LIFTS

2024 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report | David Minton Welcome to a very special episode of LIFTS. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, meet with David Minton to discuss key takeouts from his pioneering ‘State of The UK Fitness Industry 2024 Report’. David is the founder of The Leisure Database Company, a market intelligence company that produces the UK fitness industry’s most valuable and comprehensive annual audit, The State of The UK Industry Report. This year, for the first time, thanks to a commercial collaboration with many leading industry suppliers, The Leisure Database has made its annual industry report available to everyone, free of charge, to democratize fitness data in the interests of sector growth and prosperity. In this special episode, we discuss the key report findings, explore the implications of these findings for the future of the sector and dive into how the sector might evolve to raise market penetration above its current level. Topics discussed include: · Overview of the State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2024 · Takeout trends from the report, focused on value growth, penetration and data · Expanding the report to include more health focused data points · Premiumization and cost variation within the sector · Market penetration and the disparity between public and private sector · Public sector segmentation · Fitness industry trends, including gym openings and closings, demographics, and market growth opportunities · The blueprint for a ‘dream gym’ · AI potential disruption and the democratization of education · The evolution of the fitness industry: opportunities and challenges To watch the full episode, see the link in the comments section. #escapefitness #escapeyourlimits #podcast #davidminton #leisuredatabasecompany #stateoftheukfitnessindustryreport #fitnessindustryinsight #fitnessinsight #fitnessreport #fitnessindustrymarketinsights #marketresearch #annualfitnessindustryaudit #fitnesstrends #futureoffitness

NYC Fitness Trends | Market Insights & Opinions | Justin & Austin FLEXIT On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guests, Austin Cohen, Founder and CEO of FlexIt and Justin Turetsky, part of the founding team and COO of FlexIt Inc. This episode dives into the personalization and data-led fitness experiences taking New York City by Storm! This fast-paced debate explores the ethics and safety of genetically modified foods and dissects the evolving dynamics of authenticity and pragmatism in marketing and influencer engagement. The session wraps up with a passionate conversation on the pursuit of excellence and the game-changing impact of surrounding oneself with exceptional people. Key topics discussed include: · Fitness trends driving sector growth in NYC · Consumer willingness to pay a premium for personalization · Trends with staying power versus fads · Genetically modified food – new trend or clever marketing of age-old processes? · NYC culture and its effect on consumer food choices     · Is influencer and social media marketing still a powerful tool? · The power of authenticity · Entrepreneurship: the pursuit of excellence To watch the full episode, see the link in the comments section. #escapefitness #sweatworks #lifts #podcast #fitnessindustry #FlexIt #NYC #fitnesspersonalization #GMF #geneticallymodifiedfood #fitnesstrends #fitnessenrepreneur #influencerengagement

Snap Fitness Global CEO | Consumer Behavior, Fitness Trends & AI Technology On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Ty Menzies, global CEO of Lift Brands, an international franchise organization that is parent brand to Snap Fitness. This episode discusses how the industry has had to adapt to the current hybrid work environment, fitness trends versus fads, GLP-1s as well as the barriers to fitness and the changes that the boutique industry has gone through and the shift towards digital solutions, including the integration of AI technology to hyper-personalize content and the member experience. Key topics discussed include: · The change in consumer behaviour post-Covid · The influence of a more educated consumer · Digital versus in-person fitness demand · How franchising is being impacted by mergers and acquisitions · Fitness trends vs fads that come and go · Ozempic specific foods and training programmes · Using AI to hyper-personalize and individualize content To watch the full episode, see the link in the comments section. #escapefitness #sweatworks #lifts #podcast #fitnessindustry #liftbrands #snapfitness #ai #fittech #fitnessfranchising #weightloss #fitnesstrends #holisticfitness #ozempic #glp1 #AI

How AI technology is Shaping Content Creation, Authenticity, and the Future of Fitness On this AI-focussed episode of the LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Eric Malzone, founder of The Future of Fitness podcast, to discuss all things AI technology. They debate the opportunities and challenges surrounding AI, the rapid pace at which the technology is not only evolving, but learning from us, and the impact that this level of smart technology can have on all aspects of the fitness industry. Key topics discussed include: · How AI has actually driven the need for more content · OpenAI striking a deal with Reddit to train its AI with posts · The impact of AI on creators and authenticity · The introduction of Pencil AI, a tool that makes ads with generative AI · The dual nature of AI’s influence on marketing · Kabata raised $5 million to further develop its AI-powered dumbbells To watch the full episode, see the link in the comments section. #escapefitness #sweatworks #lifts #thefutureoffitness #podcast #ai #fittech #chatgpt #openai #pencilai #kabata #strengthtraining #aidumbbells #digitalmarketing #smarttechnology #fitnessindustry

Navigating Volatility, Core Health & Fitness CEO Discussing the current state of the commercial fitness industry, highlighting both volatility and evolution. Bryan K. O'Rourke, CEO of Core Health & Fitness joins us for the 31st episode of LIFTS with hosts Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks. Throughout the interview they discuss the need for leaders to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve, with Bryan emphasizing the challenges of maintaining profitability in a rapidly changing market. Topics discussed include: · Near-term economic pressures and volatility in the fitness industry · Consolidation trends in the commercial club and supplier sectors · Evolving consumer behaviors and shifting motivations for fitness · Removing barriers to entry through innovative business models and programming · Long-term health and wellness macro trends despite short-term industry challenges To watch the full episode, see the link in the comments section. #corehealthandfitness #ukactive #consumer #homefitness #escapefitness #sweatworks #FitnessTrends

The Future of Fitness: Technology and Trends Welcome back to the latest episode of LIFTS, this week Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks speak with John Ford, Chief Product Officer at EGYM. John has a vast knowledge of the fitness technology industry; he is a board member of the Fitness Industry Technology Council. Our first topic this week is around the recent announcement from Planet Fitness, who for the first time in 26 years have raised their membership fees. This leads into a wider discussion around personalised fitness plans and assessments, incorporating technology to enhance user and member experience. Topics discussed include: · The rationale behind Planet Fitness raising its membership fee for the first time in 26 years and its implications for the industry. · How gyms are incorporating technology to enhance user experience and differentiate their services. · The growing importance of personalized fitness plans and assessments in modern fitness regimes. · The role of professional management and executive changes in driving innovation and adaptability in gyms. · The expansion strategies of fitness companies like Whoop into new markets, such as the Middle East, and the impact on their growth. To watch the full episode, click here: https://lnkd.in/geuxMc_3 #escapefitness #sweatworks #PlanetFitness #GymEconomics #FitnessTrends #FitTech #GymInnovation #UserExperience #PersonalizedFitness #FitnessAssessment #FitTech #Whoop #MiddleEast #GlobalFitness

Franchising Challenges in Fitness: A LIFTS Discussion on Xponential's Issues Welcome back to LIFTS, on this special episode, Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks discuss the recent changes at Xponential Fitness and the departure of Anthony Geisler with Jon Canarick, Managing Partner at North Castle Partners, they are the leading small cap consumer private equity firm focused in the Healthy, Active, and Sustainable Living sectors. During this conversation, Jon offers his views on the potential impact of Anthony Geisler's departure from Xponential, particularly on brand acquisition efforts and the process of selling new franchises. They delve deeper into insights around the lack of proof points and data available for potential franchises to properly assess the likelihood of success in a specific location. Topics discussed include: · Anthony Geisler's departure from Xponential and its potential impact · The lack of sufficient proof points and location-specific performance data provided to potential franchisees before large-scale sales begin · Variability in boutique fitness studio build costs and revenue potentials · Lessons learned from Xponential and F45's rapid expansion strategies · Outlook on the fitness industry and opportunities for brands To watch the full episode, click here: https://lnkd.in/eE5uWPah #escapefitness #sweatworks #Xponential #franchise #northcastle #boutiquefitness #podcast #fitnessindustry

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More Industry Consolidation & the Evolution of Strength Training On this week's episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek, CEO of Escape Fitness and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks speak with Bruce Smith, Founder of Hydrow, Inc., the leading connected rower that brings the on-water experience of rowing straight to your home. They discuss Hydrow's recent developments, including the acquisition of a digital resistance training company aimed at transforming strength training. Bruce shares his vision of combining rowing, strength, and other modalities into a single connected fitness platform. He also offers his perspective on Peleton's challenges and potential paths forward under new leadership. They explore topics like motivation, incentives, and how technology can be leveraged to improve long-term user adherence. They also consider trends in the industry, such as the growing emphasis on whole health and wellness. Topics discussed include: · Hydrow's acquisition of a digital resistance company and plans to integrate strength training · Peleton's leadership changes and challenges · Using technology and data to better understand user motivation and incentivization · The growing trend of whole health and wellness among fitness brands  · Predictions for the future of connected fitness, including potential consolidation in the industry To watch the full episode, see the link in the comments section. #escapefitness #sweatworks #digitalfitness #peleton #hydrow #wholehealth #wellness #fitnessbrands #celebrityfitness #podcast #fitnessindustry

The Pain of Inevitable Change | Innovating for the Future of Fitness On this week’s episode of LIFTS. Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks sit down one on one to discuss their thoughts on the changing landscape of the health and fitness industry. They explore opportunities for partnering brands with the LIFTS podcast and examine challenges faced by companies like Stages. Matthew and Mo also dive into trends in wellness offerings, industry consolidation, and how brands can better serve evolving consumer needs. Tune in to hear their insights on navigating change and pursuing new opportunities for progress in this dynamic sector. Topics discussed include: · Partnering brands with the LIFTS podcast · New product launch of Escape Fitness' GLUTE BOX · Challenges faced by indoor cycling brand Stages during the pandemic · Trends in wellness offerings like recovery spaces and personalized programs · Industry consolidation and how gyms and suppliers can differentiate their services To watch the full episode, see the link in the comments section. #escapefitness #sweatworks #recovery #wellness #healthandfitnessreport #innovation #evolution #sponsorship #podcast #fitnessindustry