Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

Dr. John Jaquish is an innovator, thought leader in the biomedical fitness market, and a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of the book "Weight Lifting Is a Waste of Time." His objective? To challenge you to rethink how you burn fat and add muscle. That's what led him to invent OsteoStrong, a bone-density building medical device used to fight osteoporosis, which is now in 130 clinics in 8 different countries. The X3 Bar is his most recent invention. At 6'0" and 240 pounds, he has a zero-carb diet and works out 10 minutes a day, 6 days a week. He claims that, along with an unconventional diet, by using the X3 for only 10 minutes a day you can have the body of someone who spends hours in the gym every week. Tune in to our conversation as Dr. Jaquish dives into his research-based but controversial approaches to strength training, muscular development, and diet. He also addresses the criticisms he's received online.

Should gyms be considered essential businesses? One of the more controversial aspects of the various shutdowns, lockdowns, and business closures was that of the extended closures of gyms and fitness clubs worldwide. In this week's Escape Your Limits podcast episode, we speak with one of America's leading health educators and exercise physiologists, Eric Durak. He believes that gyms are, in fact, essential businesses and he's here to reveal what gym owners need to do to make sure they remain essential, avoid closure, and take advantage of revenue opportunities by providing holistic solutions to their members. Eric Durak is one of the nation's leading clinical Exercise Physiologists and Health Educators and is the founder and president of Medical Health & Fitness. He has a 35-year career in fitness, medicine, and health promotion and is now entering into medical fitness, population health, and precision wellness. Most recently, Eric developed the Healthy Stats Outcome software. Eric has also logged thousands of hours in clinical care, wellness, and research and works as a Wellness Specialist at the University of California to promote wellness and manage workers compensation claims. He is the 1999 IHRSA Institute Aware Winner for the Cancer Well-fit Program. MedHealthFit is a visionary wellness company that looks at the profession of health promotion through interaction of research, data collection and outcomes. Subscribe to get all the latest podcast-related content: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Connect with Escape Fitness online and on social below: Website: https://www.escapefitness.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escape-fitness

Today, we're speaking with Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo, the husband-and-wife team who founded Row House, the highly successful indoor boutique rowing franchise and Xponential brand. Through blood, sweat, and tears, they've discovered a way to do the work they love while also empowering people through community. In this episode, they share how they manage to balance family and business, carve out time for wellness to achieve optimal health and performance, and how Row House continues to stand out in a crowded boutique studio landscape. As entrepreneurs, they've had to be extremely committed to their vision and make intentional sacrifices to turn their dreams into a reality, but the plan was always to scale and sell Row House. Please welcome Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo to the Escape Your Limits podcast. For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast Video Version - https://youtu.be/W2ENJROerWs Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo are the husband-and-wife team who founded Row House, the highly successful indoor boutique rowing franchise and Xponential brand. They met teaching on the NYC fitness scene. They followed their passion for fitness and grew two brands with their own pennies and a lot of blood, sweat and tears — creating security for their family of 5 and jobs that they love. Row House has revolutionized the way people not only view the experience of rowing but also solved a problem and created a low-impact, cardio enhancing, full-body strength workout for the 70% of the population not working out. Today, the franchise has plans to expand to over 250 locations throughout the US and Canada. Row House was born in the Columbus Circle Neighborhood of NYC in 2014. Co-founders and husband/wife team, Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo took the rowing machine out of the corner, and put it front in center. Born of the couple's search for a workout that two individuals with varying fitness levels could do together, they created a workout that gives people of all different shapes, sizes, and abilities an efficient and effective workout. Row House's values are: Inclusivity, Rewarding, Camaraderie, and Authenticity. About Debra Strougo Debra left a life behind the desk to bridge her business acumen with her passion for fitness. She teamed up with her husband, Eric, and started to build the dream. Together, they balance their work and family — and have found a way to do the work they love and bring their vision for fitness communities far and wide. Debra is the Founder of Row House and EVF Performance. She owns and operates 5 NYC studios with her husband and business partner, Eric. Debra is a Goldman Sachs 10KSB scholar; in 2016 Row House was chosen as a company likely to have exponential growth. She has over 15 years' experience teaching at NYC's premiere gyms including Equinox, Crunch, SCLA and NYSC, and has consulted for numerous national fitness brands, including SELF. About Eric Von Frohlich Eric is a seasoned fitness pioneer, National Brand Founder, and national spokesman in the fields of health, exercise, and wellness. He is an expert on trends and techniques in fitness and wellness, as well as on what it takes to create a strong community. He owns and operates five NYC studios with his wife and business partner, while keeping his finger on the pulse of all things fitness, sport, and wellness to continue to help people. An avid 20+ year trainer and athlete. Episode highlights Why it's crucial to stick to your vision. Secrets to running a business with your partner and leveraging each other's strengths. The story behind creating a very inclusive, scalable brand that was designed to go global. How to make intentional sacrifices for your business. Regardless of how successful you are, there's always more work to be done. How they targeted 70% of the population that doesn't work out. The importance of approaching every problem and every solution with gratitude. Accomplishing big things without sacrificing family, their values, or their core beliefs. Celebrating the small victories. Coming up with real solutions when you have limited resources, time, and money. Being an entrepreneur is not all fun and games. Join Matthew Januszek in powerful conversation with Eric Von Frohlich and Debra Strougo.

Today, we're speaking with Brendan Kane, a business and digital strategist who has worked with Fortune 500 companies, the world's biggest brands, and high-profile celebrities. He is best known for gaining one million followers on social media in 30 days. If you're interested in learning how to leverage social media to make difference for your brand, he's the guy to turn to. In this week's Escape Your Limits podcast episode, Brendan reveals how to cut through the noise and disrupt the pattern to earn the click or stop the scroll. He also offers insights on how he was able to grow his following so quickly, techniques you can use to make your content go viral, and explains why just because you have one million followers that doesn't mean you're reaching or engaging one million people. Tune in to learn how to crack the code that will lead to the best performing content you can put out into the world that will provide the most value. For more information, visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast Video version - https://youtu.be/9_9NLw_ktHg Brendan Kane is an out-of-the-box thinker for Fortune 500 corporations, brands, and celebrities. He thrives on helping his clients systematically engage new audiences that reward relevant content, products, and services with their attention and purchases. His greatest strength lies in unlocking value by transforming complexity into simplicity through tools and methods that amplify growth and enable execution. Having started his career at Lakeshore Entertainment, Brendan oversaw all aspects of the company's interactive media strategy. He worked on 16 films that generated a worldwide gross of $685 million and also pioneered the first-ever influencer campaign to effectively promote Crank starring Jason Statham. He has since built social media applications and digital platforms for celebrity clients such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and pro skateboarder Ryan Sheckler. Brendan served as vice president of digital for Paramount Pictures and helped scale one of the largest social optimization firms in the world. Episode highlights - •99% of brands suck at creating content. •Just because you have one million followers doesn't mean you're engaging one million people. •You have to become a student of the game. •Are you learning or just consuming content? •You gotta get out of your own way. •Social media is meant for your audience, not for your brand. •There's not one way to be successful, there's multiple approaches. •The most important thing is that you test, test, test. •You can make any subject interesting or go viral, you just have to add value.

Today, we're speaking with Jan Spaticchia, a serial entrepreneur who has empowered millions of people to transform their lives through engagement with one of his fitness franchise brands. He is the Chair of énergie Group, Vice Chair of BMF, and Founder of Visivo. As the world now moves into a new and exciting digital age, Spaticchia is already planning for the future and is on the verge of launching Visivo, a VR fitness club membership experience, the first of its kind in the world. Are you ready to learn how to start up, build, sell, and buy back a franchise with one of the best in the game? Please welcome Jan Spaticchia to the Escape Your Limits podcast. Video version - https://youtu.be/1S8MhNoHbnY Escape Your Limits homepage – https://escapefitness.com/podcast Jan Spaticchia is the Chair of énergie Group, Vice Chair of BMF, and Founder of Visivo. He is also the founder of National Fitness Day. As a creative visionary, Jan is passionate about finding ways to break the rules and stay innovative in the competitive fitness market. His franchise group is one the biggest and fastest growing in the UK. In 2019, Spaticchia handed over ownership of the énergie Group, a hugely successful franchise business that he grew from scratch into the UK's leading franchise operator. A year later, after the pandemic struck, Spaticchia found himself leading a rescue MDO, supported by RM Funds, to buy back the company. During lockdown 1.0, 38,000 of the 140,000 énergie fitness members across the UK continued to support their local club and pay their membership fees. This meant the company was able to suspend franchisee fees during closure and also invest in a digital provision to enable the creation of a virtual platform to deliver at-home workouts to members. During lockdown 2.0, énergie fitness did not apply a blanket freeze and instead supported members virtually towards the achievement of individual goals based around fitness, nutrition, and mindset offers. Episode highlights - The fitness market has changed forever. We didn't do what everybody else did. We didn't freeze memberships. Necessity is the mother of all invention. If you don't have fire in your belly for franchising, it's doesn't work. You have to have a little luck on your side. Local management is crucial for international expansion. Taking a different approach to the rest of the market. Franchises that are passionate and follow systems do best. Importance of focusing on your staff and club members. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Jan Spaticchia.

The two most fundamental aspects of your health are diet and exercise. But chronic exposure to stress, sleep deprivation, sedentary behavior, and processed food are causing metabolic dysfunction in your body. Jim Lavalle, an internationally recognized clinical pharmacist, author, nutrition expert, and founder of the Metabolic Code®, is here to shed some light on the underlying metabolic issues that stop people from feeling healthy. Your body is constantly working as a complete metabolic system, signaling and telling your body what to do. When it gets out of whack, it can cause serious health issues. Tune in to episode #177 of the Escape Your Limits podcast to learn all about how you can reach optimum levels of health and vitality, manage your stress hormones, avoid stress fractures, strengthen your immune system, and age better. Please welcome Jim Lavalle to the Escape Your Limits podcast. For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast Video version – https://youtu.be/Zgy44D0RgdA Jim Lavalle is an internationally recognized clinical pharmacist, author, nutrition expert, and founder of LaValle Metabolic Institute. He is best known for his expertise in metabolic and personalized integrative medicine and therapies. Has an extensive background in natural products, drug/nutrient depletion, and the underlying metabolic issues that stop people from feeling healthy. The author of more than 20 books, including, "Your Blood Never Lies," "Cracking the Metabolic Code," and "Nutritional Cost of Drugs." Jim Lavalle was named one of the "50 Most Influential Pharmacists" by American Druggist magazine. He has also developed health programs for the fitness industry (healthcare and professional sports teams) such as Orlando Magic, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Anaheim Ducks – to name a few. He has trained thousands of health care professionals on the value of predictive health. Jim is an appointed faculty member and course educator for the Integrative Medicine postgraduate program at George Washington University School of medicine. Previously, he was a correspondent on ESPN2's No. 1 rated "BodyShaping" fitness program. Visit www.jimlavalle.com to learn more about the underlying metabolic issues that stop you from feeling healthy. Episode highlights People deserve vitality at every stage in life. It isn't how hard you train. It's how well you rest. 78% of the US population is overweight. You can't put a Band-Aid on a bullet hole. If you're getting stress fractures, you're overtraining. The more muscle you hold as you age, the better your metabolism will be. If your resting heart rate is 10% above average, you probably need a day off. Your immune system is the center of your aging process. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Jim Lavalle.

Today, we're speaking with Rita McGrath, a renowned Columbia Business School professor and premier expert on innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth strategies during times of uncertainty. The pandemic is forcing every business regardless of industry to reevaluate their operations and to stay relevant while also staying on top of strategic inflection points. According to Rita McGrath, the pandemic is offering businesses an opportunity to grow, or to stay as they are. Her new book, Seeing Around Corners, helps leaders recognize the inflection points that could lead to innovation and success. The pivotal changes taking place in business environments today are a wake-up call for leaders to not only define their cultural values, but to stay ahead of the tech game and get closer to the customer experience. There's no substitute for the knowledge and expertise this week's guest has to offer. Please welcome Rita McGrath to the Escape Your Limits podcast. For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast Video version - https://youtu.be/T2M2c3s4eT0 Rita McGrath is a best-selling author, a sought-after speaker, and a longtime professor at Columbia Business School. She is known as The Entrepreneurial Strategist and a globally recognized champion of harnessing disruptive influences for competitive advantage. Rita McGrath is widely recognized as a premier expert on leading innovation and growth during times of uncertainty. As a consultant to CEOs, her work has had a lasting impact on the strategy and growth programs of Fortune 500 companies worldwide. Rita is also the founder of Valize, an innovation platform whose mission is to help organizations build lasting innovation capability as the basis for long term shared prosperity. Visit www.ritamcgrath.com to learn more about this Entrepreneurial Strategist and discover how to see business environment changes as opportunities. Episode highlights - Keep focused on your customers' end state You need to create something other people can't copy Treat your employees like human beings, not robots Employee satisfaction leads to greater customer satisfaction As a brand, focus on what's true for you Inflection points provide opportunities for innovation The pandemic's impact on the fitness industry Arenas vs. industries Staying on top of new technologies and changing lives Three kinds of competitors to watch out for Observations on leadership Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Rita McGrath.

Today, we're speaking with celebrity personal trainer Gunnar Peterson. He is a household name in the health-and-fitness industry. He is the guy responsible for shaping some of the most famous bodies in the world and has trained everyone from the Kardashians to Sylvester Stallone to the Los Angeles Lakers. His dedication to fitness dates back to 1989. Today, he specializes in functional fitness and strengthening conditioning training with an emphasis on the basics and consistency. In his Hollywood gym, Gunnar works with his clients on movement to hit all three planes of motion to improve flexibility and improve cardiovascular conditioning. In this episode, our host Matthew Januszek and Gunnar Peterson discuss everything from the future of traditional gyms to fitness data, the clients he trains, and the importance of recovery. Please welcome Gunnar Peterson to the Escape Your Limits podcast. For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast Video version – https://youtu.be/RTnv0M_LmnY Gunnar Peterson is a Beverly Hills-based personal trainer whose clients include celebrities, professional athletes, and everyday people. Gunnar was formerly the Los Angeles Lakers' Director of Strength and Endurance. He is widely recognized for his expertise in functional training and his commitment to developing and implementing innovative fitness techniques. With over 28 years in the fitness industry, Gunnar's dynamic approach, boundless energy and (sometimes risky) humor only add to the effectiveness of the experience his clients enjoy. Gunnar is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is a graduate of Duke University. He is an editor and wrote a regular column for Muscle and Fitness magazine for over a decade, he is on the advisory board for Fitness magazine as well as contributor to Clean Eating magazine. Gunnar is also regularly featured in Allure, Elle, In Style, In Touch, Us, Men's Health, Women's Health, Self, and other magazines. His television appearances include The Today Show, Fox & Friends, CNN, CNN Headline News, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Extra, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Lala's Full Court Life, Revenge Body and numerous shows for E! and VH1. Visit www.gunnarpeterson.com to learn more about Gunnar and what sets him apart when it comes to personal trainers. Episode highlights - If you're not growing, that's a fast road to destruction. What do you enjoy? Because that's what will deliver results. Training clients who come in, work hard, and are consistent. Gyms returning when people move past the fear stage. Is data giving you power or debilitating you? Using social media as a tool for inspiration vs. distraction. How to deal with adversity. The importance of recovery. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with celebrity personal trainer Gunnar Peterson.

Today, we're speaking with Ed Harrold, an author, breath educator, and health, performance and leadership coach. Breathing is the first and last things we do as humans. Did you know you breathe in and out around 25,000 times a day? But you might be breathing wrong and not even know it. At a cellular level, oxygen is body fuel. It's how you nourish your muscles and brain. So, what exactly happens if you're breathing incorrectly? The bottom line is that it can seriously affect your health. For the past 25 years, Ed Harrold, a master in the science of mindful breathing, has been committed to helping people understand the importance of transforming the automatic and unconscious process of breathing to a deliberate conscious series of choices. He invites you to consider the various dimensions of breath: length, depth, rate, and rhythm. Are you ready to learn how to breathe for health and longevity, and not just survival? Please welcome Ed Harrold to the Escape Your Limits podcast. For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast Video version – https://youtu.be/9CQjWI40Vds Ed Harrold is an author, breath educator, and health, performance, and leadership coach. He is a master in the science of mindful breathing to improve overall health, well-being, and performance. Ed's breathing practices are used in fitness & athletic training, stress reduction, performance coaching, and corporate settings. A contributing wellness expert for: Huffington Post, HuffingtonPostLIVE, Thrive Global, Corporate Wellness Magazine, Mind Body Green, TRX Training, The Daily Love, and Wanderlust Journal. Ed's mastery in the science of breath has guided him to apply mindful, conscious breathing practices in the fitness & athletic industry, corporate wellness and organizational performance programs as well as lifestyle coaching for individuals. Ed's Breath AS Medicine continuing education trainings support the healthcare, health and wellness coaching, fitness, psychotherapy and medical fitness industries. Ed blends the fields of neuroscience and the wisdom of contemplative traditions into effective strategies to improve health, performance and overall well-being. Ed's fluency in mindfulness-based strategies combined with the belief in the human potential gives him the depth and understanding to meet individuals and group needs across industries and platforms. Visit https://www.edharrold.com/ to learn more about Ed Harrold's methods for rediscovering your breath. Episode highlights - Breath control is the first step to controlling your thoughts. When we feel good, we think good. As you get control of your breath, you gain access to your health. Being in a flow state is one of the most optimal feelings of being in a human body. Breathing for health and longevity, not just for survival. The relationship between heart rate and breathing. Bringing mindfulness and control to the activity of breathing. Stress reduction and the pandemic. The proper way to breathe during exercise. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with master breathwork coach Ed Harrold.

Today, we're speaking with Patrick and Talilla Henchoz. Patrick is the founder of one of the great fitness chain success stories of the '90s, Esporta Health and Fitness Clubs.He was the first to build and sell a fitness chain in the UK. Growing the business to 38 clubs with over 200,000 members. Talilla is a personal trainer and social media influencer who founded a global digital fitness brand called Club V from scratch in July 2020 during the pandemic. Her all-inclusive virtual fitness service is built on the five pillars of health: body, mind, nutrition, community, and sustainability. Daily live-streamed workouts, which include HIIT, strength, low impact, core, yoga, and pilates, engage thousands of members across 50 countries. Club V inspires its community by reminding people to celebrate their body rather than simply what it looks like. Together, Patrick and Talilla are at the forefront of an evolving industry—never forgetting that the most important person in the room is the customer. Home workouts are here to stay, and we're excited to see how Club V continues developing its offering. Please welcome Patrick and Talilla Henchoz to the Escape Your Limits podcast. For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast Video version – https://youtu.be/n0FPSUNXafI Patrick Henchoz is the founder of Esporta Health and Fitness Clubs. He was the first to build and sell a fitness chain in the UK. Growing the business to 38 clubs with over 200,000 members. Talilla, is a personal trainer and social media influencer who founded a global digital fitness brand called Club V. It's not just another fitness plan designed to 'burn fat' and 'detox'. Club V helps its members hit the RESET button and create sustainable changes. Working with top nutritionists, life coaches, physiologists, pilates and yoga instructors, Talilla provides her community with an all-inclusive offering. To learn more about Club V, visit: www.weareclubv.co.uk Episode highlights - Fitness is more about mental than it is about physical. Fitness is not just a quick fix. It's all about making the customer feel important. Community is everything. Nobody can predict how club membership will rebound. Celebrate your body and what it can do rather than what it looks like. You have to constantly pivot and see the potential. Add value through high touch vs. high tech. It's about having passion and the ability to adapt. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Patrick and Talilla Henchoz.