Podcasts about egym

Today, I'm joined by Alex Taylor, co-founder of Perelel.   An OBGYN-founded women's vitamin company, Perelel provides life stage-specific supplements to support hormonal transitions.   In this episode, we discuss closing the women's health research gap through business.   We also cover: Leveraging business to shape policy  Deploying $5.5M+ toward women's health research equity Combining D2C subscriptions and retail partnerships (Erewhon, Amazon)   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Website: www.perelelhealth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perelelhealth/  Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_alextaylor/    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com  to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:19) Personal health journey (04:41) Autoimmune diagnosis (05:50) Women's health research gap (07:20) Founding Perelel (08:51) Company stage (10:22) Category maturation (12:22) Building the trust moat (14:45) From product to policy (17:40) Impact program (20:09) Parallel Pledge (21:04) Consumer health evolution (24:40) Business priorities (26:40) Long-term vision (27:48) Product innovation (28:43) Where to follow (29:08) Conclusion  

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

Today, I'm joined by Lauren Makler, co-founder & CEO of Cofertility.   Cofertility helps women freeze their eggs for free by donating half of those retrieved, making egg freezing accessible and donations non-transactional.   In this episode, we discuss rethinking fertility care through human-centered design.   We also cover: Building a two-sided fertility marketplace Scaling in an emotionally complex category Addressing egg freezing's age and cost gaps   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Website: www.cofertility.com  Careers: www.cofertility.com/careers  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cofertility    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (02:14) The insight (04:41) Personal story (06:56) Broken system (08:24) Marketplace dynamics (11:37) Split vs. Keep programs (13:05) Company scale (15:33) Operational logistics (18:11) Demand channels (21:29) Building trust (23:47) Platform ambition (25:53) AI automation (28:28) What's next (29:27) Conclusion

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

Today, I'm joined by Dr. Ramses Alcaide, co-founder & CEO of Neurable.   An AI-powered brain-computer interface company, Neurable's EEG-based wearables turn neural activity into actionable health insights.    In this episode, we discuss making brain health visible and actionable at scale.   We also cover: Headphones as a form factor The consumerization of neurotech Tracking brain age and neurodegenerative decline Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Website: www.neurable.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurable_/  Ramses' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramsesalcaide    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:43) Brain health problem (03:00) Headphone form factor (04:57) Company scale (06:28) Use cases (08:35) Wellness tipping point (11:06) Actionable insights (14:18) Supplement testing story (15:28) AI capabilities (17:37) Technology business model (19:17) Cost drivers (20:40) Privacy concerns (24:03) Market evolution (27:17) Brain age metric (29:38) Current priorities (30:52) Long-term vision (33:21) Conclusion  

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

Women over 60 are one of the most biologically dynamic — and most overlooked — populations in the fitness industry. In this closing episode of the Women's Health Series, host Eric Malzone sits down with Dr. Jennifer King, behavioral scientist, gerontology researcher, and nationally competitive physique athlete, to tackle one of the industry's biggest blind spots: the near-total dropout of research, diagnostics, and programming once women move past menopause. Dr. King unpacks why clinical guidance so rarely includes the very women it's meant to serve, how gym environments send the wrong signals through layout, tour routes, and equipment placement, and what intentional design actually looks like when a facility is built around accessibility, strength, and longevity — not assumptions. From the hidden bias in a first gym tour to the role of technology like eGym in removing intimidation, this conversation is a call to action for fitness professionals ready to stop leaving an entire generation of women behind.

Today, I'm joined by Jason Daniel, founder and CEO of LSKD.   An Australian fitness apparel brand born from motocross culture, LSKD has scaled to $200M in revenue, 700+ employees, and 31 retail stores since launching in 2007.   In this episode, we discuss building a global brand from a grassroots community.   We also cover: From carpenter to founder LSKD's self-funded growth Community event strategy   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Website: www.lskd.co  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lskd/  US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lskd.usa/  Running: https://www.instagram.com/lskd.running/  ADA: https://www.instagram.com/lskd.ada/  HQ: https://www.instagram.com/lskd.hq/    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:35) The Loose Kid origin (04:05) Going full-time LKI (05:00) Finding the why (06:35) 2018 rebrand to LSKD (08:00) $3M to $200M growth (11:00) Self-funded discipline (15:25) Channel evolution (19:00) Community event strategy (22:45) Failing forward (25:10) Global expansion (26:25) Product innovation (28:45) Where to find (29:35) Conclusion  

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

A héten sorra dobták be a törölközőt a NER megingathatatlannak tűnő intézményei a Balásy-birodalomtól a Tényekig. Mi ennek az oka és mi jöhet még?A hét elején a hirdetési és rendezvénypiacot uraló, NER-es cég vezetője jelentette be megtörten, a könnyeivel küszködve, hogy visszaadná az államnak mindenét. Majd leváltották a kampány legnagyobb hazugságát lehozó Index főszerkesztőjét, miután helyreigazításban közölték, hogy minden kamu volt, amit a Tisza állítólagos programjáról írtak. Majd felszámolták a NER legdurvább propagandaműsorát, a híradónak álcázott Tényeket.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Appel, Chief Health & Wellness Officer at KORB Health and 35-year fitness industry veteran, joins Eric Malzone for a candid conversation on the collision of telehealth, GLP-1s, hormone replacement therapy, and the gym business model. Dave breaks down why the fitness industry can no longer afford to ignore the 80% of the population that doesn't identify as "fit," how GLP-1 medications like semaglutide are opening gym doors for people who never felt welcome in them, and what gym operators need to know right now before peptide deregulation reshapes the entire landscape. From KORB's partnerships with InShape Fitness and Fitness 19 to the future of pod-based, community-driven training environments, this episode is a masterclass in where preventative health and fitness are headed — and how smart operators can build a new revenue stream by getting ahead of it. What You'll Learn:

Today, I'm joined by Grey Nguyen, co-founder and CEO of Bevel.   Enabling consumer agency, Bevel's AI-powered health platform connects data across wearables, blood tests, and lifestyle habits to provide personalized guidance.   In this episode, we discuss building an AI-native Personal Health OS.   We also cover:   Bevel's next-gen features A public lawsuit with WHOOP The shift to multi-device health tracking   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Bevel's Website: https://www.bevel.health/  Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bevel-ai-health-coach/id6456176249  Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/bevelhealth/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bevelhealth    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:33) Founder backstory (04:50) Building the solution (05:30) Reddit launch overnight (06:20) Team growth (07:15) Health OS positioning (08:36) Data integration (10:00) Multiple device users (11:15) Privacy approach (12:25) Core user base (14:00) Design philosophy (15:40) Bevel Intelligence (18:00) Data analyst pocket (19:20) Bevel 3.0 features (20:00) Health records vault (20:45) Biological age (22:15) User feedback (24:15) WHOOP lawsuit (27:10) Founder support (28:20) Healthcare evolution (30:15) COVID shift (31:15) Apple platform (33:05) Trust equation (34:10) Community dynamics (35:00) Social features (36:06) Where to find (37:05) Conclusion  

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

Jane Wang brings a rare cross-disciplinary lens to one of fitness's oldest problems: member retention. With a background in clinical research, mortality risk, and 12+ years in corporate wellness, Jane shares why the industry's approach to churn is fundamentally flawed — and what a data-driven, human-centered model looks like. What We Cover: Jane's background — From HIV research and ovarian cancer trials to building tech for 7M+ members at Opt Why retention is broken — The industry measures daily/weekly/monthly activity but ignores the full lifecycle of a member Life stages & churn — Having a baby, moving cities, changing jobs: why no text message can fix structural churn The "no" that means "not right now" — Treating lapsed members like a long-term sales relationship Life events in insurance vs. fitness — How life insurers market around milestones and why gyms should too Joyful nudges vs. aggressive ones — Why over-messaging kills retention and joy-driven UX wins The female fitness opportunity — Women are 60–90% of class-based gym users, but most products are built by and for men Cyclical health design — Why female biology demands a different measurement framework Candy Crush vs. Call of Duty — The massive underserved female market and what light gamification unlocks Social connectedness as a magic metric — Facebook's early retention lesson applied to gyms; women average 8–9 challenge buddies vs. men's 1–2 Fidgital — Physical + digital experiences that create lasting loyalty (Apple as the model) The data stack — Subscription data → usage/check-ins → wearables → zip codes → behavioral triangulation How Opt's challenges work — 1-day to 2-week gamified events that surface persona, personality, and device data with no tech lift for partners EGM Genius AI — A real-world fidgital example from the gym floor What Jane needs — Partners with 100K+ member footprints to help scale from 7M to 100M members OUR SPONSORS:

Host Eric Malzone sits down with Marco Benitez, CEO and Co-founder of ROOK — and former TaeKwondo champion turned biomedical engineer — to get real about where the fitness and wellness industry stands in the age of AI and wearable data. Marco pulls from his background at Roche and Novartis to explain why clean, unified data is the foundation everything else is built on, and why most operators are sitting on gold they don't know how to mine. From pharma clinical trials using Oura rings to track narcolepsy patients, to longevity brands leveraging sleep data to drive upsells, to the looming reality of AI agents reshaping how we interact with health professionals — this conversation doesn't sugarcoat anything. Eric and Marco also dig into the "dead internet" theory, AI hallucinations, self-driving cars, and why soft skills might be the most valuable thing you can develop right now. If you're in fitness, healthcare, or anywhere near the wellness space and you're not thinking seriously about your data strategy, this episode is your wake-up call. Key Takeaways:

Today, I'm joined by Anthony Geisler, founder & CEO of Sequel Brands.   A multi-brand fitness and wellness platform, Sequel Brands' portfolio of concepts span Pilates, stretching, EMS, and longevity.    In this episode, we discuss building futureproof franchises.   We also cover:   Sequel's five-brand platform  Scaling longevity-focused experiences Consumer behavior shifts across modalities  Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Website: www.sequelbrands.com Explore all five brand concepts on the site.   -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:34) Five-brand platform overview (02:25) Pilates Addiction (02:55) iFlex stretching and recovery (03:13) beem infrared sauna (03:20) BODY20 EMS technology (04:23) Ultimate Longevity Center launch (05:47) 100% ownership structure (07:15) Portfolio selection strategy (08:30) Sauna research (09:05) Democratizing longevity access (10:25) Gary Brecka partnership (11:35) Modality evolution over time (12:20) Post-COVID consumer shifts (13:15) Cycling's global decline (14:15) Equipment and offering evolution (15:23) Franchise playbook constants (16:19) ChatGPT and AI impacts (17:38) Value equation fundamentals (19:15) Cross-portfolio membership challenges (21:27) Finite inventory dynamics (22:34) Growth without pressure (24:40) Royalty business mindset (25:25) Discovery Day process (27:20) Franchisee selection rigor (27:45) Xponential story context (29:45) Public market challenges (31:10) COVID and Delta variant timing (32:07) Why keep building (33:28) Franchise life realities (35:14) Future acquisition appetite (36:11) Where to learn more (36:29) Conclusion

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

In this episode of Future of Fitness, host Eric Malzone sits down with Dr. Anna Emmanuel—a double board-certified physician in family and integrative medicine—to unpack the evolution of modern healthcare, from reactive "sick care" to proactive, data-driven longevity medicine. Dr. Emmanuel introduces the Next Health framework of Medicine 4.0, a model that blends lifestyle, prevention, functional medicine, and advanced therapies like peptides, GLP-1s, and stem cells. She reveals why 80% of health outcomes are within our control, how to use GLP-1s responsibly without muscle loss, and why gut health and grip strength are underrated longevity markers. If you're ready to stop DIY-ing your health with TikTok and ChatGPT and start becoming the CEO of your own biology, this conversation is your playbook. Key Takeaways 

Today, I'm joined by Justin Mares, co-founder and CEO of Truemed.   Truemed is scaling payment infrastructure to enable HSA/FSA spending on lifestyle-first health interventions like gym memberships, supplements, and sleep aids.   In this episode, we discuss building payment rails for preventative health.   We also cover:   Prevention economics Securing funding from a16z  Education, partnerships, and employer integrations   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Truemed's Website: www.truemed.com  Newsletter: justinmares.substack.com    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:18) Kettle & Fire background (02:19) Letters of medical necessity (03:42) Payment integration (05:33) Survey and approval process (06:32) Loophole criticism (08:45) Prevention economics (10:37) Broken default assumptions (11:34) Merchant excitement (13:21) Mission-driven founders (14:09) Scaling challenges (15:34) Education strategy (17:07) Partnership approach (18:12) Employer integration (19:34) Tracking outcomes (21:26) Infrastructure layer (22:12) Evidence-based future (23:06) Merchant metrics (24:26) Competitive differentiation (27:56) Insurance expansion (29:10) Data gap (30:05) a16z funding (31:41) Near-term experiments (32:27) Conclusion

Most vendor relationships start and end at a trade show booth. This one was different. For Towson University and EGYM, a first introduction at the Campus Rec Leadership Summit turned into a full partnership — one that's now helping students overcome barriers to using their rec facility. In this video, Grady Sheffield (Director of Campus Recreation, Towson University) and Jonathan Besecker (Senior Account Executive, EGYM) break down how the Summit's intimate format made all the difference. From roundtable conversations to hands-on demos, the Summit creates the kind of environment where real relationships — and real partnerships — actually form. What does your approach to vendor relationships look like? Drop a comment below.

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

Nem, a fideszesek nem hülyék. Nem hülye, aki másnak hisz, mint a kedves néző, hallgató. A társadalmi béke nem lehetetlen azonban. Az irgalom mindennél fontosabb. „Csak ne hamis legyen az a békeszólam, ne fegyvercsörgést takarjon el.” Hatos Pál történésszel Lenthár Balázs és Kacskovics Mihály Béla beszélgettek.

After 30+ years of bootstrapping Alloy Franchise to over 135 locations, founder Rick Mayo finally decided to bring in a private equity partner—but not for the reasons you might think. In this candid conversation with Eric Malzone, Rick opens up about why he chose Capital Spring, how he avoided the "gunslinging" PE horror stories, and why pulling some chips off the table actually gave him more clarity, not less. He breaks down the deceptively simple model behind Alloy's 91% retention rate, explains why saying "no" to flashy trends (GLP-1s, saunas, meal delivery) has been the secret to scaling, and reveals how he thinks about integrating adjacent services without muddying the core business. If you're a franchise operator, founder considering outside capital, or just someone who wants to know what actually works after three decades in the trenches, this one's for you. Key Takeaways:

Today, I'm joined by Anushka Salinas, CEO of Nanit.   A parenting tech company with 1.3M users, Nanit evolved from a smart baby monitor to a full ecosystem for insights on kids' sleep, health, safety, and developmental milestones.   In this episode, we discuss bringing data to early childhood's unmeasured years.   We also cover: Parental anxiety Home health sensing Nanit user feedback and outcomes   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Nanit's Website: www.nanit.com  Careers at Nanit: https://www.nanit.com/pages/careers  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_nanit/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@getnanit    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/  Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:16) Smart baby monitors (02:34) The health tracking boom (04:14) Beyond sleep (06:28) Early childhood intelligence (07:35) 97% trust and recommendation rate (08:10) Feeding and diaper logging (09:13) Turning data into actionable insights (10:27) Sleep score simplification (11:25) Parent anxiety and confidence (13:10) Default parent dynamic (14:35) Improving communication (16:23) Science-backed vs. opinion-driven insights (17:24) 50+ published research studies (18:27) Healthcare blurring lines with LLMs (19:38) Cough detection sharing (21:19) Home health sensing (24:21) AI accelerating roadmap (25:18) Measuring milestone development (26:08) AI in user experience and efficiency (27:21) Where to learn more (27:40) Conclusion  

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

Puzsér Róbert megannyi fellépővel Rendszerbontó Nagykoncertet szervez a választás előtt. Az eseményről a főszervező mellett Dzsúdlót és az Elefánt frontemberét, a női minimum követeléscsomagról, illetve a civil szféra rendszerváltásáról pedig a Nők Egymásért Mozgalom tagjait kérdezzük.0:00 - Visszaszámláló0:26 - Medián-mérés: kiugró Tisza-fölény, gyorselemzés Kovalcsik Tamással12:39 - Felvezetés17:53 - Puzsér Róbert a magyar társadalom átpolitizálásáról58:43 - Dzsúdló és Szendrői Csaba a rendszerkritikus zenéről1:36:25 - Szili Noémi és Eörsi Nóra a “női minimumról”Női Minimum petíció: https://szabad.ahang.hu/petitions/a-nok-kovetelesei-mindannyiunk-kovetelesei‼️Csatlakozz a Partizán következő négy évéhez – támogasd rendszeresen a munkánkat: https://cause.lundadonate.org/partizan/2030Támogasd te is a Partizánt adód 1%-ával!Név: Partizán Rendszerkritikus Tartalomelőállításért AlapítványAdószám: 19286031-2-42https://szja.partizan.hu/Legyél rendszeres támogató! https://cause.lundadonate.org/partizan/adomany—Választási barométer:https://valasztas.partizan.hu/—Csatlakozz a Partizán közösségéhez, értesülj elsőként eseményeinkről, akcióinkról!https://csapat.partizanmedia.hu/forms/maradjunk-kapcsolatban—Legyél önkéntes!Csatlakozz a Partizán önkéntes csapatához:https://csapat.partizanmedia.hu/forms/csatlakozz-te-is-a-partizan-onkenteseihez—Iratkozz fel tematikus hírleveleinkre!Kovalcsik Tamás: Adatpont / Partizán Szerkesztőségi Hírlevélhttps://csapat.partizanmedia.hu/forms/iratkozz-fel-a-partizan-szerkesztoinek-hirlevelereHeti Feledyhttps://csapat.partizanmedia.hu/forms/partizan-heti-feledy—Írj nekünk!Ha van egy sztorid, tipped vagy ötleted:szerkesztoseg@partizan.huBizalmas információ esetén:partizanbudapest@protonmail.com(Ahhoz, hogy titkosított módon tudj írni, regisztrálj te is egy protonmail-es címet.)Támogatások, események, webshop, egyéb ügyek:info@partizan.hu

In this conversation, 24 Hour Fitness CEO Karl Sanft opens up about steering the iconic brand through a once‑in‑a‑generation pandemic, bankruptcy, and a full operational turnaround—only to welcome back founder Mark Mastrov as executive chair. Karl shares why shifting from an "access" to a "usage" model during COVID became a defining moment, how private equity sharpened his leadership edge, and why doubling down on the middle‑market (great strength floors at a $30–$50 price point) is the winning strategy. He also reveals their three‑phase capital plan: remodel 50 clubs a year, leverage the platform for M&A, then build new clubs. If you care about fitness industry trends, post‑bankruptcy turnarounds, or how AI is changing gym operations, this episode is packed with real‑world lessons from a 30‑year member turned CEO. Key Takeaways

Today, I'm joined by Megan Roup, founder & CEO of The Sculpt Society.   A digital women's fitness platform, The Sculpt Society delivers joyful, sustainable, and time-efficient workouts to 300K global members.   In this episode, we discuss designing life stage-specific exercise programs.   We also cover:   "Commit to less, show up more" philosophy Experimenting with ancillary product launches Centering community and executing pop-up tours   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider   Website: www.thesculptsociety.com  The Sculpt Society's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesculptsociety/  Megan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganroup/  7-day free trial available on www.thesculptsociety.com    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:22) Megan's background (02:17) Body image struggles (03:16) Teaching NYC (04:30) Why "Joyful" movement (06:22) IRL teaching (09:12) Motivating at-home workouts (10:41) Commit to less, show up more (12:14) 300K global members (13:26) Building the team (18:12) Post-pandemic equilibrium (19:13) Two-bucket growth strategy (20:17) Growing the brand (23:38) Staying rooted in community connection (25:01) Strength training launch (26:20) Life stage programming expansion (27:20) Nutrition launch (29:15) Clear POV (30:26) Equipment and activewear experiments (31:23) 2022 activewear bust & 2024 sellout (32:26) Profitable growth goals (33:17) Best-in-class life stage platform vision (33:51) Annual pop-up tours since 2021 (35:28) Where to learn more (36:07) Conclusion  

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 special episode recorded live at the Coach360 After Party during HFA 2026 in San Diego, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with four influential leaders from across the fitness industry for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation on where the industry is headed. Featuring insights from Bob Thomas, Sal Pellegrino, Pamela J. Brown (Crunch Fitness), and Marc Rodriguez, this conversation explores the shifting landscape of fitness, from emerging medical integrations and technology to generational changes in trainers, leadership, and culture. In this episode, we cover: The rise of GLP-1 medications and their impact on gyms, training, and member behavior. The ongoing evolution of the fitness industry post-COVID and signs of renewed growth Why culture, community, and human connection are more important than ever. The generational shift in trainers and the growing communication gap. How AI and technology are reshaping personal training and member expectations. The importance of education, mentorship, and professionalism in long-term success. Why longevity, health, and quality of life are overtaking aesthetics as primary goals. The role of leadership in shaping the future of fitness organizations.

https://szabad.ahang.hu/petitions/a-nok-kovetelesei-mindannyiunk-kovetelesei A Női Minimum egy, a mindenkori kormányzatnak címzett követeléscsomag, vélhetően nem az első, és ahogy most kinézünk, nem is az utolsó ilyen kezdeményezés. Mi a minimum, amit a nők követelnek, miért van az, hogy hosszú ideje a porondon vannak ezek a követelések, és miért nincs előrelépés a többségükben? Többek közt ezekről a kérdésekről beszélgetünk Alter Emesével és Eörsi Nórával, a Nők Egymásért Mozgalom képviselőivel. Bővebben: 0:50 - Mi az a minimum, amit a nők követelnek? 6:25 - Hol kell elhelyezni a NEM!-et a feminizmus-palettán? 10:14 - Az alap egy közös élmény. 13:16 - És te melyik nap dolgozol ingyen a héten? 19:14 - A NEM! 10 pontos követeléscsomagja 22:12 - Volt bármelyik témában érdemi előrelépés? 23:44 - A civil szektor munkája nem elég a nők védelmére 25:48 - Miért most fontos ez? 32:14 - Ha nincs nyomás, akkor nem érdeke a politikusoknak, hogy változtassanak a nők helyzetén. 36:04 - Szétaprózódott a feminista közösség 39:00 - A nőiesnek gondolt alulfizetett munkákat sokszor teljesen alulértékelik és alulbecsülik. 43:44 - Na de mi akkor a teendő? Hogy kell jól nyomást gyakorolni? 48:45 - Nem a választásokig van teendője a szervezeteknek, hanem az igazi munka a ciklus alatt vár rájuk. 51:12 - Hogy lehet még a mindennapok mellett energiát szakítani az aktivista tevékenységre is? Kinek a dolga ez? 54:41 - Egy privilégium érteni ezeket a helyzeteket Olvasnivalók: aHangos aláírás felület (10 ponttal) 42 pontos követelésverzió (bő változat magyarázatokkal) Női Minimum kampány Instagram oldala Női Minimum kampány Facebook eventje Nők Egymásért Mozgalom tevékenységei korábbi nőügyi követelések (teljesség igénye nélkül): közpolitikai ajánlások, nők egyenlő részvétele, nők és lakhatás hivatkozott kutatások: PATENT - a párkapcsolati erőszak megítélése, Gender Equality Index, 1,5 millió forinttal kevesebbet keresünk, Nemek közötti Egyenlőség Magyarországon Podcastunk kéthetente jelentkezik új adással, meghallgatható a 444 Spotify- és Apple-csatornáján is. Korábbi adásaink itt találhatók. Javaslataid, ötleteid, meglátásaid a tyukol@444.hu címre várjuk. (Illusztráció: Kiss Bence/444)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Eric Malzone hangs out with Jim LaValle—a legend in metabolic health who's been deep in this world for over 40 years—for a real conversation about GLP-1s, peptides, and what it actually takes to build a healthier, longer life. Jim gets honest about why these drugs can be a game-changer but also why so many people use them wrong, the sketchy side of the "research only" peptide market, and which peptides he's actually excited about for gut health, hormones, and fixing your sleep. They also talk about why the fitness industry hasn't quite cracked the longevity code yet, and how the whole landscape is shifting thanks to consumer demand, post-COVID wake-up calls, and even AI. It's a no-BS chat that'll make you rethink quick fixes and appreciate the basics again. Key Takeaways

Today, I'm joined by Fritz Lanman, CEO of Playlist.   Operator of ClassPass and Mindbody, Playlist's recent merger with EGYM forms a $7.5B company spanning AI, hardware, and software, with a mission to modernize booking, corporate wellness, and membership management.   In this episode, we discuss building the wellness industry's full-stack operating system.   We also cover:   Raising $785M from Vista, Temasek, and L Catterton Setting the platform's boundaries and roadmap The anti-tech tech company philosophy   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Website: www.playlist.com  ClassPass: www.classpass.com  Mindbody: www.mindbody.io  EGYM: www.egym.com  The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters:   (00:00) Introduction (01:36) EGYM merger announcement (02:41) Industry validation moment (03:20) Tech outsider perspective advantage (05:52) Communication challenges with industry (07:05) AI adoption hesitation and diffusion (09:56) AI throughout platform history (11:41) Operating system vs. co-pilot (13:24) AI investment surprise and acceleration (15:50) Transformer paradigm capabilities (17:35) 175K lines of code in eight weeks (18:40) Anti-tech tech company philosophy (20:58) Platform boundaries and roadmap (23:29) Speed of change impact on planning (26:10) Agent-driven onboarding and configurations (28:13) Long-term societal impacts (29:40) UBI and wealth concentration questions (31:03) Industry macro optimism (32:20) Experience economy and human connection (33:40) Conclusion

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 special episode recorded live from HFA 2026 in San Diego, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with three of the most influential leaders in the global fitness industry to break down where the space is heading next. Featuring insights from Mark S. Mastrov (24 Hour Fitness), Adam Sedlack (UFC Gyms), and Bill Davis (ABC Fitness), this episode dives into the rapid evolution of fitness business models, technology, member behavior, and the growing intersection between fitness, healthcare, and longevity. In this episode, we cover: How technology and AI are reshaping the modern gym experience. Why the traditional membership model is evolving (and what comes next). The rise of recovery, longevity, and performance-driven services. How GLP-1s, peptides, and medical wellness are influencing gym usage. The growing importance of personal training as a retention driver. Why younger generations are entering fitness earlier and using gyms differently. The shift toward multi-gym memberships and "share of wallet" behavior. How brands like UFC Gyms are expanding into new modalities like jiu jitsu. The increasing role of personalization, data, and AI in fitness platforms. What separates top-performing gyms from the rest.

In this episode of The Future of Fitness, host Eric Malzone sits down with Sarah Luna, CEO of Pilates Addiction, to explore the brand's rapid rise and what she calls "Pilates 3.0." With a background as a professional dancer, certified Pilates instructor, and franchise owner, Sarah brings a unique blend of hands-on experience and business acumen to the forefront. She breaks down how Pilates Addiction combines the best of traditional studio Pilates and modern high-intensity reformer workouts into a 50-minute, full-body experience designed for maximum efficiency. From the patented gold "Oram" machine to a member-centric business model built for franchisee success, Sarah shares insights on scaling the brand to 200 locations in 2026, the importance of multi-unit operators, and what it takes to win in today's boutique fitness landscape. Key Takeaways

Today, I'm joined by Josh Whelan, co-founder and CEO of Joi + Blokes.   A modern health optimization platform, Joi + Blokes offers online consultations and diagnostics for hormonal balance, energy, libido, metabolic issues, menopause, longevity, and more.   In this episode, we discuss delivering personalized care for both sexes.   We also cover:   The evolving peptide landscape Building a 503A compounding pharmacy Research and vertical integration as differentiators   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Website: www.joiandblokes.com  Instagram (Women): https://www.instagram.com/joiwomenswellness/  Instagram (Men): https://www.instagram.com/getblokes/    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:37) Background and founding story (02:44) Personal health crisis (04:36) Patient experience (06:38) Differentiation (07:40) AI as co-pilot (09:49) Diagnostic with solution mandate (11:15) Energy and fatigue (12:43) Fundamentals over innovation (14:32) Personal TRT journey (16:54) Peptide compounding regulation (18:25) Regulatory rollercoaster (19:49) Building a 503A compounding pharmacy (23:23) Land grab & retention race (24:40) Community-driven product expansion (26:17) AI apps & traditional clinician care (27:50) Vertical integration priorities (28:30) Research focus (29:33) Where to learn more (30:12) Conclusion

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 one of the most significant and rapidly evolving topics in health and fitness today: the rise of GLP-1 medications and what they mean for the fitness industry. Joined by Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi, GP, personal trainer, health coach, and one of the UK's leading educators on obesity management and lifestyle medicine, the conversation explores how these medications are reshaping the health landscape. As GLP-1 treatments become more widely used across the US and UK, gyms are beginning to see a new type of members entering their facilities, individuals who may be starting their health journey for the first time and looking for guidance on building sustainable habits. The discussion explores how GLP-1 medications work, the challenges around muscle loss during rapid weight reduction, and why strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle change are critical for long-term health outcomes. The panel also examines how healthcare systems such as the NHS are approaching GLP-1 treatments, the risks of relying on medication alone, and why fitness operators may become one of the most important environments for supporting members during and after treatment. From body composition tracking and behaviour change to collaboration between healthcare and fitness professionals, this conversation explores the growing role gyms could play in supporting sustainable health outcomes. This episode is Part 2 of a three-part series recorded live at PerformX, exploring the ideas shaping the future of fitness. In this episode, we cover: Why GLP-1 medications are transforming the weight-loss landscape The difference between weight loss and health gain  Why muscle preservation matters during GLP-1 treatment How exercise can reduce the risk of rapid weight regain What gym operators can do to better support members using GLP-1s Why body composition matters more than the number on the scale The opportunity for collaboration between healthcare and fitness professionals

In this episode, Eric Malzone, Juliet Starrett, and Alex find themselves at the intersection of a shifting fitness economy, dissecting a massive Q1 2026 that has left the industry bifurcated between high-end luxury and high-volume value . The team breaks down the "K-shaped" recovery where premium powerhouses like Lifetime are flex-pricing their way to record margins while mid-market players and franchise models like Xponential Fitness face mounting regulatory and internal pressure . From the blockbuster $7.5 billion Mindbody-EGYM merger to Strava's surprise IPO filing, this deep dive explores whether the future of fitness lies in high-tech hardware, social networks, or the growing convergence of medicine and movement . Episode Highlights

In this episode, we sit down with John Ford, Chief Product Officer at eGym, to explore the massive shift currently happening at the intersection of fitness and healthcare. From his early days founding Virtual Active and licensing cinematic workout content to industry giants like Peloton, to his current role leading product strategy at a global fitness unicorn, John offers a masterclass in behavioral science and hardware integration. We dive deep into the launch of Genius AI, discussing how it removes the "intimidation barrier" for gym beginners and provides the objective data—like one-rep max and body composition—necessary to prove fitness outcomes to the medical community. Whether you're interested in the impact of GLP-1 medications on strength training or how AI is actually driving more personal training sales, this conversation provides a roadmap for the future of longevity and health prevention in the club environment. Episode Takeaways

Today, I'm joined by Rachel Blank, founder & CEO of Allara Health.   Allara Health delivers in-network virtual care to women, specializing in underserved chronic conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and hypothyroidism.   In this episode, we discuss closing the gender care gap.   We also cover:   Building the largest women's health dataset PCOS and endometriosis treatment blind spots Point solution fatigue and consolidation   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Website: www.allarahealth.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allarahealth/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allarahealth    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com  to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:13) Allara's mission (03:25) Inadequate visits for complex conditions (05:26) No FDA-approved PCOS medication (06:25) Innovation in access (07:30) Building research datasets (08:00) Care delivery (10:00) Filling care gaps in the traditional system (11:05) Symbiosis with fertility clinics (12:14) Consumer-first growth strategy (13:05) Combating misinformation (16:02) Branding and marketing (18:30) Point solution fatigue emerging (20:01) Patient-first vs. use case-first (21:25) Consolidation wave coming (22:25) Expansion roadmap (23:22) 50% US commercial coverage today (24:00) The path to profitability (25:00) AI enabling doctors (27:20) Building vs. buying AI solutions (28:20) 2026 priorities (29:50) Conclusion

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 one of the most important shifts happening in the fitness industry today: the evolution of the gym into a health hub. Joined by Jaclyn Hughes (Ultimate Training Solutions), Tim Gray (Health Optimisation Summit & The Biohacker), and Rez Barad (House of Fitness), the panel examines how fitness, longevity, biohacking, and preventative healthcare are beginning to converge. As consumers return to gyms with wearables, health data, and a greater awareness of their own health, operators are being challenged to rethink the role of the fitness facility. Members are no longer just looking for workouts — they're looking for guidance on sleep, recovery, longevity, and overall health outcomes. The discussion explores how operators can integrate health-focused services while still delivering the fundamentals that matter most: strength training, movement, recovery, and education. The panel also dives into the growing knowledge gap between consumers and coaches, the rise of longevity-focused training, and how gyms could play a much larger role in the preventative health ecosystem. From wearable data and biohacking trends to new membership models and health services, this conversation explores what the next generation of fitness facilities might look like — and what operators should prioritise as the industry evolves. This episode is Part 1 of a three-part series recorded live at PerformX, exploring the ideas shaping the future of fitness. In this episode, we cover: • Why gyms are evolving into health hubs • The rise of longevity, biohacking, and preventative health • The growing knowledge gap between consumers and coaches • Why strength training, sleep, and recovery remain foundational • How wearable data is reshaping consumer expectations • The opportunity for gyms to play a role in preventative healthcare • Why operators may need to shift from tracking visits to tracking outcomes

What happens when a lifelong friendship meets a shared frustration with broken systems? Mike Ranfone and Dr. Marko Lujic did something most people only talk about — they actually built the gym-medical hybrid model that the health and fitness industry has been circling around for years. In this episode, Dr. Lujic opens up about the moment he realized he wasn't practicing healthcare — he was practicing sick care — and how that wake-up call led him and Mike to launch RTS Health in Hampton, Connecticut. Together, they walk us through their full client experience: from DEXA scans and comprehensive biomarker labs to concierge medicine, personalized training, and registered dietitian support — all under one roof for around $1,000/month. They also get real about why collaboration beats territorialism, why most people are "majoring in the minors" when it comes to longevity, and what it actually takes to build a business model at the intersection of fitness and functional medicine. If you've ever felt like the fitness and medical worlds should be talking to each other but aren't — this episode is for you. Episode Takeaways:

Today, I'm joined by Zack Isaacs, founder & CEO of Movemint.   Movemint is an athletic events platform connecting participants, organizers, and brands through registrations, training integrations, and sponsorship marketplace.   In this episode, we discuss modernizing the event registration experience.   We also cover:   Events driving high-intent spending cycles Growing through Strava and Meta integrations Providing race sponsors with data and analytics   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Movemint's Website: www.movemint.cc  For Brands: https://www.movemint.cc/brands  For Organizers: https://www.movemint.cc/why_movemint    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:08) Zack's background (02:10) Movemint's atomic unit (03:21) Legacy platform gaps and opportunities (04:30) High-intent spending cycles (05:12) Prioritizing organizers and brands (07:00) Movemint for Brands launch (08:05) Strava's community playbook (09:40) Small to large organizer evolution (11:15) NYC Marathon vs. tech-enabled events (12:01) Building community on other platforms first (13:20) Strava and Meta integrations (14:10) Training data driving event signups (15:10) Run club boom and COVID tailwinds (16:10) Design and UX differentiation (18:05) Olia Birulia: Strava Routes designer (19:25) Speed vs. quality (21:15) Hiring from network (23:25) Endurance athletes as employees (24:47) Movement for Brands (26:00) Brand sponsorship data and analytics (28:10) Race photography and brand tracking (29:10) Sponsorship marketplace mechanics (30:05) Gravel and road running focus (31:11) High Rocks and triathlon growth (32:00) $3.2M raised across pre-seed and seed (33:15) Strava's co-founder on board (34:00) Building profitable and enduring business (34:36) Conclusion  

Welcome to the latest episode of L.I.F.T.S, your bite-sized dose of the Latest Industry Fitness Trends and Stories. Recorded live at Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2026, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with three industry leaders to unpack the convergence of fitness, technology, wellness, and human intelligence. Guests include: David Van Daff (NASM): A 30-year fitness industry veteran representing the National Academy of Sports Medicine, discussing certification evolution, AI in training, and the expanding expectations placed on personal trainers. Jeff Yasuda (Feed Media Group): Co-founder of Feed FM, sharing insights on music, AI vs HI, ecosystem trends, and how human curation still powers engagement. Julian Barnes (BFS): Co-founder of BFS and co-chair of Connected Health & Fitness 2026, offering data-driven insights on studio growth, mindset, and the role of people in an increasingly automated world. Key Topics include: How personal training evolved pre and post pandemic. Why AI will not replace trainers, but trainers using AI may dominate. The rise of ecosystem thinking in connected fitness. AI vs HI: why human intelligence still matters. The mindset separating scalable studio operators from everyone else. Why tech must serve frontline staff, not overwhelm them. The demographic challenge facing gyms and studios. How coaches and trainers remain the most powerful influencers in fitness.

Andrew Sugerman of Centr returns to the Future of Fitness to break down how the brand has completely transformed since their last conversation in 2023 — moving from a broad wellness platform to becoming the performance infrastructure behind one of the fastest-growing fitness movements in the world. Andrew pulls back the curtain on Centr's official partnership with Hyrox, including how they engineered custom competition equipment from the ground up (yes, even the kettlebells got a redesign), why fitness-as-sport is the most powerful retention tool gym operators aren't fully using yet, and what the coming wave of industry consolidation, GLP-1s, and AI means for every fitness business in 2026. Whether you're a gym owner looking to tap into the Hyrox affiliate opportunity or just trying to understand where the fitness industry is headed, this one is packed. Episode Takeaways:

From franchising fitness empires to developing the next generation of athletes — Pat Rigsby has seen it all, and he's not done yet. In this episode, Pat joins Eric to break down what's actually shifting in the fitness and sports performance industry in 2025, why the gap between "trainer who pays rent" and real business owner has never been wider, and what two decades of franchising experience taught him before launching Athletes Accelerated. Pat pulls no punches on what it really takes to franchise a concept (hint: it's a legal marriage, not a passive income play), why the youth sports market is one of the most recession-resistant businesses you can build, and how he and partners Doug Sperling and Graham Wilkerson spent over a year stress-testing a model before ever filing an FDD. If you're a sports performance gym owner grinding through 14-hour days while missing your own kid's games, this one hits different. Takeaways:  

Today, I'm joined by Kat Cole, CEO of AG1.   Evolving from a $160M single-SKU brand to $500M+ revenue, AG1's in hypergrowth mode — adding flavors and sleep aid AGZ, entering Costco, and investing $30M in clinical research.   In this episode, we discuss building foundational capabilities before scaling complexity.   We also cover:   Handling criticism and competition Insights from early operational mishaps Strategies for retail expansion and packaging redesign   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    AG1's Website: www.drinkag1.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkag1  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkag1  X (Twitter): https://x.com/drink_AG1  The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities. Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/  Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:50) Kat stepping into CEO role (02:30) Multi-product, multi-channel evolution (03:05) US blending capacity expansion (04:00) First flavors after 10+ years (04:45) AGZ launch: consolidating sleep stack (07:01) Operating gaps despite hypergrowth (09:00) New Zealand supply chain dependency (10:30) Leaky shaker bottles insight (13:00) Real growth at scale (14:20) Delaying retail expansion (16:00) Packaging redesign for shelf (18:20) NSF certification delays (20:10) D2C relationship advantages (22:05) $30M research commitment (23:15) Double-blind trials and skepticism (25:20) Larger studies: 100 vs. 30 participants (27:00) Why competitors don't invest in research (28:20) Handling criticism and competitors (30:00) Apple, Lululemon comparison (32:00) Using critique to improve (33:30) Marketing science strategy (35:00) Scientific advisory council (36:21) Podcast marketing reality (38:25) Referral and gifting conversion (40:00) Multi-channel integration (41:20) Retail as billboard (42:20) Costco untapped awareness (43:20) Slow operational work pays off (44:02) Future retail expansion (45:00) Stacking products customers request (45:39) Conclusion

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 special live episode from the Connected Health & Fitness Summit 2026 in Los Angeles, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with four leaders shaping the future of performance, longevity, franchising, and workforce training. Guests include: Douglas Gremmen (HYROX): On building one of the fastest growing competitive fitness brands in the world and why purpose-driven training is the ultimate disruptor. Dean Kelly (Extension Health): On physician-led longevity, advanced diagnostics, and the shift from conversation to clinical outcomes. Julie Cartwright (PVOLVE): On scaling an omni-channel fitness brand and the emotional responsibility of franchising. This episode explores the balance between AI and human intelligence, the rise of team-based competition, the evolution of longevity medicine, and how modern training systems are transforming frontline industries. Key Topics Include: How HYROX built a global competitive ecosystem without competing with gyms. Why doubles competition is redefining community in fitness. The difference between influencer-driven biohacking and physician-led longevity care. The realities of scaling a franchise brand in today's market. How AI-powered training systems are improving workforce performance. The importance of human connection in an AI-native world.

Mark Mastrov, founder of 24 Hour Fitness, sat down with Eric Malzone to reflect on decades of industry experience and where fitness is headed next. The conversation covered how consumer behavior has shifted dramatically post-pandemic, with younger generations leaning into fitness more than ever, and how the lines between medical services and gym facilities are increasingly blurring — pointing to a future where your workout and your healthcare coexist under one roof. On the business side, Mark sees private equity continuing to fuel growth across boutique and mid-tier fitness, with the longevity and wellness movement creating fresh opportunities for brands willing to evolve. He also flagged AI as a coming force in operational efficiency, while stressing that none of it matters without strong talent pipelines driving these organizations forward. Key Takeaways:

Today, I'm joined by Sam O'Keefe, co-founder & CEO of Flex.   Enabling use of HSA and FSA funds at checkout, Flex unlocks tax-advantaged spending on preventative health products — from fitness and recovery to supplements and wearables.   In this episode, we discuss making "pay with HSA/FSA" as common as PayPal.    We also cover:   Confusion around HSAs & FSAs Value props for merchants and consumers Integrating with Equinox's membership flow    Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast  Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe  Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Flex's Website: www.withflex.com  Shop with Flex: www.withflex.com/shop  Instagram: www.instagram.com/paywithflex/  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/withflex/  X (Twitter): https://x.com/paywithflex  Sam's Email: sam@withflex.com    -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:39) Sam's background (02:26) Why HSA/FSA funds are hard to use (04:00) Making HSA/FSA work (05:35) IRS regulations (07:05) The education problem (09:00) Merchant value proposition (10:30) Increased accessibility (11:10) API-first infrastructure (12:05) Custom integrations (14:40) Patterns across fitness, sleep, supplements, wearables (16:15) Women directing family healthcare spending (18:00) Subscription retention (19:15) Psychology of separate health spending pool (21:25) Equinox partnership (22:40) Seamless checkout integration vs reimbursement friction (24:15) Fitness language shift (25:05) Making HSA/FSA ubiquitous in every checkout (27:15) $150 billion underutilized in HSA/FSA accounts (28:40) Consumer marketplace (29:30) Growing B2C alongside B2B focus (30:30) 2026 priorities (32:33) Conclusion  

In this episode, Eric sits down with serial fitness entrepreneur Anthony Geisler to unpack his new venture, Sequel, why he's doubling down on longevity, and how he sees the future of fitness shifting toward healthspan, tech-enabled training, and democratized wellness for the masses.​ ✨ Key takeaways