Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. 

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended PerformX 2025. 

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Dan Summerson, Managing Director of Everlast Gyms at Frasers Group. 

This episode covers:

• Dan's career progression to Everlast.
• Everlast's hybrid fitness model.
• Focus on younger demographics.
• Modern environment and social media impact.
• Innovation and open culture.
• Wearables and data integration.
• Boutique experience in big box settings.
• Leadership approach and organizational dynamics

To learn more about Everlast Gyms, click here:

https://www.everlastgyms.com/

To learn more about PerformX Live, click here:

https://performx-live.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Contact us at [email protected] 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/

00:00 Intro

05:55 Transition to Everlast and Hybrid Model

08:52 Economic Model and Retail Integration

19:32 Membership and Market Segmentation

23:53 Innovation and Relevance

27:29 Wearables and Data Integration

30:37 Future Vision and Strategic Planning

33:21 Building a Boutique Experience in a Big Box Gym

36:16 Leadership and Team Dynamics

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended Connected Health & Fitness Summit event in Los Angeles.

Thank you to our sponsor, Flex (withflex.com) of these LIFTS episodes. Flex is the holistic solution for accepting HSA/FSA. They work with their partners to navigate the regulatory and compliance landscape.

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Gabby Reece, Podcast Host and Keynote Speaker.

This episode covers: 

• Gabby Reece's career transition and challenges for women in the industry.
• Evolution of women's health and fitness awareness.
• Addressing needs of men vs. women in fitness.
• Role of technology vs. intuition in training.
• Developing self-awareness through practices like pool training and breathing.
• Gabby's holistic wellness approach (mindfulness, sunlight, nutrition, sleep).
• Practical tips on stress management and integrating healthy habits.

To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

https://connectedhealthandfitness.com

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Contact us at [email protected] 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/

00:00 Intro

02:40 Pathway to Women’s Health and Fitness 

05:54 Addressing the Needs of Men and Women in Fitness 

09:20 The Role of Technology and Intuition in Training 

16:31 Developing Intuition and Self-Awareness through Training 

25:15 Holistic Approach to Wellness and Mindfulness

28:35 The Importance of Sunlight and Nutrition

30:07 Sleep Hygiene and Recovery Techniques

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In Part 2 of this LIFTS podcast, recorded live at the Connected Health & Fitness Summit event in Los Angeles, our hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks sit down with four industry disruptors.

Thank you to our sponsor, Flex (withflex.com) of these LIFTS episodes. Flex is the holistic solution for accepting HSA/FSA. They work with their partners to navigate the regulatory and compliance landscape.

Please welcome to this podcast highlight episode: Sam O'Keefe, Co-Founder & CEO at Flex.

In the full episode, we delve into a wide range of topics, including:

• ‘The six tenets’ of wellness.
• Utilizing wellness to create motivation.
• Wellness in the corporate space.
• Getting back to nature.
• What opportunities do FSA and HSA programs present to gyms?
• How can consumers and gyms benefit from integrated FSA and HSA programs?
• The value in data-driven decisions, customer journey mapping, and integrating in-studio experiences with marketing.
• Building community.
• Challenges and threats facing operators.

To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here: https://connectedhealthandfitness.com

To watch the full episode, click here: https://youtu.be/gJkZuSAoF1I

 ======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] 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/

00:00 Intro

02:40 Pathway to Women’s Health and Fitness 

05:54 Addressing the Needs of Men and Women in Fitness 

09:20 The Role of Technology and Intuition in Training 

16:31 Developing Intuition and Self-Awareness through Training 

25:15 Holistic Approach to Wellness and Mindfulness

28:35 The Importance of Sunlight and Nutrition

30:07 Sleep Hygiene and Recovery Techniques

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

In Part 2 of this LIFTS podcast, recorded live at the Connected Health & Fitness Summit event in Los Angeles, our hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks sit down with four industry disruptors. 

Please welcome to this podcast:

• Michael Susi, Director of Global Wellness at LinkedIn.
• Troy Casey, the "Certified Health Nut."
• Sam O'Keefe, Co-Founder & CEO at Flex.
• Shane McCarthy, SVP Digital Product & Marketing at [solidcore].

In this episode, we delve into a wide range of topics, including:

• ‘The six tenets’ of wellness.
• Utilizing wellness to create motivation.
• Wellness in the corporate space.
• Getting back to nature.
• What opportunities do FSA and HSA programs present to gyms?
• How can consumers and gyms benefit from integrated FSA and HSA programs?
• The value in data-driven decisions, customer journey mapping, and integrating in-studio experiences with marketing.
• Building community.
• Challenges and threats facing operators.

To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

https://connectedhealthandfitness.com

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Contact us at [email protected] 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

0:52 Michael Susi | LinkedIn

14:51 Troy Casey | the "Certified Health Nut"

34:19 Sam OKeefe | Flex

1:06:14 Shane McCarthy | [solidcore]

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks attended Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2025 event in Los Angeles.

Thank you to our sponsor, Flex (withflex.com) of these LIFTS episodes. Flex is the holistic solution for accepting HSA/FSA. They work with their partners to navigate the regulatory and compliance landscape.

In part 1 of this podcast episode, Matthew and Mo interviewed:

• Eric Bormel, Director, Consumer Healthtech at Solomon Partners.
• Gavin Jennings, CEO at C.H.E.K Institute.
• Lauren Pufpaf, President and Co-founder at Feed Media Group + Jeff Yasuda, Founder and CEO.
• Natalie Barnes, VP of Product Management & Product Design at Zumba.

In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics, including:

• Shifts in the fitness tech industry, from inflated expectations to enlightenment.
• Challenges in the fitness industry (high failure rates, lack of personalization).
• Music's impact on wellness.
• Consumer preferences for music in fitness.
• Zumba's origin and evolution.
• Zumba's use of AI for data analysis and personalization.

To learn more about the Connected Health & Fitness Summit, click here:

https://connectedhealthandfitness.com

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Contact us at [email protected] 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

1:48 Eric Bormel | Solomon Partners

14:07 Gavin Jennings | C.H.E.K Institute

28:19 Lauren Pufpaf & Jeff Yasuda | Feed fm

44:39 Natalie Barnes | Zumba

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-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 Troy Taylor, VP of Performance Innovation at Tonal. 

This LIFTS episode covers:

• Tonal's State of Strength Report findings.
• Appeal to older adults in strength training.
• Tonal's business strategy and market position.
• Potential integration with traditional gyms.
• Addressing common strength training challenges.
• Effective strength training methods.
• Insights from the Tonal Training Lab.

To learn more about Tonal, click here:

https://www.tonal.com/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Contact us at [email protected] 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/

00:00 Intro

03:56 Troy Taylor’s Background and Tonal’s Strength Training Report

09:58 Tonal’s Business Strategy and Market Position

16:27 Active Aging and Community in Fitness

21:29 Merging Home Fitness with Brick-and-Mortar Gyms

24:30 Challenges and Opportunities in Strength Training

28:59 Effective Strength Training Strategies

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-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 Tori Johnston, President of goGLOW.

This LIFTS episode covers:

• The evolution of the tanning industry.
• Business models in the beauty service sector.
• Consumer demographics and market trends in beauty services.
• Pricing and competitiveness in luxury personal care.
• Work-life balance for entrepreneurs.
• Eco-friendly and health-conscious approaches to beauty services.

To learn more about goGLOW, click here:

https://goglow.co/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Contact us at [email protected] 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

01:13 Evolution of the Tanning Industry

03:20 Health and Skincare Considerations

05:23 Business Model and Franchise Strategy

07:03 Unit Economics and Franchise Visibility

16:38 Consumer Demographics and Market Positioning

19:12 Pricing and Market Competitiveness

22:08 Work-Life Balance and Entrepreneurship

This week on the Escape Your Limits podcast, we're bringing you a special midweek episode. We took the podcast to Fit Expo in Los Angeles, California, where we connected with industry leaders and explored cutting-edge ideas shaping the future of fitness.

During our time at the show, we interviewed some of the leading experts and athletes including:

• Guy Cisternino Jr., 7x IFBB Pro Champ  @GuyCisternino
• Martins Licis, World's Strongest Man, 2019  @MartinsLicis
• Jon Kodak, Body Architect/Stretch Artist/Entrepreneur/Actor - Instagram @worldofkodak
• Billy Reilich, Competitive Bodybuilder - Instagram @billreilich
• Joe Ventress,  @Stillswolejv
• Mark Harley, Fitness Coach  @HellaMarkHarley
• Keone Pearson, 2x 212 Mr. Olympia  @keone_prodigy1
• Lola Montez, IFBB Figure Pro 5x Olympian - Instagram @fit_lolamontez
• Lexi Lutz, Bikini Competitor  @lexinicolex 

In this episode, we dive into a wide range of topics, including:

• Latest trends in equipment, training, nutrition, and social media.
• Training Styles – From stone lifting to joint-friendly methods, with a focus on effective equipment.
• Nutrition and Supplements – Diverse diets, from high-protein to vegan, plus key supplements.
• Social Media Influence – Fitness figures use platforms for education, engagement, and transparency.
• Beyond Bodybuilding – Athletes explore jujitsu, boxing, and new competition goals.
• Coaching & Learning – Experts, podcasts, and coaches are essential for progress.

To learn more about Fit Expo, click here: https://thefitexpo.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

0:55 Guy Cisternino Jr., 7x IFBB Pro Champ

8:27 Martins Licis, World's Strongest Man, 2019

10:33 Billy Reilich, Competitive Bodybuilder

12:09 Joe Ventress

17:50 Jon Kodak, Body Architect/Stretch Artist/Entrepreneur/Actor

19:46 Mark Harley, Fitness Coach

29:06 Lola Montez, IFBB Figure Pro 5x Olympian

37:07 Keone Pearson, 2x 212 Mr. Olympia

40:02 Lexi Lutz, Bikini Competitor

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

Join hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness, and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, as they dive into the world of AI, technology, health, wellness, and more.

This LIFTS episode covers:

• Technology's Impact on Health and Fitness: The growing intersection of tech innovations and wellness solutions.
• Artificial Intelligence Advancements: AI's expanding role in various industries, particularly health and fitness.
• Wearable Technology Trends: The evolution and future of personal health tracking devices.
• Home Wellness Solutions: New technologies aimed at improving health and well-being in the home environment.
• Business Adaptation to Rapid Innovation: The need for companies to stay agile in a fast-changing tech landscape.
• Future of Robotics: The increasing relevance of robotics in everyday life and various industries.

To learn more about CES, click here:

https://www.ces.tech/

======================================================

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Contact us at [email protected] 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

00:34 Evolving CES and Innovation Showcase

07:03 Nvidia’s Impact and Innovation

13:48 AI Agents and Digital Twins

25:09 Health and Wellness Innovations at CES

32:12 Advancements in Wearable Technology

36:31 Future of AI and Strategy

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we welcome back Kali Muscle, a powerhouse in the fitness world, entrepreneur and a motivational force.

Hailing from Oakland, California, Kali overcame a turbulent past, including prison time, to carve out a path of resilience and success. From bodybuilding champion to social media phenomenon, Kali’s journey is one of sheer determination, reinvention and grit.

After surviving a life-threatening heart attack, Kali took on new challenges, delving into extreme health practices like fasting, rediscovering his purpose and transforming the lives of countless others through his coaching and mentorship. Known for his “money and muscle” philosophy, he’s inspired millions to build not just physical strength, but financial stability and mental toughness.

In this compelling episode, Kali shares candid stories of his transformation, from battling demons to becoming a family man and role model. He opens up about the challenges of fame, navigating financial hurdles and the lessons learned from embracing a fruitarian lifestyle, entrepreneurship and fatherhood.

Packed with powerful insights, hard-hitting truths, and motivational moments, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

In this podcast, Kali discusses:

• Watermelon and water fasting and a fruitarian diet.
• Diet and lifestyle changes that occurred when recovering from a heart attack.
• The impact of health on business.
• Entrepreneurial lessons and the importance of financial literacy.
• Overcoming adversity to build focus from prison to a life purpose.
• The role of a coach, trainer and mentor.
• Dealing with social media negativity and online haters.
• Legacy building to support his family, now and for the future.
• Faith and focus giving him the courage to change.

To learn more about Kali Muscle, click here:

https://www.instagram.com/kalimuscle/p/DBr97N7N0_K/

======================================================

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       Watermelon fasting and health insights

14:50    Financial challenges and business setbacks

19:35    Growing health and wealth, muscle and money

25:21    Personal growth and mentorship

28:49    Turning points and personal transformation

32:46    Transforming a destructive headspace

34:37    Balancing personal and professional life

56:15    Crypto coin ventures and lessons learned

1:03:03 The importance of financial literacy

1:05:30 Family and future goals

1:15:45 Reflecting on personal limits and achievements