LIFTS Episode 104 - Fitness Predictions: Reviewing 2025 & Forecasting 2026 | with Anthony Vennare of Fitt Insider

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 annual predictions special, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Anthony Vennare, co-founder of Fit Insider, to review how their 2025 fitness predictions performed and to forecast what's coming in 2026.

Key topics covered:

• Which 2025 fitness and wellness predictions actually came true.
• Why wearables and biometrics are becoming mainstream tools.
• The rise of GLP-1 drugs and their industry-wide impact.
• Why AI fitness apps may be heading toward a shakeout.
• How local, premium wellness concepts are outperforming big brands.
• Why strength training continues to dominate global fitness trends.
• The shift from aesthetics to holistic health and longevity.
• What 2026 holds for fitness, tech, and consumer behavior.

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0:00 – Introduction & 2025 Prediction Scores

3:01 – Big Tech & Wearables: Hits and Misses

9:35 – Healthcare, Biometrics & Wearables

13:21 – VR Fitness and CGM Predictions

19:02 – Small & Mid-Market Fitness Trends

29:49 – GLP-1s and Consumer Behavior Shifts

37:15 – Offline Fitness & Community Growth

43:19 – Functional Beverages vs Alcohol

51:20 – AI in Fitness: Bubble or Breakthrough

56:40 – The Big Wellness Themes for 2026

1:01:08 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up