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Amazon knows what its customers browse, click and buy. But how much do gyms really know about their members once they've checked in? The fitness industry is sitting on enormous amounts of data, yet many operators still struggle to understand how members use their facilities, interact with equipment and engage with services. In this episode of LIFTS (Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories), hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Al Noshirvani, founder of the Fitness Technology Summit, to discuss how AI, connected technology and smarter use of data could transform the fitness industry. Fresh from the latest Fitness Technology Summit, Al shares his insights into the future of gym management software, the opportunities and limitations of AI, and why fitness operators need to rethink how they collect and use member information. In this episode, we discuss: Why gyms are falling behind Big Tech when it comes to understanding customer behaviour. AI and legacy gym software: Could emerging technology disrupt established platforms? Smarter member insights: How cameras, wearables and connected equipment could help operators understand what happens beyond check-in. The commercial opportunity for AI: Why back-office automation could improve efficiency and profitability. The value of existing data: How decades of information could give established fitness technology companies a competitive advantage. The future of fitness technology: Key insights and developments from the Fitness Technology Summit. The takeaway? The opportunity for fitness operators isn't simply to collect more data. It's to turn the information they already have into actionable insights that improve the member experience, support better decisions and drive business performance. CONNECT WITH AL NOSHIRVANI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alnoshirvani Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alnosh11/ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Fitness on Demand – Helping fitness operators create connected digital experiences that increase engagement and strengthen retention. https://www.fitnessondemand247.com/ EGYM – Delivering smart fitness technology and connected training solutions to support better member experiences. https://egym.com/ STAY CONNECTED WITH LIFTS Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/escape-your-limits-lifts/id1321349827/ LIFTS – Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories. Bringing you conversations with the leaders and innovators shaping the future of fitness.

Recovery is booming. From cold plunges and infrared saunas to AI-powered robotic massage, gyms are investing heavily in wellness and recovery technology. But are these investments delivering real returns, or is the fitness industry caught in an expensive amenities arms race? In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore the growing business of recovery, questioning whether operators truly understand what their members value, how frequently recovery facilities are used and how to measure their impact on retention, revenue and profitability. The conversation then heads to New York for the Aescape CEO Forum, where they're joined by Frank Britt, CEO of Aescape, to discuss the future of intelligent recovery, AI and robotics, and the launch of the new Tom Brady Protocol. Key topics include: The recovery arms race and the challenge of measuring ROI. Why personalised recovery programmes could be more valuable than simply adding equipment. How AI and robotics are transforming the recovery experience. The development of Aescape's Tom Brady Protocol. Why recovery could eventually occupy 20–25% of gym floor space. The opportunities for operators to improve member experiences, retention and revenue. As recovery becomes an increasingly important part of the fitness industry, the question isn't just what technology to invest in, but how to turn that investment into measurable value. Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yXGtUA0E86Q Connect with Frank Britt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fbritt/ Follow Aescape: https://www.instagram.com/aescape/ About LIFTS LIFTS – Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories is hosted by Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal, bringing you conversations with the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the global fitness industry. FOLLOW LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – The Recovery Opportunity 04:49 – The Recovery Arms Race 08:16 – Programming & ROI 19:30 – Tom Brady's Recovery Protocol 25:09 – The Future of Smart Gyms 29:09 – Live at the Aescape CEO Forum 41:10 – AI, Robotics & Recovery

Four decades of fitness industry evolution. From iconic equipment brands and strength training to digital fitness, Peloton and the rise of wellness – where has the industry been, and where is it heading next? In this special episode of LIFTS – Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are live from Peloton HQ in Hudson Yards, New York, joined by John Murray and John Marcotte of Advantage Sport & Fitness. Founded in 1985, Advantage has spent more than 40 years navigating the changing fitness landscape. John and John reflect on the evolution of commercial fitness equipment, the rise and fall of major manufacturers, and why specialist brands are making a comeback. The conversation also explores how Peloton and digital coaching are transforming the fitness experience, why operators should embrace technology to improve member engagement, and how the growing demand for wellness and recovery is creating new opportunities. John Murray also shares the leadership lessons he learned as a wrestling coach, explaining why building the right team and culture has been fundamental to Advantage's long-term success. Key topics include: 40 years of fitness industry innovation and changing consumer demands The return of specialist fitness equipment brands Peloton, digital coaching and member retention Leadership, recruitment and building successful teams The growth of wellness, recovery and new fitness experiences The future of fitness equipment distribution What will shape the next decade of fitness? Listen now for insights from two industry veterans who have witnessed the industry's transformation first-hand. CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS John Marcotte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-marcotte-59634ba/ John Murray | Advantage Sport & Fitness LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advantage-sport-&-fitness/people/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advantagesportandfitness/ Peloton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepeloton/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peloton-interactive- FOLLOW LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: Live from Peloton HQ 00:58 – 40 Years of Fitness: How It All Began 04:12 – The Evolution of Fitness Equipment & Brands 07:47 – Changing Consumer Trends & Digital Fitness 10:15 – Peloton, Digital Coaching & Member Retention 12:38 – Building Winning Teams & Business Culture 16:52 – The Future of Fitness Equipment Distribution 20:18 – The Rise of Wellness & Recovery 23:04 – The Power of Peloton's Instructors

Is the fitness industry overlooking one of its biggest opportunities — women? For decades, much of the fitness and wellness industry has been shaped by male-led businesses, product development and research. But as women's health, strength training, longevity and wearable technology gain momentum, is the industry doing enough to understand what women actually need? In this episode of LIFTS – Latest Industry Fitness Trends & Stories, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Suzaan Sauerman, a consumer behaviour and women's health advocate, to explore the gap between what women need and what the health and wellness industry currently delivers. Suzaan argues that women's health doesn't just have a funding problem it has a commercial visibility problem. From products that fail to reach consumers to gym environments that overlook opportunities for education, support and personalised experiences, she challenges fitness operators and brands to rethink their approach. The conversation also explores the growing role of wearable technology, including Oura, WHOOP, Apple Watch and continuous glucose monitors. Suzaan explains why she believes every woman should have a wearable, while questioning whether the industry is doing enough to turn the vast amount of health data being collected into meaningful, actionable guidance. In this episode, we explore: Why women's health remains a significant untapped commercial opportunity. How male-led product development has influenced the fitness and wellness industry. Why gyms could do more to support women through strength training, recovery, menopause and hormone health. The importance of education, accessibility and consumer-focused communication. Why Suzaan believes wearable technology could help close gaps in women's health data. The limitations of readiness scores and the need for more personalised health insights. How greater female representation could influence the next generation of fitness products and services. Are fitness businesses genuinely designing around women's needs, or simply adapting products and services that were never built with women in mind? A thought-provoking conversation about the future of women's health, wearable technology and the commercial opportunities for fitness operators willing to rethink how they serve their members. Connect with Suzaan Sauerman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzaan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzaansauerman/ Episode Sponsors EGYM – Connected fitness technology and smart strength training solutions helping operators deliver personalised, data-driven exercise experiences. https://egym.com/ Fitness On Demand – Digital fitness and wellness solutions helping operators engage members and expand their services. https://www.fitnessondemand247.com/ Follow LIFTS Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Interested in sponsoring LIFTS? Contact Wendy de Knoop at [email protected] Chapters  00:00 – Introduction: Is Fitness Getting Women's Health Wrong? 03:30 – Women's Health Has a Commercial Visibility Problem 09:48 – Why Gyms Need to Rethink How They Serve Women 16:21 – Women's Health, Education & the Gym Opportunity 23:41 – Should Every Woman Have a Wearable? 25:25 – Sponsor: EGYM 29:31 – Wearable Data: What's the "So What"?

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by James Hurlock, founder of Fitura Brands, to explore some of the biggest shifts currently reshaping fitness, sport and wellness. James has spent much of his career building and scaling fitness brands internationally. He played a key role in the global growth of F45, which expanded to more than 1,800 locations across 60+ countries, before becoming the founding CEO of FS8. Today, he is building Fitura Brands around three areas he believes represent major opportunities in the market: padel, reformer Pilates and recovery. The conversation starts with Planet Fitness and its evolving brand and product. As strength becomes more important and lower-cost operators add more services and experiences, can established fitness brands modernise without losing sight of the customer they were originally built for? The discussion then turns to HYROX and its rapid global growth. Is HYROX still a fitness event, or has it created something much bigger around competition, community and lifestyle? And with significant room for expansion in the US, where could the brand go next? James also shares his perspective on the growth of padel and what recent participation data could tell us about the future of racket sports in the US. Finally, James explains the thinking behind Fitura Brands and its three concepts Padel SWT, Core Precinct and Contrast Theory and why bringing together sport, training, Pilates and recovery could reflect a much broader shift in what consumers want from fitness and wellness facilities. As the traditional gym evolves into something increasingly connected to sport, recovery, community and lifestyle, are Planet Fitness, HYROX and padel giving us clues about what comes next? In this episode, we cover: How Planet Fitness is evolving its brand and gym floor Whether big-box gyms risk trying to be everything to everyone Why the fitness middle market could face increasing pressure What HYROX's growth means for gyms and fitness operators Why the US represents a major opportunity for HYROX Why padel is attracting increasing attention What participation trends could mean for racket sports Why sport, fitness and recovery are increasingly converging The thinking behind Fitura Brands Why knowing your member and demonstrating value still matters Guest: James Hurlock LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshurlock/ Fitura Brands: https://fiturabrands.com/ Padel SWT: https://padelswt.com/ Core Precinct: https://coreprecinct.com/ Contrast Theory: https://contrastheory.com/ Sponsored by Fitness On Demand and EGYM Fitness On Demand:https://www.fitnessondemand247.com/ EGYM: https://egym.com/ Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pLaV1TQz3Dw 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/escape-your-limits-lifts/id1321349827/ 📩 Subscribe to the LIFTS Newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter 🔗 Follow LIFTS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod 📱 Follow LIFTS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Chapters 00:00 Planet Fitness, HYROX & Padel – What's Changing in Fitness? 04:02 Planet Fitness: Rebranding the Low-Cost Gym 14:45 HYROX: From Fitness Race to Global Phenomenon 23:45 Sponsor – Fitness On Demand 24:13 Why HYROX Could Explode in the US 30:30 Padel vs Pickleball: What's the Next Racket Sport Boom? 37:20 Fitura Brands: Bringing Play, Train & Recover Together

Why does Australia continue to punch above its weight in the global fitness industry? In this Australian special of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek is joined by Mohammed Iqbal, reporting from Melbourne after spending the week meeting BFT, KX Pilates and Strong Pilates. Matthew and Mo explore why Australia has become such an influential fitness market and what operators elsewhere could learn from its approach to franchising, Pilates, member engagement, community, recovery and competitive fitness. They look at how Pilates has become a mainstream part of Australian wellness culture, why Australian fitness entrepreneurs have successfully taken concepts around the world, and why Mo believes the market puts greater emphasis on retention and engagement than many operators in the US. They also take a closer look at BFT, from Recovery 10X to its Podium competitive format, and discuss the role events such as HYROX are playing in building communities beyond the four walls of the gym. Finally, Mo shares one of his biggest observations from the trip: the acceleration of longevity and wellness and why the next generation of concepts to emerge from Australia could look very different from the fitness franchises that came before them. Is Australia showing the rest of the fitness industry what's next? Chapters 0:00 Why Australia Punches Above Its Weight in Fitness 06:38 Australia's Fast-Growing Fitness Trends & Pilates Boom 15:40 KX, Strong Pilates & the Australian Franchise Playbook 22:29 Sponsor – EGYM 23:00 Why Australia Focuses on Retention & Community 31:02 BFT, Recovery, Podium & Competitive Fitness 41:05 Is Longevity Australia's Next Big Fitness Export? Sponsored by Fitness On Demand and EGYM Fitness On Demand: https://www.fitnessondemand247.com/ EGYM: https://egym.com/ 📩 Subscribe to the LIFTS Newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/escape-your-limits-lifts/id1321349827

Is the fitness industry still telling consumers what they want — or are consumers increasingly telling the industry what it needs to deliver? In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal unpack some of the biggest stories shaping health, fitness and wellness. They discuss the questions being raised around wearable accuracy, how WeightWatchers has responded to the rise of GLP-1s, and why consumers using GLP-1s could represent an important opportunity for the fitness industry. They also look at the changing gym floor as value operators move towards more premium experiences and consumers become increasingly knowledgeable about specific equipment brands, training modalities and recovery. With new equipment companies building audiences through social media and digital-first strategies, Matthew and Mo ask whether some of the industry's established brands risk losing relevance with a new generation of consumers. Plus, they discuss new strength research suggesting consistency beats complexity, and why creating sustainable exercise habits could be more important than increasingly complicated programming. Are the biggest fitness brands still shaping the consumer — or is the consumer now shaping them? Chapters 00:00 Are Consumers Taking Control of Fitness? 00:44 The Biggest Stories Shaping the Fitness Industry 01:08 Can You Trust Your Wearable? 06:50 WeightWatchers, GLP-1s & the Fitness Opportunity 12:25 Why Value Gyms Are Going Premium 15:47 Is the Consumer Now Driving the Gym Floor? 19:23 Sponsor – Fitness On Demand 19:50 Are Single-Brand Gym Floors Becoming Outdated? 27:54 What's Happening With FitLab? 30:39 Why Consistency Beats Complexity in Strength Training 36:15 What Does the Future of Fitness Look Like? Sponsored by Fitness On Demand and EGYM Fitness On Demand: https://www.fitnessondemand247.com/ EGYM: https://egym.com/ 📩 Subscribe to the LIFTS Newsletter: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/escape-your-limits-lifts/id1321349827

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are recorded live at the Life Fitness and Hammer Strength YMCA Innovation Summit, where they're joined by four YMCA leaders: Boyd Williams, Hodge Patterson, Crystal Trawick and Ernest Kaehler. The YMCA has been around for more than 180 years, yet it continues to operate in a fitness industry transformed by new technology, changing consumer expectations, boutique concepts, strength training, recovery and an increasingly sophisticated member. So how has it stayed relevant? Boyd Williams, CEO of YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, explains why community remains the organisation's north star. While equipment, facilities and technology are important, he believes they are ultimately a conduit for building relationships, creating healthier lifestyles and making a lasting impact on people's lives. Hodge Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Santa Monica Family YMCA, discusses why the YMCA has always been about much more than "gym and swim". From fitness and wellness to social responsibility and community programmes, he shares how the Y has become part of the social infrastructure of Santa Monica and why that role became particularly clear during the Palisades fire when members simply said, "Meet you at the Y." The conversation also looks at the business fundamentals required to sustain that mission. Hodge discusses the importance of creating value rather than relying on discounting, while Crystal Trawick, Vice President of Healthy Living at YMCA of Greater Charlotte, explains why "there is no mission if there's no margin." Crystal also shares how different YMCA locations are adapting to the specific needs of the communities they serve. That can mean recovery and Pilates reformer in one location and digital literacy programmes for older adults in another. She explains why innovation doesn't always need to be flashy or expensive and how AI can help remove administrative tasks, giving teams more time to focus on the member experience. Finally, Ernest Kaehler, Senior Operations Director at St. Paul Midway YMCA, discusses how younger generations are changing expectations of the gym floor. While boomers have traditionally been an important YMCA demographic, Gen Z members are increasingly looking for plate-loaded strength equipment, different layouts and a different training experience. Across four very different YMCA communities, one message remains consistent: staying relevant isn't about chasing every new fitness trend. It's about understanding your community, building relationships and continuing to evolve without losing sight of your purpose. In this episode, we cover: How the YMCA has remained relevant for generations Why community remains its north star Why relationships can transcend fitness trends How technology and AI can support rather than replace human connection Why every YMCA needs to reflect the community it serves How the YMCA is moving beyond the traditional perception of "gym and swim" Why creating value can be more powerful than discounting The importance of balancing mission with commercial sustainability How recovery, Pilates, HYROX and holistic health are changing member expectations Why Gen Z is changing the gym floor How social media is influencing younger members' training expectations What the wider fitness industry can learn from the YMCA's longevity Recorded at the Life Fitness & Hammer Strength YMCA Innovation Summit. Life Fitness: https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-fitness/ https://www.instagram.com/lifefitnessofficial/ 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 notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Timestamps 0:00 What Can Fitness Learn From the YMCA? 2:09 Why It's Not Just About the Equipment 3:42 Community as the YMCA's North Star 5:23 Staying Relevant as Communities Change 9:35 More Than Gym & Swim 15:04 "Meet You at the Y" – The Power of Community 20:30 Create Value, Don't Discount It 22:03 Why One Size Doesn't Fit Every Community 25:07 Innovation, AI & the Member Experience 28:11 "There Is No Mission If There's No Margin" 29:54 Beyond Gym & Swim: The Future of YMCA Fitness 32:27 How the Next Generation Is Changing the Gym Floor 38:38 Social Media, Influencers & Building Trust

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal visit Life Fitness and Hammer Strength HQ in Chicago, where they're joined by Andrew Mahadevan and Dan Wille from Life Fitness to explore how a more informed and increasingly demanding fitness consumer is shaping the future of the industry. Today's gym members know more than ever before. Social media, podcasts, athletes and creators have transformed how people learn about training, discover equipment and decide what they want from their gym. Members can now walk into a facility knowing the exact machine they want to use, the movement they want to perform and even the muscle they want to target. Andrew and Dan discuss how this shift is influencing equipment design and product development, including the resurgence of classic strength movements and equipment, the growth of highly specific training trends and the challenge of deciding which trends have genuine staying power. They also explore the impact of social media on fitness education. While it has created greater awareness and helped bring more people into fitness, it has also created a challenge for operators and manufacturers as consumers increasingly learn how they want to train from online content regardless of whether the information they're receiving is accurate. The conversation moves on to the balance between building best-in-class individual products and creating a connected ecosystem. With equipment often representing a five-to-seven-year relationship, Life Fitness believes both the individual product and the wider experience around it matter. AI is also changing how the business operates. Andrew and Dan explain how Life Fitness is using AI to enable its teams, improve collaboration, make faster decisions and potentially shorten product development cycles. Looking ahead, consumer expectations are only likely to increase. Fitness and wellness are expanding beyond the traditional gym into multifamily housing, hospitality and other environments, creating opportunities for brands that can deliver a clear and relevant experience wherever the consumer wants to train. As Dan explains, "People aren't buying workouts… they're buying a lifestyle." In this episode, we cover: How increasingly knowledgeable members are influencing equipment design Why classic strength equipment and movements are making a comeback The positive and negative impact of social media on fitness education How Life Fitness identifies which fitness trends are worth investing in Why fitness brands can't be everything to everybody The balance between best-in-class products and connected ecosystems Who really owns the member experience How data could create more personalised fitness experiences How AI is changing the way Life Fitness works Why consumer expectations will continue to rise The growth of fitness across multifamily, hospitality and other environments Why people are increasingly buying a lifestyle, not simply a workout Find out more about Life Fitness: https://www.lifefitness.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 notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Timestamps 0:00 People Aren't Buying Workouts Anymore 0:59 Inside Life Fitness & Hammer Strength HQ 2:24 The Fitness Consumer Has Changed 6:23 Old-School Strength Meets New Technology 12:15 Which Fitness Trends Are Worth Betting On? 18:52 Equipment vs Ecosystem: What Does the Future Look Like? 24:46 Who Owns the Member Experience? 30:23 Connected Fitness, Data & Building Better Habits 34:07 How AI Is Changing Life Fitness 38:09 What Will Fitness Look Like in Five Years?

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Tony Small, co-founder of Replify, Richard Earney, National Wellness Director at Midtown Athletic, and Mason Levey, co-founder of Y7 Studio, for a special round table recorded live at an exclusive VIP dinner in Chicago, brought together in partnership with ABC Fitness. The fitness consumer is changing. From AI and GLP-1s to wellness, longevity, social media and shifting demographics, the expectations people have of fitness businesses are evolving quickly. The panel explores how younger generations are engaging with fitness differently and whether gyms, studios and health clubs are becoming important spaces for real-world connection. With ABC Fitness data showing Gen Z and Millennials joining and using fitness facilities at higher rates, what does the next generation of members actually want from the industry? They also discuss the growing convergence of fitness, health and wellness, including the impact of GLP-1s and whether fitness businesses should broaden the services they offer or remain focused on their core areas of expertise. The conversation then turns to AI and how technology could help operators deliver more personalised experiences. Rather than using technology primarily to acquire new members, could AI help businesses understand individuals better, communicate with them at the right time and ultimately help create stronger fitness habits? Ultimately, as consumers become more informed, more connected and more demanding, the question is whether the fitness industry can evolve quickly enough to keep pace. In this episode, we cover: How the fitness consumer is changing Why younger generations are engaging with fitness differently Whether fitness is becoming a new kind of social space GLP-1s and the convergence of fitness, health and wellness Whether fitness businesses should expand beyond their core offering Why how exercise makes people feel could become more important How AI could transform the member experience The move from mass communication towards personalisation How technology could help operators build stronger fitness habits Why human connection remains critical as technology evolves Find out more about ABC Fitness - https://abcfitness.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 notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness  Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter  Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod  https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast Timestamps 0:00 The Member Has Changed. Has the Fitness Industry? 3:48 Is Fitness Becoming the New Third Space? 10:32 GLP-1s, Wellness & the New Health Consumer 16:19 How AI Is Changing the Fitness Industry 24:28 Does Fitness Need to Rebrand Itself? 29:27 Can AI Help Build Better Fitness Habits? 33:32 Are Consumer Expectations Changing Faster Than Fitness?

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal unpack the findings from the ABC Fitness Wellness Watch: Summer 2026 – The Reinforcement Shift report and explore what the latest consumer data tells us about the changing fitness industry. For years, the industry has focused on access, inspiration, new equipment, new workouts and attracting more members. But the latest data suggests the bigger opportunity isn't simply getting people to join; it's helping them keep going. With new gym joins down 9% year-on-year, but existing members showing greater consistency, Matthew and Mo discuss why accountability, reinforcement and habit formation could become increasingly important for operators. They explore why Gen Z now represents 46% of new gym joins, what fitness can learn from Duolingo's approach to creating long-term habits, and why the growing home fitness community could represent both an opportunity and a challenge for traditional gyms. The conversation also looks at Peloton's evolving business model, the role of personalisation, and how AI could give operators new ways to understand, communicate with and support members both inside and outside the gym. Ultimately, the question is shifting from who owns the member to who owns the habit? In this episode, we cover: Why the fitness industry has a habit problem Why 46% of new gym joins are Gen Z What fitness can learn from Duolingo about habit formation Why consumers are spending more on studio fitness The growing home fitness community Peloton, personalisation and connected fitness Why gyms need to think beyond what happens inside their four walls How AI could transform member engagement and retention Why the future could belong to the brands that own the habit 📊 Download the FREE ABC Fitness Wellness Watch: Summer 2026 – The Reinforcement Shift report: https://abcfitness.com/ebook/wellness-watch-report-summer-2026-the-reinforcement-shift/ 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 notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Timestamps 0:00 The Fitness Industry Has a Habit Problem 4:37 Gen Z Now Drives 46% of New Gym Joins 7:09 What Fitness Can Learn From Duolingo 11:49 The Opportunity Beyond Traditional Gym Members 18:52 EGYM 19:21 The Hidden Home Fitness Community 24:24 Peloton, Personalisation & Habit Formation 40:40 How AI Could Transform the Gym Experience

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Andy Peat, CEO of Fitness On Demand and Chief Brand & Product Officer at Snap Fitness. The future of the gym isn't just about adding more equipment. As consumer expectations change, operators are increasingly looking at how technology, content, AI and personalisation can create better experiences and stronger connections with members. Andy shares how Fitness On Demand is evolving beyond digital workout content towards a wider technology ecosystem for gyms, and how his role at Snap Fitness gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing operators. He explains why AI's biggest opportunity may not be building workouts, but improving lead generation, sales, onboarding, customer service and operational efficiency. The conversation also explores changing consumer behaviour, the growth of female strength training, recovery and Pilates, and how these trends are influencing the physical design of gyms and the technology members interact with inside them. In this episode, we cover: How Fitness On Demand is evolving beyond workout content Why the future of fitness won't be built around equipment alone Where gym operators should really be using AI How AI could transform leads, sales and customer service The changing expectations of today's fitness consumer The growth of strength training, recovery and Pilates How technology and content are influencing gym design The future of connected, personalised fitness experiences 👉 Connect with Andy Peat  LinkedIn: Andy Peat on LinkedIn Instagram: Andy Peat on Instagram Follow Fitness On Demand: LinkedIn: Fitness On Demand on LinkedIn Instagram: Fitness On Demand on Instagram 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 notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: LIFTS on YouTube Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: Subscribe to the LIFTS newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: LinkedIn: LIFTS on LinkedIn or Instagram: LIFTS on Instagram This episode is brought to you by our partners, EGYM and Fitness On Demand. Learn more: EGYM Fitness On Demand Timestamps 00:00 How Fitness Consumer Behaviour Is Changing 06:03 From Fitness Content to a Gym Operating System 14:10 Gen Z, Female Strength Training & Recovery 17:30 Where Gyms Should Really Be Using AI 21:14 AI, Customer Service & Selling Memberships 25:28 Will AI Agents Replace Human Customer Service? 32:31 Building the Connected Gym Experience 37:07 How Technology Is Changing Gym Design 39:22 Strength, Recovery & the Changing Gym Floor 44:32 The Future of AI, Content & Personalisation

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Anthony Geisler, CEO of Sequel Brands and one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the fitness industry. From helping pioneer the boutique fitness movement to building and scaling some of the industry's most recognised brands, Anthony has spent more than two decades shaping the way people experience fitness. But as the industry continues to evolve, where does the next wave of opportunity lie? Anthony reflects on the rise of boutique fitness, the lessons he's learned from franchising and entrepreneurship, and why longevity, recovery and preventative healthcare are set to become the next major growth areas for fitness businesses. Together, they explore what makes a fitness concept scalable, why boutique fitness is far from finished, how operators should think about differentiation in an increasingly competitive market, and what the future holds for entrepreneurs looking to build the next generation of fitness brands. In this episode, we cover: How boutique fitness transformed the global fitness industry The lessons behind building and scaling successful fitness brands Why boutique fitness continues to evolve The difference between boutique studios and big-box gyms The "McDonald's" principle behind successful franchising What makes a fitness concept truly scalable Why longevity and preventative healthcare are the next major opportunity What's next for Anthony Geisler and Sequel Brands 👉 Connect with Sequel Brands on LinkedIn. 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 notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here. Join the conversation at LIFTS: LinkedIn or Instagram. Timestamps 00:00 The Man Who Built Boutique Fitness 09:45 The Birth of Boutique Fitness 17:52 Is Boutique Fitness Dead? 28:56 The McDonald's Lesson on Franchising 38:02 The Two Types of Boutique Fitness 45:41 What Makes a Fitness Brand Scalable? 52:48 Why Longevity Is the Next Big Opportunity 59:08 Building the Future with Sequel Brands 1:03:41 Final Takeaways

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Nico Varano, CEO of SWTHZ, one of North America's fastest-growing recovery and wellness brands. Recovery has become one of the biggest growth opportunities in health and fitness, with consumers increasingly seeking experiences that help them reduce stress, improve performance and build healthier habits. But what does it take to build a business around recovery? Nico shares his journey from becoming SWTHZ's very first franchisee to leading the company as CEO. Together, they explore why recovery is becoming a category in its own right, how contrast therapy is evolving beyond a wellness trend, and why hospitality, technology and habit-building are central to creating lasting customer experiences. The conversation also looks at the role of AI, wearables and personalised data, the differences between private and communal recovery experiences, and what the future holds as SWTHZ continues its expansion across North America. In this episode, we cover: Nico's journey from customer to CEO Why recovery is becoming a category of its own Building a scalable wellness franchise The rise of private contrast therapy experiences How hospitality is redefining customer expectations The role of AI, wearables and data in recovery Why habit-building matters more than one-off experiences The future of recovery, wellness and preventative health 👉 Connect with Nico Varano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovarano/ 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 notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Timestamps 00:00 From Customer to CEO 01:23 Why Recovery Is Booming 06:03 Building the SWTHZ Vision 09:49 Why Recovery Is Its Own Category 16:20 Can Gyms Compete with SWTHZ? 19:31 The Power of Private Recovery 24:01 Wearables, AI & the Resilience Score 30:25 Taking SWTHZ Global 36:21 Growing Beyond Memberships 39:27 Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts

Welcome to another episode of LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Oliver Patrick, Co-Founder of Future Practice Ltd, Clinical Director of Pillar Wellbeing and one of the fitness industry's leading voices on longevity, preventative health and behavioural science. As longevity becomes one of the fastest-growing trends in health and wellness, gyms, wellness operators and consumers are investing heavily in everything from red light therapy and hyperbarics to peptides, wearables, blood testing and recovery technologies. But are we focusing on the right things? Oliver explains why the fundamentals of movement, nutrition, sleep and behaviour still outperform many of today's trending biohacking interventions, why genetics aren't the excuse many people believe they are, and how fitness operators have the greatest opportunity to become the front line of preventative healthcare. Together, they explore how the fitness industry can move beyond selling workouts to delivering long-term health outcomes, and why behaviour change not technology remains the most powerful intervention available. In this episode, we cover: Why everything you know about longevity may be wrong The difference between lifespan and healthspan What the latest genetics research really means Why lifestyle still has the biggest impact on long-term health Whether red light therapy, sauna, hyperbarics and peptides are worth the investment Why biohacking should never replace the fundamentals How gyms can become the future of preventative healthcare Practical advice for fitness and wellness operators investing in recovery and longevity 👉 Connect with Oliver Patrick https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-patrick-0b61776/ or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_olipatrick/ 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 notifications so you never miss a new video when it's published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness Or if you prefer, you can receive the latest news direct to your inbox by subscribing here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod https://www.instagram.com/lifts.podcast/ Timestamps 0:00 Everything You Know About Longevity Is Probably Wrong 6:53 The Biggest Shift in Longevity Right Now 10:37 Does Lifestyle Matter More Than Genetics? 18:29 Why the Basics Still Win 27:07 Before You Buy Wellness Technology... 36:04 Red Light, Sauna & The Future of Recovery 50:30 Oliver's View on Peptides & GLP-1s