LIFTS Episode 97 - How Gyms Can Stop Chasing Gadgets and Start Healing People with Dr. Sean Pastuch

In this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Dr. Sean Pastuch, founder of Active Life, to challenge the industry's obsession with recovery rooms and redefine what it truly means to treat fitness as healthcare.

From debunking lazy innovation to outlining a blueprint for gyms that prioritize people over gadgets, this conversation reimagines how fitness professionals can become the front line of real health transformation. Key topics include: • Why recovery rooms are the 'lazy man's innovation.' • The economics and illusion of retention in gyms. • How trainers can evolve into healthcare professionals. • The difference between preventative and responsive fitness. • How to attract and develop high-value trainers. • When AI should, and shouldn't-- replace human judgment. • Why fitness must specialize like medicine to truly grow.

👉 To learn more about Dr. Sean Pastuch, click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanpastuch/

👉 To get Sean's ebook "Turn Pro" for free, click here:

pro.activelifeprofessional.com/turnpro-free

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

Follow Escape Fitness on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro & Tribute to Rick Caro

02:19 The Recovery Movement & Industry Data

05:00 Are Gyms Investing in the Wrong Things?

10:43 What the 'Wellness Industry' Really Includes

13:19 Retention, Training, and Investment Priorities

17:29 Who Actually Needs Recovery?

23:32 Fitness as Healthcare Explained

27:01 Why Physical Therapy Isn't Enough

30:12 Developing Great Trainers

33:03 Targeting the Right Clients

36:29 Specialization and Industry Evolution

39:08 What Belongs in a Modern Gym

41:22 The Role of AI and Technology

43:50 Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts