Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is the final instalment of a three-part series recorded live at Beyond Activ, New York City – a fitness focused leadership, investment and business development event held in September 2024. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks get under the skin of the industry to explore where investors are placing their funding, new product innovations, the fate of the  boutique fitness market and the evolution of HVPL clubs.    Today’s guests are: Pete Moore, MD Integrity Square and Krissy Vann, Director of Content at All Things Fitness and Wellness. Nicoline Roth, Founder, Nordic Strong plus owner & manufacturer of the Nordic Trainer. David Weston, MD, HighPost Capital. Yvette & Neal McGaffin, Co-Founders,  Reform RX.   In this episode, the conversation covers: Importance of strategic locations and lease terms. The danger of trying to be all things to everyone. The growth of Pilates and the success of [solidcore]. Emerging fitness trend: spotlight on Metabolic and New York Athletic Club's Squads. Introducing the Nordic Strength concept, based around the Nordic way of life. Future development :a studio and at-home integration. Fitness investment strategies – where is it wise to invest right now? The rise of 2.0 players: Crunch Fitness, EOS Fitness, Fitness Connection, Chuze Fitness. The evolution from HVLP 2.0 to HVLP 3.0. The rise of the social wellness club. Solving the instructor talent problem. What is driving the Pilates boom and can it last? ====================================================== 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 Pete Moore | Integrity Square 22:33 Nicoline Roth | Nordic Strong 35:45 David Weston | HighPost Capital 55:34 Yvette & Neal McGaffin | Reform RX

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is part-two of a three-part podcast series recorded live at Beyond Activ, a leadership, investment and business development event in September 2024. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, talk to four guests from both sides of the fence - the operator and suppliers within the fitness industry: Adam Sedlack, CEO, UFC Gyms Jack Daly, CEO, TRX Jay Worthy, CEO, Myzone Ashley Mills, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, obé Fitness and Mark Mullett, Co-Founder & Co-CEO, obé Fitness  In this episode, topics discussed include: Impact of low-cost gyms setting new price expectations. Disciplined growth plans important for sustainability. Staying On-Trend with Functional Fitness to Grow Global Brand. Focusing on functional strength in line with growing consumer interest. Leveraging Wearable Data: The Future of Personalization, Insights and Behavior Change in Fitness. The evolution of wearables and increasing role they will play in driving industry growth and health outcomes. Opportunities to utilize wearable data through analytics to provide personalized, actionable insights for members. Body Literacy and Women’s Health. Funding and the economic environment. Strategic Partnerships and Future Growth. ====================================================== 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 2:33 Adam Sedlack | CEO | UFC Gyms 26:11 Jack Daly | CEO | TRX 47:15 Jay Worthy | CEO | Myzone 1:03:31 Mark Mullett & Ashley Mills | Co-founders | obé Fitness

Jack Thomas, Co-founder of The Fit Guide, discusses innovative standards in the fitness industry. He highlights the surge in popularity of strength training, especially among older demographics, driven by consumer demand. The conversation also covers the evolution of boutique fitness, exploring opportunities in yoga and Pilates. They examine the need for improved client connections and draw insights from the hospitality industry to boost customer experience in gyms. With Gen Z being the most health-informed generation, the future of fitness looks promising!

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by legend, John Brown, a trailblazing American bodybuilder who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite facing racism and discrimination in the sport, Brown achieved incredible success, winning the Amateur Mr. Universe title in 1981 and 1982, as well as the Mr. World title three times. John went on to raise three boys, all of whom inherited his sporting genes and, with the benefit of his support, experience and wisdom, went on to achieve success as NFL players. In this podcast we take a walk-through Brown’s exceptional bodybuilding achievements, how he leveraged his unique performance approach to created wealth and his unconventional training techniques, diet and pre-competition preparations. We also explore how he has supported his three sons to become successful NFL players, whilst unpacking the grit and determination it takes to succeed. This conversation is all about challenging norms and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Buckle up - this one is a hell of a ride! In this podcast, Brown covers: The origins of Mr. Universe and Brown’s unique approach to competitive bodybuilding. Building a bodybuilding  business through questioning and entrepreneurship. The overtraining fallacy and the importance of eating and sleeping. Growing muscle without using steroids. Coca-Cola – the secret sauce in training revival. The influence of genetics and parental involvement on athletic success. Eating dirty to gain athletic advantage. Post bodybuilding diet and how the gym has become a necessary evil. Designing performance sportswear that changed then world. Disbelief: life’s biggest limiter. Parenting, marriage, and financial regrets. Achieving dreams and escaping limits.   To learn more about John Brown, click here: https://www.instagram.com/johnbrownblackcoffee/  https://www.facebook.com/johnbrownmruniverse/  ====================================================== 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 0:02       The origins of Mr Universe and other bodybuilding organisations 0:18       Brown’s career changing approach to bodybuilding competitions 9:46       Leveraging bodybuilding to build a business 19:52    Bodybuilding, Mr Universe and influencers 26:25    Charting a life path through questioning and entrepreneurship 32:04    No such thing as over training only under sleeping and under eating 37:16    Pushing through bad form to get stronger 37:40    Growing muscle without using steroids 40:33    weightlifting routine for muscle growth 48:23    Intense training for NFL athletes and Coca Cola – the secret sauce for training revival 51:31    The influence of genetics and parental influence on athletic success 1:00:40 Parenting and coaching children in sport 1:05:43 Bodybuilding, nutrition, and training philosophy 1:09:26 Eating dirty to gain athletic advantage 1:11:36 Changing diet and training routine post bodybuilding career 1:12:03 Gym training: after a30 years it’s become a necessary evil 1:15:00 Designing performance sportswear that changed then world 1:20:38 Disbelief: life’s biggest limiter 1:21:44 Parenting, marriage, and financial regrets 1:31:28 Achieving dreams and escaping limits

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by special guest, Anna Gudmundson, CEO of stress management technology company, Sensate.  This episode digs into the value of stress management and tuning into the Vagus Nerve tone in order to take a more holistic approach to mental and physical health. It dives into the emerging technologies in this field and the opportunity to integrate with established wearables and health trackers in order to help people gain a more data driven understanding of their personal health markers. Key topics discussed include: What is Sensate, who can benefitm, how does it work, and what does it deliver. The mental health crisis and the value of self-regulation tools. The growing acceptance of self-regulation and meditation as a necessary self-improvement strategy. Integrating wearable technology, stress management, and wellness practices. Link between stress and good physical health and performance. Integrating wellness offers into homes, tourism and hospitality. The benefits of wearable technology and personalized health data. Mental health, wellness, and stress relief with a focus on the Vagus Nerve. To learn more about Sensate, click here: https://www.getsensate.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 2:19       Introduction to Anna Gudmundson, CEO Sensate (Stress management technology) 3:05       The mental health crisis and the value of self-regulation tools 09:21    The acceptance of self-regulation and meditation as a necessary self-help strategy 14:02    Integrating wearable technology, stress management, and wellness practices 15:18    The link between stress and good physical health and performance 18:09    Integrating wellness facilities into homes, tourism and hospitality 23:34    The benefits of wearable technology and personalized health data 27:21    Mental health, wellness, and stress relief with a focus on the Vagus Nerve

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by special guest, Huw Edwards CEO of ukactive. This episode explores the opportunities for ukactive to collaborate with the newly appointed Labour government in the UK, positioning the physical activity sector as a key player in addressing public health challenges. The discussion focuses on crafting innovative solutions, harnessing data-driven insights, and making facilities and services more accessible and inclusive. We also explore the rising trend of gym usage among young people, the urgent need to better support those with long-term health conditions and mental health issues, and the potential for a national patient care framework built through collaboration between the government, the physical activity sector, and the NHS. Key topics discussed include: How the physical activity sector work with government to improve population health and drive economic growth. Beyond aesthetics: tapping into the broader health and wellbeing benefits of being active. Population health as an economic driver. The role of data in defining the sector’s value proposition. The need for diversification of services to accommodate a wider range of health and wellbeing needs. Engaging young people to tackle childhood obesity and create habits for life. Leading with prevention: Collaboration between the physical activity and healthcare system. Integrating the fitness industry with the NHS: challenges and opportunities. The importance of storytelling to drive engagement. The need for local delivery that feeds into a national framework. To learn more about ukactive, click here: https://www.ukactive.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 02:49    How the physical activity sector can support the govt to improve population health and productivity 04:28    Focus on the wider benefits of being active beyond aesthetics and into broader physical and mental  health and wellbeing 07:48    The economic benefits of a healthy population 12:24    The role of data in defining the sectors value proposition 14:48    Diversification of services to accommodate a wider range of health and wellbeing needs 18:31    Engaging young people to tackle childhood obesity and crate habits for life 26:30    Leading with prevention: Collaboration between the physical activity and healthcare system 30:51    Integrating fitness industry with NHS, challenges and opportunities. 34:31    The need for a consumer campaign driven by lived-experience stories 34:55    The importance of local delivery that feeds into a national framework

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Ross Campbell, Founder & CEO of Beyond Activ, one of the largest and most influential global networks for health, fitness, wellness, sports, hospitality and leisure businesses. This episode discusses the evolution of fitness and healthcare conferences, with a focus on the recent Beyond Activ event in Saudi Arabia. They explore the impact of GLP-1 and AI on the industry, the changing landscape of boutique fitness and the growing competition in the wellness hospitality space. Key topics discussed include: Real life experiences and meaningful connection through events. The crossroads for boutique fitness and wellness. HIIT vs. strength and conditioning workouts. Research by Dr. Stacy Sims that shows that HIIT could be detrimental to health. The boom in popularity of Pilates. Equinox signs up for Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic desert. The focus on wellness-centric hospitality brands. New developments in wellness, recovery and longevity. GLP-1s as a disruptor to the industry. Airlines and airports reinvesting in lounges and wellness. Beyond Activ, New York, 17-19th September. 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 4:13     The evolution of boutique fitness 5:12     HIIT vs. strength and conditioning workouts 8:10     The boom in popularity of Pilates 10:12   Fitness trends; strength, Pilates and wellness-focused hospitality 14:18   Wellness-focused hotels and their growth in Saudi Arabia 19:37   Wellness-driven residencies and GLP-1’s impact on diabetes monitoring 20:53   New developments in wellness, recovery and longevity 23:36   Growth and innovation investment opportunities in luxury markets 29:25   Fitness events in Asia and the US

Paul Chek, the absolute master of corrective and high-performance exercise kinesiology, stress management and holistic wellness has launched Spirit Gym, a concept he is calling ‘his greatest creation yet’. For more than forty years, Chek has been applying his unique, whole-body treatment and education approach to positively influence the lives of his many clients and students, often succeeding where other, more traditional methods have failed. Chek is founder of the CHEK (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology) Institute and pioneer of the highly successful P~P~S Success Mastery Coaching Program. In addition to his practical work, Chek has also written several books, articles and blog posts. Now, through Spirit Gym, Chek is taking people on a spiritual journey of self-discovery helping them to reconnect with their souls, discover who they really are, understand what they came here to do and providing the self-realization tools to empower them to solve seemingly impossible problems. In this extended Escape your Limits Podcast, Chek explains the interplay between mind and body, exploring the role of spiritual development in personal growth and revealing how a connection with the soul unlocks freedoms that promote joy, wholeness, purpose and fulfilment. Topics include: ●        Personal training education vs. corporate interests. ●        Balancing education and exercise on social media. ●        Hormone supplements and their effect on mental and physical health. ●        Self-care, sleep and personal growth. ●        The dangers of synthetic vitamins and protein isolates. ●        The relationship between money, health and happiness. ●        How life experiences shape beliefs and behaviors. ●        Looking at how you engage with money, love, mind and power. ●        Religious interpretation and the need for personal spiritual development to understand God's true nature. ●        Myths, spirituality and personal growth. ●        The role of psychedelics in personal growth and spiritual exploration. ●        Applying intent and consciousness. ●        Tarot archetypes, their meanings and significance in self-reflection and personal growth. ●        Energy, emptiness, form, and spirituality. ●        The difference between real thinking and memorization. ●        Applying contemplative meditation for clarity of thought and problem solving. ●        Personal growth and development through physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual practices. ●        Setting realistic goals and avoiding failure. ●        Overcoming obstacles and finding success.   To learn more about Spirit Gym and Paul Chek, click here: https://www.myspiritgym.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paul.chek/?hl=en https://chekinstitute.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 https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== 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/   0:00:00 Intro 0:04:55 A multidisciplinary approach to healthcare with a focus on personal training education vs corporate interests 0:11:14 The importance of progressive training for functional exercise 0:17:38 Balanced education and exercise on social media channels 0:20:21 Why it’s vital to provide tailored fitness programs based on goals and needs 0:29:29 Self-care, sleep and personal growth 0:38:44 Hormone supplements and their effect on mental and physical health 0:43:44 Addressing underlying mental health issues before starting a workout routine 0:54:06 The dangers of synthetic vitamins and protein isolates 1:04:28 How digestion and elimination work, with emphasis on nutrient deficiencies and toxicity 1:13:43 The relationship between money, health and happiness 1:28:16 How life experiences shape beliefs and behaviors 1:39:05 The importance of embracing oneself and adapting to reality 1:50:11 Religious interpretation and the need for personal spiritual development to understand God's true nature 2:01:14 Myths Spirituality and personal growth 2:08:39 The role of psychedelics in personal growth and spiritual exploration 2:19:48 Applying intent and consciousness to change the form of physical objects 2:22:50 Tarot archetypes, their meanings and significance in self-reflection and personal growth 2:38:40 Energy, emptiness, form, and spirituality 2:42:06 Individual interpretation of archetypes 2:46:15The difference between real thinking and memorization 2:48:49 Using contemplative  meditation for clarity of thought and problem solving 2:58:41 The importance of goal setting to personal growth 2:59:52 Personal growth and development through physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual practices 3:11:21 How to set realistic goals and avoid failure 3:14:23 The importance of incremental progress to success 3:24:26 Overcoming obstacles and finding success through self-awareness and guidance from mentors

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Paul Bedford, known as the 'Retention Guru', shares his insights on enhancing customer experience in the fitness industry. He highlights the power of empathy and personalization as key drivers for member retention. The conversation delves into the challenges of 'gymtimidation' for newcomers and the importance of inclusive gym designs. Dr. Bedford also explores the role of technology, such as AI and wearables, in fostering deeper connections between gyms and their members while reshaping retention strategies for a sustainable future.

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by special guest, former pro-athlete, serial entrepreneur and Chief Concept Officer at MADabolic, Brandon Cullen This episode unpacks how new developments in entertainment, pharmaceuticals and technology are attempting to influence population behavior and encourage more people to engage with gyms. Specifics discussed include: DJ Diplo’s new 5k soundtrack, protein brands reacting to the GLP-1 craze and Superpower’s $4m investment to deliver bespoke preventative health care to the masses. Key topics discussed include: Parenting, Fitness and entrepreneurship. Brandon Cullen – pro athlete and fitness entrepreneur. DJ Diplo’s new fitness soundtrack – engaging beyond the 15 percenters. Kabata – AI driven dumbbells. Is this the future of fitness? The impact of GPL1s and new GLP-1 complimentary products entering the market. Will GLP-1s drive gym engagement? Preventative healthcare platform, Superpower, raises $4 million. Creating a ripple effect. To learn more about Brandon Cullen, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/playingguilty/ ====================================================== 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 0:22     Parenting, Fitness and entrepreneurship 1:26     Intro to Brandon Cullen and brief bio 3:47     DJ Diplo’s new fitness soundtrack – engaging beyond the 15 percenters 9:48     Kabata – AI driven dumbbells. Is this the future of fitness? 15:47   The impact of GPL-1s and new GLP-1 complimentary products entering the market 20:51   Will GLP-1s drive gym engagement? 23:18   Preventative healthcare platform, Superpower, raises $4 million 30:29   Creating a ripple effect