in 2014. At the time the company was achieving sub $1 million in annual sales. By 2020, under Jim’s leadership, the brand was raking in more than $200 million per annum in global sales and had firmly established ‘recovery’ as an exciting new growth sector. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of 500 fastest growing companies in America four years on the trot, Hyperice has carved its place as a market leader not just in recovery but now in the wider Performance and Wellness Technology Space.  This month also marks the start of a partnership between Escape Fitness and Hyperice to deliver to market the new MARS Mobility and Recovery Station, offering gyms a full, in-gym recovery solution. So, great timing on this podcast! In this episode, Jim talks through Hyperice’s journey from startup to global leader in an em

Welcome back to the second episode of L.I.F.T.S. bringing you the latest industry fitness trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate.   Building on the success of last week’s launch, LIFTS is back to delve into this week’s news and for this episode hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by special guest Debra Strougo Frohlich, Founder of Row House. Every week, our intrepid hosts will discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix, sub 30-minute podcast. Nike have been making some big moves recently and play a big part in today’s debate. Today we’re discussing: Nike partners with Dimension 6 Fitness for launch of Nike Strength Nike unveil Nike Studios, a network of boutique fitness studios  Barre3 acquires The Barre Code, hitting the 185-location mark Sports Illustrated Resorts to expand across US wi

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Mia Finnegan, an internationally respected wellness and leadership expert, transformation coach, teacher and mentor. Alongside her husband, Ritch, Mia owns Finnegan Wellness, a multifaceted company specializing in health and wellness accountability coaching and transforming people’s lives spiritually, mentally and physically. Mia is no stranger to success. By age 8, Mia was a competing gymnast despite her dad telling her she’d never amount to anything. Proving him wrong, her self-drive and positive mind set continued to lead her to numerous athletic achievements including Ms. Olympia Fitness 1995, Ms. Galaxy Fitness 1995/96 and Ms. Natural Universe 1992 to name just a few.  Now also a Personal Trainer to the stars, Mia states she is in the ‘results business’ NOT the ‘fitness business’ and leads with a nutrition first approach.  In this podcast, Mia talks about: Debunking the myths surrounding women’s fitness. Maximizing health before

Welcome to the very first episode of L.I.F.T.S (Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories).   This week sees the launch of a brand new snackable podcast, hosted by two of the fitness industry’s most informed and curious innovators, Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks.   Every week, our intrepid hosts will discuss the breaking news making the headlines, providing their own perspective on events and developments whilst provoking thoughts and conversations, all delivered in a quick-fix sub 30 minute podcast.   To celebrate the launch, this week our hosts are joined by special guest, Emma Barry, CEO & Founder at Trouble Global and author of the best-selling book: Building A Badass Boutique.   Together, the three take a dive into the latest developments, including: ● The appointment of Bryan O’Rouke as CEO, Core Health & Fitness. ● Lululemon signing Peloton content deal and shutting down its Mirror service. ● Xponential Fitness announcing the unve

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Larry Nolan. Having narrowly avoided slipping into a life of crime during tough, poverty stricken, teenage years, Larry Nolan has gone on to build an impressive fitness empire.  In addition to launching Hardcore Fitness Gyms supporting more than 20 franchised sites and recognized by Inc Magazine as one of the fastest growing private companies in the US, Larry is founder of Hardcore Nutrition and creator of I.L.I.F.T Technology, a digital coaching system that supports people safely and effectively through group exercise routines. He is also the owner of Bulletproof Fitness, a company creating quality, no compromise, multi-use fitness equipment. Throughout his career, Larry has overcome many hurdles to retain his position as one of the fitness industry’s most resilient disruptors and accomplished innovators. In this episode of the Escape your Limits Podcast, Nolan talks about:   Steering Hardcore Fitness Gyms successfully through the glob

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Ivan Ivanov, Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler and world silver medalist turned renowned and respected coach, CEO and Founder of fitness tools and training methods company, Suples and Inventor of the Bulgarian Bag.  Having been recruited by the United States by USA Wrestling in 1999 to assist with its national and Olympic wrestling programmes, Ivanov soon made the decision to stay and became the Head Coach of the TAC Wrestling Club in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he developed multiple US National Greco-Roman and freestyle champions.  After this success, Ivanov was appointed Head Greco-Roman Wrestling Coach at the Training Centre in Michigan where he developed several Olympic medalists from 2002 to 2009.  Building on this, Ivanov was inducted with highest honors into the USA National Wrestling Hall of Fame in the category of Lifetime Distinguished Service and Achievement and just last year, Ivanov was appointed as General Manager of US Greco-Rom

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Kat Barefield, a certified personal trainer, life coach, registered dietitian and VP of Nutritional Services at Dot.fit on a mission to ‘empower people to create lifelong habits to support optimal health and longevity’.  With a love of sport, having been a competitive athlete growing up, Kat developed an interest in how athletes maximize their nutritional fueling to achieve their goals. She followed this passion, achieving a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from San Diego State University, a Master of Science degree in Sports Nutrition from California Polytechnic University, Pomona and completing her official registration as a dietician with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Bringing with her more than 25-years’ experience working in the fitness industry, Kat is also a successful author, the creator of several weight management programs and education resources for fitness professionals around the world. In this podcas

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Tara Dillon, one of the most experienced and influential people in the UK fitness industry. Tara has dedicated her entire career to pushing up professional standards within the leisure sector.  Following many years in operations and public sector management roles, Tara took on the role of Executive Director at the IQL UK – driving professional standards in water safety, before being appointed as CEO of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA). CIMSPA is the official professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. Having gained Chartered status in 2012 - a feat many thought impossible to achieve let alone maintain - Tara has established CIMSPA as a core systems partner in the delivery of Sport England’s 10 year Uniting The Movement strategy, fully committed to supporting the sector’s collective ambition to get more people, more active more often. Tara is an approachab

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Paul Lubicz. Over the last 25 years, Lubicz has traveled the world, applying his unique Wellbeing Management Strategy to inspire happiness and health. His clientele includes some of the most influential people on the planet from Hollywood superstars to international royalty and multi-national CEOs.  Lubicz’s philosophy is based on a belief that peace, balance and vitality all stem from within and can only be achieved through actively seeking to understand and connect with one’s ‘self’.  Having been on his own journey of self-discovery that has involved trekking through some of the most inhospitable environments, Lubicz has developed a simple and meaningful process that combines mindfulness and wellbeing practices to unlock infinite possibilities that have an overwhelmingly positive and lasting effect.   Today, Paul Lubicz talks about: Controlling the controllables. The merits of plant medicine.  The value in shifting perspective.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of peak physical and mental performance. On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Miguel Guajardo, aka, the Torture Room Guy. Having spent many years studying and hands-on experience, Miguel has become an absolute master in massage therapy. Through specialist techniques including the ancient Japanese art of Gua sha and a deep understanding of muscle vibration, energy and blood flow, Miguel uses aggressive massage therapy to not only treat physical conditions such as fascia dysfunction and muscle knots but also as a means of achieving good mental health and enhancing body aesthetics. Residing at Flex Lewis’ Las Vegas gym, Dragon’s Lair, Miguel has established The Torture Room his own brand massage studio which is gaining global recognition both through his treatment success and his growing social media following. Prior to training as a massage therapist, launching The Torture Room and becoming a master of healing, performance and wellness, Miguel wo

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is ‘The King of Consistency’, Danny Hester. From an early age, Danny used discipline to excel at an early age at school and in sport where he enjoyed wrestling, gymnastics and martial arts. A self-confessed ‘lone wolf’, he rates hard work and consistency as the key to success and prides himself on a competitive mindset which has forced him to face life head on. Pursuing his passion, Danny moved to Venice to follow a career in bodybuilding and quickly became more interested in perfecting the symmetrical ‘classic’ physique rather than the ‘mass monster’ look. He dedicated his training to this, and after winning a number of competitions, became the first to take home the title of Mr. Olympia Classic in 2016. A man on a mission, and keen to make lasting positive change, Danny is now focusing on goals he has in law enforcement and politics.   In this podcast, Danny talks about: ● Why life is the biggest stage on which to win. ● Competing to learn,

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Pete Koch. Retired NFL player, actor, fitness model, YouTube host, public speaker and successful personal trainer, who has pioneered his own training system, in the field of ‘fitness’ there really isn’t much that Pete ‘Swede’ Koch hasn’t tackled and conquered. Pete spent an impressive 6 years playing in the NFL, then post retirement transitioned into fitness, modeling and acting where he worked alongside Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds, racking up appearances in more than 10 Hollywood Productions. A man who always does his research, treating every day as a new opportunity to learn, Pete’s principal goal now is to help as many people as he can, training clients of all ages and abilities to help them achieve their goals.   In this podcast, Pete talks about: His battle against the pharmaceutical industry His struggles with social anxiety growing up Acting alongside Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds The importance of always doing your

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Dan Metcalfe. Known as “The Senior Champion’ due to his refusal to let society’s rules of aging limit the possibilities of those who truly want to live longer and better, Dan Metcalfe is recognized around the world as a leading balance and mobility expert. Having created, almost by accident, the complete 60uP Balance System including the product and a range of workouts, Dan Metcalfe launched to market. Within 12 months, 60uP had become a multi-million-dollar company, delivering his complete Balance System to consumers around the globe, enhancing balance and strength for everyone, but particularly focused on older ‘old adults – ‘60uP’. Dan has an incredibly diverse back story, one that is filled with challenges and achievements. He has performed at the highest level as an athlete, a dancer, a Hollywood actor, a coach, a public speaker and an entrepreneur.   In this podcast, Dan talks about: · The importance of goal setting. · Aligning your

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we headed to LA for Les Mills Live. The ultimate training festival returned jam-packed with epic music, off the scale energy and the debut of the newest innovations presented by the next generation of trainers. From the show floor we caught up with industry experts Dan Cohen, Program Director at Les Mills, Stuart Wells, VP Marketing & Content from adidas Runtastic, Amber Taylor, Chief Digital Product Officer at Les Mills, Clive Ormerod, Group CEO at Les Mills and Kaylah-Blayr Fitzsimons-Nu’u, Les Mills Presenter & Instructor to talk fitness trends, industry innovations and how best to attract, and retain, the Gen Z population. Discussing what each expert is pioneering, supporting and recognizing in the fast-moving world of fitness, this podcast highlights: ● Maintaining relevance in a changing market ● How Les Mills is utilizing A1 to boost experience ● Understanding what makes each generation tick ● Importance of dialogue and listening ● The i

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Mohammed Iqbal, Founder and CEO of Sweatworks, a UK based fitness agency that provides innovative digital solutions. Passionate about fitness, Mohammed believes it to be the great equalizer - regardless of age, gender, race, culture or social status – anyone can improve their own personal fitness. Through Sweatworks, Mohammed’s ambition is to impact the lives of millions of people, contributing to a fitter, healthier population. During an exciting time of digitalization for the industry, in this podcast, recorded at Les Mills Live in LA, Mohammed Iqbal talks about: ●       How AI will usher in a new era for the fitness industry ●       The four key concepts of AI, its three capabilities and the five stages of adoption ●       The importance of personalization and collecting data on your customer ●       How AI can help, not hinder, the career of a PT ●       Why not all AI technology is created equal ●       Why businesses hav

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Sophie Lawler, one of the most recognized CEO’s in the fitness industry whose name is synonymous with the recent success of multisite brand, Total Fitness. Sophie joined Total Fitness as CEO in 2018 after gaining the bulk of her fitness management experience at multisite middle market operator, Fitness First. Having successfully steered Total Fitness through the pandemic, the brand is financially strong, turning a significant profit for the first time since 2015. With a £6.5 million load recently awarded by OakNorth Bank to invest facility improvements, the brand is going from strength to strength. During her time as CEO, Sophie has built the brand on the belief that ‘everyone is better when they’re fitter’ whilst developing and implementing a leadership culture that flows through all levels of the business. In this episode, Sophie talks about: · Addressing the training needs of women. · The ‘secret’ formula on which Total Fitness was orig

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Jarrod Saracco, an industry veteran who at the age of 17 gained his first accreditation as a PT and by 18, had established himself as the youngest medical exercise specialist in the United States, specializing in pre and post rehab. In 2020, Jarrod became COO of World Gym International, responsible for the commercial and operational success of 225 facilities across 15 countries. Whilst in this role he continued to grow his full-service Health Club Doctor consultancy brand. Today, Jarrod’s work takes him all over the world, working directly with club operators to maximize profits and accelerate business growth, as well as sharing his experience and insights via keynote speeches at international conferences and trade shows. Today, Jarrod Saracco talks about: ● A controversial fitness industry news story hitting the headlines ● The importance of having tough conversations in order to drive change  ● Both the generational and cultural shift t

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is one of the fitness industry’s most recognizable and influential contributors, David Stalker. As CEO of Myzone EMEA, president of EuropeActive and with a seat on the council for the World Active Forum, there are very few individuals serving the industry with a deeper understanding and experience of the global fitness market. Formerly, CEO of UKactive and Chairman of CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute For The Management of Sport and Physical Activity), Stalker has played an instrumental role in the growth and development of the UK fitness industry, laying the foundations of an industry that is now contributing a record high £5 billion to the UK economic and employing a workforce of more than 600,000 people. Known for his outspoken willingness to challenge the norm and push the boundaries of what is possible, Stalker joined us at the 2023 Escape Growth Summit to share his views on: · The need for the industry to transition its mind set from fitn

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we debate the shifting trends of gym design with industry experts Candace Pettit from Advantage Sport & Fitness, Edgars Bercis from G-Fitness, Gina Kerstye from AKI Fitness in Dubai, Yaw Mograbi from Watertree in Ghana and Mohammed Shammaa and Osama Aoun from Delta Fitness in Saudi Arabia. Discussing what each expert is noticing across their individual markets, and placing predictions for future trends of note, this podcast highlights: Increased fitness consultancy at the architectural design stage. The shift from traditional cardio to free weights and functional. The rise of the corporate gym for workforce wellbeing.  Why trainers are essential to promoting community.  An increase in women training in gym spaces. The fitness boom taking Dubai by storm.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness