Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

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

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