
Escape Your Limits & LIFTS
ESCAPE YOUR LIMITS:
Inside the minds of fitness industry influencers.
Find out what drives, fuels and motivates the leaders in health and fitness. Each episode of Escape Your Limits reveals the mental, physical and emotional ingredients involved in standing out above everybody else. Discover why successful people keep going when most people stop, and what keeps them going day after day. It’s not about shortcuts for dreamers; these people prove that constant hard work fueled by the right frame of mind is what makes dreams a reality. Join Matthew Januszek, co-founder of Escape Fitness, as he delves into the mindset of leadership and success.
LIFTS:
Every week, our intrepid hosts Matthew Januszek of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal of SweatWorks will discuss the breaking fitness industry news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations. All delivered in a quick-fix, approximately 30-minute podcast.
Latest episodes

Jun 18, 2023 • 1h 29min
Ep 299 - David Mariani | Leaning Into Weakness to get World Class Results
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is David Mariani, a Strength & Conditioning Coach for ATG (Athletic Truth Group), who has trained thousands of people around the world, with his main purpose to help get them pain-free. David currently trains athletes in the NBA, NFL and MLB as well as pro’s around the world. He’s worked with individuals from age 6 up to 86, as well as working with many Doctors, Physical Therapists, Trainers and Coaches by training and educating them in ATG methodologies. Today, David Mariani talks about: The benefits of training backwards. The importance of leaning into discomfort. The emotional and psychological toll of injuries. Best practice for training specific muscle groups. Dealing with top athletes where mistakes are costly. Rebuilding the ability to pain free. To learn more about David Mariani, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mariani-1b4847bb/ Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Jun 11, 2023 • 1h 12min
Ep 298 - David Minton | Insights from the 2023 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is David Minton, Founder of The Leisure Database Company, leading specialists in the leisure sector, offering key market intelligence and analysis across the fitness industry. The annual State of the UK Fitness Industry Report that The Leisure Database Company creates, audits the fitness space to provide an insightful overview of the ‘state of play’ and help businesses and individuals gather valuable intelligence needed to make key decisions. Now nicknamed the ‘Daddy of Data’, Minton is recognised as one of the most insightful experts in the fitness space, a sought-after speaker who uses his expert industry knowledge to help businesses make key decisions and gain competitive advantage. Today, David Minton shares insights from this year’s report including: Why the industry is worth more than ever before. The importance of personalistaion. The boom of the luxury sector. The impact of Covid, inflation and energy prices. The need to collaborate and communicate in order to change. Why the industry undervalues what it provides. To learn more about David Minton, click here: https://www.leisuredb.com/david-minton Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/escape-fitness

Jun 4, 2023 • 1h 23min
Ep 297 - Billy Blanks | Wake Up & Wear Your Power
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is Billy Blanks, Inventor of Tae Bo, a martial arts-focused fitness programme that became one of the most successful home workout programmes in history. Now taught worldwide, many Hollywood stars have utilised Tae Bo techniques at the Billy Blanks studio and Billy himself has starred in a number of films and TV shows, becoming a celebrity in his own right. Since then, Billy has become a keen businessman, extending his fitness offering, nurturing industry partnerships and in May this year, Billy hit the road again for a Tae Bo tour of America. Today, Billy Blanks shares all about: What it takes to be a rockstar trainer Tae Bo as a lifestyle, not a trend Why you should never use choreography Creating community with your team and members Why having dyslexia made him live in fear when he was younger How to put on your daily power Winning the hearts and minds of your clients To learn more about Billy Blanks, click here: https://www.instagram.com/billyblanksofficial1/?hl=en Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rIYVodUk6C8 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/escape-fitness

May 28, 2023 • 2h 11min
Ep 296 - Mr. Olympia Flex Lewis | From Barbells to Business
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is Flex Lewis, nicknamed the ‘Welsh Dragon’ and an undeniable force to be reckoned with in the world of professional bodybuilding. From humble beginnings, he conquered the competitive landscape by creating a record-setting 7-time Olympia 212 Showdown Champion. His sculpted physique and undeniable charisma propelled him to the top, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of the sport. Since retiring from professional bodybuilding, Flex has been busy taking his learnings from the sport into business with the opening of The Dragons Lair Gym, first in Boca Raton, Florida and more recently as a Las Vegas location. Today, Flex Lewis shares all about: · Challenges of opening ‘The Dragons Lair’ Gym amidst the global pandemic · The importance of ensuring the right culture in a training environment · The discipline to approach each Mr. Olympia as if it’s his first · Working his way up to the top from humble beginnings · What was behind his decision to retire from professional bodybuilding · Why it’s key to never give up, stay committed to your path and have a moral compass To learn more about Flex Lewis, click here: https://www.instagram.com/flex_lewis/?hl=en Subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when its published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/escape-fitness

May 21, 2023 • 1h 44min
Ep 295 - The 360lb HULK, Martyn Ford | Bodybuilding, Bulking & Blockbusters
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest is known as the “real life hulk” due to his ability to go from a 6’6 310lb athlete to a 360lb mass monster. At a young age, Martyn Ford started out as an emerging cricketer, but his professional athlete dream was cut short when he faced a devastating injury. Little did he know that this would be his steppingstone to a successful career in the fitness industry. His work ethic and mindset in training carried over to other pursuits that led him to be an internet sensation, a fitness influencer with over 4 million followers worldwide, an online fitness coach, and a successful actor. He has starred in Hollywood Blockbuster films such as: Fast & Furious 9, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and The Machine. He also signed a professional MMA contract with KSW. Today, Martyn Ford shares all about: · How he transforms his body for each role in the film industry using what he learned as a PT · His methodology for bulking his body with a “eat 8x a day” program · How he’s adapted his training routine to train the strongest and weakest parts of his body To learn more about Martyn Ford, click here! https://www.instagram.com/martynfordofficial/?hl=en

May 14, 2023 • 1h 51min
Ep 294 - Steroids, Supplements, and Fat Loss: Everything You Need to Know with Jerry Brainum
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, Jerry Brainum is returning for his second interview by popular demand. He has a distinguished background as a competitive bodybuilder who trained alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger during the 70s. Beyond his achievements in bodybuilding, he boasts over 30 years of experience in researching and writing about all aspects of fitness. His remarkable career includes serving as the editor of Muscle and Fitness magazine for a decade, as well as being an editor-at-large for Flex magazine and a regular contributor to Ironman magazine for 28 years. In our last interview, he debunked the truth of steroids, bodybuilding, and the deathly effects of “safe supplements.” Today, he passionately shares: • The drawbacks of Ozempic and other fat loss burners as a weight loss solution • The only drug that is known to extend lifespan even in middle-age people • And the science behind creatine, where it comes from, and whether it is necessary to phase on and off the supplement To sign up for Applied Metabolics, click here! https://www.appliedmetabolics.com/

May 7, 2023 • 1h 19min
Ep 292 - Third Space London | Hiring Top Personal Trainers & Designing the Ultimate Gym Experience | Rob Beale
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, our guest has more than 20 years of experience directing the fitness provision for some of the best known, high end multi-site operators including Holmes Place, Virgin Active, David Lloyd Leisure, and Aspria. Rob Beale is currently the Fitness Director of Third Space, which is a collection of high-end, luxury health clubs in London. They strive to provide outstanding fitness spaces that members feel are their own with state-of-the-art amenities and experiences. Today, he shares his expertise about: • How to attract the best personal trainers in the world, and the experience/mindset they need to have to succeed and be qualified to work at the Third Space • How premium operators are adapting their gym floor design to serve their clients’ needs • And what new trends in health, wellness, and recovery will likely be popular in the next couple of years To learn more about Third Space, click here! https://www.thirdspace.london/

May 3, 2023 • 20min
Ep 291 - Predictions of the Future of Fitness with Chuck Runyon, Liz Clarke, and More
On this week’s special midweek episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we were at the European Health & Fitness Forum where we caught up with people from the industry to get their thoughts on: The state of the fitness industry today What they think are the biggest challenges facing the industry And what their predictions for the future To name a few, we sat down with: IHRSA’s CEO & President, Liz Clark CEO of Anytime Fitness, Chuck Runyon And CEO of SweatWorks, Mohammed Iqbal Enjoy this week’s special midweek episode! To learn more about EuropeActive, click here! https://www.europeactive.eu/ To learn more about IHRSA, click here! https://www.ihrsa.org/ To learn more about Anytime Fitness, click here! https://www.anytimefitness.com/ To learn more about SweatWorks, click here! https://www.sweatworks.com/ To learn more about Singapore Fitness Alliance, click here! https://sgfitnessalliance.com/ To learn more about Basic-Fit, click here! https://www.basic-fit.com/ To learn more about 4GLOBAL, click here! https://4global.com/ To learn more about Good Soul Hunting, click here! https://www.goodsoulhunting.com/ To learn more about Body Fit Training, click here! https://www.bodyfittraining.com/

Apr 30, 2023 • 1h 49min
Ep 290 - Kali Muscle's Transformation: From Steroid Use to a New Lifestyle with Changed Eating Habits
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we sit down with a prolific bodybuilder, actor, and Internet star. Whether it’s building his body or building a business, Kali Muscle is known for outworking everyone. Turning his life around after a prison sentence, he kicked his PT career off at 24 Hour Fitness before succeeding as a larger-than-life YouTube star. With his success in bodybuilding, having over 3 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, and starring in several films and commercials, it comes as no surprise that his business ventures took him into the supplement and food industry. In this week’s episode we talk about his recent heart attack and how it changed his outlook on life. We also cover: • How his diet and supplementation has been altered drastically • His open and honest discussion of his steroid usage and thoughts on performance enhancement drugs • And how he’s adapted his training and eating habits to his new lifestyle To learn more about Kali Muscle, click here! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg_tz2iw7_-gf2xIL-DdM2g

Apr 26, 2023 • 1h 5min
Ep 289 - EuropeActive's Top Predictions for the Future of Fitness at FIBO 2023 | Part 2
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we continue our journey at FIBO by sitting down with prominent members of Europe Active at the European Health & Fitness Forum. We were able to pick apart the brains of: The Fitness Director of Armah Sports, Julio Papi, The CEO of Exi, Grace McNamara The Vice President Global Enterprise of Sports Alliance GmbH, Jennifer Halsall-de Wit The COO & Owner of BlackBox Publishers, Kelby Jongen The topics of discussion ranged from: The movement for diversity, equity, and inclusion gaining tremendous momentum in the fitness industry What the trends are in the fitness programming space And why exercise plays a vital role in combating obesity, along with anti-pharmaceuticals and medication To learn more about EuropeActive, click here! https://www.europeactive.eu/ To learn more about Armah Sports, click here! https://armahsports.com/ To learn more about Exi, click here! https://www.exi.life/us/ To learn more about Sports Alliance GmbH, click here! https://www.sportalliance.com/en/ To learn more about BlackBox Publishers, click here! https://www.blackboxpublishers.com/en