Escape Your Limits & LIFTS LIFTS Episode 109 - The Pilates Journal Expo 2026 | Los Angeles | Part 2
Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Recorded live at the Los Angeles Pilates Journal Expo 2026, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with leading voices shaping the future of Pilates.
Guests include: Pilates experts Sean Bergara and Tracey Mallett, along with Reform RX founders Neal and Yvette McGaffin. In this episode, we explore: • How Pilates is evolving to meet modern strength and athletic demands. • Why men are increasingly embracing Pilates for longevity and performance. • The rise of fusion fitness and technology-driven reformers. • What it takes to innovate in a traditionally classical industry. • Lessons from decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and reinvention.
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00:00 Intro & Sean Bergara on aging, strength & movement
04:20 Why Pilates works for men
12:05 Inclusivity, language & industry barriers
17:50 Sean Bergara's journey & philosophy
22:45 Tracey Mallett on fusion fitness & early Pilates media
30:15 Pilates becoming mainstream & inclusive
34:05 Entrepreneurship, setbacks & resilience
38:30 Neal & Yvette McGaffin on Reform RX origins
42:50 Reimagining the reformer with technology
46:20 Safety, design & the future of Pilates
50:20 Closing thoughts