Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal speak with Royi Metser, Founder & CEO of Avelo Running, about the explosive growth of running, the evolution of smart footwear, and how data-driven insights are changing the sport forever.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Gen Z and women are driving the second running boom.
• Why running clubs are replacing bars as social hubs.
• The challenges big brands faced in launching smart shoes.
• How Avelo integrates cutting-edge materials with advanced sensors.
• The importance of mechanical load monitoring for injury prevention.
• Why Kickstarter backers snapped up Avelo’s first batch in under 20 hours.
• Insights on running form myths and individual biomechanics.
• The role of gyms and treadmills in the future of running.
• How data can help every runner train smarter and safer.

👉 Learn more about Avelo Running:

https://avelorunning.com/

👉 Learn more about Avelo Running Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/avelorunning/avelo-meet-the-worlds-smartest-running-shoe

👉 Learn more about Royi Metser:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/royi-metser-6886a211/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.
Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro & Creatine Experiment

4:03 Creatine Gummies & Supplement Quality

6:28 Guest Introduction – Royi Metser

8:11 The Second Running Boom

12:13 Why Running is Timeless

14:56 Treadmills vs Outdoor Running

18:19 Running Clubs as Community Hubs

20:19 Why Big Brands Failed at Smart Shoes

25:21 The Materials & Tech Behind Avelo

32:23 Preventing Running Injuries with Data

32:41 Kickstarter Launch Success

34:34 Guiding Runners Beyond Guesswork

36:29 Debunking Running Form Myths

38:09 Host Takeaways

43:09 Closing Thoughts & Preorder Info

Matthew and Mo dive into this week’s hottest fitness topics — from personal diet experiments to the future of wearables in healthcare, political plays in fitness, market shifts in Pilates, and the explosive rise of Hyrox. This no-guest episode is packed with insights, debates, and predictions shaping the fitness industry.

In this episode:

• Matthew’s 5-week results on the Warrior Diet.

• Mo’s take on the White House wearable health initiative.

• The political and cultural impact of reviving the Presidential Fitness Challenge.

• Why Pilates is booming — and if it’s nearing saturation.

• Planet Fitness’ rumored acquisition of Basic-Fit.

• How Hyrox is becoming a lifestyle brand.

• Predictions for the next mega-brands in fitness.

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.
Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video:
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🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop
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US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog
UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

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0:00 Matthew’s Warrior Diet Results

4:21 Mo’s Morning Routine & Nutrition

6:59 Hydration and Alcohol Effects

11:33 White House Wearable Data Initiative

18:19 Presidential Fitness Challenge Returns

23:25 Pilates Market Boom or Bust?

30:00 Planet Fitness Eyes Basic-Fit

33:47 High Rocks Becomes a Lifestyle

40:14 The Most Exciting Era in Fitness

In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal welcome Star Sage, a leading force in the recovery and wellness industry. Star shares her expertise from years at Hyperice and how recovery is now central to events, gyms, hotels, and even Gen Z culture.

Highlights include:

• How Hyperice helped redefine recovery in mainstream culture.
• The shift from cocktail hours to compression lounges at elite events.
• Why hotels are investing in 24/7 recovery rooms.
• The Gen Z obsession with wellness over nightlife.
• How recovery boosts gym retention and member engagement.
• Underrated recovery methods that need more hype.
• New intersections between hospitality, entertainment, and wellness.
• Star's predictions for the future of recovery.

👉 Learn more about Star Sage:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/star-sage/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.
Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video:
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🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop
📘 View our full catalog:
US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog
UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

Follow Escape Fitness on social media:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 Intro + Travel & Sleep Hacks

03:51 Star Sage Joins the Show

05:11 Recovery at Events & Run Clubs

08:22 Gen Z, Foam Rolling, and Awareness

13:47 Hotels & the Recovery Room Boom

19:17 Business Travelers and Accessibility

23:44 Recovery Culture in Gyms

30:41 Wellness Tech vs Snake Oil

36:40 Wearables + Prescriptive Recovery

41:27 Recovery as Social Connection

43:07 Underhyped Recovery Trends

44:31 Final Takeaways + Sleep & Steps

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

In this episode, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Sal Pellegrino, Executive Director of FISA, to uncover key trends shaping the fitness industry. From Gen Z’s influence on gym design to tariffs and global supply chain issues, this conversation delivers actionable insights for club operators, suppliers, and fitness professionals.

Topics include:

• Origins and purpose of FISA.
• Key insights from the FISA Trend Report.
• Why Gen Z is reshaping gym design.
• Strength training vs. cardio trends post-pandemic.
• Impact of tariffs on fitness equipment pricing.
• Growth and strategies behind Planet Fitness.
• The influence of technology, AI, and social media.
• Future predictions for gym models and wellness hubs.

👉 Learn more about Sal Pellegrino:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/salpellegrino/

👉 Learn more about FISA 2025 Fitness Trends Report:

https://fisana.org/market-trend-reports/2025s-top-fitness-trends/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.
Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video:
https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop
📘 View our full catalog:
US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog
UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

Follow Escape Fitness on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 – Introduction

0:39 – About FISA and Its Mission

8:58 – Gen Z’s Impact on Fitness

15:00 – Tariffs and Supply Chain Challenges

25:00 – Planet Fitness Growth Story

34:54 – Echelon and Tech in Fitness

39:10 – Influencers, AI & Trends

45:00 – Biohacking and Wellness Hubs

50:00 – Final Takeaways

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

In this compelling episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal speak with fitness veteran Rod Hill about his latest venture, ZENERGIE – a revolutionary gym concept focused on longevity, functional health, and the 40+ demographic.

Topics include:

• Why Rod believes the 40+ market is the most underserved in fitness.
• Spain’s role as a rising longevity hub.
• How AI and smart equipment are shaping personalized wellness.
• Rod’s critique of pharmaceuticals vs. fitness in preventative care.
• What ZENERGY offers that traditional gyms and wellness centers don’t.
• The link between emotional well-being, strength, and VO2 max.
• Franchising fitness for healthspan, not just lifespan.
• Educating vs. intimidating: a new approach to member engagement.

👉 Learn more about Rod Hill:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rod-hill-9483506/

👉 Learn more about Zenergie Body & Soul:

https://zenergiebodyandsoul.com/zenergie-longevity-gym/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.
Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video:
https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop
📘 View our full catalog:
US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog
UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

Follow Escape Fitness on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro & Hosts Catch Up

4:24 Matthew's Health Hack Experience

7:15 Welcome Rod Hill – Fitness Veteran

12:51 Why Spain is the Longevity Capital

20:40 The Untapped 35+ Fitness Market

22:41 Rod’s Vision for Longevity Gyms

29:56 Exercise as Medicine

35:43 AI & Personalization at ZENERGY

41:07 Business Model & Market Opportunity

50:29 Takeaways & Final Reflections

52:37 Living Your Last Decade with Strength

55:35 Final Thoughts & Closing

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

In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Brian von Ancken, wellness entrepreneur and mastermind community leader, to dive into the future of fitness, biohacking, and collaborative innovation. From protein cold foam to recovery clogs, and even fecal transplants, nothing is off the table.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Brian’s journey scaling brands like Tough Mudder, Barry’s, and Othership.
• How his mastermind group connects over 200 wellness entrepreneurs.
• Elite athlete fecal transplants: biohacking or bizarre?.
• The explosion of protein products in mainstream retail.
• Innovation in recovery footwear and smart shoes.
• How to responsibly vet science and trends in wellness.
• Why American foods still use dyes banned in Europe.
• The rise of wellness as the new luxury experience.
• Building a supportive and ethical health industry community.

👉 Learn more about Brian von Ancken:

https://www.joinwgm.com/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.
Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video:
https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop
📘 View our full catalog:
US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog
UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

Follow Escape Fitness on social media:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

0:00 Intro + Cold Open Topics

0:36 Catch-up with Matthew and Mo

1:06 Tonal Gains + Hume Health Scale

4:44 Matthew’s Fasting Protocol

7:56 Guest Introduction: Brian von Ancken

9:21 Wellness Silo Breakdown & Integration

11:40 Elite Athlete Fecal Transplants

17:15 Protein Goes Mainstream

25:04 Recovery Innovation: Super Shoes & Clogs

31:26 Wellness as the New Luxury

33:58 Science, Skepticism, and Marketing

36:16 Artificial Dyes and Food Ethics

38:54 Brian’s Final Thoughts

40:17 Outro + Final Reflections

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

Matthew and Mo sit down with Edward Hertzman, founder of Athletech News, to unpack insights from last week’s Innovation Summit in NYC. From fitness industry disruption and wearable tech to rethinking health outcomes and branding, they explore where the industry is heading.

Key takeaways include:

• Why the fitness industry may need a new name.
• The dangers of unregulated TRT use and peptide clinics.
• Tracking actual health outcomes instead of just gym check-ins.
• The role of wearables in reshaping accountability and personalization.
• How HVLP models like EOS and Crunch are thriving.
• The strategic value of long-term thinking in event planning.
• What disruption in fitness can learn from other industries.
• The surprising power of fashion and discipline in health branding.
• Opportunities for collaboration across wellness, hospitality, and tech.

👉 Learn more about Athletech News:

https://athletechnews.com/

👉 Learn more about Edward Hertzman:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-hertzman-2401b38/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.
Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video:
https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop
📘 View our full catalog:
US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog
UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

Follow Escape Fitness on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 – Welcome and Introductions

02:17 – Edward Recaps the Innovation Summit

06:44 – NAD, TRT, and Biohacking Trends

09:07 – Fitness Industry Identity Crisis

13:01 – Rethinking Health Metrics and ROI

18:13 – Why the Industry Doesn’t Collaborate

22:53 – Tracking Health Outcomes in Gyms

27:44 – Disruption and Outsider Innovation

32:17 – HVLP Growth and Private Equity

36:01 – What’s Going on with Orange Theory?

41:35 – The Rise of Wearables in Fitness

In this special LIFTS recap episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by fitness futurist Emma Barry to reflect on their shared experience at the Athletech News Innovation Summit in New York. From immersive biohacks to political debates, the conversation gets real, raw, and reveals what’s next for the fitness industry.

This episode covers:

• Firsthand reviews of NAD+ infusions, ShiftWave, and the Immortal experience.
• Debates around GLP-1 drugs, longevity trends, and influencer-led wellness.
• Insights on turning fitness from a trend into front-line healthcare.
• What Japan teaches us about childhood obesity – and why the U.S. is lagging.
• Emma Barry’s call to arms: Prepare for disruption, or be left behind.
• Big Pharma, Big Food, and the uphill battle for consumer health.
• Why AI’s future in fitness lies in context and personalization.
• The struggle to have real conversations when investors are watching.
• Is wellness finally mainstream – or still misunderstood?
• What made this summit different – and why it matters.

👉 Learn more about Emma Barry:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmabarryistrouble/

Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes.
Contact us at wendy@escapefitness.com for advertising opportunities.

Subscribe on YouTube and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video:
https://www.youtube.com/user/EscapeFitness

🛒 Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop
📘 View our full catalog:
US – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalog
UK – https://escapefitness.com/support/catalogue

Follow Escape Fitness on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Escapefitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escapefitness
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/escapefitness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/escapefitness/

00:00 – Intro + Innovation Summit Debrief

02:30 – Biohacking at the Summit (NAD+, ShiftWave, Immortal)

10:30 – Keynote Highlights & Industry Disruption

14:30 – Political Tensions & Healthcare Reform

25:00 – Mo's Shocking Healthcare Statistics

28:00 – The Japan Model: Early Intervention and Respect

33:00 – Addiction, GLP-1s, and the Challenge of Change

36:00 – Influencers vs. Institutions: Who’s Leading Wellness?

45:00 – Big Themes & Final Takeaways

50:00 – Outro + Thank You to Athletech Team