Escape Your Limits

Escape Fitness
Escape Your Limits

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. L.I.F.T.S: 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 69 - Future Fitness: Tech Meets Wellness at EHFF 2025

    6 DAYS AGO

    LIFTS Episode 69 - Future Fitness: Tech Meets Wellness at EHFF 2025

    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 EHFF 2025 in Cologne, Germany.   In part 1 of this LIFTS episode, Matthew and Mo are joined by: Herman Rutgers, Ambassador at EuropeActive Stefan Ludwig, Partner, Leiter Sport Business Gruppe at Deloitte Deutschland Elaine Jobson, CEO and MD of Jetts Australia Conor O'Loughlin, Chief Revenue Officer of ABC Fitness Mike Escobedo, Chief Customer Officer, ABC Fitness   This episode covers: European fitness market growth and trends, highlighting mergers, acquisitions, and membership increases. Consumer behaviour shifts towards hybrid fitness, mental health awareness, and holistic wellness approaches. Deloitte's comprehensive market report revealing key performance indicators and industry insights. Impact of emerging technologies and personalization in fitness experiences. International market expansion strategies and challenges for fitness brands. Future fitness trends focusing on Gen Z and Gen Alpha expectations, technology integration, and comprehensive health solutions.   To learn more about EHFF, click here: https://www.europeactive.eu/ ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at marketing@escapefitness.com 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 Consumer Behaviour and Mental Health 05:33 Deloitte's European Market Report 08:43 Key KPIs and Market Expansion 13:02 Consumer Fragmentation and Market Opportunities 19:01 Supply Side Fragmentation and Innovation 24:24 Jetts Fitness Market Strategy 31:40 Challenges and Opportunities in Franchising 35:41 Member Experience and Future Trends 39:08 ABC Fitness's International Expansion

    55 min
  2. LIFTS Episode 68 - Personal Training is Shifting Toward Holistic Health Coaching | Richard Boyd at PerformX 2025

    13 APR

    LIFTS Episode 68 - Personal Training is Shifting Toward Holistic Health Coaching | Richard Boyd at PerformX 2025

    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 marketing@escapefitness.com 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

    44 min
  3. LIFTS Episode 67 - Beachbody’s Secret to 25 Years of Fitness Success with Carl Daikeler | Connected Health & Fitness

    6 APR

    LIFTS Episode 67 - Beachbody’s Secret to 25 Years of Fitness Success with Carl Daikeler | Connected Health & Fitness

    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 marketing@escapefitness.com 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

    57 min
  4. LIFTS Episode 66 - The Rise of Recovery, Retention Strategies, and Fitness Tech | HFA 2025

    30 MAR

    LIFTS Episode 66 - The Rise of Recovery, Retention Strategies, and Fitness Tech | HFA 2025

    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 marketing@escapefitness.com 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

    1h 20m
  5. LIFTS Episode 65 - Recovery, Tech & Innovation: The Fitness Landscape Transformed | HFA 2025 with ABC Fitness

    23 MAR

    LIFTS Episode 65 - Recovery, Tech & Innovation: The Fitness Landscape Transformed | HFA 2025 with ABC Fitness

    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 marketing@escapefitness.com 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

    17 min
  6. LIFTS Episode 64 - MIORA by Life Time: The Future of Longevity & Peak Performance | PerformX 2025 with Jeff Zwiefel

    16 MAR

    LIFTS Episode 64 - MIORA by Life Time: The Future of Longevity & Peak Performance | PerformX 2025 with Jeff Zwiefel

    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 marketing@escapefitness.com 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

    42 min
  7. LIFTS Episode 63 - Everlast’s Secret to Staying Ahead in the Fitness Industry | PerformX 2025 with Dan Summerson

    9 MAR

    LIFTS Episode 63 - Everlast’s Secret to Staying Ahead in the Fitness Industry | PerformX 2025 with Dan Summerson

    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 marketing@escapefitness.com 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

    43 min
  8. LIFTS Episode 62 - Gabby Reece’s Holistic Wellness Formula: Sun, Nutrition & Sleep

    2 MAR

    LIFTS Episode 62 - Gabby Reece’s Holistic Wellness Formula: Sun, Nutrition & Sleep

    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 marketing@escapefitness.com 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

    35 min

    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    2 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. L.I.F.T.S: 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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