Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

Matthew Januszek

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 104 - Fitness Predictions: Reviewing 2025 & Forecasting 2026 | with Anthony Vennare of Fitt Insider

    6D AGO

    LIFTS Episode 104 - Fitness Predictions: Reviewing 2025 & Forecasting 2026 | with Anthony Vennare of Fitt Insider

    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 annual predictions special, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Anthony Vennare, co-founder of Fit Insider, to review how their 2025 fitness predictions performed and to forecast what's coming in 2026. Key topics covered: Which 2025 fitness and wellness predictions actually came true. Why wearables and biometrics are becoming mainstream tools. The rise of GLP-1 drugs and their industry-wide impact. Why AI fitness apps may be heading toward a shakeout. How local, premium wellness concepts are outperforming big brands. Why strength training continues to dominate global fitness trends. The shift from aesthetics to holistic health and longevity. What 2026 holds for fitness, tech, and consumer behavior. 👉 To learn more about Fitt Insider, click here: https://insider.fitt.co/ 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 & 2025 Prediction Scores 3:01 – Big Tech & Wearables: Hits and Misses 9:35 – Healthcare, Biometrics & Wearables 13:21 – VR Fitness and CGM Predictions 19:02 – Small & Mid-Market Fitness Trends 29:49 – GLP-1s and Consumer Behavior Shifts 37:15 – Offline Fitness & Community Growth 43:19 – Functional Beverages vs Alcohol 51:20 – AI in Fitness: Bubble or Breakthrough 56:40 – The Big Wellness Themes for 2026 1:01:08 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

    1h 4m
  2. LIFTS Episode 103 - The Battle for Your Sleep: Smart Rings, Patents, and the Future of Health Tech

    12/21/2025

    LIFTS Episode 103 - The Battle for Your Sleep: Smart Rings, Patents, and the Future of Health Tech

    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 sit down with Mohit Kumar, Co‑Founder and CEO of Ultrahuman, to explore the explosive rise of smart rings and the future of wearable health technology. Topics covered include: Mohit's unconventional founder journey and early days in metabolic health. Why smart rings are outperforming other wearables in growth. Ultrahuman's approach to sleep, metabolism, and biomarkers. The high‑stakes patent battle with Oura and the U.S. import ban. What resilience really looks like for founders. The future of AI, battery life, and ring‑based health tracking. Why sleep is becoming the most important performance metric. 👉 To learn more about Ultrahuman, click here: https://www.ultrahuman.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/ 0:00 Welcome to LIFTS & sleep score discussion 1:45 The rise of smart rings in health tech 3:00 Mohit Kumar's founder journey 8:00 Why Ultrahuman chose the ring form factor 12:20 Competing with Oura and market positioning 15:45 Clinical‑grade insights and no‑subscription model 22:10 The U.S. patent ruling and import ban 27:00 Resilience, redesigns, and next steps 33:30 The future of smart rings and battery life 44:30 Rapid‑fire questions 49:00 Final takeaways and closing thoughts

    54 min
  3. LIFTS Episode 102 - The Career Skill No One Trains For | Battle Tested Principles for the Corporate Athlete

    12/14/2025

    LIFTS Episode 102 - The Career Skill No One Trains For | Battle Tested Principles for the Corporate Athlete

    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 Dr. Nick Barringer, a former U.S. Army performance leader, tactical nutrition expert, and human performance consultant, to explore how tactical training principles translate to success in business, leadership, and everyday life. With over two decades of experience working with elite military units, high-performance athletes, and executive leaders, Nick breaks down what it really takes to perform under pressure: from decision-making while sleep-deprived, to building resilience, discipline, and sustainable habits that carry over far beyond the battlefield. This conversation bridges the worlds of fitness, leadership, mindset, and strategy, offering practical insights that entrepreneurs, executives, and high performers can apply immediately. In this episode, we cover: Why executives should think of themselves as "corporate athletes." How sleep deprivation impacts decision-making and performance. Tactical principles that improve leadership under pressure. The role of fitness and conditioning in mental resilience. Nutrition and supplementation strategies for high-stress environments. What elite military training can teach us about business and life. Why embracing discomfort is essential for long-term growth. 👉 To learn more about Nick Barringer, click here: https://drnickbarringer.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/ 0:00 – Introduction 2:33 – Tactical Performance vs Executive Leadership 9:05 – Sleep Deprivation & Decision Making 13:25 – Consistency & Daily Schedule 18:52 – Creatine, Caffeine & Nitrates 20:02 – Ideal Day of Nutrition 24:19 – Managing Stress & UFC Fighters 33:52 – Mental Toughness Under Fatigue 37:32 – Elite Soldier Physical Standards 43:53 – Final Takeaways

    49 min
  4. LIFTS Episode 101 - How Myzone Is Redefining Wearable Engagement

    12/07/2025

    LIFTS Episode 101 - How Myzone Is Redefining Wearable Engagement

    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 sit down with Jay Worthy, CEO of Myzone, and Vahid Zadeh, CTO of Myzone, to explore the real future of wearable fitness technology, human motivation, and behavioral science. With data fatigue growing across the fitness industry, this conversation reveals why more metrics don't always lead to better results and what truly drives long-term engagement. Key Topics Covered: • Why most wearables lose users after 3-6 months. • The real science behind motivation and habit formation. • Data fatigue vs. meaningful fitness insights. • Why effort beats steps, HRV, and raw metrics. • How Myzone uses behavioral science to boost consistency. • The truth behind the 10,000-step myth. • How Myzone Go removes barriers to entry for gym members. • Why community is the most powerful fitness motivator. 👉 To learn more about Myzone, click here: myzone.org 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 – Episode Introduction 02:34 – Guest Introductions: Jay Worthy & Vahid Zadeh 05:15 – Are Wearables Creating Data Overload? 08:25 – Why Data Alone Fails to Motivate 11:30 – The Origin of the 10,000-Step Myth 14:50 – Motivation, Goals & Community 17:55 – Myzone Go Explained 21:40 – Effort as the Universal Fitness Metric 24:00 – Why Forgiveness Matters in Fitness Tracking 26:45 – Social Media Psychology & Behavior Change 30:30 – How Myzone Builds High-Quality Motivation 33:35 – Community as the Ultimate Engagement Tool 35:44 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

    38 min
  5. LIFTS Episode 100 - Will Brereton of SH1FT on the Future of Group X, Instructors, and Hybrid Fitness

    11/30/2025

    LIFTS Episode 100 - Will Brereton of SH1FT on the Future of Group X, Instructors, and Hybrid Fitness

    In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Will Brereton: longtime group fitness leader, Les Mills presenter, and founder of SH1FT Fitness. They dive deep into how group fitness has evolved over the decades, why hybrid community is the new frontier, and how instructors, technology, and member expectations have transformed. Will shares powerful insights from the front lines of group exercise across NZ, the UK, Europe, and the U.S. This episode is essential listening for club operators, instructors, boutique owners, and anyone passionate about the future of fitness. Key Topics Covered: • The five historical eras of group fitness and the new hybrid community era. • Why Gen Z treats the gym like a social hub, even replacing nightlife. • How meaningful interaction drives 2-3x higher retention. • Why instructors are harder to find and how tech is filling the gap. • The changing role of certifications and what members actually want. • Where Pilates, strength, and boutique programming are heading next. • Why big 'rock-star' classes faded and which events replaced them. • How digital fits into real‑world class experiences today.   👉 To learn more about Will Brereton click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-brereton-991a0138/ 👉 To learn more about SH1FT, click here: https://sh1ftfitness.net/   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 Introduction 00:38 Guest Intro: Will Brereton 02:07 History of Group Fitness 04:43 Pandemic: The Biggest Inflection Point 09:55 Gen Z and the Social Fitness Shift 11:22 Why Group Fitness Drives Retention 15:00 Technology in Group X: Does It Help or Hurt? 20:24 Instructor Pay and Industry Challenges 25:00 Competency vs. Perfection in Teaching 28:44 Belonging vs. Progression in Group Fitness 30:55 Are Big Rock‑Star Classes Coming Back? 34:58 Hybrid, Digital, and Tech Trends 43:25 Where Group Fitness Is Heading Next 47:06 Final Takeaways 48:00 Closing Thoughts

    50 min
  6. LIFTS Episode 99 - How Gen Z Sparked the No‑Alcohol Movement | with Hazlo Founder Sam Moore

    11/23/2025

    LIFTS Episode 99 - How Gen Z Sparked the No‑Alcohol Movement | with Hazlo Founder Sam Moore

    In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew and Mohammed sit down with Hazlo founder Sam Moore to explore the cultural, psychological, and physiological shift away from alcohol. They dive deep into the rise of sober‑curious culture, the influence of wearables on health behavior, the real effects of alcohol on mood and sleep, and the explosive growth of alcohol alternatives. Sam shares his personal journey from high‑stress corporate drinking culture to building Hazlo: a functional beverage designed to elevate mood, focus, and presence without the physical cost of alcohol. Key topics include: • Gen Z's 25% lower alcohol consumption and the rise of sober‑curious culture. • How wearables like Oura are changing the conversation about alcohol's impact. • Why alcohol affects sleep, mood, HRV, readiness, and long‑term inflammation. • Sam Moore's journey from heavy social drinking to mindful performance‑based habits. • The science behind Hazlo's functional ingredients and how they alter mood and focus. • The future of THC beverages, kava, kratom, and the broader alcohol‑alternative space. • How habit formation, ritual, and psychology influence drinking behavior. • Why alcohol usage may eventually resemble cigarettes in regulation and perception. • The shift toward "situational consumption" different drinks for different environments.   👉 To learn more about Sam Moore click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-e-moore/ 👉 To learn more about Hazlo click here: https://drinkhazlo.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: Why We're Drinking Less 00:55 The Post‑Alcohol Generation 03:35 Meet Sam Moore of Hazlo 07:00 Matthew's Relationship with Alcohol 10:43 Sam's Early Drinking Culture Story 15:27 Wearables, Mood Tracking & Performance 19:28 Light Drinking vs. Dependency 22:50 Exploring Today's Alcohol Alternatives 28:07 What Hazlo Does in the Body 32:15 The Future of Alcohol, THC & Kava 41:33 Sugar, Nicotine & Addiction Parallels 44:30 How People Actually Change Habits 47:23 Final Takeaways 52:27 Where to Find Hazlo 53:05 Outro

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

    11/16/2025

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

    11/09/2025

    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
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4.9
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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