Escape Your Limits Escape Fitness

Welcome to a very special episode of LIFTS. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, meet with David Minton to discuss key takeaways from his pioneering ‘State of The UK Fitness Industry 2024 Report’.
David is founder of The Leisure Database Company, a market intelligence company that produces the UK fitness industry’s most valuable and comprehensive annual audit, The State of The UK Industry Report. 
This year, for the first time, thanks to a commercial collaboration with many leading industry suppliers, The Leisure Database has made its annual industry report available to everyone, free of charge, to democratize fitness data in the interests of sector growth and prosperity.
In this special episode, we discuss the key report findings, explore the implications of these findings for the future of the sector and dive into how the sector might evolve to raise market penetration above its current level.
Topics discussed include:
Overview of the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2024.
Takeout trends from the report, focused on value growth, penetration and data. 
Expanding the report to include more health focused data points.
Premiumization and cost variation within the sector.
Market penetration and the disparity between public and private sector.
Public sector segmentation.
Fitness industry trends, including gym openings and closings, demographics, and market growth opportunities.
The blueprint for a ‘dream gym.’ 
AI potential disruption and the democratization of education.
The evolution of the fitness industry: opportunities and challenges.
To download your copy of the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report, click here: https://www.leisuredb.com/publications
To learn more about David Minton, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-minton-5b094a19/
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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)
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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
1:00       Overview of the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report
10:15    Takeout trends from the report, focused on value growth, penetration and data
13:35    Expanding the report to include more health focused data points
15:27    Premiumization and cost variation within the sector
18:28    Market penetration and the disparity between public and private sector
22:42    Public sector segmentation explained
27:54    Fitness industry trends, including gym openings and closings, demographics, and market growth opportunities.   
37:39    What does a ‘dream gym look like?
39:29    AI potential disruption and the democratization of education
44:26    The evolution of the fitness industry: opportunities and challenges

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by Shawn Ray aka ‘The Giant Killer’, former professional bodybuilder, 13-time Mr. Olympia Finalist and one of the most rebellious, outspoken athletes in the sport still to this day. 
Not one to shy away from speaking openly and honestly, this episode takes a deep dive into the significance of performance in bodybuilding, ethical implications, overcoming setbacks, and balancing bodybuilding with other aspects of life. Shawn Ray talks openly about his experience and insights on the evolution of bodybuilding, the impact of social media, and the importance of mentors.
Ray also discusses the risks of injury, health problems, and death, as well as the growing trend of bodybuilders relying on teams of trainers, nutritionists, and other support staff. Ray emphasizes the need for balance and prioritizing self-reliance, personal responsibility, and appreciation in fostering meaningful connections.
In this highlights video, Shawn Ray talks about:
How the passion began with a magazine on a newsstand. The role of self-doubt and ego in bodybuilding. Rising to the occasion when things get tough. The importance of a mentor in career success. Breaking down ego and building up confidence. To learn more about Shawn Ray, click here:
instagram.com/shawnrayifbbpro
buildwithpros.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
https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue
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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
2:21       Manifesting bodybuilding dreams through self-belief
10:24    The benefits of having a mentor
13:06    The importance of posing in bodybuilding
18:33    Father-son relationship and entrepreneurship
25:05    Bodybuilding, Olympia and relationships
31:18    Ronnie Coleman’s rise to Mr Olympia
33:29    Bodybuilding career, goals and personal growth
39:23    The importance of balance between life and work
42:31    Sacrifices and health risks of being a bodybuilder
47:54    The ethics of supplements in bodybuilding
53:28    Drug use and the lack of accountability
1:01:53 Bodybuilding physiques and divisions
1:06:36 Challenging traditional bodybuilding norms
1:08:19 Bodybuilding prize money and promoter challenges
1:20:00 The benefits of social media platforms for personal branding

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guests, Austin Cohen,  Founder and CEO, FlexIt and Justin Turetsky, part of the founding team and COO, FlexIt
This episode dives into the personalization and data-led fitness experiences taking New York City by storm! This fast-paced debate explores the ethics and safety of genetically modified foods and dissects the evolving dynamics of authenticity and pragmatism in marketing and influencer engagement. The session wraps up with a passionate conversation on the pursuit of excellence and the game-changing impact of surrounding oneself with exceptional people.
Key topics discussed include:
Fitness trends driving sector growth in NYC. Consumer willingness to pay a premium for personalization. Trends with staying power versus fads. Genetically modified food – new trend or clever marketing of age-old processes? NYC culture and its effect on consumer food choices. Is influencer and social media marketing still a powerful tool? The power of authenticity. Entrepreneurship: the pursuit of excellence. ======================================================
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)
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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
3:35       Fitness trends in NYC, including premium offerings and high-end experiences.
7:01       Upward trend in consumer willingness to pay a premium for personalization
11:29    Trends with staying power versus fads
13:07    Genetically modified food – new trend or clever marketing of age-old process?
21:53    NYC culture and its effect on food choices     
23:13    Is influencer and social media marketing still prevalent and relevant?
27:00    The power of authenticity
29:47    Entrepreneurship, product development and market execution

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Ty Menzies, global CEO of Lift Brands, an international franchise organization that is parent brand to Snap Fitness.
This episode discusses how the industry has had to adapt to the current hybrid work environment, fitness trends versus fads, GLP-1s as well as the barriers to fitness and the changes that the boutique industry has gone through and the shift towards digital solutions, including the integration of AI technology to hyper-personalize content and the member experience. 
Key topics discussed include:
The change in consumer behaviour post-COVID. The influence of a more educated consumer. Digital versus in-person fitness demand. How franchising is being impacted by mergers and acquisitions. Fitness trends vs. fads that come and go. Ozempic-specific foods and training programs. Using AI to hyper-personalize and individualize content. ======================================================
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
4:42 Fitness trends, consumer habits and digital solutions
11:31 Snap Fitness’s strategies for differentiation and growth
15:24 Impact of mergers and acquisitions on fitness franchising
18:15 Fitness trends vs fads that come and go
19:58 Weight loss drugs and barriers to exercise
24:02 Using AI for personalized experiences and business operations
26:48 AI personalization and focus on consumer needs

On this AI-focussed episode of the LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Eric Malzone, founder of The Future of Fitness podcast, to discuss all things AI technology. 
They debate the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI, the rapid pace at which the technology is not only evolving, but learning from us, and the impact that this level of smart technology can have on all aspects of the fitness industry. 
Key topics discussed include:
●       How AI has actually driven the need for more content.
●       OpenAI striking a deal with Reddit to train its AI with posts.
●       The impact of AI on creators and authenticity.
●       The introduction of Pencil AI, a tool that makes ads with generative AI.
●       The dual nature of AI’s influence on marketing.
●       Kabata raised $5 million to further develop its AI-powered dumbbells.
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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
07:53 AI advancements and their impact on content creation
14:15 AI’s impact on marketing and trust
22:41 AI-powered dumbbells and their potential in the fitness industry
26:36 AI technologies wider reach into other sectors
30:03 AI’s impact on creators, loss of identity and monetization opportunities

Discussing the current state of the commercial fitness industry, highlighting both volatility and evolution.  Bryan O’Rourke, CEO of Core Health & Fitness joins us for the 31st episode of LIFTS with hosts Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks. 
Throughout the interview they discuss the need for leaders to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve, with Brian emphasizing the challenges of maintaining profitability in a rapidly changing market. 
Topics discussed include:
Near-term economic pressures and volatility in the fitness industry. Consolidation trends in the commercial club and supplier sectors. Evolving consumer behaviors and shifting motivations for fitness. Removing barriers to entry through innovative business models and programming. Long-term health and wellness macro trends despite short-term industry challenges. ukactive Consumer Engagement Insight Report - https://www.ukactive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Consumer-Engagement-at-uka-On-the-road-to-Vision-2030.pdf
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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
4:24 State of the global commercial fitness industry
9:44 Impact on the rise in interest rates have on new openings?
16:32 Embracing shifting consumer behaviours with at home fitness
19:43 Macro trends: Health and Wellness
24:13 ukactive consumer engagement insight report - the barriers to joining gyms
27:34 Final Thoughts