Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

In this week’s episode of LIFTS – your a bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories - hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by  Lisa Kuecker, serial entrepreneur, public speaker and founder of international boutique fitness consultancy sensation, Studio Grow.    In this LIFTS podcast, topics include: ●       GLP-1s move into mainstream via COSTCO prescriptions. ●       The positive effect of exercise for those taking GLP-1s. ●       Merger of Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands (Anytime Fitness). ●       Fitness franchises and expansion strategies. ●       Technogym’s impressive financial 2023 performance. ●       The huge commercial opportunity presented by the sale of used equipment. ●       Shift from hardware to service – The next play for fitness kit provider. ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   0:00       Intro  02:45    Introducing Lisa Kuecker, founder, Studio Grow 04:28    The value of taking intentional time off work 06:21    Introduction of GLP-1 prescriptions by COSTCO 07:21    GLP-1’s move into mainstream 09:23    Reducing GLP-1 side effects through exercise 14:03    Merger of Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands (Anytime Fitness) 17:14    Fitness franchises and expansion strategies 23:26    Technogym’s impressive financial 2023 performance 24:40    The huge commercial opportunity presented by the sale of used equipment 26:52    Shift from hardware to service – The next play for fitness kit providers?

After a few weeks of broadcasting inspiring interviews with the movers and shakers at international events, welcome back to our regular L.I.F.T.S, a bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up debate.   In this week’s episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Andrew Kolman, Vice President of Global Product Development, Matrix Fitness at Johnson Health Tech. Conversation focuses on three news-busting stories: the merging of two brand titans - Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands, the acquisition of Bowflex by Johnson Health Tech and the raising of $1.8 Billion by Equinox.  In this LIFTS podcast topics include: ●       The potential impact of a merger between Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands. ●       The challenges and opportunities of merging two hugely successful brands. ●       Leveraging fitness brands for cross-promotion and personalized experiences. ●       The potential that drove Johnson Health Tech ‘s acquisition of Bowflex. ●       Managing the fusion of fitness and entertainment. ●       The impact of Equinox’s $1.8 billion investment on the wider industry. ●       Designing fitness lines to address under-served market segments.       ●       Fitness industry trends, premium offerings, consumer behavior. ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   0:00       Intro 1:32       Merger of Orangetheory and Self Esteem Brands (Anytime Fitness) 2:20       Key role of data and analytics 4:26       Combining two franchise businesses for growth and the importance of a united leadership 7:20       Leveraging fitness brands for cross-promotion and personalized experiences 10:29    Johnson Health Tech’s acquisition of Bowflex 12:43    What made Bowflex such an attractive proposition 19:56    Managing the transition of fitness into the content and entertainment space 25:03    Equinox’s raising of $1.8 billion 28:10    Onyx: Designed to address under-served segments of the market 29:21    Fitness industry trends, premium offerings, consumer behavior.

With guests today located across all different time zones, welcome back to a truly international episode of L.I.F.T.S, a bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up debate.   In this week’s episode, ahead of FIBO and the European Health Futures Forum (EHFF), hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Jennifer Halsall-de Wit, a member of EuropeActive’s Inclusion Advisory Board, and Beau de Leeuw, a transgender advocate. Through their work, both of our guests’ pioneer diversity, equity and inclusion research in the European fitness sector in order to empower everybody to achieve their full potential by uncovering hidden barriers, biases and systemic hurdles obstructing progress.  In this LIFTS, we discuss some topics that are really sparking debate including: ●       Planet Fitness revoking a woman’s membership after she photographed a transgender member in the locker room. ●       Inclusivity versus privacy in fitness environments. ●       Safety for trans and non-binary individuals within gyms. ●       Cases where situations have been exploited and politized unnecessarily. ●       How the younger generations are redefining the process. ●       The need to make uncomfortable decisions in order to progress.       ●       The media scrutiny of Andrew Huberman, his private life and cancel culture. ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/   0:00 Intro 2:52 Planet Fitness’s policy amidst locker room issue 9:56 Gender identity and locker room comfort levels 11:22 Safety for trans and non-binary individuals 13:07 Gender-neutral changing rooms 15:00 Safety, culture and identity in a diverse society 21:26 Inclusivity in gyms and gender identity 25:05 Inclusivity in fitness industry and cancel culture 29:18 Media scrutiny of a public figure’s private life

Dr. John Jaquish, a biomechanical engineering doctor and inventor of the X3® device, revolutionizes the fitness world by challenging traditional weightlifting. He discusses the significance of variable resistance training for muscle growth and bone health, emphasizing that conventional methods may be ineffective. Jaquish explores the impact of diet, including the carnivore diet, and the importance of hydration. He also critiques fitness research flaws, highlighting how misconceptions about genetics can mislead everyday fitness enthusiasts.

Welcome to our exclusive podcast, recorded live at IHRSA 2024, in LA. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness is joined by Ian O’Dwyer, Co-Founder of Feel SOMA and Richard Boyd, Director of Global Wellness Designs, to discuss all things recovery and taking a more complete approach to improving lives worldwide in the Wellness, Health & Fitness Industry. Topics discussed in this episode, include: ●       Structuring the concept of recovery within fitness. ●       Stress, inflammation and fluid flow and recovery. ●       How eustress can actually build resilience. ●       Debating cold therapy and cryotherapy. ●       Importance of movement and mobility. ●       Fascial mobility and how to train fascia in different directions. ●       Integrating recovery into fitness spaces. ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. In this episode, recorded live at IHRSA, the USA’s largest fitness industry trade show, hosts  Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by two incredibly inspirational individuals whose vision, ambition and leadership is pioneering the evolution of the fitness sector.  Please join us in welcoming Anthony Geisler, Founder and CEO, Xponential Fitness and Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer, Founder and CEO, EGYM to today’s very special IHRSA inspired LIFTS episode.  Topics discussed include: ·        The growth of Xponential Fitness. ·        Fitness and wellness trends and the rise of the boutique market. ·        Taking a macro rather than micro view of trends. ·        Xponential's Lindora acquisition. ·        Scaling business through acquisition and franchising. ·        The birth and growth of EGYM. ·        EGYM Genius –AI powered training. ·        The power of Interoperability. ·        The future of fitness for health: workout like a pill. ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is part of a series of recordings live from the EMEA’s biggest Health, Fitness, Wellness and Sports Festival, Beyond Activ. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by industry heavyweight, Chris Clawson, recently appointed Chief Commercial Officer at EGYM and former Life Fitness CEO, to discuss the status of the fitness industry as well as the opportunities and challenges facing the future of fitness.  Topics discussed in this LIFTS episode, include: ·        Looking at the fitness industry with a fresh set of eyes. ·        The challenge of inbreeding within the fitness industry. ·        Different market phases; laggards, leaders and drivers. ·        The reasons why Peloton was so successful. ·        From content creation to capturing, captivating and keeping the customer. ·        Fitness Industry growth in the Middle East. ·        AI-powered fitness technology and its impact. ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is the second part of a two-part podcast series recorded live at the EMEA’s biggest Health, Fitness, Wellness and Sports Festival, Beyond Activ, Feb 20-22, 2024. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, dive into the opportunities that exist for operators, suppliers, investors and developers keen to establish a presence in the UAE. Our hosts are joined by an eclectic mix of international industry disruptors, all finding their way and successfully developing businesses in the KSA and wider UAE region.  Please welcome to this podcast, Adnan Alkhalaf , Leejam; Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, Red Sea Global;  Herman Rutgers, EuropeActive;  Dr. Dimitri Koutsoubakis, & Gareth Jones, Wellfit; David Stalker, Group CEO MyZone and Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi, Physique 57. Topics discussed in this LIFTS episode, include: ·        The impact of Beyond Activ in the KSA. ·        Prevalent KSA population health issues tacked by an active lifestyle. ·        A winning mindset for business success in the KSA. ·        Responsible tourism and regenerative development in Saudi Arabia. ·        Setting new standards and building sustainable Giga environments. ·        How the KSA can learn from the rest of the world to drive growth and success. ·        The importance of ‘network’ and ‘collaboration.’ ·        The challenges of educating a population.       The need to ‘love’ rather than ‘wow’ consumers. ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S. This episode is part-one of a two-part podcast series recorded live at the EMEA’s biggest Health, Fitness, Wellness and Sports Festival, Beyond Activ, Feb 20-22, 2024. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, talk to fitness and wellness operators experiencing huge success in the Kingdom of Saud Arabia (KSA) and take a deep dive into the reasons why, right now, the KSA is providing the perfect environment for culturally aligned fitness and wellness businesses to thrive. On this episode our hosts are joined by: Abdul Mohsin, Brand Ambassador, Delta Fitness Abbas Almas, Senior Director of Marketing, Sales and Business Development, Kun Sports Ross Stewart Campbell, Founder and CEO, Beyond Activ Shadan Alsagri, Deputy COO, Leejam Sports Emlyn Brown, Global Senior Vice President, Accor Jason Tubbs, CEO, Fitness First Middle East Nathan Clute, CSO, Armah Sports Company  In this episode, topics discussed include: ·        KSA's Fitness Business Blueprint: Components of success. ·        Cultural considerations when hosting an event in the KSA. ·        Saudi Arabia’s Active Vision 2030. ·        Cultural evolution in the KSA and its impact on the fitness industry. ·        Collaboration: key to creating luxury fitness and wellness environments. ·        Building sustainable giga environments. ·        The talent challenge: recruiting and training quality personal trainers. ·        Cultural challenges: Importing western brands into the KSA.        Why 1Rebel did not succeed in the KSA. ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, this is part one of two podcasts live from the Connected Health and Fitness Summit in Los Angeles, interviewing some high caliber guests to debate the interesting topics, trends and conversations hitting the fitness industry headlines.  In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by Evelyn Webster, CEO of  SoulCycle, Calley Means, Co-Founder of TrueMed, Dean Kelly, CEO of Gainful, Mark Watterson, CEO of iFIT and Emma Forrest, Consumer Portfolio Director at Kisaco Research. In this episode, topics discussed include:         Why SoulCycle stepped back from ties with social issues.         The ‘sick care' system;  incentivizing sickness to subsidize recurring revenue.         The healthcare budget scandal as large outlay goes to pharmaceutical products.         The rise of chronic health care conditions and the metabolic health crisis.         The triangle mix of content, hardware and software. ====================================================== Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue  ====================================================== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/