

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

Feb 11, 2024 • 33min
LIFTS Episode 15 - Tapping into Connectivity, Personalization, Engagement and the Consumer Experience in Fitness
Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate. This week L.I.F.T.S comes live from the Connected Health and Fitness Summit in LA. Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by Joe Vennare, Co-Founder of Fit Insider, the premier source of news and analysis shaping the fitness industry. In this episode, live from the show, they debate about: · ● Challenges facing brick-and-mortar gyms in low utilization, data analysis, and engaging customers beyond workouts. · ● Nike expanding into wellness festivals and experiences to directly connect with consumers. · ● Samsung launching a smart ring, are they falling behind in innovation. · ● Potential for market saturation in fitness industry at 25% penetration. · ● Rapid rise of GLP-1 prescriptions and impact on fitness industry. ● Concerns about excessive data overload stressing 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/

Feb 7, 2024 • 35min
LIFTS Episode 14 - Launches, Acquisitions, Collaborations and Expansions from Planet Fitness, Lumen Fitness, STRONG Pilates, WaterRower and CITYROW, Adidas and Bumble
Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate. This week’s episode discusses the latest launches, acquisitions, collaborations and expansions, as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by Jack Thomas, Co-Founder of The Fit Guide, host of the Fitness Business Asia podcast and Founder of Base Bangkok. In this episode, they debate about: ● Fitness growth and opportunities in the Middle East. ● Planet Fitness launches PF Media Network; an omnichannel advertising strategy. ● New connected, AI digital studio experience from Lumen Fitness. ● STRONG Pilates ramps up global strategy with 50 studios planned for Japan. ● The expansion of ROWFORMER, a concept2 rower built into a Reformer Pilates bed. ● WaterRower acquires CITYROW in connected fitness consolidation. ● How Adidas and Bumble have united to disarm gym intimidation. ====================================================== 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/

Feb 4, 2024 • 1h 40min
Ep 332 - LIVE at Fit Expo 2024: Los Angeles
For this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we headed over to Fit Expo, Los Angeles to check out the latest innovations and get involved in the conversations shaping the future of the global fitness industry. During our time at the show we interviewed some of the leading experts, influencers and disruptors including Michael Myers and D’Juan Woods founders of Ultimate Athlete Bootcamp (UAB),Stan Morisseau weight loss specialist and founder of IMBULKY, celebrity trainer, Ramona Braganza and global dance and health coach Andrew ‘Dance Fever’ Jones In this episode we explore a diverse array of topics including: The importance of self-belief, mental toughness and resilience Building a 1 million following on Tik Tok The distracting impact of multi-tasking The power of sleep and the role of technology in wellness tracking The power of Self Actualization ====================================================== 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/

Jan 31, 2024 • 36min
LIFTS Episode 13 - The 2023 IHRSA Global Report and The 2023 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report
Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate. This week’s episode discusses data from the industries latest research reports, The 2023 IHRSA Global Report and The 2023 U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, are joined by Pamela Kufahl, Senior Director of Communications with IHRSA, and Melissa Rodriguez, Market Research Advisor for IHRSA. By digging into the data of these reports, the team get into discussions about: IHRSA’s three pillars; education, advocacy and research. Market size and consumer behavior. In-person and digital member touchpoints. Training trends; Pilates, strength and treadmills. Intersection of fitness and healthcare. The holistic approach; recovery, mental health and longevity. Fitness evolution and advocacy efforts. Click-to-cancel regulations. ====================================================== 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/

Jan 28, 2024 • 1h 13min
Ep 331 - The GLP-1 Game Changer: Strategies for Fitness Sector Growth
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined Paul Byrne, an innovative leader whose focus on progression and innovation has been instrumental in shaping the fitness industry as we know it. Today, Paul is a Partner at Harrison Co, a consumer-focused investment bank helping clients make the right strategic business decisions to capitalize on the rapidly changing consumer economy. Recently the company released a report exploring ‘The Impact and Opportunities of GLP-1s for the Fitness and Wellness Industry’. In this podcast we dive into the detail, drawing on Paul’s extensive firsthand industry experience to understand how fitness operators can optimize the introduction of these new ‘miracle’ weight loss drugs. Paul is perfectly placed to comment, thanks to his extensive experience of driving innovation and growth in the fitness industry. Over the course twenty years, Paul transformed Precor from a ‘one trick pony’ into a multi-product world renowned fitness company over the course of a twenty-year period. In addition to bringing to market iconic equipment innovations including the elliptical (EFX®) and the adaptive motion trainer (AMT), during his time as President, Paul also kick-started the gym floor technology revolution with the introduction of Precor’s Preva - a personalized fitness technology providing tailored workouts, popular apps and live tv to cardio machine users. There are few people who know more about the need to adapt to changing market conditions or the value in keeping a head of the curve with products and services relevant to the ever-changing needs and wants of the consumer. In this podcast, Paul talks about: The rationale behind the report. Defining GLP-1s – how they work, what benefits they deliver. How GLP-1s can be accessed. The disruption GLP-1s will cause to the fitness, wellness, weight loss and other industries. Whether GLP-1 use will drive more or less people to gyms. The need for gyms to adapt to accommodate GLP-1 users. A call for specialist coaches who understand GLP-1s. The fusion of fitness and wellness with traditional healthcare. The global adoption of GPL-1s. To learn more about Paul Byrne click here https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-byrne-a930408/ To request a free copy of the Harrison Co report entitled: “The Impact and Opportunities of GLP-1s for the Fitness and Wellness Industry’, visit Harrisonco.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 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/

Jan 25, 2024 • 39min
LIFTS Episode 12 - IKEA’s New Fitness Collection, Apple’s Rumored Acquisition of Peloton, Lululemon & DEI, Plus Elon Musk & Bryan Johnson
Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up some debate. This week’s episode covers some big headlines as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, discuss some of the fitness, health and wellbeing stories hitting the headlines. Every week, our hosts discuss the breaking news, providing their own perspective on the headlines whilst provoking thoughts and conversations. In today’s slightly extended episode, discussions cover: Muscle Centric Medicine and its link to longevity. IKEA’s entry into the home fitness market and the potential impact. Apple acquiring Peloton – insights, feasibility and impact. Patent infringement in the Fittech and Wellness industries. Apple’s brand image versus its commercial objectives. Diversity, Equality, Inclusion (DEI) – can brands be everything to everyone? Bryan Johnson’s anti-aging Blueprint project. ====================================================== 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/

Jan 21, 2024 • 57min
Ep 330 - LIVE from the Show Floor | CES 2024, Las Vegas
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we head straight to the beating heart of innovation, walking the floor at CES 2024, Las Vegas, the most powerful tech event in the world, to interview thought leaders and put some of the industry’s most exciting new products and ideas to the test. From digital strength training, smart yoga mats and air-quality monitors, to infrared light therapy devices, complete solutions and office wellness products that generate power as you work, CES 2024 did not disappoint. From the show floor, we caught up with industry experts including Barry Warrington, CEO at The EnergyLounger, David Araica from Ergomotion, Jørgen Solstad, Head of Consumer Products at Airthings, Jordan Mascaro, Marketing Manager with LifeSpan Fitness, Vinod Ajjarapu, CEO & Founder of Wellnesys and Cheng Chieh Wu with Guangzhou Yuandong Smart Sports Technology. Discussing what each expert is pioneering, supporting and recognizing in the fast-moving world of fitness, this podcast highlights: The EnergyLounger, a cutting-edge, ergonomically designed full body red and near-infrared light therapy device. Yogifi, a smart yoga mat which learns from instructors to better guide users through content and personalized feedback. Ergomotion, a complete sleep solution with smart technology to allow users a better, deeper knowledge of the body during rest. The importance we should place on the air we breathe with Airthings, creators of smart air quality monitors and purifiers. Office wellness products that generate power while you work from LifeSpan Fitness. Digital strength training equipment from Guangzhou Yuandong Smart Sports Technology. ====================================================== 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/

Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 43min
LIFTS Episode 11 - CES 2024 - The Most Powerful Tech Event in the World | Latest Innovations in AI, Fit Tech, & Health
Welcome to this week’s LIFTS, live from CES 2024, the most powerful tech event in the world, showcasing the latest innovations in AI, connected fitness, healthcare and much more. On this week’s episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, take to the show floor to interview some exciting start-ups breaking onto the scene as well as established businesses taking the future of fitness by storm. They speak with Connor Holowachuk, Co-Founder of Eigen Fitness, Debra Strougo, fitness industry expert, speaker and advisor, Fritz Desir, CEO of Proxie Health, Gary Simpson, Founder of Myrow and Steffan Weiss, CEO & Founder at Straffr and Julian Barnes, CEO and Co-Founder BFS In this episode, the team discuss; Eigen Fitness’ new innovation ‘Node’, an AI powered wearable which quantifies and personalizes strength training. The future of single device wearables. Dialling up the market with passion projects from small, incubator founders. Proxie Health, a new care analytics and coordination platform. Myrow introducing a 22-inch, Peloton-style display for Concept2 rowers. Smart resistance bands and suspension trainers from Straffr. The role of tech in solving the global public health crisis. Driving profitability in boutique businesses. ====================================================== 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/

Jan 14, 2024 • 1h 31min
Ep 329 - The Gentleman” Uresk | From Street Fighter to Life Coach | A Tale of Resilience & Redemption
On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, our guest is Eric Uresk, a man on a mission to help people empower their strength, gain unshakeable confidence and master their mindset. Despite a JiuJitsu and Judo Black Belt, with over 20 years of martial arts and mindfulness experience, Eric has not had a free ride to success. As a teenager, he became a character of violence in order to survive and feel safe, transcending into a life of crime and addiction. Homeless, and facing close brushes with death due to his lifestyle, he turned to the 12-step program at age 23 and began a ‘journey of truth’. Eric transformed his life, becoming a World Champion Mindset Coach, holding Black Belts in JiuJitsu and Judo, now driven to help transform the lives of others through radical honesty, personal responsibility and his signature Martial Arts Mindset program. In this episode of the Escape your Limits Podcast, Eric talks about: Fighting addiction; a disease of isolation and separation. Finding a feeling of safety in building a violent character. Believing that in order to survive, people needed to fear him. Hitting rock bottom and building back up through the 12-step program. Challenging yourself regularly in order to progress and evolve. Pursuing strength, both physical and emotional. The importance of healing relationships and finding balance. Discovering focus, awareness and presence through martial arts. Channeling your energy, the highest currency we have as humans. ====================================================== 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/

Jan 10, 2024 • 33min
LIFTS Episode 10 - Planet Fitness Teams up with Megan Thee Stallion, NEOM Invests in Technogym, Equinox Creates GLP-1 Program | Latest Fitness News
Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, bringing you the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and stories hitting the headlines and stirring up debate. This week’s episode covers some big headlines as hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of Sweatworks, come together with Krissy Van, the Director of Content at All Things Fitness and Wellness (ATFW), to discuss what’s hitting the fitness industry headlines. Each week, our hosts discuss the latest news, providing their own viewpoint on the headlines to open up the debate, all delivered in a snackable, bite-sized 30-minute podcast. Today’s discussion is driven by the following news agenda: New advert from Planet Fitness featuring Grammy-award winner Megan Thee Stallion as ‘Mother Fitness.’ Saudi Arabia NEOM Investment fund to hold 6% in Technogym. NEOM’s focus on improving lifespan and healthspan. Equinox to offer training program for clients using GLP-1s. Resolutions and trends for the New Year. ====================================================== 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/