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 Richard Boyd, Director or Global Wellness Designs.

This episode covers:

• COVID-19's impact on personal training industry.
• Shift in trainer authority due to increased consumer knowledge.
• Balancing technology and human connection in PT.
• AI integration in program design and PT's evolving role.
• Expanding PT roles and compensation models.
• Social media and influencers' effect on PT industry.
• Trend towards comprehensive wellness services in gyms.

To learn more about Richard Boyd, click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-boyd-44034339/

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

02:55 Shift in Trainer Authority and Consumer Education

04:35 Technology and Human Connection in Personal Training

06:41 Future of Personal Training and AI Integration

07:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Personal Training Education

12:06 Compensation and Role Evolution for Personal Trainers

15:57 Impact of Social Media and Influencers on PT Industry

20:00 Adapting PT Models to Meet Consumer Needs

25:12 The Role of Empathy and Assessment in PT

30:03 GLP-1 and Its Impact on PT Industry

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 Carl Daikeler, CEO of The Beachbody Company.

 

This episode covers:

• Beachbody's founding and early successes.
• Transition from VHS to digital subscriptions.
• Creating effective, results-driven fitness programs.
• Developing "Super Trainers" and 90-day program structures.
• Disrupting lifestyle priorities.
• Challenges of digital and subscription models.
• Adapting to changing demographics.
• Shift from multi-level marketing to direct-to-consumer.
• Engaging different generations.

 

To learn more about BODi, click here:

https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/

 

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

03:14 Evolution of Beachbody and Digital Transformation

04:56 Challenges and Lessons Learnt in the Fitness Industry

07:42 Developing Super Trainers and Program Structure

12:33 Disrupting Lifestyles and Priorities

14:56 Challenges of Going Digital Subscription Models

21: 35 Adapting to Changing Demographics and Preferences

44:36 Transitioning from Multi-Level Marketing to Direct-to-Consumer

50:26 Personal Health and Wellness Habits

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, CSO of ABC Fitness attended HFA 2025 in Las Vegas.     In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by: ● Kathleen Ferguson, founder and CEO of Coach 360. ● Jarrod Saracco, President/Owner of Health Club Doctor. ● Nicole Dunn, CEO of Dunn Pellier Media, Inc. ● Debra Strougo, Fitness Founder. ● Natalia Karbasova, Founder & CEO of FitTech Club. ● Julian Barnes, Co-Founder and CEO of BFS. ● Jarron Aizen, CEO & Founder of Hapana. ● Ross Campbell, Founder & CEO at Beyond Activ. ● Jolin Ma, COO at Beyond Activ.   This episode covers: ● Challenges in emerging markets. ● Community building through industry events and gatherings. ● AI's role in fitness-enhancing efficiency but not replacing human connection. ● The value of community and diverse perspectives in the fitness industry. ● Women's strength training trends and the rise of female-focused equipment. ● Growing focus on women's health needs in fitness and media.  

To learn more about HFA, click here:

https://hub.healthandfitness.org/hfa-show

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

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

1:33 Kathleen Ferguson, founder and CEO of Coach 360

9:47 Jarrod Saracco, President/Owner of Health Club Doctor

21:01 Nicole Dunn and Debra Strougo

33:11 Natalia Karbasova, Founder & CEO of FitTech Club

44:38 Intro to Athletech News cocktail party

44:50 Jolin Ma and Ross Campbell of Beyond Activ

58:51 Julian Barnes and Jarron Aizen

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, CSO of ABC Fitness attended HFA 2025 in Las Vegas. 

In this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by Finn Hegarty, Chief Product Officer, ABC Fitness and Mike Hansen, Chief Growth Officer, SweatWorks.

Taking to the floor of the show, they discuss what they have seen at this year’s event and the key messages and themes within the fitness industry today. 

This episode covers:

• Wellness and Recovery Trends: Cold plunge to Red light therapy.
• Shifting from fitness to wellness.
• Recovery is becoming a primary fitness focus, not just exercise.
• AI is revolutionizing fitness through data-driven personalization.
• Women’s fitness equipment represents a significant market opportunity.

To learn more about ABC Fitness, click here:

https://abcfitness.com/

To learn more about HFA, click here:

https://hub.healthandfitness.org/hfa-show

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

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

01:00 Wellness Trends Exploration

03:50 Equipment and Innovation Landscape

06:45 Technology and AI in Fitness

09:50 Measuring Member Progress

12:30 Industry Standout Moments

15:37 Closing Reflections

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 Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director of MIORA Longevity & Performance at Life Time.

 

This episode covers:

• Longevity and healthspan focus.
• Consumer empowerment in health.
• Evolution of personal trainer roles.
• Lifetime's "healthy way of life" concept.
• MIORA: Lifetime's longevity program.
• Challenges in implementing longevity services.
• Democratizing recovery across market segments.
• Premium pricing for value-added services.
• Scaling and staffing recovery services.

To learn more about Life Time, click here:

https://www.lifetime.life/

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

04:56 Consumer and Business Perspectives on Longevity

07:02 Consumer Empowerment and Personalisation

10:11 Role of Personal Trainers in Longevity

11:55 Lifetime’s Evolution and Philosophy 

17:10 Lifetime’s Longevity and Performance Program

21:06 Challenges and Learnings in Longevity Programs

24:02 Democratizing Longevity and Recovery 

32:22 Managing Membership Prices and Value Addition 

37:51 Staffing and Scaling Recovery and Rejuvenation Services

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