Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

Matthew Januszek
  • 4.8 (65)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. LIFTS Episode 98 - Strava vs Garmin, Basic‑Fit Expansion & AI's Rise with Leon Rudge

    6 HR AGO

    LIFTS Episode 98 - Strava vs Garmin, Basic‑Fit Expansion & AI's Rise with Leon Rudge

    In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with fitness technology veteran Leon Rudge for a deep dive into three major stories shaping the industry: the Basic‑Fit/Clever‑Fit mega‑merger, the Strava vs Garmin lawsuit, and Ladder's push into integrated nutrition tracking. Leon also shares insights from four months immersed in Southeast Asia's digital‑nomad tech hubs. Key topics include: • Leon's experiences inside Southeast Asia's booming digital‑nomad tech scene. • Why the Basic‑Fit acquisition signals a new phase for European fitness. • The real story behind the Strava vs. Garmin lawsuit. • Why integration, not features, is the new competitive advantage. • How Ladder is using nutrition tracking to boost retention. • The rise of AI across fitness products and ecosystems. • Why culture gets lost as companies scale and how to prevent it. • Predictions for global fitness technology in 2025–2026.   👉 To learn more about Leon Rudge click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonrudge/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: 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 & Retreat Check‑In 01:26 Matthew's Immersive Retreat 03:05 Guest Intro: Leon Rudge 03:36 Why Leon Moved to Southeast Asia 05:24 Traditional Tech vs the New Tech Mindset 06:36 AI‑Driven Digital Nomad Culture 08:10 Story 1: Basic‑Fit Acquires Clever‑Fit 11:15 Tech Integration Challenges Ahead 13:57 Data Strategy & App Ecosystems 15:29 Story 2: Strava vs Garmin Lawsuit 17:34 Why Integrations Fail 24:32 Story 3: Ladder Adds Nutrition Tracking 26:14 Strength Apps & Measurement Challenges 32:00 Key Takeaways: Integration & Longevity 37:25 AI Boom or Bubble? 37:38 Closing Thoughts

    39 min
  2. LIFTS Episode 97 - How Gyms Can Stop Chasing Gadgets and Start Healing People with Dr. Sean Pastuch

    9 NOV

    LIFTS Episode 97 - How Gyms Can Stop Chasing Gadgets and Start Healing People with Dr. Sean Pastuch

    In this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Dr. Sean Pastuch, founder of Active Life, to challenge the industry's obsession with recovery rooms and redefine what it truly means to treat fitness as healthcare. From debunking lazy innovation to outlining a blueprint for gyms that prioritize people over gadgets, this conversation reimagines how fitness professionals can become the front line of real health transformation. Key topics include: • Why recovery rooms are the 'lazy man's innovation.' • The economics and illusion of retention in gyms. • How trainers can evolve into healthcare professionals. • The difference between preventative and responsive fitness. • How to attract and develop high-value trainers. • When AI should, and shouldn't-- replace human judgment. • Why fitness must specialize like medicine to truly grow.   👉 To learn more about Dr. Sean Pastuch, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanpastuch/   👉 To get Sean's ebook "Turn Pro" for free, click here: pro.activelifeprofessional.com/turnpro-free Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: 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 & Tribute to Rick Caro 02:19 The Recovery Movement & Industry Data 05:00 Are Gyms Investing in the Wrong Things? 10:43 What the 'Wellness Industry' Really Includes 13:19 Retention, Training, and Investment Priorities 17:29 Who Actually Needs Recovery? 23:32 Fitness as Healthcare Explained 27:01 Why Physical Therapy Isn't Enough 30:12 Developing Great Trainers 33:03 Targeting the Right Clients 36:29 Specialization and Industry Evolution 39:08 What Belongs in a Modern Gym 41:22 The Role of AI and Technology 43:50 Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

    51 min
  3. LIFTS Episode 96 - Exercise Is Medicine: Inside the 2025 Global Fitness Report with Liz Clark & Anton Severin of HFA

    2 NOV

    LIFTS Episode 96 - Exercise Is Medicine: Inside the 2025 Global Fitness Report with Liz Clark & Anton Severin of HFA

    In this special remote episode of the LIFTS Podcast, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Liz Clark and Anton Severin of the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) to unpack the 2024–2025 Global Fitness Report and explore the intersection of data, health, and the future of fitness. Recorded across three continents, this conversation dives deep into how exercise is redefining healthcare, the evolving role of recovery and wellness, and what's next for the global industry. Key topics discussed: The new definition of obesity and its massive implications for public health. How fitness must be recognized as preventative healthcare. Global fitness market growth and emerging trends. Why recovery and wellness are now the new anchors in gyms. The rise of wearables, AI, and the need for standardized fitness data. Bridging fitness with healthcare through credible evidence and policy. The future of the FIT Act and global legislative momentum. Recruiting and retaining qualified trainers and instructors. Generational shifts: from aesthetics to mental health and longevity. The evolving role of the Health & Fitness Association in shaping the industry.   👉 To get your copies of the Health & Fitness Associations Reports please use the links below: 2025 HFA Global Report: https://www.healthandfitness.org/publications/the-2025-hfa-global-report/   👉 2025 Fitness Industry Benchmarking Report: https://www.healthandfitness.org/publications/2025-fitness-industry-benchmarking-report/   👉 If you are an operator located in the US or Canadian markets, please also complete the Employee Compensation and Benefits Survey by Friday November 14, 2025: https://www.healthandfitness.org/improve-your-club/industry-news/hfa-launches-2025-employee-compensation-benefits-survey/?utm_campaign=Weekly%20Newsletter&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=382837849&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9q93aA7aVbdZ0ioS8OU5WV9_A7sXCVpbPaRzF0dRRZyeTNCSGemc0vmtyxDE1e0ZuL4STwnFZG8brAtM7CbczQkfsO9hVdAH2AjrSozjEQkZtw7IA   Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: 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 – Introduction: Mo from Sydney 1:42 – Introducing Liz Clark & Anton Severin of HFA 4:27 – Obesity crisis and redefining fitness as healthcare 8:10 – The global fitness report and data insights 15:30 – Post-pandemic growth and changing consumer behavior 17:28 – Gyms as third spaces & the rise of recovery zones 26:27 – Recruiting trainers and the challenge of engagement 31:49 – Wearables, AI, and fitness data accuracy 39:04 – Turning fitness data into medical-grade insight 45:24 – From participation to impact: the next decade of fitness 46:05 – The FIT Act and global policy shifts 50:18 – Key takeaways from the report 53:49 – Upcoming HFA event & closing remarks

    56 min
  4. LIFTS Episode 95 - Dan Uyemura on Tech, Trust & Transformation in the Fitness Industry

    26 OCT

    LIFTS Episode 95 - Dan Uyemura on Tech, Trust & Transformation in the Fitness Industry

    Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Dan Uyemura, CEO and Founder of PushPress, to explore how AI and technology are reshaping the fitness industry while keeping the human touch at the core. Key topics include: Why boutique gym owners remain optimistic despite economic headwinds. How AI tools like Gym Happy are changing client engagement. The balance between human-to-human connection and automation. Why churn and onboarding are the most important KPIs to track. How AI adoption differs across generations and what that means for gyms. The importance of trust, privacy, and protecting client data. Predictions on how AI will evolve in fitness over the next few years. Why execution matters more than optimism when running a gym. How community and culture will always anchor fitness experiences. 👉 Learn more about Dan, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danuyemura/ 👉 Learn more about PushPress, click here: https://www.pushpress.com/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: 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 & Guest Welcome 00:03:40 Optimism in Boutique Fitness 00:06:20 Small Gyms Embracing AI 00:08:07 How Gym Happy Works 00:12:03 AI as a System of Action 00:16:52 Key KPIs for Gyms 00:20:19 Generational AI Adoption 00:22:15 AI Privacy & Trust 00:23:25 AI Accuracy & The Future 00:27:29 Key Takeaways from Mo & Dan 00:30:56 Closing Thoughts & Wrap Up

    32 min
  5. LIFTS Episode 94 - The Future of Fitness & Recovery: Insights from Industry Leaders at W3Fit North America

    19 OCT

    LIFTS Episode 94 - The Future of Fitness & Recovery: Insights from Industry Leaders at W3Fit North America

    Join hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal for a special series of sit-down interviews recorded live at W3Fit North America. From recovery trends to leadership lessons, these conversations uncover what's really shaping the fitness industry today. Key highlights include: Jarrod Saracco on the real ROI of recovery and why most clubs still can't monetize it. Hillis Lake on 40 years of strength training evolution—from Nautilus to CrossFit. Patrick Regan on leading with authenticity and casting the right culture. Eric Weber on Woodway's legacy and the future of treadmill innovation. Kent Lehnhoff on bridging fitness and nutrition with evidence-based supplements. Hector Troncoso on bringing high-quality fitness to the Mexican middle class. How HYROX and CrossFit changed how we view athleticism. The future of education and recovery certifications. The problem of misinformation in the influencer era. 👉 Learn more about W3Fit: https://weworkwellevents.com/w3-fit/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: 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 – Recovery Reality with Jarrod Saracco 17:20 – The Evolution of Strength Training with Hillis Lake 30:23 – Leadership & Legacy at Life Time with Patrick Regan 39:11 – The Performance Standard with Eric Weber of Woodway 51:03 – Evidence-Based Fitness with Kent Lehnhoff of DotFit 1:02:57 – Moving Mexico Forward with Hector Troncoso

    1h 15m
  6. LIFTS Episode 93 - W3Fit Live: Industry Consolidation, Robotic Massages & Celebrity Endorsements

    12 OCT

    LIFTS Episode 93 - W3Fit Live: Industry Consolidation, Robotic Massages & Celebrity Endorsements

    Live from W3Fit North America, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with guests Star Sage and Loryn Huff to discuss the latest fitness industry trends. From billion-dollar wearable valuations to AI-powered recovery and celebrity-backed fitness ventures, this panel explores the future of wellness. Key Topics: Oura's $11B valuation and the future of wearables. Closed vs. open data ecosystems in fitness tech. Tom Brady's AI-powered massage company and scalability concerns. The evolving role of recovery as an essential moat for gyms. Dua Lipa's investment in Pilates and Gen Z engagement. How premium clubs deliver longevity, not just sweat. Celebrity partnerships vs. real consumer impact. Industry identity, intentionality, and member retention strategies. 👉 Learn more about W3Fit: https://weworkwellevents.com/w3-fit/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: 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 & Welcome 01:14 Oura's $11B Valuation – What It Means 07:37 Tom Brady & AI Massage Debate 14:37 Dua Lipa Joins Pilates Movement 18:32 Recovery as the New Fitness Moat 20:27 Intentional Member Experiences 21:57 Industry Takeaways 24:42 Ecosystems, Not Just Workouts 25:12 Closing & Thanks

    26 min
  7. LIFTS Episode 92 - LIFTS Live Podcast at W3Fit North America with Matthew Januszek & Mohammed Iqbal

    5 OCT

    LIFTS Episode 92 - LIFTS Live Podcast at W3Fit North America with Matthew Januszek & Mohammed Iqbal

    Live from W3Fit North America at the Four Seasons Westlake Village, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal host a special onstage edition of the LIFTS podcast. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore the future of the fitness industry—from AI gyms and private equity consolidation to the booming recovery market and the resurgence of strength training. Discussion highlights include: What makes live podcasts unique compared to studio episodes. First impressions of Fred Fitness, the AI-first gym. The impact of mergers, acquisitions, and private equity in fitness tech. How AI is reshaping software, business, and member experience. Why recovery is the next big differentiator for gyms. Programming and personalization in recovery spaces. Revenue and retention gains from recovery add-ons. Strength training, Pilates, and pickleball as the future modalities. The cultural rise of run clubs and community-based fitness. How fitness brands can innovate to stay ahead of shifting trends. 👉 Learn more about W3Fit: https://weworkwellevents.com/w3-fit/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: 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 & Live Audience Energy 1:30 What Makes W3Fit Different 3:00 Visiting Fred Fitness: The AI Gym 7:20 Industry Consolidation & Private Equity 16:20 The Role of AI in Fitness Businesses 19:20 Recovery & Wellness Trends 27:10 DIY vs. Service-Based Recovery Models 35:00 Future Modalities: Strength, Pilates, Pickleball 39:10 Strength Training's Cultural Shift 44:30 Closing Thoughts & Tomorrow's Follow-Up Session

    46 min
  8. LIFTS Episode 91 - Apple vs. Samsung vs. Oura – Who Wins in Health Tech? | with ROOK Co-Founder Marco Benitez

    28 SEPT

    LIFTS Episode 91 - Apple vs. Samsung vs. Oura – Who Wins in Health Tech? | with ROOK Co-Founder Marco Benitez

    Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. This week, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Marco Benitez—former Taekwondo champion turned biomedical engineer and now CEO of rook, a health tech company that transforms wearable data into actionable health insights. Together, they explore how wearables are reshaping the future of fitness, healthcare, and personal health. Key topics covered include: Why your smartwatch might already know more about your health than your doctor. How Apple, Samsung, and Aura are competing in the wearable health space. The challenge of making sense of endless health data. What FDA approval for consumer wearables really means. How fitness coaches and gyms can use wearable data to improve client outcomes. The differences in HRV tracking across Apple, Whoop, and Aura. Wearables as a bridge between fitness and healthcare industries. The future of implants, rings, and continuous monitoring devices. Marco's vision for rook as the middleware connecting all wearable platforms. 👉 Learn more about Marco Benitez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcobzg/ 👉 Learn more about ROOK: https://www.tryrook.io/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities. Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness 🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop 📘 View our full catalog: US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue Follow Escape Fitness on social media: 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 & Guest Introduction 0:45 Do Smartwatches Know More Than Doctors? 2:44 Wearables During COVID and Data Explosion 6:55 Why Coaches Must Use Wearable Data 10:00 Apple Watch as a Public Health Tool 12:30 Accuracy vs. Data Trends 15:00 HRV Tracking Explained 18:42 How Consumers Actually Use Apple Watch 20:41 Wearables in Latin America & Global Health 23:02 Apple vs. Samsung vs. Huawei 25:40 Future of Wearables – Implants & Rings 27:31 Rook's Role in Cleaning Wearable Data 29:37 Wearables Are the Next Medical Device 31:14 Final Takeaways & Closing

    33 min
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4.8
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

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.

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