Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

Steven Ward is a man who knows the route to the top, from intern to CEO, through dedication and continued personal growth. Today, with ukactive, he's tackling real issues that will save a population's future by getting more people, more active, more often. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/4ZK3BWQcDJA Like many children, Steve had dreams of being a professional footballer. While this didn't work out, his huge passion for sport has stuck with him. Combined with a university degree in international policy and strategy, he's created a specialism for sport and policy that will improve communities through communication and knowledge shares. With over a decade of industry experience, his time at every hierarchal stage within ukactive means he knows the company inside out like no other. He was the second employee in the public affairs and policy team, which has now grown to support members in understanding the stakeholder and policy landscape, and maximise the opportunities presented by the national debate around physical activity to get more people moving. In Steve's own words: "ukactive provides services and facilitates partnerships for a broad range of organisations, all of which support our vision and have a role to play in achieving that goal." Set up in 1991 by some of the founders that went on to set up Fitness First, Esporta, LA Fitness and more, these entrepreneurs had a vision for changing the industry. ukactive evolved, with a mission of more people, more active, more often. Today, as a campaigning movement it serves its 4000 members through not only creative new initiatives and innovations, but with a research team that's bringing data to life for the benefit of everyone. ukactive is all about building bigger partnerships, becoming a bigger influence on government, and having a bigger impact on the nation. Episode Highlights - Ways of creating a vibrant, energetic sector that's full of opportunity in order to give members the chance to grow. How ukative has grown as a movement to receive backing from a breadth of organisations that share the vision to get more people, more active, more often. How to decide where to start in business and where you can have the biggest impact, whether through opportunity, identity or integrity. Why the private sector can step up and invest in fitness across the nation, when the public sector can't. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Steve Ward…

Chris Long doesn't work in his own gym – it belongs to his members. He may own the business, but this episode is all about what his work does for his clients. Chris' business focuses on the importance of impacting people and benefitting others. While his training takes an incredibly practical approach, he's also able to pivot in order to roll with the punches and deal with any challenges that may arise. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/lDPv0mgYUVc From a young age, Chris was always active, even having held a baseball bat from the age of two and a half years old. He'd played basketball and took to the track throughout school, but it was football that he fell in love with for its high energy and impact. Success followed his passion, although an injury called an end to his sporting career in arena football and Chris became a PT, working for a few companies before going it alone. One of these roles was a job with industry giant 24 Hour Fitness, where he was fast-tracked into management and grew his skills from there. Chris is a perfectionist with a competitive streak. He's confident and driven, but he's humble enough to know it's all about the members. Through mentoring, he developed an appreciation of periodisation, strength and conditioning, all of which contributed to his work preventing overtraining and benefiting everyone he trains through his own life lessons. Chris has a career and a business built on helping people. Creative in his training, Chris ensures that every client is motivated by meeting their needs, whether simple or complex. Introductory or advanced, Chris keeps his movements simple in approach: push, pull, squat, hinge, rotate. At the same time as these fundamental movement patterns, his methodologies are based around an acronym of core principles: SPACE (speed, power, agility, strength and endurance). This is all about avoiding injuries through workouts based in scientific research. His training is about getting clients to believe in themselves more when they leave the session than when they arrive. Episode Highlights - The importance of being creative with programming and why you always have to be at the top of your game when training any client. How to achieve a mindset that enables you to overcome anything through fitness. Why any trainer needs to inspire confidence and self-belief in a client, and how they can use science to promote the right kind of movement with any workout. Learn what mentorship can do for your future, bouncing ideas off someone instead of concentrating on the past. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Chris Long…

Eric Leija is the Primal Swoledier, Onnit's senior kettlebell coach. From a background passion for MMA and UFC fighting, his workouts now bring fitness through flows, complexes and flair, mastering a tool that's often overlooked for full body programmes. Inspired by former UFC commentator and podcast pro, Joe Rogan, Eric tells his story of mastering movement, mind-altering substances, and how Dragon Ball Z led him to taking up martial arts. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/1e59PokgnJQ At school, Eric Leija ate junk food and enjoyed being fat. However, it was the teasing that caused him to initially take up bodybuilding, informed and inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger's Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding book. Developing his interest in fitness, discovering the UFC's mixed martial arts disciplines and even watching Dragon Ball Z led to Eric taking up Jiu Jitsu. However, he still kept his head down, before realising that his education had come at the expense of his social skills development. Especially as he wasn't interested in drinking, Eric found it difficult to connect with classmates. He dropped out of college and drove to Minnesota to experience the fighter's lifestyle through a mutual UFC fighter friend of his brother. Immersing himself in this world, while also experimenting with other ways of expanding his mind, Eric found a new confidence in how to dedicate his efforts. This turning point led Eric to doing his own thing, but he had to make money. Here, his journey with Onnit began, as an interest shared with CEO Aubrey Marcus led Eric to start work in the factory, packing products and embracing all things Onnit. When Onnit went from a product manufacturer to educating clients and customers by opening its own gym, the company offered Eric the opportunity to become a trainer. His hard work and dedication to Onnit's values and lifestyle, staying in shape and always taking an interest in MMA, meant that he was ideally placed to teach others how to use the training tools. Today, Eric stands alongside Joe Rogan, UFC champ Tyron Woodley, and serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk as a representative and member of the Onnit family. Through his social media following, Eric demonstrates his value by giving out free workouts regularly, rather than teasing audiences and putting up a paywall. This even extends to a four-week programme that can be found on his website, ericleija.com Episode Highlights - How important it is to pick a brand name that stands out and is memorable, even if your original idea for it may have come from a different point of inspiration. The effect of smashing preconceptions and doing your own thing, and how this motivation can come from the most unlikely experiences. What, other than fitness, brought Aubrey Marcus (founder and CEO of Onnit), Joe Rogan, UFC fighters and more together as a vested interest in their social lives. How putting in the hard graft and removing any entitlement from your actions will bring incredible opportunities. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Eric Leija…

Previously a stand-up comic, Tony Horton has always been used to proving that he's worth the limelight. He was there at the birth of personal training as we know it and has since motivated millions, including Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Billy Idol, through fitness, personal training and his exercise regimens with Beachbody.com and P90X. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/xt-ZW5C_JZY Born into a military family, Tony had moved a lot as a child with his father serving in the army. His first notable ventures into fitness came when he provided personal training to a professional at 20thCentury Fox, before offering PT services to movie stars and musicians, or representing fitness giants Thighmaster and NordicTrack. Originally Tony moved to California thinking he'd become an actor. He'd wanted to be a cross between Jim Carreyand Brad Pitt, but has since said things turned out better for him, creating some of the most famous and effective workout programmes available. Today, Tony Horton is still one of the biggest personalities in fitness. He puts his level of motivation down to loving what he does. At 60 years old, he's still training and surrounds himself with people equally as passionate in his life. A world-class motivational speaker, Tony is incredibly active on social media, inspiring others and teaching us all about how to live the best life. Through his books, programmes and events, Tony's passion and philosophy, combined with his humour, make his message one that not only benefits the world's future, but entertains us all, too. Episode Highlights - What it's like training celebrities such as Billy Idol, Tom Petty, Annie Lennox, Stephen Stills and Bruce Springsteen regularly, and whether there's a difference in pressure. Why you need to walk the walk if you want people to believe that you're genuine about what you're selling. Why you should be chasing your passion and not just the money. How you can stay motivated, even after you've succeeded and achieved your original goals, or if you're facing a business venture failing. Learn the biggest reasons for sticking to what you know, from Tony Horton's advice after undertaking a variety of business ventures. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Tony Horton…

Co-founder of Fit Freaks and Fit In 5, Marvin Ambrosius set up Fit Freaks to inspire people to live an active lifestyle, no matter what time schedule they're on. After reaching the heights of success in basketball and having his sporting career stopped abruptly by injury, Marvin struggled with his own weight until venturing on his own fitness and weight loss journey. Now he's teaching others to lose weight, five minutes at a time. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/fkqKi2n5Hxs Growing up on a diet of music and basketball, Marvin was taught to work hard and put the dedication in to everything that he does, whether the workload is a marathon or a sprint. Hi basketball career saw him reach the top five players in the country. However, five ankle injuries before he was 17 meant that doctors advised against the sport. Despite returning back to full health, the straw that broke the camel's back was another final injury that brought the end to Marvin's NBA dreams. Marvin also embarked on a successful music career, even working with Angie Stone and Alesha Dixon. Although, while his calorie intake balanced his basketball activity, it didn't take long before he gained weight when he stopped exercising. Having put on around 4-5 stone in a year, he decided to do something about it. When his music career went quiet, Marvin started working for Sky TV's sales team. It was here that he began developing Fit In 5, which originally started as an app before evolving into a TV show. Whether on your smartphone or on your television, Fit Freaks' Fit In 5 is a high intensity workout programme that's aimed at providing a challenge to every muscle group while still being convenient for any busy lifestyle. Marvin also still writes music, too, incorporating it into his workouts to drive the effort of every participant. Episode Highlights - How to redefine your career or approach when you're forced to follow a new path through injury. Why yo-yo diets are a bad idea and will only show results in the short term before further weight gain is inevitable. The importance of stability in nutrition is paramount. The importance of timing in business, and how your end goal will certainly change as success comes. How building confidence for kids when it comes to exercise will bring benefits for their future in every respect, including keeping fitness as a part of their life forever. Why having complementary revenue streams or abilities will do nothing but bolster the benefits of every offering and opportunity you undertake. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Marvin Ambrosius

Mike Rashid has spent years of dedication on growth, collectively in his physical appearance, social media following of around four million people and multiple businesses. Mike loves a challenge, whether that be workout-based or in the boxing ring having turned pro at 41 years old. Through brands such as IMSOALPHA and Ambrosia Nutraceuticals, Mike continually provides science-backed benefits for body and mind, which parallels his personality and appearance – the result of when extreme power meets serene eloquence. Mike Rashid is someone that always has to have the edge. Competitive nature aside, he's not just all about full-on fitness and physicality, either. A huge part of his daily life is about instilling family values and staying true to his word despite a tough upbringing. Growing up, Mike's mother married to biggest drug dealer in New York. With that came a high-rolling lifestyle. However, in Mike's own words, that doesn't last, and his mother's partner was murdered. Following the killing, Mike moved in with his grandparents. Always top of his class, Mike started out life at school as a nerdy kid, interested in science and a fan of playing the piano; he even took up tap dancing. Mike's father instilled a lot of core values in him, and it was this relationship that spawned the first trainer-boxer relationship. When it comes to competition, he told Mike "You gotta do what they're not doing." So began the dedication to doing better than everyone else. Mike started personal training and learned the business through working at a corporate gym for a year before going independent. Success followed and Mike Rashid got to the point where he couldn't take on any more clients. He developed personal relationships with each of them and only took on clients that really needed his help, whether obese, blind or struggling in some other way. In 2012, Mike's YouTube channel began to take-off, having been started as progress videos for clients. Here he applied the same sincere approach to advice, information and entertainment, constantly creating content and making every video about more than just fitness. Today, with 700,000 subscribers on the channel, his hard work is paying off and the momentum of mind and muscle is something that's not set to stop any time soon. Mike's company, Ambrosia Nutraceuticals (teaming up with industry leaders Marc Lobliner and Sean Torbati), is continuing to develop, innovate and progress supplementation for the benefit of all-round wellness. Through passion, research and bio-hacking, these products are much more than just a pre-workout formula. Discover more at ambrosianutraceuticals.com Episode Highlights - Why being an influencer and leader can make anyone feel the need to qualify themselves or, as Mike Rashid calls it, give yourself a gut check. How you can push yourself past what people perceive to be your limits in order to perform or be as big as anybody else, whether that's physically or in business. Win or lose, you never know what's going to happen. Mike explains why it's always worth taking a huge risk and seeing what's around any corner. How to cope with injury and manage expectations of those around you when it comes to what you can physically achieve. The difference and similarities between being a role model for family and fans. How to develop incredibly deep relationships with clients, taking pride in your work and your positive impact on their lives. What the trade-off is between business and pleasure, and what you have to sacrifice for success. The benefits of direct to consumer over wholesale or other business models, and why Mike's margins make for greater net profit figures than some huge companies. The downsides of popularity and the negative attention that comes with putting your work in front of so many people. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Mike Rashid…

A huge location with its gym, swimming pools, tennis, basketball and badminton courts, along with a football pitch for an all-inclusive approach to training for every member, Tera Wellness doesn't disappoint. CEO Terry Woo knows what he's providing to members, and this value is what's important when it comes to getting new people through the door. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/p-2JY-j69qY Terry started off as a personal trainer for California Fitness before a succession of roles and promotions saw him moving all over Asia, from Hong Kong to Taipei, to Singapore, and back to Hong Kong. Here he found out what benefits come with being out of your comfort zone, as he was asked to head up a yoga project that meant he was taking on every aspect of running the business from front to back end. This level of pushing personal boundaries for further growth is something that's stayed with him to this day in his current venture. Now in Shanghai with Tera Wellness, Terry wants to bring energy into every club for a party atmosphere that spans across staff and members alike. He leads by example, working out every day and taking the classes himself. Despite the responsibilities of being a CEO, Terry lives his job so that he's not only enthusiastic but genuine when talking to staff and members. Episode Highlights - The difference between American culture in fitness to an Asian approach, where location and business mindset are very different things, and whether these evolve separately or follow trends from each other. Why passion is the most important aspect of creating a club and leading by example with any fitness offering. Why business isn't about price wars, and more about quality of service and different offerings. The importance of managing growth and not opening new locations before you're ready as a business. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Terry Woo…

Petra Kolber is not only an author and motivational speaker, but also so much more. She's an innovator of fitness trends in the days before social media that have been built upon for boutique popularity today. In this episode, you'll hear from one of the most genuine, open and emotive guests we've had on the Escape Your Limits podcast. Through work with Reebok, Equinox and more, she's built her brand and become the voice of positivity and overcoming anxiety for anyone, documenting her insight in keynote speeches and books such as The Perfection Detox: Tame Your Inner Critic, Live Bravely, and Unleash Your Joy. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/OGbOG0UZG-E From growing up in West Kirby, near Liverpool, Petra found freedom to get out of the house in developing a dance background that would serve as a profession before her move into fitness. While working as a cruise ship dancer, her responsibilities also included teaching Jane Fonda classes on the side. These were the days before step had taken off, and Petra followed her passion for movement to the US. Petra created organic step workouts to live drumming – a class that she named "London Beat." Her exciting, risk-taking experiences drew international attention and paved the way for the birth of the boutique classes that we know today. She was taken on by Reebok to star in video workouts and television appearances until moving on to build her own brand with a similar approach of instruction. Through this, Petra has won countless awards including Fitness Instructor of the Year, Best Female Presenter of the Year, Most Likely to Succeed, and more. With the trends of HIIT and tabata coming in, Petra pivoted in her career to step off the stage and figure out how to do things she loved while still staying relevant to the needs of her audience. Today, Petra's approach is all about finding healthy pride and positivity; being aware of your own accomplishments without the ago, while still nurturing your own personal growth. Her purpose is to guide you on what she calls the longest distance you will ever travel: from your head to your heart. Petra's book, The Perfection Detox, is available from http://petrakolber.com/book-the-perfection-detox Episode Highlights - How to stay relevant throughout your career, and pivot your position to align with your truth at any stage of your life. The importance of mindset when it comes to setting goals and achieving your dream, without losing happiness and joy. Why anyone can still not feel successful even if they've reached professional heights they would have never previously dreamed of. How to deal with failure, what failure is and how to dig down to a granular level in order to find out what you've learned along the way. Discover what your pain points are and how to overcome them, whether it's through coaching, mental processes or enlightenment by reading about the experiences of others. How negativity bias affects us long term, while others will have more likely than not forgotten about the point we're concerned about. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Petra Kolber…

A lesson in opportunity and finding out whether you sink or swim under pressure, here's another success story stemming from the 24 Hour Fitness, Mark Mastrov leadership machine. Randy Dobson and Dane Fort, chairman and CEO of CMG.ASIA respectively have revolutionised how gyms work in Vietnam, and continue to set trends with multiple brands in the East. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/PvHpdoyqie0 Randy came from a family business in agriculture before finding a job the travel industry, looking for a career path with longevity and opportunity. With a strong ethos of taking charge of his own life, he joined fitness industry in Seattle in a company that was soon acquired by 24 Hour Fitness, where he developed his profession and migrated to Asia. Dane was an athlete at school. Following a financial struggle throughout education, he joined 24 Hour Fitness in sales, before joining Randy in the journey to Hong Kong and Malaysia and eventually starting the business together in Vietnam. Together, they've risen the ranks in fitness under the mentorship of Mark Mastrov, and continue to benefit the industry with forward thinking and incredible understanding of the market's needs. A combined 40 years of experience along with the insight of the highest-level investors means that it's no surprise Dane and Randy make such great business partners. They opened up their first club in Vietnam in 2007 and it's been a multiple brand success story ever since. Culture is key, and the low staff turnover compliments the hard work that the two have put into staff onboarding and ensuring that everyone in the company shares the same vision, knows the benefits, and enjoys the same lifestyle benefits to improving the wellness of clients and customers in every sector. For the future, CMG.ASIA is ready for further change to the business model that leads on what the market needs, rather than what the company wants. It's a futureproofing approach that will see them not only breaking into new markets but developing business opportunities ahead of the trends for maximum gains throughout the industry. Episode Highlights - Why it's important to deliver, even under stress and pressure. How you can approach your current boss and explain that you want to start your own entrepreneurial journey, and why it's not always a bad thing that they find out. The importance of trust with investors, building a relationship so that they know they can rely on your experience, insight and opinion. How to deal with failure and how to know whether it's down to location, overheads, appealing to the wrong market or a combination of a lot of things. What leads to a company becoming a loss-making business, especially as this happens more often than not in Asia. Short-term thinking compared to planning for 10 or 15 years. The benefits of emerging markets are obvious, but what effect does not having other business to learn from in the market have on your own entrepreneurial learning? How Asia, and Vietnam in particular, has had a Gatsby era of excitement and popularity in fitness, and how companies positioned themselves to make people's lives better. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Randy Dobson and Dane Fort…

Marco Ferdinandi, director of fitness operations at Pure Fitness in Hong Kong has spent over 25 years in the industry, listening to communities and drawing on experience to develop the best philosophies for anyone's fitness journey. Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/_bwxldHI6F8 On top of his graduation from Hong Kong University, Marco has gone on to receive further degrees in sports science, performance and management to bring an incredible background of knowledge and experience to everything he does. He joined the fitness industry in New York, but found its direction and approach falling by the wayside around the time of the financial crisis. Wanting to get out into the world, Marco originally looked for openings in Europe before work in Asia appeared as the perfect opportunity with Pure. In his current role as director of fitness operations, Marco is always pushing the boundaries and trying new things with the support of the clientele, through community research and continual feedback. Whether in studio or outside, his programming at Pure offers solo workouts, PT, Group X experiences and more, implementing a passionate approach that's driving fitness in the East. Since joining Pure, Marco has been responsible for installing the world's first 270-degree immersive fitness studio, helped gain over 75,000 clients and employed 1900 staff. It's incredible progress for the premium lifestyle brand that has cemented its place in premium locations and, with Marco's influence, they're in it for the long term. For more information visit pure-fitness.com Episode Highlights - How the Asia market differs from the west in its approach to staffing, education and how companies connect with clients. Why someone would want to pack up and work in the other side of the world, and how to take advantage of any exciting opportunity. How space and demand may prohibit certain models that are familiar in the west from operating in Asia, what's popular with the Asian demographic at present and what future trends are on the horizon. Hear about the origins and history of Pure Fitness, and how it became a premium lifestyle brand in fitness, nutrition and more. Why an innovation lab is the perfect way to trial products and get feedback from both sides, with minimal risk. Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Marco Ferdinandi …