In this special mid-week podcast, brought to you by Escape Fitness, we delve into the strategies that amplify a gym's digital presence and drive real business results with today’s guest, Dennis Yu, one of the world’s foremost authorities on leveraging digital marketing for success.

Here, Dennis shares his decades of expertise, delivering actionable insights on how gyms can build stronger community connections by collecting, curating, and sharing hyper-localized digital content. Whether you’re a gym owner or operator, this conversation is packed with invaluable advice to attract more members and deepen engagement with local populations.

Dennis Yu is the Chief Technology Officer at BlitzMetrics and co-author of the best-selling book The Definitive Guide to TikTok Ads. A seasoned international speaker, Dennis has presented in over 20 countries and worked with iconic brands like Nike, Red Bull, and the Golden State Warriors. His insights have been featured in CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NPR, and The Los Angeles Times. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Southern Methodist University and a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.

In this Episode, we discuss:

• The ‘hidden’ data-value that led to the multi-billion dollar sale of Visio to Walmart.
• The ‘dollar a day’ marketing strategy.
• Google and YouTube as social media networks.
• Reviews and recommendations – do they deliver value?
• Hacks to encourage member reviews.
• Setting up Google Pages for success.
• Localization and personalization - the key to online visibility.
• Successfully organizing content across multiple social media platforms.
• Engagement and content strategy.
• Traditional marketing vs. digital marketing – which works best?
• The power of micro podcasts.

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0:00       Intro

0:29       The ‘hidden’ data-value that led to the multi-billion dollar sale of Visio to Walmart

1:12       Using hardware as the gateway to data collection

2:21       Explaining the ‘dollar a day’ marketing strategy

7:10       Google and YouTube as social media networks

8:15       How influential are posted reviews and recommendations?

10:55    Hacks that encourage members to post reviews

13:06    Setting up Google Pages for success

18:06    Signals Google loves - localization and personalization

19:09    Organizing online information for optimal effect

25:17    How to organize content across multiple social media platforms 

27:27    Engagement and content strategy

33:29    Traditional marketing vs. digital marketing – which works best?

34:49    The power of micro podcasts

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits Podcast, we are joined by Rick Valente, a legendary figure in the bodybuilding and fitness industry, best known as the co-host of ESPN's BodyShaping.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Rick discovered his passion for fitness early on, driven by a love for sports, martial arts and a determination to build a bodybuilder’s physique. Leaving behind a challenging upbringing surrounded by drugs, he made the life-changing decision to move to California in the early 1980s and train at the iconic Gold’s Gym.

His dedication led him to win Mr. Los Angeles and place second in Mr. California. However, a significant injury in 1987—tearing a pectoral muscle while lifting 500 pounds—marked a turning point, shifting his focus to coaching and personal training.

In this inspiring episode, Rick shares his journey from troubled beginnings to becoming a bodybuilding icon and TV personality. He offers timeless fitness wisdom, actionable advice for personal growth and stories of training alongside legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gregory Hines. This is a conversation packed with lessons on resilience, passion, and transformation.

In this podcast, Rick discusses:

• Overcoming a troubled upbringing throughs sports and training.
• The pivotal decision to move to California and train at Gold’s Gym.
• The energy and culture of Gold’s Gym in the 80s.
• Training with legends and the community spirit of old-school bodybuilding.
• The art of posing and the aesthetics of bodybuilding.
• Reflections on training methods and the evolution over the years.
• Hosting the hit fitness TV show ‘BodyShaping’ and its influence on fitness culture.
• Dealing with family tragedies, retirement boredom and finding new creative purpose.

To learn more about Rick Valente, click here:

https://www.rickvalente.com/

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0:00       Intro

3:06       Influences in early life

5:47       Move to Florida and career beginnings

11:47    Gold’s Gym and celebrity encounters

20:13    Training techniques and workout memories

27:14    Bodybuilding competitions

32:11    “Body Shaping” and fame

42:08    Transition to writing and photography

43:36    Coping with boredom and personal growth

47:08    Advice for younger generations

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S – your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories.

 This special episode was recorded live at Beyond Activ Australia APAC, where host Mohammed Iqbal attended to explore the cutting edge of fitness innovation.

 Hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mohammed Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Aleksander Dahlberg- founder of Sahha, Aaron Verasammy- Vice President Sales - North America at ABC Fitness Solutions, and Emmett Williams- MD at Myzone (APAC).

 In this episode, topics discussed include:

• Australian fitness innovation and global expansion of local brands.
• Rapid growth of Pilates in gyms and boutique studios.
• Unique fitness concepts combining multiple services.
• Integration of health data technology in fitness offerings.
• Challenges for international brands entering the Australian market.
• Maturity and entrepreneurial culture of the Australian fitness industry.
• Need for collaboration between fitness industry and government on public health.
• Influence of Australian lifestyle trends (e.g., coffee culture) on the fitness landscape.

To learn more about Beyond Activ, click here:

https://beyondactiv.com/

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Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities.

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0:00 Intro

12:04 Aleksander Dahlberg

22:32 Aaron Verasammy

35:05 Emmett Williams

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Kevin Yates, CEO Lift Brands EMEA. 

With more that 20 years-experience working in the fitness industry there are few individuals on the planet with more experience than Kevin Yates when it  comes to building and operating boutique fitness brands. Currently heading up Lift Brands EMEA, which includes icon brands Snap Fitness and 9Round, Kevin also played a huge hand in the growth and success of European boutique brand, Trib3 and before that, the trailblazing UK boutique brand, 1Rebel.

In this LIFTS podcast, we discuss:

• The evolution of boutique fitness.
• The pivot to multiple modalities within a boutique offer.
• The price vs value challenge facing  HVLP fitness brands.
• What component parts make a successful boutique fitness brand.
• From HVLP 1.0 to HVLP 2.0 and the brands leading the charge.
• What do boutiques have to do to maintain relevance in today’s market?
• Trend predictions for the fitness sector.

To learn more about Lift Brands, click here:

https://www.liftbrands.com/

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Contact us at [email protected] for advertising opportunities.

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0:00       Intro

0:25       RFK’s as Health and Human Services Secretary in the US. Good news or bad news?

2:50       Intro to Kevin Yates

5:06       The evolution of boutique fitness

9:43       The pivot to offering multiple modalities within a boutique offer

11:25    Adaptions HVLP fitness brands need to make to be able to charge more to cover rising costs

21:03    What component parts make a successful boutique fitness brand

25:17    The evolution from HVLP 1.0 to HVLP 2.0 and the brands leading the charge

33:00    What do boutiques have to do to maintain relevance in today’s market?

36:12    Trend predictions for the fitness sector

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, a quick snapshot into the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, get together to discuss recent health and biohacking trends, nutrition and supplements, strength training insights, tech and wellness integrations and emerging fitness trends including the latest from industry innovators Oura, F45, Samsung and Vasa Fitness. 

In this LIFTS podcast, topics include:

• Hostage tape; the viral sleeping trend.
• Repacking your pre/post workout supplements.
• Tips from Dr. Jim Stoppani on how to build muscle.
• The new Oura nutrition tracking tool.
• FS8, the new Pilates model from F45.
• F45 teams up with Samsung to bring workouts to Samsung TVs.
• Research results on benefits of ‘exercise stacking’.
• Vasa Fitness adds boutique strength class to HVLP offering.

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0:00       Intro

0:54       Viral sleep trend of ‘hostage taping’

3:44       Exploring supplements and nutrition

10:00    The minefield that consumers face choosing nutritional products

13:27    The evolution of tracking apps

17:46    F45 introducing Pilates offering

19:33    F45 partner with Samsung to deliver Samsung TV workouts

21:23    Exercise snacking and strength training

27:44    Vasa Fitness adds boutique strength class to HVLP offering

30:53    Gym etiquette and social media impact

36:02    Final thoughts

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Yves Preissler, CEO of YP Fitness Consulting, an expert in turnkey and modular gym design solutions across global fitness, sport, wellness and recovery industries. 

With 40+ combined years’ experience, Yves and his team of professional consultants have a wealth of global expertise creating high end finishes to create tailor-made concepts that deliver results for investors, developers and business owners.

This podcast episode explores the future of gym design, covering trending topics such as sustainability, AI technology and customer-centric experiences. 

In this LIFTS podcast, topics include:

• Customer-centric gym designs.
• How wellness and luxury are transforming training.
• Sustainability within the fitness industry.
• Equipment: price vs. quality and sustainability.
• Integrating AI and technological advancements.
• Fred Fitness: the first truly AI-powered gym.
• Designing gyms of the future.
• Technology vs. human interaction.
• The evolution of group fitness and personalized fitness.

To learn more about Yves Preissler, click here:

https://yvespreissler.com/

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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 your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

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0:00      Intro

0:30      Resetting the body while travelling

3:03      Alcohol and travel habits

4:19      Customer-centric design philosophy

7:03      How wellness and luxury are transforming training

9:25      Sustainability within the fitness industry

19:30    Technology integration into fitness

21:30    Fred Fitness: the first truly AI-powered gym

22:33    The evolution of group fitness and personalised fitness

31:41    Balancing technology and human interaction

31:59    Solving meaningful problems in fitness

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your snack-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Edward Hertzman, Founder & CEO of Athletech News.

On this week’s episode, recorded on November 5th, just ahead of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, we talk to one of the industry’s most trailblazing media mogul’s about the potential impact a change of political leadership might have on the fitness industry. We also explore the role of the media in reporting and curating the news that is driving decisions and shaping the sector. 

Hold on to your hat, this one covers a lot of ground!

About Athletech News (ATN) founded by Edward Hertzman

With a mission is to provide the fitness and wellness industry with a dynamic and trusted platform that fosters innovation, collaboration and growth, Athletech News (ATN) serves a subscriber base of almost 100,000 that spans various verticals within the fitness and wellness industry and has been transformative in the speed and detail of news delivery.

In this LIFTS podcast, topics include:

• Changes to news delivery within fitness and wellness.
• Impact of the U.S. Election on the fitness industry.
• The future of healthcare.
• The impact of rising healthcare costs on business.
• Staying true to the fitness industry’s core mission regardless of election result.
• Is a healthy active lifestyle a political issue?
• The role of media in shaping political opinion.
• Industry events– creating unique events that deliver value.
• The challenge of balancing sponsorship with content credibility.
• The ingredients of a successful media outlet.
• Final thoughts: media influence and the U.S. Election.

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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 your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

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0:00       Intro

2:36       Changes to news delivery within fitness and wellness

6:19       Impact of the U.S. Election on the fitness industry

10:12    What does the future of healthcare look like?

16:06    The impact of rising healthcare costs on business

17:08    Staying true to the fitness industry’s core mission regardless of the Election result

21:41    Is a healthy, active lifestyle a political issue?

23:14    The role of media in shaping political opinion

25:35    Industry events – cutting through the crowd and making meaningful connections

30:21    Balancing sponsorship with content credibility

35:38    The ingredients of a successful media outlet

39:13    Final thoughts: Media influence and the U.S. Election

On this week’s episode of the Escape Your Limits podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jim Stoppani, a renowned expert in exercise science, sports nutrition, and supplementation, with over 15 years of experience helping millions transform their lives through science-backed training and nutrition plans.

He earned his PhD in exercise physiology and a minor in biochemistry from the University of Connecticut and completed postdoctoral research at Yale University, focusing on exercise and gene regulation in muscle tissue. He was presented with the Gatorade Beginning Investigator Award by the American Physiological Society for his research.

After serving as Senior Science Editor for Weider Publications, he launched JYM Supplement Science in 2013, a pioneering sports nutrition company and has authored influential books, including The Encyclopedia of Muscle & Strength and LL Cool J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle.

In this podcast, Dr. Jim Stoppani discusses:

• New research into muscle growth.
• Mathematical models for maximizing muscle.
• Strategies for the fit vs. more unfit exerciser.
• Weight loss, muscle gain and lifestyle change.
• Optimal workouts for fat loss vs. muscle gain.
• Testosterone, supplements and the anabolic window.
• Full body vs Split body workouts.
• Time under tension and its role in muscle building.
• Muscle protein synthesis.
• The benefits of intermittent fasting.
• Creatine and protein intake guidelines.
• How alcohol impacts sleep, muscle gain and recovery.

To learn more about Dr. Jim Stoppanni, click here:

https://www.jimstoppani.com/

https://jymsupplementscience.com/

======================================================

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published:

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0:00       Intro

0:20       New research into muscle growth

3:09       Range of motion and muscle growth

5:57       Stretching and muscle growth

6:58       Applying new research to workouts

12:49    Importance of time under tension

14:44    Scientific models and muscle growth

21:23    The ideal amount of muscle for health

26:57    Protein intake and essential amino acids

46:23    The benefits of creatine for performance

54:15    Balancing lifestyle changes

15:18    Full body vs. split body workouts

1:04:01 Exercises that trigger testosterone

Welcome to this week’s episode of LIFTS, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Today, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, are joined by Dr. Ted Vickey, a fitness technology strategist, who is CEO of disruptive health technology company, FitWell and the author of a new, groundbreaking book: ‘'The Fitness Professionals Guide to ChatGPT". 

Often referred to as the ‘most connected man in fitness’ Dr. Vickey also served as an executive director of the White House Athletic Center under two presidents and, in 2021, was named one of the most influential fitness tech people in the industry by the Fitness Industry Technology Council (FITC).

In this LIFTS podcast, topics include:

• The impact of technology on the future of education.
• Effectively using AI tools to optimize efficiency.
• Is ChatGPT the best AI model?
• How can AI be effectively applied in fitness?
• Training AI and the various information sources available.
• The importance of full disclosure.
• What ROI can a PT expect from integrating AI?
• Advanced features and the future of AI.

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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 your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop

View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

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0:00       Intro

02:22    Introduction to Dr. Ted Vickey

06:07    The future of Education

09:35    Effectively using AI tools to optimize efficiency

12:44    Is ChatGPT the best AI model?

14:03    How can AI be  applied in fitness?

22:12    Methods of training AI and the information sources used

25:51    The importance of full disclosure

29:31    What is the ROI of using AI to a personal trainer?

33:21    Advanced AI features such as range of motion analysis

34:27    Final thoughts and takeaways

Welcome back to L.I.F.T.S, your bite-size dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories hitting the headlines.

On this week’s episode, hosts Matthew Januszek, Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks, lift the lid on some of the stories driving the fitness, health and wellbeing newsfeeds.

In this episode, headlines discussed include:

• Josh Harris’s Acquistion of OneLife Fitness.
• Weight Watchers relationship with  GLP-1 drugs.
• The decline in alcohol consumption.
• The role of wearables in managing alcohol intake.
• Athletic Greens partnership with Starbucks.
• Greg Glassman's new venture, MetFix.
• Reflections on the impact of A1 and GLP1s on the fitness industry.

======================================================

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 your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

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View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

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0:00       Intro

0:29       Mo Iqbal’s running injury and recovery

2:26       Josh Harris Acquires One Life Fitness

4:38       Weight Watchers and GLP-1 Drugs

11:32    The decline in alcohol consumption

16:44    The role of wearables in managing alcohol intake

19:25    Athletic Greens Partnership with Starbucks

23:47    Greg Glassman's New Venture, MetFix

30:05    Reflections on the impact of A1 and GLP1s on the fitness industry

Disclaimer By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks make no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.  Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks do not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks. Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third-party materials or on third-party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, Escape Fitness LTD and SweatWorks make no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.  

ESCAPE FITNESS LTD AND SWEATWORKS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.

On this LIFTS podcast, Escape Fitness CEO, Matthew Januszek and Mo Iqbal, Founder & CEO of SweatWorks are joined by guest, Alex Alimanestianu, a seasoned executive and Angel Investor with significant experience in the fitness and wellness industry. He served for a long time as CEO of Talent Sports International, and in addition to his leadership there, Alex has been an active investor in the fitness technology space.

In this episode, the discussion centred on L Catterton’s recent investments in EGM and [solidcore]. Alimanestianu highlights the importance of early-stage investments in emerging markets and the advantages of being an early player in new concepts. He expressed concerns about the long-term viability of standalone boutique fitness studios, citing low entry barriers and increased competition. The conversation also covered the boom in Pilates and whether it had peaked, along with broader implications for valuation and investment trends in the fitness industry.

Key topics discussed include:

• Opportunity vs. challenges in investing in start-ups.
• L Catterton investing in Solid Core and EGYM.
• Comparison with innovations across other industries.
• Advantage of being the first of second player to a concept.
• The shifting buying pattern of fitness equipment.
• The boom of Pilates, but has it peaked?
• Risk of boutiques only offering one modality.
• The franchise model in boutiques.

======================================================

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 your notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published: https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

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View our full catalog:https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog (US) https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue (UK)

 ======================================================

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0:00     Intro

2:55     Alex’s opportunity to invest in Mirror

5:00     Investing in fitness industry start-ups

6:08     Advantage of being ‘the first or second player’ to new concepts

8:45     L Catterton’s investment in EGYM

13:01   Comparison with other fitness companies and industries

16:25   Integrating technology from a more medical perspective

17:51   The shifting buying pattern of fitness equipment      

20:50   L Catterton’s investment in Solid Core

24:09   The breadth of Pilates formats available

26:21   The booming demand for Pilates

27:09   Risks of boutiques only offering one thing

33:35   The franchise model in boutique

39:54   Final thoughts and key takeaways