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Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

Escape Your Limits & LIFTS

Hosted by Matthew Januszek

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Episodes

476

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN

About the show

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. 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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
June 14, 2026Episode 12854 min

LIFTS Episode 128 - One PhD. 5.5M Members | Retention Science That Could Change the Industry | with Dr. Paul Bedford

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Dr. Paul Bedford, founder of The Retention Guru and one of the fitness industry's leading authorities on member retention, customer experience, and consumer behaviour. After analysing more than 5.5 million gym member records worldwide, Dr. Bedford has spent decades helping operators understand one of the biggest challenges facing fitness businesses today: keeping members engaged for the long term. This conversation explores why retention remains one of the most misunderstood metrics in the fitness industry and why many operators may be focusing on the wrong things. As consumer behaviour continues to evolve, the traditional membership model is being challenged by a new generation of fitness consumers who increasingly belong to multiple gyms, studios, communities, and wellness brands simultaneously. Dr. Bedford shares insights into why members really leave, the critical role community plays in long-term engagement, and why every member interaction contributes to retention. The discussion also examines how operators can create more meaningful experiences and why positive experiences, not extraordinary ones, are often the foundation of long-term loyalty. The episode explores the future of member retention, changing consumer expectations, and what fitness operators must do to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive market. In this episode, we cover: • What 5.5 million member records reveal about retention • Why members really leave gyms • The rise of multi-membership consumers • Why community drives long-term engagement • The retention data many operators ignore • What fitness businesses must do next 👉 To learn more about Dr. Paul Bedford, click here:  https://www.retentionguru.com 👉 Connect with Dr. Paul Bedford on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaulbedford/ 👉 Follow Dr. Paul Bedford on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/retentionguru/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here:  https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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, subscribe 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 Introduction 3:15 Why Retention Matters More Than Ever 8:22 What 5.5 Million Members Reveal 15:04 Why Members Really Leave 21:48 Sponsor Message: EGYM 22:20 The Future of Multi-Membership Consumers 30:11 Why Community Drives Retention 38:42 The Retention Data Most Gyms Ignore 47:18 Creating Positive Member Experiences 55:02 What Operators Must Do Next

June 8, 202647 min

LIFTS Episode 127 - The HYROX Effect | Will Every Gym Need a Strategy to Survive?

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Mark Hartnett-Morgan (ATHX Games), Nicolas Denby (GymSync), Emily Leroux (DEKA International), and George Crook (HYROX Training Zones) to explore one of the most significant trends reshaping the fitness industry today: the rise of competition fitness. What started as a niche category has rapidly evolved into a global movement. HYROX events are selling out around the world, DEKA continues to expand internationally, and more operators are beginning to rethink how they design facilities, build communities, and engage members through performance-driven experiences. This conversation explores whether competition fitness is simply another industry trend or a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour that will permanently influence the future of gyms, fitness clubs, and training facilities. The panel examines how competition-based formats are creating new opportunities for operators to drive member acquisition, improve retention, strengthen community, and provide members with measurable goals beyond traditional fitness programming. The discussion also dives into the evolution of fitness events, the growth of dedicated competition training spaces, and the increasing role that challenges, races, and performance experiences play in motivating members to stay engaged over the long term. The guests share insights from ATHX, DEKA, HYROX, and GymSync, discussing how operators can successfully integrate competition fitness into their businesses without losing sight of the broader member experience. For fitness operators, gym owners, investors, coaches, and industry leaders, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the fastest-growing movements in the fitness industry and what it could mean for the future of gym design, programming, and member engagement. In this episode, we cover: Why competition fitness is growing so rapidly The HYROX effect and its impact on gyms worldwide Whether competition fitness is a fad or a long-term movement How events drive member acquisition and retention Why operators may need a competition fitness strategy The future of training zones, fitness tourism, and performance communities 👉 To learn more about Mark Hartnett-Morgan, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hartnett-morgan 👉 To learn more about Nicolas Denby, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-denby 👉 To learn more about Emily Leroux, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-leroux-5ba26a13/ 👉 To learn more about George Crook, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecrookperformance/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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, subscribe 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 Introduction: Is Competition Fitness a Fad? 4:18 Why Competition Fitness Is Transforming Gym Culture 10:00 The HYROX Effect: From 600 to 40,000 Competitors 12:10 Should Gyms Build Their Business Around Competition Fitness? 19:08 Why DEKA, ATHX & HYROX Are Growing So Fast 22:29 How Competition Trends Are Changing Gym Design 25:20 Sponsor Message: EGYM 25:47 Do Gyms Need Dedicated Competition Training Spaces? 35:43 How Events Drive Retention, Community & Member Growth 42:13 The One Thing Every Gym Operator Must Get Right

May 31, 2026Episode 12658 min

LIFTS Episode 126 - Why the Fastest-Growing Workout Category in America Is Also the Most Misunderstood | with Dr. Brent Anderson

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Dr. Brent Anderson, founder of Polestar Pilates, physical therapist, educator, and one of the most respected voices in the global Pilates industry. Pilates has become one of the fastest-growing categories in fitness. Participation continues to rise, studios are expanding globally, and demand shows little sign of slowing down. Yet despite its popularity, Pilates remains one of the most misunderstood modalities in the industry. This conversation explores why Pilates has experienced such remarkable growth, whether the category is approaching saturation, and what operators, investors, and fitness professionals often misunderstand about the methodology behind its success. Drawing on more than four decades of experience in rehabilitation, movement science, and Pilates education, Dr. Anderson explains how Pilates evolved from a niche practice used primarily by dancers and physical therapists into a global wellness phenomenon. He also shares why he believes the category still has significant room to grow. The discussion dives into the growing role of technology, connected equipment, and performance data within Pilates, and examines how innovation can help operators improve outcomes without losing sight of the principles that made Pilates effective in the first place. The episode also explores one of the most surprising trends in fitness today: younger consumers are increasingly embracing Pilates as part of a broader shift toward wellness, longevity, recovery, and preventative health. As wellness becomes a daily lifestyle rather than an occasional activity, Pilates is finding relevance across new demographics and markets around the world. For fitness operators, studio owners, educators, investors, and wellness professionals, this episode offers a fascinating look at why Pilates continues to grow, what makes it so effective, and where the category may be heading next. In this episode, we cover: Why Pilates continues to grow globally What most people misunderstand about Pilates How technology is changing the Pilates experience Whether the industry is approaching saturation Why Pilates may become a pillar of wellness and healthcare 👉 To learn more about Dr. Brent Anderson, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrentpt 👉 Follow Dr. Brent Anderson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbrentpt 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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, subscribe 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 Introduction 3:02 Why Pilates Is Having a Moment 8:03 Technology, Data & The Future of Pilates 23:12 Sponsor Message: EGYM 23:37 Is Pilates Approaching Saturation? 37:24 The Global Expansion of Pilates 45:25 Can Pilates Be Standardised? 50:50 What Fitness Operators Need to Understand About Pilates 53:39 Final Takeaways & The Future of the Category

May 24, 2026Episode 12536 min

LIFTS Episode 125 - Is the Fitness Industry Ready for the Performance Medicine Era? | with Dr. Nestor Rodriguez

Welcome to LIFTS, where we explore the future of fitness, wellness, and human performance. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Dr. Nestor Rodriguez for a deep dive into one of the biggest shifts happening across healthcare, fitness, and longevity: the move from reactive "sick care" to proactive performance medicine. For decades, healthcare systems have largely focused on treating illness after it appears. But a new model is beginning to emerge - one centred around prevention, optimisation, diagnostics, recovery, and long-term human performance. This conversation explores why consumers are becoming more proactive about their health, how wearable technology and biomarkers are reshaping the wellness landscape, and why the worlds of fitness, medicine, recovery, and longevity are starting to converge faster than ever before. Dr. Nestor Rodriguez explains why the future of healthcare may look very different from the systems we know today. As consumers gain access to more data through wearables, recovery tracking, blood testing, and AI-driven health insights, expectations around health and wellness are rapidly evolving. The discussion also examines the growing opportunity for fitness operators. As gyms continue evolving beyond exercise facilities into broader wellness and longevity platforms, operators may soon play a much larger role in preventative health, performance optimisation, and personalised wellness experiences. The episode also dives into the limitations of the traditional healthcare system, the growing demand for personalised medicine, and why the next era of wellness may be built around continuous optimisation rather than reactive treatment. In this episode, we cover: Why healthcare is shifting from "sick care" to performance medicine The rise of longevity, diagnostics, and preventative health How wearables and biomarkers are changing consumer behaviour Why fitness operators may become part of the healthcare ecosystem The future of personalised wellness and human performance 👉 To learn more about Dr. Nestor Rodriguez, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nestorrodriguezmd 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 4:32 Why Healthcare Is Still Built Around "Sick Care" 11:48 The Rise of Performance Medicine & Longevity 19:42 Sponsor Message: EGYM 21:03 Wearables, Biomarkers & Consumer Health Data 30:14 Why Fitness & Healthcare Are Starting to Converge 39:08 The Future of Human Performance & Preventative Wellness

May 17, 2026Episode 12442 min

LIFTS Episode 124 – The $128 Million Recovery Tech Collapse: What Really Happened at Aescape | with Frank Britt

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest fitness industry trends and stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Frank Britt, CEO of Aescape, for a deep dive into one of the most talked-about stories in wellness technology this year. After reports emerged that Aescape entered insolvency proceedings following a reported $157 million shortfall, the conversation around recovery robotics quickly shifted from innovation to survival. But according to Frank Britt, the real story is far more nuanced and far from over. This episode explores what actually happened behind the scenes at Aescape, why the original business model failed, and how the company is now attempting to rebuild around a completely different approach. Frank shares why "robots as a service" created major challenges for the company's economics, how the business is restructuring around equipment ownership and platform services, and why he believes recovery robotics is still positioned at the centre of several long-term wellness trends including AI, personalisation, diagnostics, and labour shortages. The discussion also examines the broader future of recovery within fitness and hospitality. As recovery moves from luxury amenity to everyday infrastructure, operators are beginning to rethink how bodywork, data, and personalised wellness experiences fit into the future member journey. The episode also dives into the parallels between recovery technology and the adoption curves of other consumer technologies from GPS and streaming to wearables and connected health devices and why Frank believes recovery intelligence could eventually become as mainstream as strength or cardio tracking. In this episode, we cover: Why Aescape collapsed despite raising $128 million The business model mistake behind "robots as a service" How Aescape plans to rebuild and scale Why recovery is moving to the centre of wellness The future of AI-driven recovery and personalisation 👉 To learn more about Frank Britt, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fbritt/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 5:58 What Really Happened at Aescape 11:07 The Pivot Away From "Robots as a Service" 17:59 Why Recovery Is Moving to the Centre of Wellness 33:28 The Future of AI-Driven Recovery & Diagnostics

May 10, 2026Episode 12350 min

LIFTS Episode 123 – Fitness Technology Is No Longer Software. It's Infrastructure | with Al Noshirvani

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest fitness industry trends and stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most important shifts in the fitness industry today: technology is no longer just a support function, it's a core driver of growth. Joined by Al Noshirvani, Executive Chairman of Alta Technology Group, the conversation dives into how operators should rethink their approach to AI, payments, and platform decisions. While the industry is flooded with new tools and innovations, a deeper challenge is emerging beneath the surface. Many operators are investing in technology without clearly understanding whether it delivers measurable impact. Al introduces a simple but powerful framework: every technology decision should enhance the member experience, increase staff productivity, or contribute to the bottom line. Ideally, it should do all three. The discussion explores how AI is often overemphasised in customer-facing features, while the real opportunity lies behind the scenes automating operations such as collections, onboarding, and staff training. It also examines how payments have evolved from a back-office necessity into a strategic lever that impacts revenue, retention, and customer trust. The conversation also highlights the growing importance of platform strategy. As businesses scale, operators must ensure their technology is configurable, flexible, and extensible otherwise they risk being locked into systems that limit future growth. As the episode develops, the panel reinforces a critical insight: technology should not be pursued for its own sake. The operators who win will be those who focus on outcomes using technology to drive better experiences, stronger operations, and sustainable revenue growth. In this episode, we cover: The 3 tests every fitness technology decision must pass Why most AI in fitness is missing the point Where AI is actually creating operational value How payments became a strategic lever in fitness The risks of choosing the wrong technology platform Why configurability, flexibility, and extensibility matter How to think about technology as a revenue driver—not a cost What operators should demand from their tech partners 👉 To learn more about Al Noshirvani, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alnoshirvani/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 4:41 Why Fitness Technology Is Now Infrastructure 9:25 What Operators Should Focus on With Technology 10:04 The 3 Tests Every Tech Decision Must Pass 11:08 Where AI Actually Works in Fitness 13:12 Get Them, Know Them, Keep Them 19:48 Click to Cancel, Trust & Member Experience 25:45 Sponsor Message: EGYM 28:23 Payments as a Strategic Lever 35:36 AI, Personalisation & The Gym Experience

May 3, 2026Episode 12144 min

LIFTS Episode 122 – Your Gym Isn't Growing… Because Your Members Don't Show Up | with JJ Creegan

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest fitness industry trends and stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most overlooked drivers of growth in the fitness industry: member frequency. Joined by JJ Creegan, Principal at Creegan Co., the conversation dives into why many gyms plateau despite strong demand and continued industry growth. While headlines suggest the fitness industry is thriving, with rising revenues and participation, a deeper issue is emerging beneath the surface. Many operators are still focused on acquisition and utilisation, while overlooking the single metric that ultimately determines long-term success: whether members consistently show up. Drawing on experience from brands such as Planet Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, and Purpose Brands, JJ shares a practical framework for understanding where businesses break down as they scale. From reliance on "founder energy" to fragmented systems and inconsistent execution, the discussion highlights why early success can often mask deeper operational fragility. The conversation also explores how operators can better understand their lead funnels, improve execution across teams, and build systems that drive behaviour, not just short-term results. JJ introduces his "SCREAM" framework as a way to evaluate business health across systems, culture, relationships, execution, action, and management. As the episode develops, the panel reinforces a critical insight: growth is no longer just about getting more members through the door. It's about ensuring they stay engaged, build consistent habits, and remain active within your ecosystem. For operators, founders, and investors, this episode provides valuable insight into the shifting dynamics of the industry, including the "disappearing middle," changing consumer behaviour, and the increasing importance of retention in a more competitive landscape. In this episode, we cover: Why frequency of visit is the most important metric in fitness The hidden gaps in the lead funnel (book, show, close) Why "founder energy" doesn't scale The SCREAM framework for building stronger operations The "disappearing middle" of the fitness market How consumer behaviour is shifting towards performance and data Why retention is becoming harder—and more important than ever 👉 To learn more about JJ Creegan, click here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjcreegan/ or https://www.instagram.com/jcreegan/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here:  https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Shop gym equipment:https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:20 The Real Problem Behind Gym Growth 5:30 Why Frequency Matters More Than Members 10:15 Founder Energy vs Scalable Systems 15:00 The SCREAM Framework Explained 20:30 The Disappearing Middle of Fitness 26:00 Performance, Data & Changing Consumer Behaviour 31:30 Fixing the Funnel: Book, Show, Close 36:00 Retention vs Acquisition 40:30 Final Takeaways

April 26, 2026Episode 12151 min

LIFTS Episode 121 – If Aging Is a Disease… Can We Cure It? | with Dr. Jonathann Kuo

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest industry fitness trends and stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most provocative ideas in modern health and wellness: what if aging itself is a disease? Joined by Dr. Jonathann Kuo, founder of Extension Health, the conversation dives into the rapid rise of longevity medicine, peptides, and advanced performance therapies. As concierge health models, diagnostics, and biohacking treatments move into the mainstream, a new category is emerging at the intersection of healthcare, wellness, and performance. However, as interest grows, so too does the gap between consumer awareness, clinical expertise, and real-world application. The discussion explores how longevity medicine is being defined today, and how it differs from traditional healthcare, which has historically focused on treating disease rather than preventing it. Dr. Kuo shares his clinical perspective on using advanced diagnostics, peptide therapies, and regenerative interventions to optimise healthspan and address the underlying drivers of aging. Matthew and Mo challenge the growing influence of social media and biohacking culture, where consumer demand is accelerating faster than regulation and scientific validation. The conversation highlights the importance of clinical experience, medical oversight, and responsible implementation in a space that is evolving rapidly. As the episode develops, the panel reinforces a key message: while advanced therapies are gaining traction, the fundamentals of health, diet, sleep, and exercise remain the foundation of long-term outcomes, with newer interventions acting as an additional layer of optimisation. For operators, this episode provides valuable insight into both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with integrating longevity and wellness services into fitness environments. In this episode, we cover: • What longevity medicine is and why it's growing • The idea of aging as a disease and what it means in practice • The rise of peptides, biohacking, and advanced therapies • The difference between clinical care and influencer-led health advice • Why diagnostics and personalised data are essential • Risks around unregulated treatments and "DIY" biohacking • How AI is shaping the future of personalised healthcare Guest 👉 To learn more about Dr. Jonathann Kuo, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathannkuo/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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, subscribe here: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter  Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod   Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:05 What Is Longevity Medicine? 5:30 Aging as a Disease A New Perspective 10:20 Peptides Explained: Hype vs Reality 18:45 Fundamentals vs Optimisation 23:30 Mental Health & Neuro Reset Therapies 28:40 Why Diagnostics & Data Matter 33:50 The Rise of Concierge Health Models 38:10 Risks of Unregulated Biohacking 43:00 AI and the Future of Healthcare 46:00 Final Takeaways

April 19, 2026Episode 12055 min

LIFTS Episode 120 – The Molecule Matters: How NAD Actually Works in the Body | with Rachele Pojednic

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore one of the most talked-about topics in modern wellness: NAD and the rapid rise of longevity therapies. Joined by Rachele Pojednic, Chief Science Officer at Restore Hyper Wellness, the conversation breaks down what NAD actually is, how it functions within the body, and why it has become such a focal point in energy, recovery, and healthy aging. As wellness clinics, IV therapies, and performance treatments continue to grow in popularity, NAD has emerged as a central molecule in the conversation around optimisation and longevity. However, as interest increases, so too does the gap between consumer awareness, scientific understanding, and real-world application. The discussion explores the biology behind NAD, including its role in cellular energy production, metabolism, and DNA repair, while also examining the different forms of NAD and its precursors, such as NR and NMN. Matthew and Mo share their own experiences with NAD therapies, opening up a broader discussion around delivery methods, perceived benefits, and the difference between anecdotal outcomes and evidence-based practice. As the conversation develops, Rachel highlights the importance of understanding not just the therapy, but the underlying molecule, and why factors such as dosage, delivery method, and cellular transport play a critical role in determining effectiveness. The episode also addresses the wider challenges within the wellness industry, including the speed at which new therapies are being adopted, the influence of biohacking culture, and the growing need for scientific validation and safety data. For operators, this episode provides valuable insight into both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with integrating longevity and wellness services into fitness environments. In this episode, we cover: What NAD is and how it works in the body Why NAD levels decline with age The rise of NAD and wellness clinics The difference between NAD, NR, and NMN Why delivery method and molecule selection matter The gap between wellness hype and scientific evidence Safety considerations, dosage challenges, and unknowns 👉 To learn more about Rachele Pojednic, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelepojednic/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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  Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog  (US) Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod  Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:50 What is NAD? 6:15 How NAD Works in the Body 9:10 Why NAD Declines With Age 13:00 Can You Measure NAD? 19:00 NAD Therapy Explained 28:30 Wellness Hype vs Science 38:30 Safety & What We Don't Know 51:30 Final Takeaways

April 12, 2026Episode 11928 min

LIFTS Episode 119 - The Golden Era of Fitness? Longevity, Mental Fitness & Human Performance | PerformX Special (Part 3 of 3) | with Giles Denning & Phil Learney

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. In this special episode recorded live at PerformX, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal explore why many believe the fitness industry is entering a golden era of fitness and wellbeing. Joined by Giles Denning and Phil Learney, the conversation explores how fitness, wellness, longevity, and human performance are beginning to converge. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, gyms and operators are being challenged to think beyond traditional training models. Members are increasingly looking for guidance on mental fitness, recovery, sleep, and overall lifestyle optimisation — not just workouts. The discussion explores why gyms may be uniquely positioned to support these broader health goals. From bringing people together through challenging training environments to creating spaces where community, purpose, and coaching intersect, the fitness industry has the potential to play a much larger role in supporting long-term wellbeing. The panel also dives into the concept of cumulative stress and human capacity, exploring how factors such as sleep, travel, alcohol, environment, and recovery protocols influence overall health and performance. As the conversation develops, Phil Learney explains why recovery and wellness practices must be prescribed with the same precision as training, highlighting the growing importance of evidence-based approaches as the industry moves beyond hype toward measurable outcomes. For operators, this episode highlights a significant opportunity: as consumer demand shifts toward longevity, optimisation, and preventative health, gyms may become central hubs for supporting human performance across all areas of life. This episode is Part 3 of a three-part series recorded live at PerformX, exploring the ideas shaping the future of fitness. In this episode, we cover: • Why the fitness industry may be entering a golden era • The growing focus on mental fitness and men's health • Understanding cumulative stress and human capacity • Why recovery should be prescribed like training • The difference between wellness hype and evidence-based practice • How AI may transform coaching and performance programming • Why gyms may become central hubs for longevity and optimisation 👉 To learn more about Giles Denning, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilesdenning/ 👉 To learn more about Phil Learney, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillearney/ 👉 To learn more about our sponsor EGYM, click here: https://bit.ly/3JzsosR ====================================================== Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com 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 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog:  https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK) Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftspod Timestamps 0:00 Welcome to PerformX 1:07 The Golden Era of Fitness & Wellbeing 4:08 Mental Fitness & Men's Health 6:13 Human Performance & Wellness Trends 10:01 Understanding Cumulative Stress 14:45 Recovery Should Be Prescribed Like Training 24:36 Final Takeaways: The Future of Fitness

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