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

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Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.

Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities.

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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/

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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)

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

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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)

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

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

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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/

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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)

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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/

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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)

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

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

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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/

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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)

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

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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

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 Kinsey Livingston, VP of Sales at Mindbody and ClassPass.

This LIFTS episode covers:

• Overview of the ClassPass annual report and its importance in understanding fitness industry trends.
• The merger between ClassPass and Mindbody, including the acquisition and service integration.
• Rise of Pilates as the top workout, with an 84% increase over the previous year.
• Growth of low-impact training and holistic wellness experiences.
• Influence of social media on making fitness more accessible.
• Shift in ClassPass demographics towards older age groups.
• Tuesday as the busiest day for fitness reservations.
• Significant increase in body scan bookings and the growing interest in personalized fitness data.
• Emergence of community-centered activities like soccer, volleyball, and paddleboarding on the ClassPass platform.
• Future trends in fitness and wellness for 2025.

To view the report, click here:

https://classpass.com/blog/2024-classpass-look-back-report/

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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

02:04 ClassPass and Mindbody Merger 

03:51 Overview of the ClassPass Report

05:46 Growth of Pilates and Low Impact Training

08:20 Influence of social media and Lifestyle Shifts

11:42 Popularity of Weekdays and Weekends

15:52 Body Scans and Personalized Data

18:25 Community-Centered Activities and Future Trends

Welcome to this episode of LIFTS, 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 Lauren Shroyer, VP of Product Development and Innovation at ACE (American Council on Exercise), the leading non-profit organisation certifying health coaches and exercise professionals which seeks to get people moving worldwide. 

This episode focuses on the huge impact that AI is going to have on the fitness industry, and in particular, the frontline fitness professionals. 

This LIFTS episode covers:

• The role of AI in personalization and data management.
• The shift towards online education post-pandemic.
• The integration of AI tools for creating, and tailoring fitness programs.
• Three key limitations of AI: Connection, Creativity and Common Sense.
• The importance of human connection and creativity in fitness.
• The challenges trainers face from gyms and the need to adapt to new technologies.
• Lumin, a studio in Texas that harnesses the power of AI to provide ‘the world’s smartest fitness studio’.
• How to integrate AI effectively, focusing on behavior change coaching and leveraging AI for efficiency.

To learn more about ACE, click here:

https://www.acefitness.org/

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

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)

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

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00       Intro

2:43       Impact of AI on Fitness Professionals

10:18    Challenges and opportunities for Trainers post-pandemic

15:35    Embracing AI and technology within fitness

17:10    The three core things that AI cannot do

24:45    The role of AI in personalized fitness programs

29:29    The future of AI in fitness and ACE’s role

29:58    The potential of pure, AI-based fitness models

34:03    Final thoughts and future directions

Welcome to this extended episode of LIFTS, 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 Anthony Vennare, the founder of pioneering news aggregator Fitt Insider and Wellworthy to reflect on how predictions made about 2024 played out and to look ahead at the trends and innovations driving the future direction of the fitness and wellness industries.

This LIFTS episode covers:

• A review of 2024 predictions and how they played out.
• Trends and predictions for fitness brands, tech products and consumer preferences.
• The growth in popularity and functionality of wearable tech.
• A look at how emerging fittech giants like Oura, Levels and Apple has played out.
• The impact of GLP-1s on consumers and the fitness industry.
• The boom in strength training and Pilates.
• The integration of fitness and healthcare.
• Increasing consumer awareness around food and environmental impact.
• 2025 predictions: rising investment in health & wellness, consolidation and a focus on personalized and prescriptive health solutions.
• Personal goals for 2025.

To learn more about Anthony Vennare, click here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vennare/

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

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)

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

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00       Intro

1:40       Reflection on 2024's predictions for big companies and big tech (Oura, Apple, Levels)

9:40       Reflections and Predictions: Small to Medium-Sized Fitness Businesses Predictions – Flexes And Fails

17:00    Trends Predications (GLP-1s, strength training, mixing modalities, Pilates)

25:08    Big Company and Tech 2025 Predications (connecting health clubs with healthcare, growth of peptide use, make America Healthy

36:03    Small To Medium Company and Tech Predictions (AI, women’s health, environmental awareness, reimagining the gym floor, vending)

46:20    General Trend Predictions (mental fitness to combat addictions and illness, evidencing health outcomes, consumers making incremental changes to improve health and longevity, attracting new investment

53:29    Final Thoughts and Personal Goals

Welcome to the last episode of LIFTS in 2024, 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 Giles Denning, Head of Marketing, PerformX. 

Matthew and Mo are on the advisory board of PerformX Live, an event that is the business of fitness, a powerhouse environment and is taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 26th & 27th February 2025.

The conversation in this episode introduces listeners to the themes that will be discussed on the main stage at the event. Bringing in thought leaders from around the globe that will discuss digitalization, premiumization, AI, recovery and more.

In this LIFTS podcast, we discuss:

• PerformX and the themes that will shape the industry in 2025.
• Bridging the gap: the fitness industry's role in wellcare.
• Digitalization, premiumization, and the evolving fitness landscape.
• The biggest trends of 2024 and predictions of 2025.

To learn more about PerformX Live, click here:

https://beyondactiv.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)

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

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00       Intro

4.37       Theme One - Digitalization

8.28       Theme Two - Premiumisation

13.22    Theme Three – AI

18.53    Theme Four – Future of Recovery on the Gym Floor

21.57     Theme Five – Longevity and Bio-Hacking

25.56     The Fitness Industry’s Role in WellCare

32.58     Biggest Trends of 2024 and the Predictions for 2025

36.21    Brands to watch out for