LIFTS Episode 92 - LIFTS Live Podcast at W3Fit North America with Matthew Januszek & Mohammed Iqbal

Live from W3Fit North America at the Four Seasons Westlake Village, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal host a special onstage edition of the LIFTS podcast.

In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore the future of the fitness industry—from AI gyms and private equity consolidation to the booming recovery market and the resurgence of strength training.

Discussion highlights include:

• What makes live podcasts unique compared to studio episodes.
• First impressions of Fred Fitness, the AI-first gym.
• The impact of mergers, acquisitions, and private equity in fitness tech.
• How AI is reshaping software, business, and member experience.
• Why recovery is the next big differentiator for gyms.
• Programming and personalization in recovery spaces.
• Revenue and retention gains from recovery add-ons.
• Strength training, Pilates, and pickleball as the future modalities.
• The cultural rise of run clubs and community-based fitness.
• How fitness brands can innovate to stay ahead of shifting trends.

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0:00 Intro & Live Audience Energy

1:30 What Makes W3Fit Different

3:00 Visiting Fred Fitness: The AI Gym

7:20 Industry Consolidation & Private Equity

16:20 The Role of AI in Fitness Businesses

19:20 Recovery & Wellness Trends

27:10 DIY vs. Service-Based Recovery Models

35:00 Future Modalities: Strength, Pilates, Pickleball

39:10 Strength Training’s Cultural Shift

44:30 Closing Thoughts & Tomorrow’s Follow-Up Session