On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we are joined by Rick Valente, a legendary figure in the bodybuilding and fitness industry, best known as the co-host of ESPN's BodyShaping. Born and raised in Connecticut, Rick discovered his passion for fitness early on, driven by a love for sports, martial arts and a determination to build a bodybuilder’s physique. Leaving behind a challenging upbringing surrounded by drugs, he made the life-changing decision to move to California in the early 1980s and train at the iconic Gold’s Gym. His dedication led him to win Mr. Los Angeles and place second in Mr. California. However, a significant injury in 1987—tearing a pectoral muscle while lifting 500 pounds—marked a turning point, shifting his focus to coaching and personal training. In this inspiring episode, Rick shares his journey from troubled beginnings to becoming a bodybuilding icon and TV personality. He offers timeless fitness wisdom, actionable advice for personal growth and stories of training alongside legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gregory Hines. This is a conversation packed with lessons on resilience, passion, and transformation. In this podcast, Rick discusses: Overcoming a troubled upbringing throughs sports and training. The pivotal decision to move to California and train at Gold’s Gym. The energy and culture of Gold’s Gym in the 80s. Training with legends and the community spirit of old-school bodybuilding. The art of posing and the aesthetics of bodybuilding. Reflections on training methods and the evolution over the years. Hosting the hit fitness TV show ‘BodyShaping’ and its influence on fitness culture. Dealing with family tragedies, retirement boredom and finding new creative purpose. To learn more about Rick Valente, click here: https://www.rickvalente.com/ ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00       Intro 3:06       Influences in early life 5:47       Move to Florida and career beginnings 11:47    Gold’s Gym and celebrity encounters 20:13    Training techniques and workout memories 27:14    Bodybuilding competitions 32:11    “Body Shaping” and fame 42:08    Transition to writing and photography 43:36    Coping with boredom and personal growth 47:08    Advice for younger generations  

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.  This special episode was recorded live at Beyond Activ Australia APAC, where host Mohammed Iqbal attended to explore the cutting edge of fitness innovation.  Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Aleksander Dahlberg- founder of Sahha, Aaron Verasammy- Vice President Sales - North America at ABC Fitness Solutions, and Emmett Williams- MD at Myzone (APAC).  In this episode, topics discussed include: Australian fitness innovation and global expansion of local brands. Rapid growth of Pilates in gyms and boutique studios. Unique fitness concepts combining multiple services. Integration of health data technology in fitness offerings. Challenges for international brands entering the Australian market. Maturity and entrepreneurial culture of the Australian fitness industry. Need for collaboration between fitness industry and government on public health. Influence of Australian lifestyle trends (e.g., coffee culture) on the fitness landscape. To learn more about Beyond Activ, click here: https://beyondactiv.com/ ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00 Intro 12:04 Aleksander Dahlberg 22:32 Aaron Verasammy 35:05 Emmett Williams

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Kevin Yates, CEO Lift Brands EMEA.  With more that 20 years-experience working in the fitness industry there are few individuals on the planet with more experience than Kevin Yates when it  comes to building and operating boutique fitness brands. Currently heading up Lift Brands EMEA, which includes icon brands Snap Fitness and 9Round, Kevin also played a huge hand in the growth and success of European boutique brand, Trib3 and before that, the trailblazing UK boutique brand, 1Rebel. In this LIFTS podcast, we discuss: The evolution of boutique fitness. The pivot to multiple modalities within a boutique offer. The price vs value challenge facing  HVLP fitness brands. What component parts make a successful boutique fitness brand. From HVLP 1.0 to HVLP 2.0 and the brands leading the charge. What do boutiques have to do to maintain relevance in today’s market? Trend predictions for the fitness sector. To learn more about Lift Brands, click here: https://www.liftbrands.com/ ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00       Intro 0:25       RFK’s as Health and Human Services Secretary in the US. Good news or bad news? 2:50       Intro to Kevin Yates 5:06       The evolution of boutique fitness 9:43       The pivot to offering multiple modalities within a boutique offer 11:25    Adaptions HVLP fitness brands need to make to be able to charge more to cover rising costs 21:03    What component parts make a successful boutique fitness brand 25:17    The evolution from HVLP 1.0 to HVLP 2.0 and the brands leading the charge 33:00    What do boutiques have to do to maintain relevance in today’s market? 36:12    Trend predictions for the fitness sector

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, a quick snapshot into the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, get together to discuss recent health and biohacking trends, nutrition and supplements, strength training insights, tech and wellness integrations and emerging fitness trends including the latest from industry innovators Oura, F45, Samsung and Vasa Fitness.  In this LIFTS podcast, topics include: Hostage tape; the viral sleeping trend. Repacking your pre/post workout supplements. Tips from Dr. Jim Stoppani on how to build muscle. The new Oura nutrition tracking tool. FS8, the new Pilates model from F45. F45 teams up with Samsung to bring workouts to Samsung TVs. Research results on benefits of ‘exercise stacking’. Vasa Fitness adds boutique strength class to HVLP offering. ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00       Intro 0:54       Viral sleep trend of ‘hostage taping’ 3:44       Exploring supplements and nutrition 10:00    The minefield that consumers face choosing nutritional products 13:27    The evolution of tracking apps 17:46    F45 introducing Pilates offering 19:33    F45 partner with Samsung to deliver Samsung TV workouts 21:23    Exercise snacking and strength training 27:44    Vasa Fitness adds boutique strength class to HVLP offering 30:53    Gym etiquette and social media impact 36:02    Final thoughts

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Yves Preissler, CEO of YP Fitness Consulting, an expert in turnkey and modular gym design solutions across global fitness, sport, wellness and recovery industries.  With 40+ combined years’ experience, Yves and his team of professional consultants have a wealth of global expertise creating high end finishes to create tailor-made concepts that deliver results for investors, developers and business owners. This podcast episode explores the future of gym design, covering trending topics such as sustainability, AI technology and customer-centric experiences.  In this LIFTS podcast, topics include: Customer-centric gym designs. How wellness and luxury are transforming training. Sustainability within the fitness industry. Equipment: price vs. quality and sustainability. Integrating AI and technological advancements. Fred Fitness: the first truly AI-powered gym. Designing gyms of the future. Technology vs. human interaction. The evolution of group fitness and personalized fitness. To learn more about Yves Preissler, click here: https://yvespreissler.com/ ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00      Intro 0:30      Resetting the body while travelling 3:03      Alcohol and travel habits 4:19      Customer-centric design philosophy 7:03      How wellness and luxury are transforming training 9:25      Sustainability within the fitness industry 19:30    Technology integration into fitness 21:30    Fred Fitness: the first truly AI-powered gym 22:33    The evolution of group fitness and personalised fitness 31:41    Balancing technology and human interaction 31:59    Solving meaningful problems in fitness

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your snack-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Edward Hertzman, Founder & CEO of Athletech News. On this week’s episode, recorded on November 5th, just ahead of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, we talk to one of the industry’s most trailblazing media mogul’s about the potential impact a change of political leadership might have on the fitness industry. We also explore the role of the media in reporting and curating the news that is driving decisions and shaping the sector.  Hold on to your hat, this one covers a lot of ground!   About Athletech News (ATN) founded by Edward Hertzman With a mission is to provide the fitness and wellness industry with a dynamic and trusted platform that fosters innovation, collaboration and growth, Athletech News (ATN) serves a subscriber base of almost 100,000 that spans various verticals within the fitness and wellness industry and has been transformative in the speed and detail of news delivery.   In this LIFTS podcast, topics include: Changes to news delivery within fitness and wellness. Impact of the U.S. Election on the fitness industry. The future of healthcare. The impact of rising healthcare costs on business. Staying true to the fitness industry’s core mission regardless of election result. Is a healthy active lifestyle a political issue? The role of media in shaping political opinion. Industry events– creating unique events that deliver value. The challenge of balancing sponsorship with content credibility. The ingredients of a successful media outlet. Final thoughts: media influence and the U.S. Election. ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00       Intro 2:36       Changes to news delivery within fitness and wellness 6:19       Impact of the U.S. Election on the fitness industry 10:12    What does the future of healthcare look like? 16:06    The impact of rising healthcare costs on business 17:08    Staying true to the fitness industry’s core mission regardless of the Election result 21:41    Is a healthy, active lifestyle a political issue? 23:14    The role of media in shaping political opinion 25:35    Industry events – cutting through the crowd and making meaningful connections 30:21    Balancing sponsorship with content credibility 35:38    The ingredients of a successful media outlet 39:13    Final thoughts: Media influence and the U.S. Election

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jim Stoppani, a renowned expert in exercise science, sports nutrition, and supplementation, with over 15 years of experience helping millions transform their lives through science-backed training and nutrition plans. He earned his PhD in exercise physiology and a minor in biochemistry from the University of Connecticut and completed postdoctoral research at Yale University, focusing on exercise and gene regulation in muscle tissue. He was presented with the Gatorade Beginning Investigator Award by the American Physiological Society for his research. After serving as Senior Science Editor for Weider Publications, he launched JYM Supplement Science in 2013, a pioneering sports nutrition company and has authored influential books, including The Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength and LL Cool J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle. In this podcast, Dr. Jim Stoppani discusses: New research into muscle growth. Mathematical models for maximizing muscle. Strategies for the fit vs. more unfit exerciser. Weight loss, muscle gain and lifestyle change. Optimal workouts for fat loss vs. muscle gain. Testosterone, supplements and the anabolic window. Full body vs Split body workouts. Time under tension and its role in muscle building. Muscle protein synthesis. The benefits of intermittent fasting. Creatine and protein intake guidelines. How alcohol impacts sleep, muscle gain and recovery. To learn more about Dr. Jim Stoppanni, click here: https://www.jimstoppani.com/ https://jymsupplementscience.com/ ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00       Intro 0:20       New research into muscle growth 3:09       Range of motion and muscle growth 5:57       Stretching and muscle growth 6:58       Applying new research to workouts 12:49    Importance of time under tension 14:44    Scientific models and muscle growth 21:23    The ideal amount of muscle for health 26:57    Protein intake and essential amino acids 46:23    The benefits of creatine for performance 54:15    Balancing lifestyle changes 15:18    Full body vs. split body workouts 1:04:01 Exercises that trigger testosterone

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Dr. Ted Vickey, a fitness technology strategist, who is CEO of disruptive health technology company, FitWell and the author of a new, groundbreaking book: ‘'The Fitness Professionals Guide to ChatGPT".  Often referred to as the ‘most connected man in fitness’ Dr. Vickey also served as an executive director of the White House Athletic Center under two presidents and, in 2021, was named one of the most influential fitness tech people in the industry by the Fitness Industry Technology Council (FITC). In this LIFTS podcast, topics include: The impact of technology on the future of education. Effectively using AI tools to optimize efficiency. Is ChatGPT the best AI model? How can AI be effectively applied in fitness? Training AI and the various information sources available. The importance of full disclosure. What ROI can a PT expect from integrating AI? Advanced features and the future of AI. ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00       Intro 02:22    Introduction to Dr. Ted Vickey 06:07    The future of Education 09:35    Effectively using AI tools to optimize efficiency 12:44    Is ChatGPT the best AI model? 14:03    How can AI be  applied in fitness? 22:12    Methods of training AI and the information sources used 25:51    The importance of full disclosure 29:31    What is the ROI of using AI to a personal trainer? 33:21    Advanced AI features such as range of motion analysis 34:27    Final thoughts and takeaways

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories hitting the headlines. On this week’s episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, lift the lid on some of the stories driving the fitness, health and wellbeing newsfeeds. In this episode, headlines discussed include: Josh Harris’s Acquistion of OneLife Fitness. Weight Watchers relationship with  GLP-1 drugs. The decline in alcohol consumption. The role of wearables in managing alcohol intake. Athletic Greens partnership with Starbucks. Greg Glassman's new venture, MetFix. Reflections on the impact of A1 and GLP1s on the fitness industry. ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00       Intro 0:29       Mo Iqbal’s running injury and recovery 2:26       Josh Harris Acquires One Life Fitness 4:38       Weight Watchers and GLP-1 Drugs 11:32    The decline in alcohol consumption 16:44    The role of wearables in managing alcohol intake 19:25    Athletic Greens Partnership with Starbucks 23:47    Greg Glassman's New Venture, MetFix 30:05    Reflections on the impact of A1 and GLP1s on the fitness industry   Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks make no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.  Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks. Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third-party materials or on third-party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks make no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.   ESCAPE FITNESS LTD AND SWEATWORKS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Alex Alimanestianu, a seasoned executive and Angel Investor with significant experience in the fitness and wellness industry. He served for a long time as CEO of Talent Sports International, and in addition to his leadership there, Alex has been an active investor in the fitness technology space. In this episode, the discussion centred on L Catterton’s recent investments in EGM and [solidcore]. Alimanestianu highlights the importance of early-stage investments in emerging markets and the advantages of being an early player in new concepts. He expressed concerns about the long-term viability of standalone boutique fitness studios, citing low entry barriers and increased competition. The conversation also covered the boom in Pilates and whether it had peaked, along with broader implications for valuation and investment trends in the fitness industry. Key topics discussed include: Opportunity vs. challenges in investing in start-ups. L Catterton investing in Solid Core and EGYM. Comparison with innovations across other industries. Advantage of being the first of second player to a concept. The shifting buying pattern of fitness equipment. The boom of Pilates, but has it peaked? Risk of boutiques only offering one modality. The franchise model in boutiques. ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)  ====================================================== 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/   0:00     Intro 2:55     Alex’s opportunity to invest in Mirror 5:00     Investing in fitness industry start-ups 6:08     Advantage of being ‘the first or second player’ to new concepts 8:45     L Catterton’s investment in EGYM 13:01   Comparison with other fitness companies and industries 16:25   Integrating technology from a more medical perspective 17:51   The shifting buying pattern of fitness equipment       20:50   L Catterton’s investment in Solid Core 24:09   The breadth of Pilates formats available 26:21   The booming demand for Pilates 27:09   Risks of boutiques only offering one thing 33:35   The franchise model in boutique 39:54   Final thoughts and key takeaways